More people *should* be open minded, but remember that when you light a candle, it immediately creates a division between light and dark, and people feel like they need to choose sides, they can't just enjoy the whole ("can't see the forest for the trees" kind of thing).

Then there are those who are rooted to their convictions, which is perfectly OK, but then they feel like they need to force their worldview or beliefs on others, because their faith is not strong enough to go without having an opposing force to measure themselves up against.

Then there's the fact that most people fear that which they do not understand, and that fear ultimately leads to hate; it doesn't help any when they start conditioning themselves into believing that it is morally wrong to try to understand that which they fear and/or hate.

People who end up in either of these situations ultimately end up running themselves into the ground through all their running in circles and refusing to appreciate the diverse world around them. When it comes to trying to help them, I personally only have limited energy, and would rather spend it in a cause that shows the best hope of success (someone who does not understand but wants to learn) rather than throw it away in a lost cause (someone who doesn't care). In the meantime I should build my faith so that the attacks that are aimed at me for it do not bother me.

I understand your frustration. The office I work in is full of hard-core christians. I freaked a couple out one day when I decided to tell a religious joke. I knew it was harmless or I wouldn't have dared. But I ended up with a pocket knife stuck into a stack of folders on my desk!

It is their ignorance. They are very close-minded. They have no clue. We are not sacrificing babies or helpless animals like they think we are. I got a paper in my mailbox just today from some local church talking about how this world is becoming anti-christian and the pagan numbers are growing...come to this service and learn how to win the Earth back from these evil Satanists. I was so angry that someone had the nerve to put that in my mailbox, I am still thinking about sending it back to them with a nice little message! It makes me want to scream sometimes.

But we are so out numbered. I have found a lot of comfort and so many wonderful friends here. We will stick together.

Brightest blessings my sister.

did you know that in the Sumerian tongue, Devil translates to She is... think about that. It became the job of the early church to stop Goddess or Devil worship -

Every time Morning Rain speaks, I learn something really cool. :D

Throughout history, the church has been the law... and they will shut down everything that isn't what they believe. The closed minds today are those who have been raised to see only one way. Thank the Gods I broke away from their grip!! lol

You are safe here with us, and believe in yourslef and what you do. Forget the rest. :D

Love!

I agree totaly, i have not realy found where i belong but i don't juge people who have. i think that is probably the worst thing u could do