Ah, but Michael, if you were a smooth-operating, perfect automaton, would your life be worth living? Would there be any challenge in your life? Would there be any opportunity for growth or creativity?

I don't see God as some sort of all-powerful script-writer that controls all that happens. I suppose some religious people see God that way, but I don't. Part of what I see as God is the Creative Force - and many people call that same force Evolution. Another aspect of my view of God, is as being the Center of Love. A third aspect is a common essence that draws all existence into unity - whatever it is that draws us into oneness. These are the three aspects of God that are most relevant to me at the present time.

The idea of sin and redemption? I think we all have a temptation to turn away from our higher selves, and move into selfishness. I also believe in the power of redemption - that somehow, we have been give the strength to return to our higher selves. Is Adam one man, or is he Everyman?

I don't like to describe this stuff because it's hard to convey in words, the impact this has on me. That's why people use myth and ritual and poetry and allegory - to describe that which cannot be described. But at least that's a general idea. I think it's quite different from the stereotype that Suibhne has imposed upon me.


-Joe Offer-