For my .02c
(I do not belive that you have ever offended me)
I am pleased to see that you have grown.
It is easy to fall prey to"Public" opinion especialy as manufactured by the media - that is what they do. (If you want a Conspiracy there is one for
you.) That is why places like ATS exist - to open the eyes of those who belive that their eyes are already open.
There are good and bad in every group, unfortunately it is far too often that a noisy minority causes people to view their particular group with some
distaine. - It takes a big person to come out and say ' Hey I was wrong', and a bigger person to say 'I'm sorry' - Strange that it takes a big
person to say them. As humans we often let our pride get in the way of progress.
For what it is worth, there is a Good part of the "Christian" sect that I look at with distaine and contempt.
Usually it is the faction that says "I am right, I know I am right and if you don't agree with me not only are you wrong, but I won't even listen
to your opinion. Everyone has encountered them - they are usually the ones who have never been educated properly in their own doctorine, the ones who
profess to know all the answers - but have not read the texts of other religions, or even the texts of their own religion. (Study and show thyself
approved - NOT!)
Also odd is that as a group, the Christians fail to follow or try to emulate the one entity/individual they praise. Looking at all the blood spilled
in the name of a man who stood for peace is only part of it, but it can set the tone. In as much as people pick on the Jehova's - I do give them
credit, at least they are trying. (This may be a good time to mention that although I am Christian, I am more Gnostic than Christian)
Be very careful trying to make an educated decision with only part of the information. Listen (and hear) to all sides of the argument and beware of
those who are extreamists for or against something - there is often a deep seeded anger pushing its way through.
Strange that humans can unite themselves under the banner of hate, but not under the banner of Love. Sure some would say we do unite under the banner
of love, to that I say rubbish - watch people leaving a Church parking lot.
(Love and hate are not opposites as most belive them to be, they are sisters - both stem from passion, The opposite of love is indiferance).