The people I think of as good, aren't good because of what they believe but how they behave based on those beliefs.

I'm probably getting into hot water here, and way over my head. I remember that one part in the bible about God saying that folks shouldn't worship other gods because "I am a jealous god." If there weren't any other gods, it would be silly to be jealous of them. I think the belief that God is the only god is a recent phenomenon. I get the feeling that in earlier times, Christians just believed he was the best god.

Regarding music - I've found very few songs that I identify with 100%. Sometimes what a hymn is about loving one another, the world or life in general. I'm not going to give up those worthy thoughts because I don't agree with the worship parts of a song.

I don't wish for people to believe what I do, because I'd feel sort of like I was telling them what to think even though I know that's not possible. If I went around saying I wished that people would question not what they believe but why they believe it...well, that's not so bad, but assuming they'd come to the same conclusion as me would be egotistical. Then again, it's human nature to think we've got the best - the best family, the best school or geographical location or music or form of government.

It's not how we treat members of our own groups that truly shows what sort of person we are - it's how we treat those who are different.