There are some foods I come close to worshiping. But I don't think that'd include tea or scones. :D

Well obviously you've not had a perfect devonshire tea then. ;)

No. I haven't. But I'm willing to try it the next time you're in Chicago. :D

Currently, I'm partial to Twinings Oolong - no sugar or milk.

I go to the American version of that church. Instead of tea and scones, we have coffee and banana bread.

I wonder if I should have put a footnote about the fact that a devonshire tea is usually something floral like earl grey, served with fluffy scones, topped with butter and strawberry jam and fresh cream?

I don't know if you can actually get a tea called devonshire.

If I ever get to chicago I'll look you up though. :)

There's an old story that's been used for a number of different religions. I heard it first about Unitarians, so we'll go with that.

A Unitarian dies. After going through the tunnel of light he comes to a signpost. There are two arrows. The left one says "To Heaven". The right one says "To a discussion about Heaven". Being Unitarian, he heads to the right.

The point being that religion, politics, relationships etc. will always be discussed. They are the big questions that everyone needs to answer for themselves. Who am I really? What am I doing here? What makes a good life and what comes after?

Different people come up with different answers. But it's always fun to talk about.

I resemble that remark! :p

But whoever came up with the 72 virgins thing, came closer to describing Hell rather than Heaven IMO. Sheesh!

Trying to see that one of God's female creatures (emotional) needs are met is more than a lifetime's work... 72 times over!! Thats not heaven in my book. Heaven is when I can sustain for a while my one womans needs being met.

It would be like trying to lick your way through a six foot thick wall of your favorite ice cream to freedom. (72 = 6') :D

I reckon a lot of people here would take the right hand fork.

Yeah, those guys are pretty concerned with the emotional needs of women and other property.:eyebrow:

Great point Griff.
No doubt my perspective in my post that I have isn't even close to those looking for 72 virgins.
I was just thinking aloud and troubled for both the men and women involved for all that they are missing. :sniff:

But then I get that way about all of the various ways humans mistreat and hurt one another. :headshake
Its so tragic... from my world view.

Riddel, what are the thoughts behind your asking?

A factor I don't think anyone has brought up is that we in the west who historically for the most part believe a person only lives once on this earth and thats it for here... when they die, they will nevermore get any opportunities in this world.

There is then an accompanying sense of urgency for us as people then to find the truth in this life.

If you had this world view and a true concern and caring for your neighbors and friends, and those around you, would you want to help them if possible to find their spiritual way if you had indeed found something special?

Love and caring hearts motivate at least some to want to talk about religion. It has been my life's experience that at least most christians I've known have had this for their motivation.

As well, many of us may want to talk about religion because we are still searching for more truth.
As much as I may think I know, I also know that others know things that I don't.

And if I have an open mind and heart I might grow further in my own understanding of truth and knowledge.
So if we place a high value on such, we want to discuss religion as well as whatever else.

Virgins female... and male
 

And if one of those seventy-two is Customer Service, or is it Customer Service Kirby -- eep. NSFW. [And this is just one of a bajillion such. Some people's turnons I just don't get. Some Rule 34 is clearly drawn on a bet, but this particular search tag is way beyond winning a bet.]