[eweissenbach]

I have read all the posts in this thread and see many views that I agree with. I go to church somewhat regularly as I like being part of a group of people seeking a better life. I won't attend a church that is judgemental, dogmatic, or political, which many are. I have largely lost faith in organized religion due to the many unseemly things I have seen from people who claim to be righteous. I have lost trust in man's ability to interpret and convey the will of a God, seeing clergy commit the most egregious crimes again and again. I cannot believe in the Bible as the infallible word of God, because of some of the unbelievable stories which I believe were conjured up by early church leaders as cautionary tales to those who might be inclined not to follow their rules, as well as the inconsistencies therein. I try my best to live a life that observes the teachings of Christ and the Golden Rule, but I wouldn't consider myself a spiritual person. I believe in live and let live and don't deny anyone else the right to worship as they see fit as long as their religion doesn't preach hatred or bigotry.