What are your thoughts on current conflict with Muslim world? Which side to blame - western world or middle east countries - from religious standpoint?

Anonymous wrote:Do you believe in historical Jesus?

Do I think he was a real person? Probably, yes. Do I think he walked on water, rose from the dead, etc? No.

Do you believe in historical Jesus?

Anonymous wrote:Do you think God is dead or there was no God to begin with?

I think "God" is an invention of man, used as a tool to explain the natural world he didn't yet understand. We still don't know what happens when we die or (most people anyway) how randomness works in life, so that's where this idea still comes into play in present day.

Do you think God is dead or there was no God to begin with?

Anonymous wrote:What do you believe what happens to us when we die? And have you ever explained that view explicitly to a small child asking about death for the first time?

I don't know what happens when we die. That's a good question. I don't believe we spend a lifetime in heaven, hell, purgatory, or something like that. Ever fall asleep and wake up hours later but it feels like no time has gone by? I imagine it's like that minus any sort of dreaming and the waking up part.

I haven't explained my views to a small child. Death is a tough subject. If I had to I would probably explain that it's like going to sleep.

What do you believe what happens to us when we die? And have you ever explained that view explicitly to a small child asking about death for the first time?

Anonymous wrote:Are you actually educated about theology? I.e., do you know much about religion(s)?

I don't have a degree in theology or religious studies but I've spent and continue to spend a fair bit of time reading about religion, in particular Christianity.

Anonymous wrote:Do you get worked up over things like the word "God" on money or in the Pledge of Allegiance?

Define "worked up". Does it upset me? Yes. Am I kicking and screaming about it online or in real life? No. I don't think God has anything to do with the pledge or cash.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do you feel about politicians that let their personal religious ideology affect their public policy making?

In the US? It's terrifying. The founding fathers, in my opinion, sought to exclude the US from having an official religion and for good religion. If someone wants to make decisions in their personal life based on what God, Jesus, Allah, Mohamed, or whoever tells them to do that's their business. But it should not be a factor in public policy.

err "...and for good REASON"

Are you actually educated about theology? I.e., do you know much about religion(s)?

Do you get worked up over things like the word "God" on money or in the Pledge of Allegiance?

Anonymous wrote:How do you feel about politicians that let their personal religious ideology affect their public policy making?

In the US? It's terrifying. The founding fathers, in my opinion, sought to exclude the US from having an official religion and for good religion. If someone wants to make decisions in their personal life based on what God, Jesus, Allah, Mohamed, or whoever tells them to do that's their business. But it should not be a factor in public policy.

How do you feel about politicians that let their personal religious ideology affect their public policy making?

Hopefully this can encourage a respectful dialogue.