I really don't mean this as rudely as it sounds. I just want you to know there's another approach to your statement than what you meant. So I ask, how is deriding homosexuals and cultures which do not partake of male circimcision compassionate? How is even vaguely alluding to the fact that homosexuals, any homosexuals, contribute to the downfall of civilizations by their very existence compassionate? How is stating that God answers your prayers while indiscriminately ignoring millions of others in starving regions of the world (including the U.S.) compassionate? I'm not attacking you, I'm just asking - as honestly as I can. You've even stated that you believe your god has put you on this Earth for a specific purpose in mind - how is that a compassionate belief system when as we speak there are people across the world being tortured, born into abject poverty, and never once given the chance to "having a purpose" in this world? To me that's not compassionate, that's supremist. Elitist. I think the reason some of the others may be posting as hostilely as they are is because they don't see your thoughts as compassionate, rather offensive.

I respect you as a person, Russ, so I'm not making this post to badmouth you or trash your statements. But some of the things you say beg questions. I'm the self-appointed beggar for the moment <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />