OWK, I have generally found your posts to be thoughtful and reasonable. But in this thread I must ask you two questions:
Your Christian friends: would they agree with the Biblical notion that "Our enemies are demons. Fallen angels. Evil spirits."?
And--
As you demonstrate your "respect" for their faith, do you use the word "boogerman"?
Just wondering...
What IP address would a demon, fallen angel or evil spirit post from? Would they have their own ISP in hell, or would they hack in through Steven King's connection?
My Christian friends can speak for themselves regarding their beliefs. I happen to respect the philosophical constructs which serve as the foundation of the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. I also respect those who value those teachings, and seek to make them an important part of their lives.
I do not however, share that opinion. I happen to believe that demons, devils, spooks, goblins, and other assorted personified manifestations of evil, are all simply imaginary boogermen invented by shamans through the ages to scare their respective congregations into obedience.
I am fairly certain that my Christian friends are aware of my opinion on this issue. They certainly are entitled to question my beliefs, and in fact often do.