The question of the OP needs to be addressed. The thread is getting off track. I believe the OP addressed Christians.

YOU are a good person Rags and fair too. I respect your thoughts and agree with them.

I never thought I would live long enough to hear so much negativity toward others about religion. It is far more cruel than political at it's worse. .I think I am done with this forum.

I'm sorry Bucco, but I have no idea what you are saying here. I have questions which, in my mind, are legitimate. I have no religious "Advisor" as I don't know anyone who was present in Jesus' time, or that translated the original text of the Bible. I don't really totally trust anyone in the religion business, or lay people that claim to be in possession of the one and only truth. I am a Christian without all the answers and skeptical of those who think they have them.

I'm distressed that you address Rags as "Bucco". She responded with what I believe to be a sincere answer. I find yours to be inconsiderate. You say you are a Christian but I find your answer to be unChristian in tone.

1. I never heard anyone even on this thread brag about having all the answers

2. Never ever said, and your comment IS contentious, that your question was not legitimate, in fact just the opposite...I offered you a few links if you wanted. What gave you the impression I did not think your questions were legitimate ?

3. I am sure your "wiseacreness" if that is a word about not being present during the time of Jesus was meant in humor, and my only comment was that you will NOT find anyone in that position on TOTV

4. I am sorry that you consider religion a "business"...that, to me anyway, is sad. Are organized religions run like a business because our age demands it...yep. But, my religion involves God.....the "business" part is just there as a necissity of organization and does not interfere with my trust, faith and belief in God.

5. If you are truely a christian as you say, then my only suggestion to you with this is to pray. Other than that, as we all know, religion is pretty much faith based...faith is all we have...any of us.

The central part of religion is GOD...however we define that entity. My opinion...if you actually believe, then you have faith and the ability and trust in prayer for lots of answers. I am not smug enough to think I will get or deserve ALL of the answers. As I said, most religions are based on faith.

IF I have questions, and I do and always will, I listen to my heart...I pray, and yes read the Bible. All I want is guidance...we all know the Golden Rule....and that is a good start and where my post will end. I am not arrogant enough to actually think I could convince anyone of what is my heart. I trust, have faith and treat each day as a gift.

Rags - it took me quite awhile not to take things personally. And I still do. There is one poster who grates on my nerves. I think you may have found yours. Bless you for your faith and willingness to share it.

A religious advisor needs to have been present in Jesus' time? Needs to have 'translated' the original text (?) of the Bible? Cannot trust anyone in the "religion business?" Seems like you have all of your answers already..all guarded by a great big wall.

I didn't want to enter this discussion. It made me annoyed with posters exercising their right to post anywhere and anytime even though the OP asked a question of Christians. I think she meant those who do not harbor all sorts of anti-religious feelings and clumsily veiled lack of belief in essentials.

Civility should have been followed, and her wishes respected - at least to the extent of refraining from such tiresome "questions" and comments.

I'm going to follow my own advice now and close the refrigerator door. Some of the contents are rotten.

Allow me to explain. Do not be angry at him for calling me Bucco. Since he has opted to make this public (I have not shared it with but one other person from whom he may have heard it)...I do not know his motive but that is for him to decide.

I stopped using Bucco because I received what I considered to be a few appropriate PM's addressed to BUCCO because of my views. They were very personal and I wrote to ADMIN who said it would be handled if I wanted. I said no, I would use an account that my wife had set up (RAGS) instead of causing a stir.

That is why he refers to me as Bucco...suppose to allow me to know that he is on top of things.

Well...from my perspective you are on top of things, and I pray that he gets there at some point soon. In the long term, and you know what I mean, his position is not tenable. Whoever he is, the use of Bucco is not appropriate.
Blessings.
Dbussone

Thread is hopelessly off topic and now closed.