I must confess I haven't been following this dialogue "religiously" over the past year, but these last two exchanges captured my interest because neither commentator really addressed the opposing view. This, in my opinion, is the perennial problem in religious discussions. We seem to skirt around the issues and cover our opinions with flowery (Hopkins - can't get much more flowery than him!) language that doesn't "answer" the core desire or motivation for soul-searching.

While I personally don't presume to have all "the answers," I do feel that explaining viewpoints more specifically would add to the dialogue. Come right out and say, Mildenhall, "Nature is my God"--and Lueking, "God is all about nature, freedom and caring." Get down to the specifics of your beliefs instead of hauling the outfits in or out of the closet or hiding behind poetry. Quote scripture, for "heaven's sake"!

Throw away the outfit in the closet. Be open to the "new" take on religious spirituality that encompasses nature, breathing (freedom), social consciousness and community.

Let's get down to brass tacks.

Thanks for getting me started.

Mary Hunsberger
Oak Park