>>>>I don't think the issue is the religion, but the interpretation of it. That has always been an issue
>>>>with the Bible - the concept of 'free will'. According to the Bible, you can do whatever you want.
>>>>If you choose to follow Gods word, then you reap the benefit, if not, then you reap the consequences.
>>>>
>>
>>>Well, the free will thing is true as far as it goes, but I would like to have had the opportunity to choose whether or not to be born. I think I would have passed. There's way too much sorrow and heartache waiting for you, despite the highs.
>>
>>This is dark coming from you. Had a bad day did ya?
>
>Well, probably so, but I have felt that way a long time. Why would you choose to be born if you knew all the crap that was waiting for you? If we truly had free will, we would have been able to opt out, wouldn't we? And I still say, I would have. I remember when my dad died, I developed this theory. It still holds true today. There is very little good in the world as far as I can see. Most people are out for themselves and wouldn't help you if their life depended on it. Greed, corruption, drugs, robbery, rape, abuse, murder, etc. I try to help people whenever I can, and regardless of what others think, but I appear to be an anomaly.
>
>I was elk hunting in Colorado this past fall and we had just come over the pass, through some snow. I looked behind and there was another vehicle that had gotten stuck by sliding off the road. I was surprised by the guys who were with me not wanting to go back up and get them off the mountain. I thought I knew these guys, but I guess I didn't. I found a place to turn my trooper around and went back up to get them out. I couldn't leave them there, but if I had, the other guys would have been alright with that. The human condition is pretty pathetic as far as I can see.

Good morning John;

Great topic! I wish we could sit down and discuss this in great detail!

You are here on earth and your presence has assisted others. That is commendable. I believe that we should help others whenever possible. Help comes in many forms. The greatest form of helping others that I have personally been involved with is to save human lives with my own hands.

I try to look for the good in the world. Sometimes it is difficult but I still try. Help yourself, your family and then the rest of the world. Do so in that order. If you do not help yourself you cannot help others. To not help your family is inexcusable! To help others in the world is a blessing.

Tom