Guys, this thread has really begun to bother me, big-time! That's because four of the most tenacious contributors are friends of mine, and, who knows, Gordon may be a friend someday, as well.

I certainly spoke too soon when I congratulated people from vastly different backgrounds for using tolerance and courtesy in their discussions. Right after that post, things quickly went South....WAY SOUTH!

Taike, is like an adopted kid to me, and one of the most spiritual, giving people I know. He is a Buddhist, virtually gives all he can afford to the poor and less fortunate and works as a teacher because he really wants to make a difference in the world. It is my honor to be the "adopted" grandpa in his family. Taike and I work together to fund college/law school for deserving kids in his part of the world. A real renaissance man if there ever was one.

Chas is my all-time favorite Atheist. And, one of my all-time favorite people. He's an intellect, great musician and a modest, caring, concerned family man, with the kind of compassion on multiple levels that people of all faiths SHOULD have.

Rory is my favorite Christian. You have to give it to him; he practices what he preaches. While we may not be on exactly the same page in some areas, he is a real treasure to know...nice as anyone can be, and humble, in spite of being one of the most talented musicians (maybe the most talented) I've ever met. Soon, I'm sending him one of my favorite guitars, and it will be my honor to know he's making better use of it than I did. It will also be my honor to have him play it, and the L-5 I've decided to leave him in my will.

Bill is a guy I really started listening to, recently. He's a guy of substance, persistence(wish I was determined enough to lose the weight he did, using pure will power), with a wide variety of interests.

My point is, here are vastly different people, all, from my prospective, at least, superb individuals. But, once discussions like this get to where this one is, NOBODY WINS!

Having strong beliefs/convictions is GREAT. Having tolerance and the willingness to listen to alternative beliefs makes us better people. Take a step back, and, factoring in humanitarian issues, you guys have a lot more you can agree upon than you think. As far as religious convictions go, what's right is what's right for each of us, and no amount of discussion is going to move anyone from the position they have taken here.

Why doesn't everyone do each other a favor, and just call it quits on this one? Traditionally, discussions like this don't accomplish anything but perpetuate hard feelings and negativity.

We owe each other more than that!


Respectfully,


Russ




[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 08-13-2010).]