You know, Bill, the funny thing is....most of the religious fundamentalists I've ever met struck me as pretty foolish or deluded or just not very well-informed people or even fanatics...and yet....

I have met so far in my life 2 Jehovah's Witnesses that are astonishingly bright people, among the brightest and finest people I've ever met, very capable, and of the best character as well. They're an extraordinary pair of young people (a married couple in late 20s, early 30s). I'd trust them with absolutely anything. I count them among my best friends.

Yet they believe that their Bible is the ultimate authority. ???

This does not in any way prevent them from being extremely modern and effective and useful citizens. One is a dental hygeinist, the other is a businessman who assists companies in improving their operations, trains people in administration, etc.

They're very well educated, they're very articulate, extremely intelligent, well travelled, cosmopolitan, and very well informed. They are also kind, forgiving, generous, spirited, and good people.

Man, I could only wish there were more around like these two!

And I cannot fathom how they can put so much faith in an ancient religous book like the Bible...but it has proven one thing to me, and it is this:

"Thou shalt not pre-judge others merely by their stated beliefs. No. Ye shall judge them only by their character, their works, and their actual behaviour."

So I never assume anymore that all the people in any particular group fit some common stereotype we've all heard about that group. It is not necessarily so. There are some brilliant and very good people where you may least expect them.