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Hi sisters, I have just caught up with everyone's posts (I have been at work today, no access to internet).  Our different experiences with religion and what it does to people make for interesting reading.  I attended Salvation Army Sunday School as a child;  my dad said they were the only ones who were fair dinkum, and I think he based that on the fact that they were the only ones he had seen doing the rounds in pubs.  This was when he was a little boy and his mother had sent him to the pub to try to get his (alcoholic) father out.  My dad didn't touch alcohol until he was in his 60's, except for special occasions.  My brother and I went to Sunday School;  and Dad taught us to love and respect nature;  he'd take us outside and say - this is all the church you need, this is your God.   I have seen many people hurt badly by people who are supposedly God-fearing Churchgoers, and yet I find most of them to be hypocrites (as is borne out by your stories).  I have just tried to be like my father taught me;   be kind to people;  "do unto others" etc.   I always considered myself pretty much a non-believer;  but over the last few years I have changed my view.  When I decided that I did believe in God, I felt a great peace come over me;  but I consider it to be one on one.  I have a chat when I feel like it, give thanks every day for my life;  but I don't go to church and I don't preach;  in fact this is the most I have ever said on the subject;  and have said things here that I haven't told anyone.  I did not know until recently that St Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer sufferers.  I found out when one of my cousins gave me (and each of our other cousins, all cancer sufferers) a little coin-shaped medal;  and I keep it in my purse.  I was very touched to receive it.  I bought one for a friend;  she was also very touched.  (If anyone is interested, you can buy them on ebay for about $4.).  

I'm saddened to read that families are split by religion - Ruth your story is particularly touching - the JW's are so controlling and bigoted - we have one at work, and I think to myself, how did the preachings of Jesus become so warped that people think that is what we should do.  Somewhere it all went pear-shaped.    Finita puts it well when she says faith is whats important because to be faithful within onself is to be good and do good and no controling  and respect  others.   So true.

I've waffled enough I think.  I hope I haven't offended anyone with my comments;  that certainly isn't my intention.

Stay strong ladies,

Love,

Bella xxx