Another reason for me to not like the current Pope

[Alex]

While I agree with the early points he made I must admit that I've just been assuming that since most of Tref's other posts are some form of performance art that the posts in this thread have been as well. But whether true or just spinning a yarn, I know many people who gain a lot of comfort from the strength and certainty displayed in such a style. If religion is simply the instinctive impule to find answers where only uncertainty is seen, then not allowing any uncertainty in the answers will be appealing to many.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Alex

If religion is simply the instinctive impule to find answers where only uncertainty is seen, then not allowing any uncertainty in the answers will be appealing to many.

I can see how some people would find comfort in being told what to do, even in a forceful tone, but I'm surprised to find Tref among them.

[Tref]

Originally Posted by Alex

I must admit that I've just been assuming that since most of Tref's other posts are some form of performance art that the posts in this thread have been as well. But whether true or just spinning a yarn, I know many people who gain a lot of comfort from the strength and certainty displayed in such a style.

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

I can see how some people would find comfort in being told what to do, even in a forceful tone, but I'm surprised to find Tref among them.

Clearly I have said too much.

Life is a learning process, folks. You can stay sheltered all your life and read about things that happen, or you can step outside be part of things that happen. I am not saying anything new, right? Well, I like being part of things that happen, but there is only so much time in the day. I have chanted with Krishna's down Powell Street in SF, I have been locked in a room by a cult and asked to levitate an ash tray ... I could go on and on. I am not saying that I attend church for a lark. I would never do anything for a lark. I do it to understand and discover. To paraphrase George Harrison -- there is nothing so important that you can do in life, then the search for God. I believe that. Life is too brief and an eternity of darkness is too unsettling for me to ignore.

I have a rule -- keep your cards close to your chest. And I have done that, more or less, for the years I have been on this site. It is not performance art. It has never been. This is me. For that reason I am not an immediately likable person. But whatever you may think of me and my posts, I do not have patience to dissuade you otherwise, either good or bad. That has always been a fault of mine.

Anyways ...

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Tref

I have a rule -- keep your cards close to your chest. And I have done that, more or less, for the years I have been on this site. It is not performance art. It has never been. This is me. For that reason I am not an immediately likable person. But whatever you may think of me and my posts, I do not have patience to dissuade you otherwise, either good or bad. That has always been a fault of mine.

Not immediately likable?! Balderdash. I have always loved your posts, and your presence here. I missed you when you've been away. You bring such fun to this place.

If my comments insulted you in any fashion, or if you think I think less of you for your religious convictions, I sincerely apologize, as it was not my intention. I would love to hear more of why you feel the way you do, but I understand if you do not want to discuss it. As long as you enjoy your own religious practices, and they are a source of comfort and inspiration to you, helping you lead a better life, then by all means!

If you don't wish to continue on this vein, I understand, though I'd love to hear more, and only question you because I'd love to hear your perspective. My post regarding finding you among those that enjoy being told what to do was simply a reaction to Alex's post. I guess I wasn't clear enough in saying "if Alex is right, then it says this about Tref, which would surprise me, and I want to hear what Tref has to say further."

Anyway, over explained, carry on.