Hi Linda, The pastor of my church did a 4 part message on this very subjes in our church just last year. If you like, I will find them and send them to you. let me know ok? thanks your friend, Steven

This story brought on a radical old coot moment and, rather than make my usual contribution, I will invite anybody who would like to know what my experience of life, death and the mysteries have taught me to contact me by eMail. The only comment I will make is that, living by the Christian ethic, I do not contemplate degrees of forgiveness nor do I encourage the abandonment of personal responsibility. During my recent debilitation I have had a great deal of time to meditate on the state of humanity in a spiritual world and have decided we don't deserve the help we receive on a daily basis. Regards Arthur

Hi Art, I am sorry to hear that you don't believe you deserve the help you receive - or anything else for that matter. I believe that you DO deserve anything that you desire - and once you believe that, you can have anything. You deserve it because you are a child of God and you don't have to do anything to earn it... regardless of what has been taught you your entire life. Anyway, that's how I believe. Blessings... and respect to you for your personal beliefs as well. And remember, a belief is just that - a belief - and we can change what we choose to believe at any time.

Hi, Linda: I have read the book you mention some time ago, and found its point of view of much interest, I remember. Adding my views, I do not practice forgiveness anymore, since you can only forgive somebody who has trespassed or erred or made a mistake or did something that is BAD, while they should or could have done something else. Since I practice living with the REALITY that I ALWAYS DO THE BEST I CAN WITH THE AWARENESS I HAVE AT THE TIME - ( instead Of the FALSE CONCEPT - I DON'T DESERVE TO FEEL GOOD BECAUSE OF MY MISTAKES AND SHORTCOMINGS )- there just is nothing to forgive myself, or ANYBODY ELSE - they all do the best they can with the awareness they have at the time, too! Which of course does not mean that anyone can avoid RESPONSIBILITY for one's actions. Gratitude and love to you, Linda, Izabel

Hi, Linda, I think you and I could have some very heated exchanges as regards our spiritual beliefs - we do agree, though, that beliefs are not set in stone but subject to inteligent review. It is good, sometimes, to be different. It is even better to be able to compare and share. Thank you, Arthur