[heartbeat]

Hmmm...very nice. Thank you for this thread.

I, too, have learned that it's easier to be quiet when it comes to 'religion'.

Personally, I'm anti-religion, but pro-spirituality. I, like others here, have thoughts similar to Buddhism, as well as a definite nature-bent. I tend to call whatever it is, a 'Universal Power'. It's the feeling of awe and purity and goodness I get when I'm at the ocean or looking up at the stars, or even looking at the leaf colors in crisp outline against a fall sky so blue it brings tears to my eyes. I've never labeled it, not because I'm anti-label, I just don't know what to label it! LOL

I don't pray, but I do send positive thoughts and feelings. Does the Universe grant things to me similar to the way the Christian God does to those who pray and ask? Yes, I believe so, and I ask by meditating. "When you remember to open yourself up to the flow, the universe will somehow nudge everything you need within reach."

I know that not all Christians are the same. But to be entirely honest, in my opinion, less than 20% of the people I've met who say they are, actually walk the walk. Another 5-10% have out and out hurt me and been cruel.

I honestly don't care what anyone believes. It's personal and it's their business and I won't fight about it. It doesn't take anything away from me. But I really am bothered and angered by those who have some deep-seated need to announce to the world how they believe, and not only that, but go on to tell me how I should believe also. From what I understand, that's not a christian way to behave.

Warmly, heartbeat