[Charles Martel]

One does not have to be a belleving Jew or Christian to be culturally Judeo-Christian and conservative.

True enough. As the saying goes, atheism and fundamentalism are the two sides of the metaphysical coin.

Did you come by your beliefs through philosophical studies? If so, what is your reaction to Pascal's Wager?

Just curious (and since this is more interesting than discussing Steve the former Dell pitch-mope)... :-)

[A_perfect_lady]

I think Pascal's Wager is a false choice. What do you have to lose? The freedom to think! The ownership of your mind! An entire life lived in accordance with logic, no censor sitting in the back of your brain saying "if you doubt, you will be punished, if you question certain givens, you will be punished." You have EVERYTHING to lose. You have your awareness, you risk being turned into your own secret police.... oh, geez, I could go on and on. But right now I'm going jogging. Back later!