[_isus]

> I do appreciate your response, and trust that I'm smiling when I write this without any contempt: when do I get to give up?

And, likewise, I hope you do not feel any contempt from me. When do you get to give up? I do not mean this in a disrespectful way ... I would ask God.

> Maybe it's $DEITY's turn to pick some of the slack. :-)

I just prayed that you will sense His love for you (and maybe even interpret that as picking up some of the slack).

> From my wall of text, one might conclude that I did, indeed, give it a fair and sincere shot.

I, for one, do not fault you for lack of trying. I am just saying don't give up now ... breakthrough could be around the corner. That is what I have prayed for you.

> And I came to a different conclusion that you appear to have. No worries, I'm fine with that, we all make our own journey. I've enjoyed mine, and ...

Ultimately, we all have to choose which path to follow. I respect you for at least giving it serious thought and consideration.

> I hope you enjoy yours.

Overall, yes, but following Jesus Christ does not necessarily make life easier. It certainly isn't boring, though! :)

[edwhitesell]

This discussion between the two of you is one of the best I've witnessed when it comes to religion and some of the contradictory points. I commend you both a great deal.

However, it also sums up the views of many on religion in a fairly clear way: Whatever it means to you is yours, only yours. Your neighbor is entirely entitled to decide their own meanings as well.

[_isus]

> However, it also sums up the views of many on religion in a fairly clear way: Whatever it means to you is yours, only yours. Your neighbor is entirely entitled to decide their own meanings as well.

If by this you mean each person has to decide for themselves, I agree. If you mean that religion is whatever anyone wants to make of it, I disagree. Truth is truth whether I acknowledge it or not. I do not decide what the truth is, it just is. It is my responsibility to seek the truth.

The following passage describes someone who has diligently sought the truth, once it is found:

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it." Matthew 13:44-46 (NASB)

[edwhitesell]

> Truth is truth whether I acknowledge it or not.

I agree with you. But, I disagree that the words of a book about religion is that ultimate truth.

I have no doubt that parts of the Bible are true. I'm not sure how else there would be stories of good, and bad, things that happened to people historically. Did people kill one another over things a "modern" society wouldn't? Sure. Did people see things they couldn't understand and attribute to a divinity? Yes.

> It is my responsibility to seek the truth.

I view my responsibility to be good to others in the best way I can. As you said, truth is truth. My faith of a religion is neither here nor there, and no one else's concern.

I'm not arguing you're wrong, but I don't believe I am either.

[_isus]

> I agree with you. But, I disagree that the words of a book about religion is that ultimate truth.

I respect you as an individual, even if we disagree. I respect your right to make that decision. It is my hope that you will reconsider, but I understand if you don't.

> I view my responsibility to be good to others in the best way I can. As you said, truth is truth.

I certainly don't disagree with this. I am not suggesting for a moment that a follower of another religion, an agnostic or an atheist cannot do kind acts or contribute to society. Among my friends are those whom I highly respect who don't agree with me when it comes to faith. I am not saying that it is my exclusive responsibility to seek the truth. It is still my responsibility, though.

> My faith of a religion is neither here nor there, and no one else's concern.

I agree that it is no one else's concern in that I am not responsible for what you choose to do. That doesn't mean that I am not allowed to be concerned for you. (In the sense of wanting you to find what I have found.) I certainly don't want you or anyone to feel like I am cramming something down your throat. If I you have made you feel that way, please accept my apologies.

[edwhitesell]

> I respect you as an individual, even if we disagree. I respect your right to make that decision.

Agreed, and much respect is shared.

> I am not suggesting for a moment that a follower of another religion, an agnostic or an atheist cannot do kind acts or contribute to society.

Of course I agree here too. My apologies if it seemed as though I was implying otherwise. I have concerns when someone tries the make the case that one way is better than another; I don't see that here.

> I certainly don't want you or anyone to feel like I am cramming something down your throat. If I you have made you feel that way, please accept my apologies.

No apology needed. I don't, and never have taken, these kinds of discussions in an offensive kind of way. We're all entitled to our own decisions.