> Looking at the stars in the sky is not at all > equivalent to Astrology. In fact, > 99% of people who practice astrology have never > looked at the stars. Since I was not there, I cannot be absolutely certain about this. But, I understand the 3 Wise Men *were* astrologers, and that is why they were viewing the night sky when they saw the "big one". Astrology and astronomy were pretty much the same thing at that time. > What are the crops for Islam and Judaism? Good question. We've all been exposed to the "shepherd" and "flock" ideas of Christianity, but I'm not very familiar with any equivalents in the other two. Anyone out there with a background in either religion? > Actually, that WAS religious proseletyzing. People > who wish to be offensive > often preface their remarks with a disclaimer. > Why was it proseletyzing, and what was offensive > about it? Depends on your point of view. I was always raised with the idea that proseletyzing was trying to convert another religious sect to your own sect (e.g. - Catholics trying to convert a Protestent sect and vice versa, Christians trying to convert Jews, etc.). By that definition, I would say quoting a prayer is not proseletyzing, since I detected no attempt to convert anyone. However, in this day and age, it seems the mere mention of anything relating to God is verboten except in church or at home. Which I find quite disturbing. I'm curious. Other than being off topic, why is quoting a prayer or mentioning God so offensive to some people? Calling someone a slanderous name is offensive. Using obscene or abusive language is offensive. How can referencing God or religion be considered offensive? Case in point. Most of us tolerate or even enjoy postings by Amadeus even though he is a "born again" vegetarian and it seems at times he's trying to "convert" us to his way of thinking. Would anyone consider his postings "offensive", even though his nutritional views are diametrically opposed to most of the list members? I think not. Anyone have an objective answer?