[RayinPenn]

When I read Lou's original comments I couldn't help but think about my religious journey. My Mom was very much a Roman Catholic until the day she passed. My Dad not so much.. (There is something about Irish men and the church). As a single fellow I was not much of a church goer... I married a similarly minded lutheran girl we would attend lutheran services occasionally and I would go to Saturday evening Catholic Mass with a friend. When my daughter and son were born we became more active in the lutheran church. Both of my kids are confirmed and go off to lutheran work camp each year and participate in lutheran activities.

As time has passed I have drifted away more and more from the Catholic Church. Too many scandals cover-ups and unchristian-like behavior I am ashamed of the hypocrisy. Our first married Lutheran Pastor in Penn was I highly educated 'hell fire and damnation preacher' I did find him over the top but I thought at least no scandals... A few years later he retired and a nice couple were selected and took over the ministry church (Some in the selection committee even said "God told me to select them") ... Then one day the He in the couple was gone - another nasty scandal. She remains and is a lovely person but I couldn't help but shake my head and question it all. We still attend occasionally and continue support the church's good works.

In the end my thinking is that we all are imperfect beings - Living a spiritual christian-like life is what is important... I want to close my eyes for the last time thinking I did my best and here are my good deeds.

Organized religion...err not so much.