Seems I lost track of time just a little. But here I am again now, and here is this week's article:

Hope and Nothingness

I read your article and it is very well written... I have alluded to it in another forum topic "A Question for Non Belivers"

And I attempted to answer your question there Not sure if I would have succeeded, so I'll add here that when someone believes in something no amount of proof, debate, or persuasion will change that unless that person is ready to change their beliefs; in the same way when someone doesn't believe something and has a conviction around that topic, the proof has to be solid and incontravertible to change their mind.

Jenna S - I liked your point about "making" yourself believe something. That was my childhood when I was told I would go to hell if I didn't believe, so I tried to make myself believe. It's hard work, actually, and not a lot of fun, especially for a confused child and teenager. You may understand what I mean when I say, when I finally accepted the truth I felt the most overwhelming relief and freedom, and hope and excitement for a future that didn't involve lying to and deluding myself.

Excellent topic -- very well done.

Thank you.
And, yes, I do understand the confusion of forced belief. I was lucky enough to not have it pressed on me, at least not from my mother (it was, however, a different issue with other members of my famiy). It never caught with me at all, but I have watched so many people battle with it, and, most especially, battle with the guilt they felt for following what made sense to them instead of what they thought they were supposed to believe.