>You know the answer far better to that question than I Mike. Did you?

I never said you were wrong, just that you're unfair.

>I see.. But I do need to come clean to you? <g> That sounds like either hypocrisy, a double standard, confusion or denial.

What the hell are you talking about.

>However, I need to point out that you do have beliefs but you just don't want to admit it yet.

Oh yeah, cause deep down I know you're right. You're awfully conceited aren't you.

>Actually it's starting to sound like you just haven't figured out how to deal with your feelings.

What the hell are you talking about.

>I don't owe you an answer. What do you care - you don't have beliefs, right?

Just wondering.

>I'll take that as a compliment. Thank you very much. I do try to be myself.

It was meant as a compliment, you're welcome.

>You do have standards whether you can admit it or not.

Goddamnit, will you stop telling me to come clean, why are you picking at that? I have standards, I have values, I don't believe in God the same way you do. WAKE UP, IT IS POSSIBLE!

>If you think I'm wrong just tell me and then please tell me why.

I told you why you are unfair, twice.

>You want to play in the deep end of the pool then yo'd better learn how to swim... <g>

Never at a loss for pointless analogies, are ya'?

>But please... At least have the guts and courtesy to admit to yourself what is obvious to all reading your messages. It's quite ok with me if you disagree with me. I'm certainly aware that I don't have all the 'angles' on life and I'd very much like to learn and grow.

>What evidence have you provided to me to convince me that swearing, as a form of communication, is better or more 'enlightened'. I'm very interested in learning how this might be so...

Its just a word, don't be a dick about it.

>Well, you cannot avoid having beliefs Mike

Why not, because you don't? Your extreme closed-mindeness on this issue is pathetic.

>It really sounds like you're just trying to avoid the pain that comes from adopting some sort of belief system as you (rightly) deduce that they all contain inherent conflict with others.

Thats wrong. My examples were not on why its bad to have beliefs, but why its so hard to show someone else a point of view that conflicts with there strongly helf beliefs. Because they blindly follow them and its EXTREMELY difficult to change your beliefes, and THAT is why I don't feel the need for them. Stop making lame assumptions at why I don't want what you have.

>I guess I'd only say that this will not keep pain away from your life. What I am suggesting is that folks choose a belief system based on reason and reasonableness.

How is believing in God reasonable? He's a superhuman character from a book. Its like basing your belief system on Wonder Woman, if you ask me. It doesn't make you wrong, I just don't see how it could be reasonable.

>HTH...

Its helped me, it hasn't helped prove your point at all though.