Mike,

>>>Lets assume god existed.
>>Good place to start. <s>
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>You realize that a good way to derive a logical conclusion is assume the opposite of what you want to end up with and find a contradiction? ;-)

*chuckle*


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>>Do I want God's way or my own?
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>Dunno. You go get god to do a press release and we'll be able to make a good decision based on that. After 2000 years of playing "telephone" his way has been interpreted to mean everything from putting money into a basket as it moves past you to piloting air planes into buildings.

Indeed. Still, that's not a real 'proof' either way - except to prove that mankind is pretty goofed up. That's not necessarily a reflection on God. Additionally, I can also point out a whole lot of other examples of good things done in the name of and on behalf of God so your 'proof' isn't quite as convincing as I think you think it might be. I certainly don't fault you for your ignorance of a lot of these facts as most aren't.

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>>But.. If you chose God's way that is not necessary as He empowers one to live the kind of life He wishes.
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>That sounds cultish.

Not really at all. Cults typically ask you to not ask questions but to just believe and they're absolutely opposed to questionsing and being questioned. I want you to do the exact opposite - think. I want you to examine and to ask questions. I want you to dig for the facts and evidence and most of al I want you to make up your own mind - but to do so with all the facts, not just your incompletly educated conclusions. IOW, cults want to control your thinking whereas the Historic Christian teachings want you to study, read, dig and learn.

>Perhaps you're used to the sight, but whenever I see a large group of people with symbols drawn on their forehead in ash reciting chants I run.

LOL.. You're a smart man. I don't recall asking you to do this but your reaction causes me to think that your ability to discriminate knowledegebly between different religious and spiritual approaches is in need of a little boost. <s>

Candidly Mike, I am often deeply saddened by the kind of behavior you describe. I've seen a LOT of it over the years and it's always sad to see folks who have abandoned reason and thought for mindless repititions. As Jesus saidm they think God hears them as a result of their "much speaking".

>Just think about it the next time you see it. Is that how god intended you to spend your evenings? Thats just plain weird.

Goodness sakes no. I usually spend my evenings with my wife or working in the garden or reading a book or with friends or listening to a bible study over the Internet (like tonight) or some other form of self improvement. We're just about to purchase a treadmill so as soon as we do you can add exercise to that list. <g>