I think we all come to our own realization or acceptance of things regarding the higher realm in our own time. Otherwise we’re just going through motions. And if we choose to disregard or not believe, that’s a choice too.

Religion, faith and belief can trigger strong reactions. Especially if, as you say, they’re preachy or overbearing. So I just wasn’t sure when the writing prompt appeared. So I just worked to share my personal experience.

I appreciate your feedback and thoughts on what I post. I really do.

I am familiar with the statement. And I remember as a kid wondering about babies and children too young to have the right relationship. And then then all the non-christians who never heard of Jesus. It was an unwelcome pondering in Sunday school that didn’t get a good answer. What really stands out in my mind from that time — a Sunday school teacher telling me I would not see my dead dog in heaven. It was crushing then. And now I just think ” how the heck does she know?”

In the end it is not about religion but a right relationship with JESUS who suffered and died for us all. Remember what he said: “No one comes to the Father but by Me. For I and the Father are one. He who has seen me has seen my Father.”. Moving forward seek a better relationship with JESUS and God will bless you richly.

Maher certainly raises some sticky issues for a lot of evangelical Christians. I haven’t heard him interact with Buddhists or Zen practitioners. Or others. But we all find our own path with spiritual issues.

This was the one writing prompt that I was a bit nervous about. Religion and politics — you now the old saying.

There is a lot of things at work in our head’s when the topic surfaces or presents itself. And there seems to be no end to the range of religious interpretation and application. The fire and brimstone crowd is off putting but there are some you would never know you were in church.

We have many small cemeteries here but few with chapels. The larger ones may have a church attached. But I know what you mean about the calming effects of the spaces — indoors or out. Perhaps it’s because the space is sort of disconnected from everything that you can focus.

It is hard to imagine starting in Oslo and ending up in Idaho. Those early settlers were made of stern stuff.

I think a lot of people might be in the same place.