>>Hi Erik,
>>
>>>>I'd say that unless there is a genuine repentance and turning back to God in this country we're just about finished.
>>>
>>>Gimme a break.
>>
>>I have some questions about that word "back" myself... is it back to when slavery was the law of the land? Back to when children worked in textile mills? Back to when women couldn't vote? Or perhaps back to the days of segregation?
>>
>>I personally believe that this country has made great progress in terms of personal morality in the way we treat one another. As many problems as we have, there is more equality, more civility, better treatment of minorities and women, fairer treatment of employees, better consumer protections, more freedom in the press, and many more things too numerous to mention.
>>
>>This is a good country that is trying hard to get better. I'm glad to be here.
>
>I was gagging more over the implication that religion is how you get morals.

Erik,

Well, I do see a difference between the words 'religion' and 'relationship'. Personally I think that 'religion' is exactly what Karl Marx said it was; the opiate of the people. OTOH, having a genuine relationship with God is an entirely different issue. Also, FWIW, religions are usually the precipitators of a lot of persecutions. For example, it was the jealous religious leadership in Jesus' time, afraid that Rome would come and take their power away from them, that caused them to consider doing what they ultimately did.

These are the obvious facts - whether you or anyone else chooses to look at them. *shrug*

However, if anyone has chosen to close their mind to the obvious connections I'm sure not going to waste my time trying to open that closed mind. Additionally, since it's a relationship I won't waste anyone's time trying to twist their figurative arm to gain one. Neither will God. However, IMO that is extremely dangerous territory. But don't blame God for the lousy relationship, or the results of that lousy relationship if you're the one refusing it.

I stand by my assertion: This country will dissolve unless we turn back to God in a real sense. You're not obligated to accept my assertion and I accept that.

What always puzzles me is this: Why do those people who profess that there is no God seem to be the ones who get so worked up by those who do? If God really doesn't exist why even bother? Pretty dumb if you ask me to try and force those who believe in something you do.

I guess I'll just have to continue with my peace, real joy and overflowing heart while those around me have no peace and are empty inside. *shrug*