In response...

This is in response to Some Guy's Blog's post today. Like I told him, I didn't want to swamp his comments with my religious and political beliefs so I'm gonna reply here instead. And please keep in mind that there are reasons why I don't usually write about politics or religion because I believe that those are both personal choices as to what you believe in and who you believe in and I am in no way certified to impose my thoughts on others. At best I can only support those who believe in the same things I do and accept that not everyone shares my views. If you want to comment on this post please do, as I believe in freedom of expression. If you want to leave a negative comment, I can't stop you. I only remind you that whatever you do and say in this world leaves an imprint regardless of whether you believe in God or Heaven, Obama or McCain and I believe that whatever words you leave behind should do good and not bad.

With that said...

"I read both your posts and I just wanted to say, well said on both the religious and political issues you addressed. I was raised Catholic and for a long time I did the whole church thing not knowing any better than what my parents taught me to believe. However, as I grew older I began to love attending church and joining in religious youth groups etc. not necessarily because I believed in the "God created the world in 7 days" aspect of it (I have two degrees in Biochemistry and Biology...go figure) but because I trust in the fundamental teachings of my church. That you should live your life to the best of your abilities, be as kind as possible to others, always do good and not bad, and to always remember that in the times you feel like you are alone, God is always there for you. I believe in God and Jesus as father figures who loves and forgives and teaches you to love others as they do.

These are rules to live by regardless of what religion, or none, you believe in. However, there are those who use their religion as weapons. As tools to hurt and to force actions as a means for their own benefit. There are those who in the blind need to follow the rules governed by their God, neglect to see the hurt and pain and evil it causes. These are the people who eventually cause people to turn their back on religion in general. And I can't say I blame them.

You can say the same about politics. There are those who think that what they feel and believe in is right, and theirs is the ONLY view that is right. And that is fine. I respect other's thoughts and their right to have those thoughts even if they don't coincide with mine. Those are the fundamental rights that this country was founded on wasn't it? I only ask that before you make a decision, before you start spouting your own thoughts and forcing them on others...make sure you are informed about all aspects of your views. Then again, sometimes it's too much to ask for people to see the other side of an argument and truly keep an open mind. Again in order to be open minded yourself you have to forgive other's faults. But where do you draw the line? How about here: No Treats For You

I'm not gonna tell you who I'm voting for nor will I ever force my religion on you because that's not the point. I believe in what I believe because of personal experiences and knowledge and a certain degree of faith that must accompany not only matters of religion but politics as well. I will accept your views with an open mind and open heart and the only thing I will expect from you is the same degree of acceptance of me. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. You don't need God or State to tell you that.