[PattiJT]

Monika,

Good morning, and good night. The "swami" thing was intended to be a bit of humor. Maybe I should have put a "smiley" with it?

I'm glad to see you have had such a wide exposure to other worldwide belief systems. That is a healthy thing, and opens one up to many possibilities. With a little reflection, you could choose (should you want), the parts of different ones that interlock and make sense to you, and basically develop a "religion" that you feel best applies to you. Not trying to piss off the fundamentalists, but isn't it more or less a personal choice what we believe and accept? Conversions happen all the time, and only one "established" religion condemns it's followers if they choose to do so.

I will mention this once, and only once, (and I may regret even doing it one time). My beliefs are a combination of Lutheran, Protestant, Bhuddist, and a bit of Hindu. I only even say it this one time, in order to show you, Monika, that I, personally, find it quite comfortable to include a variety of beliefs in one. I didn't mention Catholic, did I? Well, I never believed in a system where I could basically buy my way out of hell. The belief in "Karma" gets highest regard from me, and that tenet would seem to be in great conflict with believing I could get a "get-out-of-hell-free" card. (And I have absolutely no desire to learn the least bit of latin).

So, never again will I mention my "religious affiliation". Read it now, or forever wonder. It was never my intent to favor or fault any particular religion, simply that this is not the best place for it. Perhaps I'm wrong, seeing as how our moderator has allowed this to continue. Maybe she is more than a little curious to see how we handle it? Best to all, Patti