Sorry, Ebbie...didn't mean to ignore you. One more post before I stop here.

The folks around me are country people, Bible-belt. Jesus wasn't a Jew to them. I know better, but I don't think they do. And discussions along those lines heat up real fast. I do a lot more reading and research than they do...a priviledge and a luxury for they may not have to the extent I do...so I try not to hold their beliefs against them. As long as they don't try to impose those beliefs on me. They've come to tolerate me pointing out quirks in their thinking, and they certainly point out enough in mine.

There's not much of a religious mix around here, but there IS a racial mix, and we all know our common bond is the Constitution. Look up Rep Ron Paul of Texas. Most conservative voting record in the House, I believe. Wants to repeal the PATRIOT Act, etc. So that's the kind of person we elect, but he's a conservative in the old sense of the word...minimize govt and let communities work to provide for their own...as long as govt LEAVES US ALONE. We'd rather have hard times on our own terms than on Washington's.

Anyway...yeah, Jesus was a Jew. Kind of a 'radical reformer' in my opinion. Sermon on the Mount is great, but then so is Ecclesiastes.