Zeitgeist Addendum...

[ClodMaxx]

Originally Posted by TexasSP

I want to note that I am always very suspect of anyone who claims to have "found" God. I find this interesting because it really makes it seem like God is hiding somewhere waiting to be found when in fact he is everywhere. Yes former drug addicts can claim religious experiences and I have no doubt many do but this may or may not have anything to do with them actually talking with God.

why?

what makes it ok for you to have found God at a young age (or whenever you did) and it be 'suspect' when someone hits rock bottom and finally accepts needing help much bigger than any person? or the average atheist/unbeliever who has some life-changing event and suddenly comes to terms with the fact that there must have been some kind of divine intervention? millions of situations like this happen daily! who are we to decide who really believes and who doesn't? doesn't the fact that them making the decision to end the destructive cycle they're in count for something?

we also have to keep in mind that all things are good in moderation - that regardless of whether you are christian or not, that all spiritual beings should have an open mind, and open heart. they should eliminate 'categorization' and suspicion in anyone. it's the zealots we should all be careful of. so, so many fervent religious people i've met in my lifetime - and it has been a LOT - have been so incredibly close-minded. which in turn usually makes them scared and paranoid, and then angry if buttons are pushed in the right manner. we need not forget that the bloodiest of wars hundreds of years ago were formed on the basis of 'christianity and my way of thinking is the ONLY way.'

sorry, TexasSP...none of this is addressed specifically at you - just at that point you made.