When my older brother, Pete, was 9 years old he became quite ill with pneumonia. My parents believed in a loving god who would heal his illness if they just prayed hard enough. So they prayed and Pete got sicker. They called in specialists from the church to help in their praying and Pete continued to decline. Never once did they think to get my brother the medical help which was available at the emergency room less than a mile away. Finally, despite all their prayers, Pete died.

From that point to now I have made the personal decision to NOT believe in any supreme being. I accept the responsibility and consequences of my own actions. I do not make a habit of espousing my beliefs in public, but I do not resort to silence if the subject comes up. Faith can be a comfort to some people, especially in troubled times. But I don't think anyone should "push" their personal faith upon anyone else, including their children. Just my 2 cents.

Mike