It's nice to come back to AO after being gone a long time and read a post like this. Sure, this site deals with computers, security, encryption, etc...but sometimes, it's a nice change of pace to step outside of the electronic world and delve into issues dealing with the person behind the screen. A lot of people have some good points, now I won't go as far as to say that I agree with everyone's point of view, but then again, I'm not supposed to; where would that leave me in my own quest?

An issue that comes up a lot in the Christian realm is "tolerance." Tolerance, as I have come to know it, is the acceptance of other people's beliefs, whether different from your own, or not. You will find many sides to this argument, but there are those Christians that say that a fellow Christian shouldn't be "too" (keyword there) tolerant of other people's beliefs, going so far as to imply that it would be "ok" for you (the person with the opposing beliefs) to believe in a lie. That can be conctrived to be a very black and white statement by most people. The outside world perceives some, or most Christians, as being "stuck up" or "holier than thou" because of this issue. They see Christians as people who walk around with the attitude of "I'm right and you're wrong." As if to say that "their" way is the only way to Heaven and if you're not on board, watch out, you're in trouble! Am I right?

Maybe. Some people might believe in some of the things I say, but not others and vice versa.

(2 cents)
I am really sick and tired of the legalistic Christians in this world. Debating and discussing and arguing over laws and mandates that we as MAN have created, to go so far as to putting aside your love for other people, just to prove your point. It's not about being right or wrong. It's about LOVE! Throughout history and time, we have been told that Christianity is about love. But, I am sad to say, that has long since been blanketed by pride and personal vendettas to prove yourself right. We are not supposed to be scaring people into accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. What joy is found in Christ, if you are made to feel as if you don't have a choice; that's what Jesus died for, for us to be given the choice. I am not a smart man, nor do I posess the gift of speech, but one thing that I have learned, is that you need to love people. If you believe something, that's wonderful. If it differs from my belief, I will talk to you about mine, share some truths with you, and if you still choose to believe what you believe, I am going to give you a hug and tell you thank you for talking with me. Who am I to be trying to save you? Who am I to be trying to make a choice for you? I am nobody.
(end of 2 cents)

But of course, this is all just my opinion. And you know what, I am a born-again Christian, 4 years the 19th of January. It's not been a life full of roses and butterflies; it's been the hardest journey I've ever been on, but it's worth it. All I know to do, is love. Not preach, not scare, not drown the world with my opinions...just love. Thank you for listening to my rant and if I offended anyone, I am sorry, and if you do not believe everything I have said....good! I don't want you believing what I believe...choose your own.

Thank you.