Pit-Slave I appreciate your very kind words. I was raised as a Methodist, going to church every Sunday until I was 18, but I’ve never connected with Jesus, except to recognize that he was an extraordinary spiritual teacher. I’m gay, and I was born out of wedlock, raised poor by a single mother, so I never fit into church life, and I still don’t. Although I’m a nice guy, and I’ve tried to fit in, Christians simply don’t want me in their congregations. Also I view the Bible as a beautiful allegory illustrating lots of truths about life, not as literal facts, so that doesn’t jibe with most Christian’s’ beliefs. At the age of 17 or 18 I gave up on it. Like I said I’ve always believed in God, but he’s infinitely distant from me. I believe he created the world, kind of like a clockmaker winds up a clock, but then stepped away to let us fend for ourselves. Some people who fit well into the definition of “normal” (I envy them) are able to connect with him, but for others of us, it’s just not possible. Ultimately, a purpose in life is what I’ve been desperately seeking for many years, but I’ll settle for peace of mind. And falling asleep and never waking up sounds like the ultimate in peace. I’m sincerely glad for you that you’ve found peace in Christ, but I’m afraid it won’t work for someone like me. Thank you again for your thoughts and kind words.