Religion

I imagine that my circumstance may be atypical, but my experience with my faith/religion has been a bit different (or at least I perceive it to be).

Perhaps it was particular to the IHM Nuns who taught me in grade school and/or the Xaverian Brothers who taught me in high school, not to mention the priests whom I have known for many years, but the main tenets that were taught and emphasized over and over again were:

Love god

Love and take care of your fellow man

Do not judge others

As far as donations to the church are concerned, I haven't done so in quite awhile, but that has never precluded me from attending weekly mass (which I still do).

There was also never an emphasis on doing right or face the possibility of being sent to hell. That would be a selfish reason for acting in a particular manner - i.e., if I do good to avoid punishment, am I really doing good? Nor was heaven offered as a reward - again, if I am doing something for the sole purpose of being rewarded, then am I doing good or being self-serving?

So the emphasis was always on love of god and love of others - regardless of their belief or non-belief.

That is what I believe, and that is the way I try to live my life.

But as I said, perhaps my circumstances are atypical.

In any event, thank you again for posting!

Wishing you well and peace.

Tim