Pax Vobis!

[*Deidre*]

I love sunflowers and found that one online tonight. lol It almost matches the b/w one I had up, which is cool. Thought my sig could use some color.

Re: your topic. The Bible speaks about positives, sure. It does. But, do we need it? No. Mankind doesn't need religion to ''behave itself.'' That's all religious brainwashing nonsense. It boils down to character and choices. Religion will not make people 'better.' It always will boil down to individual choices that we make in our lives. I have to choose love. I have to choose to help my neighbor. And then you might ask...well, what motivates you? Altruism is a component of evolution. It isn't talked about enough, but it is and even in the animal kingdom, altruism is exhibited. Animals don't pray. They don't follow a deity. The desire for one to sacrifice for the good of the whole, is a component of evolution. Not an invention of religion.

If it were, we would see more Christians stepping up to solve the problems of the world...and we don't. Some do, but considering that it's the dominant religion globally, it doesn't have enough people walking the walk that they supposedly believe.

I sound like a 90 year old cynical woman, maybe. But, that's just how I see it, TC.

Do you believe that if you live a good life there may be a reward afterward?

Let me say something, it isn't for me to sway you from your beliefs. I'm sorry if I ever come across in a way that pushes my own views. Perhaps, I'm still angry after spending a lifetime chasing a fantasy.

To answer your question, maybe there are no rewards, it's just this life is it. Make it count. Make it meaningful. Do good things. Correct yourself. This life is it, and death just means....'the end.'

This life IS the gift. Not another life. THIS LIFE.

If there is another life waiting for us, I guess we will find out. But, I won't live my life, focused on another life. For that cheapens this one.

And as far as hell goes. I don't believe such a place exists. I sometimes do wonder about the vast universe, and after we die...energy doesn't 'die.' It transfers. Think about that. lol