I guess my philosophy is still, live and let live as long as it doesn't hurt someone else. I do NOT like to be told that I HAVE to believe one way or the other. I agree that organizations such as the ACLU are trying to make sure that happens, but in doing so have infringed on the rights of others, like people enjoying the sight of the kresh on a church lawn that they can no longer so because the ACLU has stepped in and said no. Please understand that I do NOT think that the ACLU is totally useless...they definitely serve a purpose, but when they basically say that I can't view something or have this that or the other on a calendar, that, in my humble opinion is infringing on MY rights (hmmm......I wonder if they would take my case?? lol) j/k.

As for Atheists, Agnostics, Pagans....whatever belief (or like I said before, or lack thereof), their views should be respected even if they don't mesh with your beliefs. One of my best friends on our faculty and the absolute best teacher on our staff is an atheist and knows that I am not, but yet we have a very close relationship because we respect the other's point of view. I, personally, would feel very lost if the blind faith of believing in an afterlife, and take great comfort in believing so, so that I don't have to feel that when a loved one dies that I will never see that person again. However, many people DO believe that there is no afterlife and that when you die you die and that's it. Will I try and change their minds? No...it's not my place, nor is it my business. I find interesting aspects of all world religions, yet feel most comfortable in my own "skin" being Catholic.