Mike,

>>Sorry.. If you can't handle this I'm very sorry but it is true.
>
>I don't know how you could know it is true. Perhaps I've reached a stage of enlightenment greater than yours? I doubt it, but its possible, though, you'd never believe it because it conflicts against your other beliefs.

LOL.. In Minnesota?? I guess anything is possible... <g> & *gd&rvvf*

>
>>You see.. I've been on your side of the proverbial fence but you haven't been on mine. I have a larger set of data to draw from.
>
>I think thats the problem. You've been in a position similar to me, but you're not me, so you can only stereotype me. Its pretty much the same thing I do to you, but, I don't go off believing that I've found greater universal harmony than everyone who doesn't agree with me.

Well, sure, I don't know the specifics and, as you suggest, neither do you. However, there are things that one learns. You're certainly putting words in my fingers by your assertions that I somehow think that I have something others do not have that do not agree with me - however, all I can say is that I have indeed sen both sides of this metaphorical fence and from what you have suggested to date, you have not.

>
>>>So? That still doesn't make it wrong. Yes, it may be less desirable, but that's no reason to think its wrong. Your whole faith is based on this.
>>Well, let me ask you this.. How do you determine if something is 'wrong' or 'right'?
>
>There are many factors and ways about determining. Assigning simple words or a single philosophy to the process does not do it justice.

Sure, and that's something of what I've been getting at. You see, many others have spent many years dealing with these issues. Men like the late Dr. Schaffer I've mentioned a couple of times. I have discovered that by studying and reading froma wide range of these authors I can accelerate the learning process by taking advantage of the wisdon they have imparted. The Bible is the best of these. There is a tremendous amount of very pracical wisdom in the book and IMO to diss it is IMO a huge blunder.

>
>However, in determining the existence of a place (Heaven), I don't let my judgment be swayed by how "nice" something would be. Thats a benefit, not a reason.

Well, heaven isn't taught in the Bible as it is portrayed in pop culture that's for sure. <g>

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>>I can understand that but I am curious as to why you're so agitated that I do and that I assert them?
>
>I'm not agitated. Text is cold :-)

Oh brother.. Give me a break.. <g>

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>>IOW.. What is it that is bothering you so much that I am asserting that I have God's love, joy and peace in my life Mike?
>
>Nothing about that bothers me. But you assumed that your love and joy cannot be matched by non believers. Thats riduculus. Just wanted to let you know that.

Different kind, depth and degree of each. y this point your argument is with God. Tell Him this is all ridiculous.. *shrug*

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>>The future is going to be very interesting.
>
>No doubt. Genoicide will be much easier with these registrations.

Heh.. They're already wanting to pre-emptively kill children born with disabilities in France. These same "cultured" people who don't want us to use capital punishment, acting like a bunch of little old ladies on a chair hiding from a mouse do not seem to give a second thought to this practice. Take a peek at: http://www.newsmax.com/showinsidecover.shtml?a=2001/12/17/141109 for an example.