Originally Posted by Catweazle

It'd be a shame if this topic devolved into a debate/dispute about people's beliefs and characters. Can't we all just respect each other for goodness sake?

Mrs. CW and myself are not religious in the sense of believing in or following any organised faith whatsoever. We don't deny the existence of the 'spiritual realm', but nor do we follow any established belief system. We live with and are content with an Earthly life, in wonder and awe of the great mysteries, but not feeling that we need to 'know' them or that it would even be possible for us to do so.


In reading through the topic I've been a tad uncomfortable seeing suggestions which go toward intimating that 'God' must be responsible for our long life together. Not true. Our sense of commitment and determination toward promises made are responsible for that, and our determination to work through the hard times rather than run from them.

Similarly, I feel uncomfortable seeing people who rely on or take joy from a particular faith maligned for their motivations and/or character. Good cheer to them. Whatever it takes. Whichever way you approach it. People are different. Let's applaud the destination arrived at, not argue the path taken to get there, eh?