Actually, dianavan, I'm not much of a Bible student. I just used the search engine to look stuff up. The reason I'm such a pain in the ass about Christian Theology is that I'm a convert to Orthodoxy having been raised in a Protestant tradition, and then becoming a very confirmed athiest. Converts are often more knowledgeable about their chosen faith than those born to it.

I'm really not trying to make any theological points in these posts. I've only been trying answer what I saw as honest questions from people who wanted to know some history but don't really want a sales pitch.

The reason I often link to WikipediA is to try, when possible, to use a neutral source for reasons of academic integrity. The truth is that while I do maintain a strong personal faith, I'm generally more comfortable hanging out in bars with a bunch of smart-ass reprobates than I am with people who call themselves Christian. See, I don't think getting drunk with reprobates is sinful, I think using a mask of Christianity to justify inflicting your will on other people is sinful.

I think we've about exhausted the legitimate questions people have so I'll go back to my corner and order another round for me and my reprobate friends. Maybe Spaw will come along and help us celebrate Passout. <g>

      - Mark