beso - //Private truths are fine. However they are no longer private once published.
I don't have a problem with the expression of religious beliefs but I do reject the notion that they deserve respect and an opportunity to be expressed without inviting criticism. //
I agree entirely.
Religion can only survive and thrive by gaining adherants, which necessitates the 'spreading of the word'.
When that is done by individuals like goodlife, it sucks any and all potential attraction out of the concept by continually peddling complex and joyless tracts of ancient text, and a confirmed refusal to enter into anything approaching a debate.
My problem - as I have opined many times on here, with Christianity is less about Christianity, and more about Christians.
This pained patience they display, as they deal with poor me who lacks what they claim to have, and which I apparently need right now, makes me want to hit something repeatedly until my anger at their sanctimonious piety subsides.
Clue - as Billy Connolly memorably pointed out, you can flag a life-sapping sermon coming your way if it prefaced by the phrase "And ... y'know ..." - at which point it is wise to find an appointment, preferably in another galaxy!