Just kind of jumping in here a bit, hope you don't mind. There is a lot of religion bashing going on, and as conservatives we would do well to respect that others have the right to worship and belief as they see fit, even if we have a different path. Even Thomas Jefferson felt that every member of every religion deserved the freedom to worship and belief.
If you learned more about Hinduism, you might be surprised to find that the most basic beliefs are not any different from what Jesus Christ taught. Having studied both the Bible and the Vedic scriptures, it is clear that love for God and love for others is the essence of both.
This is what Thomas Jefferson had to say about religious freedom and respect for other religions:
"Reading, reflection and time have convinced me that the interests
of society require the observation of those moral precepts ... in
which all religions agree."
"...an amendment was proposed, by inserting the words "Jesus Christ," so that it should read, "a departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion"; the insertion was rejected by a great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and the Mahometan, the Hindoo, and Infidel of every denomination."
--Thomas Jefferson
The second quote is in connection with the Virginia constitution, if I'm not mistaken. So it's very clear that Jefferson respected all religions, and considered freedom of religion the foundation of our country.
I ask that you please go back in and read my e-mail that started this thread. Your help is needed.
Thank you!
Ms. Casey's daughter