...and don't, for one microsecond, even think about being anything other than what you are, too.

I am a UU, and I choose to live by example. I believe that the adherents of all belief systems are called upon to keep the truth of their respective beliefs.

I don't feel the least bit threatened by other religious viewpoints, so if anyone has a problem with what I believe, that's their problem. I'm not about to make it mine.

If your MIL shows a genuine interest in your spiritual live, then share- fearlessly and respectfully.

A humorist (who's name escapes me) was once heard to remark,

"People who want to share their religious beliefs with you are usually not interested in you sharing your beliefs with them."

All that being said, follow Cary's advice and do something together that's fun, and not likely to spark a discussion about your respective faith paths.

Good luck!

Ann Archy- ah. clever.

I bet YOU'RE the one who has been painting those red, circumscribed capital A's on the dumpsters in back of the laundromat!

...why do gays doggedly pursue the right to marry when the religious books (particularly the bible) that promote marriage as a family and community institution are so critical of the practice of homosexuality? Why are civil unions not enough for them? What is it that they are trying to accomplish? If it is complete acceptance from a moral standpoint then nothing short of rewriting the bible will accomplish that.

---

Um... maybe they want the right as two consenting adults to enter in a universally-recognized legal contract, the same as hets do?

Religious books should not factor into this discussion. This is about a civil contract of marriage, not a religious covenant. Churches are, should be, and will forever, be granted the freedom to marry whomever they please.

It's a different matter if one wants to go to the County Courthouse and be married by a Justice of the Peace. (Or perhaps a UU Minister) Are you capable of understanding the difference?

In short, if you were the slightest bit interested, you could find reams of information about what it is exactly those pesky Same-Sex Marriage advocates want, and what would be, in your words, "enough for them."

The problem isn't with the Bible. Plenty of religious people do not find the idea of SSM and Holy Scripture to be at all incompatible. Anyone who does, on the other hand, will still retain the right to marry someone of the opposite sex.

The so-called religious opponents (most notably the LDS) brazenly lied through their teeth about what Prop 8 really means. If they had told the truth, it would have passed.

I have some distant Sunday School memories of what happens to people when they lie. If there is a hell, it's fires wait for them, not the committed Gay and Lesbian couples who simply want to be legally married and be left the fuck alone.

Does that mean I am of above-average intelligence?

...for them becoming decent human beings.

I'm glad that you've thought about it, and I'm glad your answer is no.

I mean that in all sincerity. I have read enough of your posts to know that you possess a fine intellect, and have an impressive knowledge of law and public policy.

I would like to see you contribute those skills and attributes to the effort of creating a NEW GOP- one that is responsible, well-educated and reasoned, intellectually honest, and fair-minded and compentent in their governance.

Now that being said, it genuinely puzzles me that you could be such an enthusiastic supporter of Gov. Palin. The only reason I can think of is that she can rally the base. What saddens me is that the base she appeals to represents, in my opinion, the worst of America, not the best.

I am as much as a lifelong Liberal Democrat as you are a Republican, but that doesn't mean I would like the Dems to be the only sheriff in town. I think a NEW GOP would be very healthy for this country, and I think you could make a very positive contribution if you stick to sound ideas and shun the politics of division.

By the way- there is always a tendency to tar everyone of the opposite political stripe with the same broad brush. The targets of my excoriations are usually dishonest and bereft of ideas, intellect and civility, regardless of party affiliation. Unfortunately, such commenters here overwhelmingly shill for the GOP. Even you do that sometimes. I hope you give that up. You are a way too smart for that, and your message will go much further if you let up on the snarky smugness.