I would just reiterate that a better atmosphere for a really full exploration of these issues is at Beliefnet. These include open discussion boards as well as dialog groups that can be set up for a defined group of people to explore a topic together over a period of time.

PeterT's post... is typical of many Beliefnet posts' depth and clarity... and is the one that is echoing for me most loudly out of this whole thread. If I wanted to go farther in this topic, it would be in that direction. But I am not willing to go further on this topic with side-sniping going on at the same time. It's hard enough to think widely and clearly and deeply enough about these difficult issues. I won't waste my good mind in a setting that invites the derailment of honest efforts to communicate, anymore. I'll say my piece and hear others'... but we can go several rounds farther and deeper in another mode of operation.

~Susan