Hey Steven,
Love that wry sense of humor and irreverence!
I am still not sure how to answer your first question, but will think some
more on it since you have enlightened me as to where you stand on your view
of life.
But, I do have a question for you. You said you find life meaningless, and
that was confusing, as well as wonderful. I am totally blown away by that
thought? Is it wonderful, because in the end, there are no consequences to
the decisions you make? Enlighten me oh, large brained one--my teeny one is
beginning to get itself wrapped around this concept---grunt... argh..! BTW,
at what age are you?
For me Christianity is certainly a system of beliefs, but it goes beyond
following a set of rules--do this, don't do that---wear this don't wear
that--go here, but not there. There is a personal componant with the one
true God. There are subjuective aspects as a result of this relationship,
but what's more is there is empirical evidence out the wazoo that
Christianity--that is the Christianity of the bible is based in. Not just
mental ascent, but objective proof.
Don't worry about the instant gratification--builds character!
And about driving, writing or typing straight---dont sweat it. Next
million? Have already had the first?
Take care Steven,
Laura
BTW where is Trisha?

----------
> From: I. S. Margolis <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Think Gods
> Date: Friday, March 31, 2000 9:12 AM
>
> Hi Laura,
>
> Thank you for responding to my post.  Excuse my delay.  I’m at Friday
> morning, CP Digest, and slow typing drag.  No instant response and
> gratification here.
>
> You write: “I hope the wink menas you're kidding, right?”
>
> Usually I am.  Kidding.  Ink or not.  Also not kidding, to some degree.
>
> As far as driving.  Or driving straight.  I don’t.  Couldn’t drive a
> car, or my wheelchair, in a straight line if you guaranteed me my next
> million.  As I don’t drive straight, nor do I usually so write.  I tend
> to be indirect, more often than not, because nothing makes sense to me.
> >From my point of view life is ultimately meaningless.  For me that’s
> wonderful and perpetually confusing.  (I admit: could be me confused and
> uncertain of meaning, not life at all!)  I usually have more questions
> than answers.  At my age I tend to fudge and forget both q’s&a’s.
>
> Sometimes I come out straight and clear.  Or try to.  That often gets
> more laughs than intended.
>
> Back to you, Trisha, and religion.  You asked her: “Could you explain
> this reasoning?”  I thought your question paradoxical.  And funny.
>
> For me Trisha, usually, and religions, intrinsically, express beliefs.
> “Beliefs” and “reasoning” inhabit different universes, though we often
> confuse the distinction and bend one to serve the other.  Sometimes we
> wind up “bending”--believing in our reasonableness and the
> reasonableness of our beliefs--one another: that’s usually where comedy
> turns to tragedy.
>
> S.
>
>
>
> Date:    Thu, 30 Mar 2000 16:57:42 -0500
> From:    Laura Cleveland <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: Think Gods
>
>  What specifically are you asking? I hope the wink menas you're kidding,
> right?
> Would be glad to enlighted you with my sheep-like reasoning if you'd
> give
> me a clue as to what you are driving at. (poor sentence, I know)
> Laura
>
> ----------
> > From: I. S. Margolis <[log in to unmask]>
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Think Gods
> > Date: Thursday, March 30, 2000 9:43 AM
> >
> > Laura:
> >
> > Perhaps you can enlighten me?
> >
> > Which do you reason the more reasonable: Trisha or “Organized
> Religion?”
> > ;-)>
> >
> > S.
> >
> > ----------
> > > From:
> > > To:
> > > Subject:
> > > Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2000 4:52 PM
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Trisha's view
> > > "How egotistical to
> > > think Gods have nothing better to do than think of me."
> > >
> > > God's view
> > > "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is
> > > forgotten by God. Indeed the very hairs of your head are numbered.
> > Dont
> > be
> > > afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 12:6,7
> > >
> > > Also
> > > "O lord, you have searched me and know me. You know when I sit and
> > when I
> > > rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going in
> and
> > my
> > > lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on
> my
> > > tongue you know it completely, O Lord.  Psalm 139:1-4
> > >
> > > If I rise on the wings of dawn, if I settle on the the far side of
> the
> > sea,
> > > even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me
> fast.
> > > Psalm 130: 9,10
> > >
> > > It's an awesome thing to have the God of the universe so intimately
> > involved in our lives! He even says we can call him Abba (Aramaic for
> > daddy).
> >
> > >
> > > Trisha said
> > > "Of course organized
> > > religions are not for the people who think only for people who must
> be
> > told
> > > what to think and how to act. Its much easier to be told how to be
> > than
> > to
> > > accept responsibilty for one actions and have to think them out. The
> > > problem
> > > with life is the fact people are spoon fed what to believe thru
> > > religions..."
> > >
> > > Huh? Do you mean every organized religion, really? Could you explain
> > this
> > reasoning?
> > Respectfully,
> > Laura
> >
> > ------------------------------