Hi Kyle,

          I am having a pit stop at home.
          I am fairly well versed in human behavior and to be honest I don't
see anymore logic in arguing over belief systems than I do over Ford vs
Chevy - Coke vs Pepsi. They are all personal perferences. I do know that
Christians are feeling threatened right now but the climate has become so
that other religions are becoming visible. I guess this is a threat to some
people. People seem to think if they can show you their logic you will
change your mind. Funny, they don't change theirs if they stop to listen to
you. The unforunate effect of to much preaching at people is exactly what
you said - it drives them away. And some go so far as to become Atheists. In
all fairness - we need to be able to listen to what someone else has to say,
and consider it. You want rights for the disabled. If you want fairness for
one group - you should want it for all. There are disabled Pagans. In fact
there was a write up from our Blessed Be and Meet me in DC gathering -
featuring just that - a Pagan Female in a wheelchair. I think since all
humans are born the same way - end the same way - with death - what happens
afterwards is undoubtly the same also. The unvarnished truth is we don't
know what happens afterwards and each civilization has its own version. The
only people who have an inkling are those of us who are Near Death
Experiencers and we aren't running around sharing and trying to convert
people.

   I will say from personal experience the only people who try to convert me
are the Christians. I work with a whole slew of people from Afganistan who
are Muslim - and we exchange beliefs - but they have never treid to convert
me. However the one Christian lady at work  - works real hard at it. I have
shared beliefs with Hindu's - and been thanked for the information. I have
learned alot.

        I have extensive knowledge on Christianity - despite the fact  most
people thoughts to the contrary. Paganism is about learning - not just what
is taught by the elders as acceptable. I don't share alot of the stuff I
know because it is not my place to rock anyone's faith. I am respectful of
others beliefs. Betty and I discuss stuff - however I do edit out stuff
frequently. I have read old manscripts and know ancient Christian History.
Lets face it you guys don't even agree on what to believe becasue there are
ummpteen versions of Christian beliefs. There is one belief that is right
for you but no one right belief. And that unforunately is where some
Christians have a problem. This does not seem to be a problem among Pagans,
or some of the other religions and quite frankly even a whole contingency of
Christians don't have a problem with it!!.

            I seek only to educate - I don't proletize - I am not looking to
make anyone Pagan - I didn't even do this with my child - it was her choice
to be a Pagan and a Witch. But you guys know - what Bob did was waving a red
flag in my face. I will say something - It says on my web site I support
Freedom of Religion, The ADA and the Rights of Individuals.

         I also know much of what is wrong is simply human nature. We tend
to want to be right and are many times willing to defend it to the death no
matter how silly. We have whole wars over sillyness. We are willing to
defend ourselves being right even after its been proven we are wrong. We
have made being wrong or making a mistake a horrid thing instead of a normal
thing. If you are wrong you are bad. Its okay to be wrong, and its a major
leap in maturity to be able to admit to being wrong. Alot of human problems
are based on the inability of someone just to say - I am wrong or I will
respect you believe differently and let it go. Now, it seems to me there is
more fighting over religion at Christmas than other other time. It seems to
crop up on every list. For the season that  is suppose to personify Peace
and Love isn't this strange.

                                      Blessed Be
                                          Trisha