I guess I understand that sentiment clearly, friend Adrien, but for me it isn't accurate. I make a clear distinction between my religious community, and my faith and beliefs. I don't believe in the rigidity of belief that fundamentalists (whether they be Roman Catholic, Protestant, or any other religion)espouse. My view of my parish, and the rest of the Communal community, is that they simply provide the framework for my own exploration of my beliefs. I have said many times that my own spirituality certainly contains elements of Buddhism, Paganism, and other belief systems. For me it is always about the quest, about my doubts, about why it is important to have a system of values, ethics and integrity. I seek "God" or whatever one wants to name the one that is greatest, in all my interactions with others, and with the natural world. I am constantly questioning my actions in light of what I believe to be moral. I get disappointed with myself when I fail to meet these standards (as often happens in Mudcat argument/discussion due to the facelessness of it), and try and correct myself.

I don't believe in pushing religious beliefs on anyone. I find the whole process of proselytation very troubling. I am also troubled by folks that go through their whole life trying to avoid questions/discussion/debate about the one constant in our lives. We will die, no one gets out alive. What comes next, for me, will only be answered when I get there. I have clues in my beliefs, but the answer comes then. So I spend my life trying, failing, and trying again to live this one according to a code and values. I spend it, often times, trying to look out at the world through others eyes, and trying (and often failing, damnitall)being tolerant of others views. I spend it trying to establish the absolutes that guide my life, such as fighting the power of unbridled capitalism, and promoting a just world. That, too, is probably unattainable. Which is why I don't view it as a place to get to, rather a goal to never stop working towards.

Rambling diatribe button is now in the off position.

All the best,

Mick