TheBanyanTree: Religious writings

[Sharon Mack]

I could not have said it better and thank you....I totally agree.  I
think we are all adult enough and intelligent enough to be able to
"agree to disagree."  We do not all have to be the same or believe the
same.  That's what makes it interesting, that's how we learn about our
fellow man.  As you say, our life experiences have all been different
and have taken us down different roads.  I do not expect all to travel
down my road, but as a writer, I reserve the right to write about my
road.  Just because it is written does not mean you are required to read
it.  It is an individual thing.....experience, writing and reading.

>>> "R J Fernalld" <srfern at verizon.net> 10/29/2003 5:16:47 AM >>>
I find I stand in disagreement with those who resent the religious
content
of some of the writings that have found their way to The Banyan Tree
and
wish that they be stopped. Let me explain...

My writings refect a negative attitude toward the Christian church,
for
reasons I shall not reveal or defend here. But not once have any
persons of
religious fervor contacted me privately with any disapproval at all. I
have
felt here a great deal of respect for my writings here and I know not
all
appreciate the content and obvious biases against organized religions
and
other alternative views on life.

I also am a well trained person in Biblical Greek and Hebrew and have
been
to seminary. Any person's belief or disbelief or doubt reflected in his
or
her writing is a part of their experience. Just like there are two
knobs on
the radio, says George Carlin in reference to those zealots who
disapproved
of rock and roll....you can turn it off or change the station...you
can
choose to read or delete.

I perhaps think there is room in this excellent space we inhabit around
the
banyan tree to co-exist and respect each other, no? I am apt to
quietly
employ the delete option on my computer if encountering something I
would
rather not read...live and let live. I have been pleased that my often

alternate view" writings are not attacked by those who I know disagree.
For
this I am glad and would not deny them their voice,....they have
kindly
respected mine, I will respect theirs.

R J Fernalld