Oops, I've forgotten Bill with all this monkeyin around!

Is it any wonder that we skeptics would rather just stick to "I dunno, so I won't worry over it."?

No it isn't. I come to the same conclusion, over and over, and I'm better at not worrying about it these days too. A Native elder once told me that worry only brings gray hairs, and I've got the scalp to prove it.

The real importance of the "...proceeds as though he wasn't there." idea is that, despite no real indication FROM a creator as to how we should behave or think1, we have built a complex set of doctrines...in fact, multiple sets of complex doctrines...all claiming to interpret the 'will' of this creator. The point has been made by others that most of these interpretations seem suspiciously to favor the interpreters

Yes they do, in the same way that history is always written by the winners. I don't care for so-called divine "instructions" or "rules" much though. I'm naturally a rebel and I NEED my freedom -- and that's one reason why I prefer exploring and practicing personal spirituality to organized religions. Another is I have no use for the politics. Just distracts me from what I need and want to be focussing on.

I think I have turned Mudcat into my diary/journal, where I muse and refine my own thoughts as I meander thru this microcosm of the ideas of others. This way, I get feedback and ideas and have a 'focus' for a lttle while. I envy those who CAN write books and construct complete analyses on topics.)

I do know exactly what you mean about using the Cat as an online journal, a chance to air my thoughts and ideas and get some feedback on them. It has it's ups and downs though -- growing a thick enough skin is required! I learn a lot through posting here, particularly about myself, and about how to handle differences in a productive and friendly manner.

ANd I can relate to what you said about envying those who CAN write books and construct complete analyses -- someday, maybe, I'll be able to organize the reams and REAMS of information, ideas and personal experiences I would love to write about into a coherent, concise, workable format ....

someday .... *sigh*

thanks for your thoughts Bill,

daylia