Jesus taught that it’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into heaven. Well, that’s pretty clear. We’re a hyper-capitalist, hyper-materialistic, survival-of-the-fittest nation. The value of every American is determined solely by his economic status. Everything from his civil rights to his human rights is based on his bank account. Once again, our values are in direct opposition to the teachings of Jesus, verifying the “War on God”.

Just compare what Jesus said about peace to America’s serial wars in recent decades! Humility? We are the greatestricheststrongestfreestbest… How about capital punishment? Welcoming the foreigner? The list goes on and on. America’s conservative leadership has, indeed, been at war with God.

I couldn’t agree with you more about animals, too. I had a puppy once who was very well housebroken and would let me know when she wanted to go outside. One night she scratched at the door at about 2:00 a.m. and woke me up. I had been sound asleep and basically stumbled to the door with one eye open to let her outside.

I went back to bed and suddenly heard the screeching of brakes. I immediately sat up in bed, fearing the worst, and I ran outside and found her, where she died in my arms. She had apparently found a place in the fencing to get out of the yard, and I didn’t know it.

I mentioned above about the moment of my death and if I can look myself in the mirror, etc. This happened 25 years ago, and I will never forgive myself for not knowing she was able to get out of the yard. I’m certain that at the moment of my death, this terrible, terrible memory will be in the forefront of my thoughts.

My daughter, of course, was heartbroken, as well, and I reluctantly took her to the SPCA where she picked out another “Trixie,” a collie-shepherd mix puppy. I was still beating myself up over the first Trixie and tried NOT to bond with this puppy; however, the second Trixie was having none of that. She wound up winning me over, basically being “my dog,” and for some reason, she was very, very protective of me. She lived to be 13 years old, and I cried like a baby when she died. I did, however, learn my lesson about making sure she was safe when she was outside. These loving creatures depend on me to keep them safe and healthy, and I’ll never be so careless again.

Ever since then, I’ve gone to the local shelter whenever I have wanted a pet. They do such wonderful work, and those animals need so much love.

Sorry for telling you more than I’m sure you wanted to know, but I guess it’s my way of saying that sometimes we are our own worst critics. After 25 years, I STILL don’t forgive myself and feel just as sad and guilty today as I was then that that loving little dog died because of me.

Again, thanks so much for your kind words and warm wishes. Right back atcha! :-)

You wrote: “You are mistaken in saying only Jews aren’t good enough to go to heaven.”

I didn’t write that “only Jews” aren’t good enough. I gave evangelicals credit for excluding everyone else who believes differently than them. I pointed out how they can’t even get along with members of other denominations of the Christian faith. But they don’t claim to “love” these Christians as much as they claim to “love” the Jews. I’m sure it’s merely coincidental that they happen to publicly “love” those whose real estate they hope to someday soon usurp as their launching pad when they zoom up to Heaven, waving “buh-bye” to the rest of us immoral losers who just didn’t quite make the Heaven grade.

You might believe that none of us is good enough and that we need a Savior. That is your absolute right, guaranteed by the Constitution, you know, that “[use-God's-name-in-vain adjective screamed by the Savior in Chief who claims to regularly talk to God] piece of paper.”

I realize I’m just a liberal who allegedly has no moral values, but here’s a snapshot of my life: I don’t lie. I don’t cheat. I feel genuine compassion for my fellow human beings. I especially feel compassion for helpless animals (many of which I feel survive in SPITE of humans and not necessarily because of them). I try to treat others as I would like to be treated. If all I receive in return is contempt, I tend to give what I get. If I receive the message that I will NEVER gain entrance into Heaven and have the privilege of spending eternity with those who describe themselves as being morally superior to me because my spiritual belief doesn’t exactly match theirs, I tend to feel a sense of relief and gratitude. At the moment of my death, if I can look in the mirror and be okay with the person looking back because she’s done the best she could with the tools that God gave her, then that’s all I could possibly want.

Regarding the anxiously anticipated “Rapture,” it just so happens that I was diagnosed with a fatal disease almost three months ago. After repeated attacks and many hospitalizations for sudden chronic pancreatitis over almost two years now, it was finally discovered through genetic testing that I have cystic fibrosis. (I’m 54 years old, so if you walk away with anything from this post, please spread the word that not only children are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. I had never known that, and I think it’s an important fact that should be publicized more. If you know anyone who is suddenly developing GI problems AT ANY AGE that can’t be explained, please urge them to consider CF as a possibility. It’s not just a respiratory disease, and in fact, the original name for CF was “cystic fibrosis of the pancreas.”) From what I’ve been able to read about this disease, with treatment, I might have five years left. Without treatment two years after onset of symptoms, I simply don’t know. (They did DNA testing during my 6th hospitalization this year without even telling me they were doing it or that they suspected CF, without the courtesy of discussing anything with me or affording me the opportunity to ask questions, and a month after my discharge, out of the blue, I received a four-sentence letter telling me that the DNA testing I had had confirmed cystic fibrosis.) During these last two years, I lost my health insurance (could no longer afford more than $700 a month for it because of all the medical bills incurred that my health insurance WOULDN’T pay), and the nearest cystic fibrosis center is 80 miles away. Since my car was repossessed (because of all of the time spent in the hospital, not working and subsequently not being paid), I have no transportation to drive to the center. In all honesty, I’ve been fighting with this for two years now and am just plain tired, so if it’s my “time” tomorrow, I’m ready. And although I’m ready, I’m not bitter — just tired. I might have a fatal disease, but I’m actually extremely grateful to be 54 years old, since so many children and babies die of this disease. (Enough of THIS rant — sorry).

The point I’m trying to make is that I’m frightened of the people who positively glow at the mere mention of the “Rapture,” and I truly believe there are some people of that particular Christian belief who believe Bush is the only man to bring about the end of the world. Unfortunately, I believe he is the only one, as well. While they may rejoice in this fact, I fear it. The majority of Americans who DON’T share this religious belief don’t deserve to die because of a manmade self-fulfilled prophecy. I’m probably going to die soon, but I don’t feel the need to take the rest of the world with me.

Regarding religion in government, this has run rampant since 2001. The Bush administration hired at least 150 attorneys who managed to squeak through Pat Robertson’s Regent University Law School, an American Tier IV school (the lowest quality you can find). I’ve read where this school is funded by Domino’s Pizza, so I guess if you don’t get your law degree in 30 minutes or less, it’s free. These graduates obviously weren’t hired because of their academic excellence or experience. They were hired because they share Bush’s religious views. In addition, Bush has appointed like-minded religious zealots to very important high-level posts, including one who gets to decide birth control options for American women. These decisions aren’t driven by science; they’re driven by a person who believes in ONE NARROW BRAND of Christianity and wants to force every woman in the nation to also abide by this religious view.

Even the military under the current Savior-in-Chief has been trying to force soldiers to convert to evangelical Christianity. If they resist, they’re shunned. How’s that for supporting the troops? (Although I do concede that without sufficient body armor, armored Humvees and other safety equipment, prayers may be the only things Bush has left these soldiers with).

Also regarding religion in government, I’ve noticed throughout my lifetime, in each and ever town I’ve ever visited in America, there are many, many buildings. These buildings are called churches, temples, mosques, etc. Their purpose is to be a place where people of the same religious beliefs are encouraged to congregate in what I believe they refer to as “congregations” and celebrate their faith. In addition, there are thousands of religious schools throughout the United States. There is no paucity of institutions devoted to promoting religion in America.

I happen to think it’s great that you and I can enjoy the freedom to debate an issue such as this in a public forum. That’s what freedom of religion and freedom of speech allow us to do. I sincerely hope these freedoms continue in America because I never want to live in a theocracy. I want to live in a nation that is proud to be inclusive, rather than exclusive. The bottom line, either way, is that NOBODY has the ability to control someone else’s ability to pray. It’s an act that comes from the heart and soul. (I know this for a fact because it’s mainly how I got through school.)

What annoys me is people like Tony Snow. I see them as being “Holiday Hogs.” One can almost see the smoke emerge from their ears if a stranger should have the unmitigated audacity to wish them “Happy Holidays.” The term “Christmas” has become somewhat of a generic term precisely because of American capitalism, the very thing Bush’s true “base” (the top 1-percenters) worship. It’s become about trees, decorations, cookies, Santa and gifts. It’s the one time of the year when quite a few religions celebrate “something big” around the same time. I’d bet there are even atheists out there who get warm fuzzies whilst sitting in front of a lit fireplace with the only other illumination in the room coming from a beautifully-decorated tree. It’s the one time of the year when America can truly celebrate its Constitutional religious freedom for all people under one umbrella.

If I’m in a store and a stranger strikes up a conversation with me (which, for some reason, happens a lot) and it’s this time of the year, if the person wishes me “Happy Holidays” as we leave each other, I return the same wishes. I don’t find it offensive in the least. In fact, I find it highly respectful because this person has no idea which religious beliefs I might hold, if any, but is extending sincere warm wishes to me, regardless of my beliefs. In my opinion, there is nothing more “Christlike” at this time of year, nothing that displays “good will towards men” more than people of all faiths coming together and wishing each other “Happy Holidays.”

For “Holiday Hogs” to be exclusive, stomp feet and throw tantrums because they can’t be the only religion celebrated at this time of year is their prerogative, but that kind of behavior leads me to believe they could use a little more Christ in their hearts.

So, in the spirit of “peace on earth and good will towards men,” to everyone of every religion or no religion at all:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!

You are mistaken in saying only Jews aren’t good enough to go to heaven. It’s not a matter of good enough for any of us. None of us are good enough, so we need a Savior. That includes God’s chosen people. See how equal we all are? We don’t have to concern ourselves with who owns any real estate. We have no control over what will occur, only where we will be in the end. We all have that choice and have only ourselves to blame if we are unhappy with the result. Again, we are all equal; none superior to any other.
Fortunately the Constitution doesn’t guarantee freedom from religion. That’s another protection for people of faith.

They have contempt for anyone who isn’t preborn or reborn. They claim to love the “chosen ones” in Israel, but, aw, shucks, it’s too bad these same “beloved” Jews just aren’t good enough to join them in Heaven unless they convert. The truth is that they love the Israeli real estate. Without this real estate, their biggest hoopla of all — the “Rapture” — simply can’t occur, and what in the world is there to live for if they can’t depend on the death and destruction of the “end times,” hopefully brought about by their Antichrist and Savior, George W. Bush?

They don’t want religious equality in America. They want (and have been receiving for the last seven years now) religious superiority.

If we have freedom FROM religion in politics, we will guarantee freedom OF religion for all.

They DID make a war on god, just not THEIR god. Remember bush saying the invasion of Iraq was a “Crusade?” So, the neocons ARE making war on god!

Some people (read: Snow) need a little history lesson…

The founding fathers also lived in a very religious society. There was no large, vocal atheist population, so they had no reason to believe that Christianity would need to be defended against those who would seek to remove every vestige of it from public life. Quite the contrary, they felt the need to ensure that everyone would be free to worship as they choose. That is why we have the protections that we do. I assure you, no one who has spoken out recently is attempting to convert you. They just want to protect Christianity from being marginalized by those who oppose it and those who seek to make money from it while refusing to acknowledge it. ;)

Comment by Spudge Boy — December 17, 2007 @ 5:12 pm

Unless, of course, you are a Christian and celebrate Christmas. In that case, the winter solstice and it’s pagan observers mean nothing and Christmas has everything to do with Jesus. ;)

BUT i’m forced to really want him off the Earth because of his willingness to lie and spread fear and hatred to anyone not part of his immediate circle of rich, ugly human beings. He is bad for this planet, his presence here has been demonstrative, and the only good cancer cells in the world are in his body, and I just wish cancer could always be this appropriately selective.

“I mean, I went to a Christmas store this week. It didn’t have anything about Jesus.”

Because other than creating a name with Christ in it, Christmas has nothing to do with Jesus. The celebration of the Winter solstice is a Pagan holiday.

106. What we really need is a War on War.

Comment by shoeless — December 17, 2007 @ 12:56 pm

Shoeless, Amen!

Omar Bradley (February 12, 1893 – April 8, 1981) was one of the main U.S. Army field commanders in North Africa and Europe during the World War II and a General of the United States Army. In an unknown speech, he made one of the most profound statements a professional soldier could make. “Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than about peace, more about killing than we know about living.”

A philosopher once said, “Peace is not simply the absence of war. A truly peaceful society is one in which all people can maximize their potential and build fulfilling lives free from threats to their dignity. When ordinary citizens around the globe join hands to call for peace, a solidarity of awakened and empowered individuals can propel humankind toward the twin goals of genuine disarmament and a flourishing culture of peace.”

I see landscapers, nail salons, and plumbers in my area that have no shame about making Jesus into a GEICO lizard in order to promote themselves.

LOL. Exactly…

Who handles Jesus’ licensing, I wonder? Vatican? 20 points?

These are the things that make you go hmmm.

Comment by FearandSmear — December 17, 2007 @ 1:18 pm

Not the vatican, probably. Most of these fundies don’t think cathiolics and other christian sects (ask romney) are really christian.

The christofscist two-step:

1. Get Amer’ca declared an officially christian nation

2. Start narrowing the definition of ‘real’ christians

Comment by squidbilly

It means a War Against Culture, of course.