I was a Theology major in college in a Catholic seminary, and I've taught religion classes to adults and children for over 50 years. I don't know how many times I've told classes, "God doesn't write the script." What happens in our lives, is a natural, logical consequence of our own actions and of what happens around us.

I see something wonderful, something divine, in what happens around me. I find value in tying myself to the wisdom, tradition, ideals, and community of my own religious tradition, and of the many religious traditions that exist in the world. I also do my best to consider things from an atheist viewpoint - and to respect all of these traditions and learn from them. I have found it worthwhile to spend my entire life considering things from a variety of perspectives. Even though I may question some aspects of some perspectives, I can still find wisdom in them and learn from them.

Steve, your perspective is too narrow, and you have an annoying habit of redefining God in terms that reasonable believers just can't buy into. Think whatever you want to think, but try to learn how to respect and understand those who see things from a different perspective.

I'm not looking to convert anyone - I'm just asking for tolerance instead of ridicule.

-Joe Offer-