Yeah, takes a lot of words to explain. Snag is, there aren't enough words in any language because as an abstraction, it means different things to different people. if it was clear cut, it couldn't be used to control people.

And that is my main beef. Not that I reckon we could live without it, (if we didn't have religion, some idiot would invent it...) but that many who put forward their belief sometimes, no, many times, demand that it is more than tolerated, but that others should at best share it and at least give it credence.

Sorry, that is like asking me to respect Sheffield United. Sheffield Wednesday is my religion (or the nearest thing to it) and whilst I accept that Sheff Utd exist, that they (try) to play a similar game and are looking for the same ultimate goal (literally) I reckon if Doncaster Rovers are added to this debate, there you have Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

Like I stated in this and other threads, until religion stops trying to interfere with my life, I will question it. That is not to say i will disrespect people's beliefs, just their weird belief that they can throw it in my face and the faces of politicians. Here in The UK, men with weird hats are allowed to scrutinise legislation in our upper house, (House of Lords.) For no other reason than the silly hat as far as I can see. there are more people respect The Rolling Stones than respect Christianity in The UK, but I don't see Mick & Keef wearing the ermine.

I know that at certain times, especially on a Friday, some of my colleagues cannot be contacted on their home work line. This is because they are bowing towards Mecca. Tough on them that Sunday not Friday is the traditional day of rest in The UK, but I have no problems with that at all. I am not exactly working when typing this. So what. However, we needed to do something on a Sunday a few months ago and four of my "Christian" colleagues refused to work as it was (as emailed to me) the Lord's day, not Steamin' Willie's. I dug out a letter signed by all four last year "reporting" our muslim colleagues for going down the mosque when they should be working.

Funny old world.

I haven't done anything about wither stance because to do so would mean deciding which is the true faith and as it is neither, I am not qualified to make that choice. Interestingly, my Muslim colleagues seem far more tolerant of my practicing Christian colleagues than the other way around. I showed them the letter in a fit of disgust and they laughed at it. Well done them. Mind you, I also know i am spoken about in less than reverent tones by them when they know they can't get any sense out of me on a Friday after mid afternoon as I am down the pub. (Couldn't help mentioning the pork scratchings I have with my pint when one brave fool tackled me about it.)

I reckon I am going to start a new religion. Hey Joe! You live in California and Douglas Adams always said that is the best place to start a new religion. Howsabout I send you a draft of my scriptures. Your fault for being so ruddy reasonable and fair minded when all everybody else wants to do is wind each other up!