On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 23:25:02 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
wrote:

"JohnH" wrote in message
.. .


I'll answer that with a question: Is religion the only way to learn
how
to
live a good life?

That's not an answer, that's a subject change to avoid an answer.

John H

It most certainly is not. You're working on the assumption that living a
certain way requires a kick in the ass from religion or some other
outside
source. I'm leading your around by the nose until you 'fess up and admit
how
silly that is. You don't like being led around by the nose, but I'm not
done
yet.


I'm neither working on, nor have made, any assumptions. I've also not
said anything about a requirement for religion. You stated that you
have a kid with "guiding principles" that happened without religion.
You won't admit that you received any guiding principles from your
parents, who were religious. (You stated your father was Jewish, and
was 'ostracized' for it.)

You're too shallow to admit that religion *did* play a part in your
guiding principle, the ones you've passed on to your son.

You got me, John. Under the influence of one Jack Daniels on the rocks while
washing the dishes, I realized something. One of the most important tenets
of Judaism is that no matter where you live, it's your duty to be the best
citizen you can be. I passed that on to my son. He's endlessly dismayed by
Bush, but it's given him hope that the smart will, at some point, inherit
the earth.


You're a good man. And that tenet of Judaism is a worthwhile goal for
all of us.

John H

On the 'PocoLoco' out of Deale, MD,
on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay!