Hey PWCCA,

Sorry about the Duccess thing I just glanced at the closing... Wow - I have a lot to catch up on here. We've been putting in tile and painting.

PWCCA: Conversely, whereas you see me as being "lost" for my religious upbringing, I in turn do not see you or other Christians as lost. I see all religions as a chosen path. Different folks different strokes. It would indeed be a sad world, sickened by sameness if everyone across the globe shared the same religion.

Me: While I admittedly get bored around nothing but Mormons...and prefer not to live in UT, (although its not even predominantly LDS anymore) I do believe in my faith or else I wouldn't be in this church... But it doesn't take away our individuality, obviously, and we all come from different backgrounds. I did not grow up LDS, but joined the church when I was 15. I was searching at that point after my dad died when I was 12 when he was only 38. Life after death matters suddenly meant a lot to me...I'm still the only member in my family.
Anything Celtic is interesting to me. I don't know if you are from Ireland/Scotland?? My roots are there on my father's side. (There is supposed to be a Culbertson County there...or something like that). Anyway - I looked it up on the net but honestly don't know or understand what you believe from the brief glance reading up on it. I am also part Native American...not much, but I've always related with it - look somewhat native at least in the cheekbones and have been asked by Natives what my tribe is. I wonder if their methods of looking to the earth or at least respecting her is not unlike yours? That probably sounds dumb....I really don't know what they even believe in detail. We (LDS - Mormons) believe the earth has a spirit.... I do think there is something to be said about being in touch with or in tune with nature, though. We don't believe in needlessly killing - hunting for the pleasure, etc.

I think there is good, as a rule in all Christian churches - and truth.... I think there is probably truth in all churches (meaning non-Christian). We just believe our church has all the puzzle pieces I guess you could say. As far as God has revealed it.... As far as other faiths, I can't speak for what I don't fully understand or know about. If you are raised a certain way obviously that is what you know. I would honestly be interested in understanding what you do practice or believe even in private if need be. Not interesting in converting....just curious and interested just for understanding purposes.

But as far as America suffering because of no longer being Christian...... Again - I see good in all other faiths which are Christian and in other faiths period. I live in the south here - the Bible belt - and I feel we are blessed because of all the good people here. I like the people here. My daughter also works for a guy from India who I believe is Hindu. Both my daughters worked there at one time and have been to dinner at their house. (Lots of statues). They treat her like a daughter. They don't like that we don't let her work Sundays and we had to go in so they'd let her off July 4th when her own dad was performing at a big concert here....but they've grown to accept our ways and we accept theirs. And obviously other religions that practice the good in their religions as in Muslims, etc. are doing the best they know how (not the fanatical heretic, obviously - jihadists). I do respect everyone's right to believe as they see fit. I haven't really thought of America's state in that light to be honest, and would have to ponder it.

I do, however, believe that this nation was built on tenets of faith and when we turn against Him... and practice abortion... molest children....whoredoms....child abuse....murder...corruption....(notice how where the Mardi Gras took place was wiped out?) and yes....same-sex marriage. Those things will bring His judgments upon us to humble and wake us up for one thing. (Obviously not all natural disasters happen to bad people doing bad things, though).

Anyway - not sure if this addresses your questions. Ask away if not.