Well Miss Feb, it looks as though you have touched a raw nerve or two. The subject of religion will do it most every time. Although I have almost completely opposite religious beliefs as you, I respect you for stating your case as you believe it. The others will either forgive you or they won't. True practitioners of almost any denomination will forgive you without prejudice. If they don't, what does that say about their religious beliefs? Are not true christians supposed to forgive and be forgiven? So basically if they can't forgive you they are only being hypocritical in their own beliefs. Unfortunately, most religions seem to breed and nurture hypocrisy. Those that preach the most are often the most hypocritical and furthest from reality.
Too many religious fanatics will pick and choose what part of the religion they choose to practice. This has to be the worst kind of hypocrisy there is. On one hand they preach, and on the other they rape our children. But it is ok, because they are 'christians', and christians are 'forgiven'. They will then continue to preach and condemn others because others believe differently than they do.
On larger scales they kill thousands of innocent people 'In the name of God'. Religious wars have murdered more innocent people than all other causes combined, and yet what is one of the most common phrases of most religions? 'Thou shalt not kill.'
In San Carlos last month I saw a t-shirt I liked. It read 'BAD RELIGION, NO CONTROL'.
I will go out on a limb here and defend you your beliefs. Maybe some people here will understand my point, while others will condemn me for it, thereby unwittingly proving it beyond a doubt, as will those who fail to forgive you. I'm way beyond caring what they think.
I have always very much enjoyed your posts. Your stories are refreshing, your veiwpoints sincere in your belief. When I read your post regarding 'marriage to divorced men', it sent me chuckling. I knew it would cause an uproar. Although I cannot agree with your veiw or religion, I admire your courage in posting it. I also believe it was an honest interpretation of your religion, whether the 'pick and choose' people want to admit it or not.
So if you could find the kindness and courage to come back, please do. Most that practice what they preach will not hold your beliefs against you, and will welcome you back. The others are not worth worrying about. Most everyone here has posted something they regreted at one time or another, so in that respect they are no better or different than you. To some of us, your stories and opinions are enjoyed and appreciated even if we don't always agree with them.
Just my hypocritical opinion.
Larry.
