BillD says: I see all sorts of good arising from applications of spirituality to worldly problems...in every disaster there are examples. The question might be asked why more folks don't do good without referring to it.

I think you have something there, Bill. Maybe it's the very impracticality of religious belief that allows people to take risks for the "higher good." I find that for the most part, my religious faith involves reaching into a fog - but it's a good fog; and in the process, I get glimpses of something wonderful.

So, my religious faith involves seeking uncertainty, of exploring the questions of life and expecting insights without absolute answers. That's quite different from a lot of religious people, who seem to be seeking absolute certainty, and claim to have all the answers to all the questions. The two perspectives are so diametrically opposed that it seems strange to give both the same name, "religion" - but such is life.

On the other hand, Bill, I think I know you pretty well. I think you seek the same thing I seek, but in different terms. I'm theistic in my perspective, and you're non-theistic. But your ideals are every bit as high as mine, and I would expect that you and I would respond with similar impracticality and generosity in the face of disaster or serious need.

But today, I was seeking the perfect combination of beer and bratwurst, and I think I found it. There are times when one CAN achieve absolute perfection.

-Joe-