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nissus...ultimately, what i'm attempting to promote is the idea that heresy doesn't exist. orthodoxy doesn't exist. political, worldy powers can impose uniformity on some levels...but in terms of a relationship with God, that Christianity doesn't promote mediation-the authorities that could declare one faith to be right or wrong. i would agree schism is confusing and frustrating, but it all stems from ideas competiting to be "the one right one." multiple christianities that are not competiting won't look like schism, because they can coexist. absent a desire to impose one's beliefs on another, difference isn't a problem with in a faith.
tecoyah: for better or for worse, it's my church too. if someone gave athism or agnosticism a bad name, would you throw in the towel and convert? i should hope not.
and if you honestly don't care about organized religion, i suggest you rethink that. if i told someone i simply didn't care about politics, or science, or the enviroment, and that once it faded from public view, we could grow as a species, you'd tell me i'm daft.
religion, for good and ill, has been a major part of civilization since inception. Regardless of what you personally choose, society still gains from religious life. Charities, soup kitchens, 3rd world aid: all are largely staffed, organized and supported by religious orgs. Arts, music: traditions inspired by, funded, and kept alive by religious life. counseling and social work for the grieving, mentally ill, hospice care for terminal patients, alcoholics anoymous, community support: organized, fed and run by religious groups.
that's not the point, though. if you don't care for relgion, fine. i respect that. if you don't care enough for the truth to describe religion accurately, not fine. i can't respect that. i'm not out to make you all fans of christianity. i am out to correct the errors, stereotypes and falsehoods that are being used.
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