One thing so far I'm loving so much about this site is how receptive and welcoming it is to everybody. I started early this morning and have had nothing but positive things on here since.

That actually leads me to a story. My (gay) best friend and I lived "in the Bible Belt" (which is why the gay part is even mentioned). Where we lived, at the time, discrimination because of sexual preferences was still acceptable. He had actually just been fired, and his landlord was considering kicking him out. Not us, not his heterosexual female roommates, just him. Anyway. So to continue on.

It's Easter, and we're both struggling with loneliness. So he says, "I'd like to go to church." I'm shocked. He says "I heard about a universalist church, come on let's go"

Long story short, everybody from all walks of life were welcomed, accepted, and acknowledged. There were "teachers" from all the major religions. The more Wiccan woman's turn came up, and what she said stuck with me.

"The Bible. It's a fantastic book queue confused looks between guests. It is a moral gold mine. No not the other things that automatically come to your mind when this is said. More the, Aesop's Fables aspect of it. Let's look at Easter. If you read the book as a more abstract guide, it shows you to appreciate new beginnings. The rebirth of Christ can be a symbol of, the blooming of flowers, the awakening of hibernating animals. This of course isn't verbatim and was many years ago so I've forgotten a lot The Bible, no matter what your religion, can be a very interesting guide. It can be full of intense stories with morals to be learned."

And it just hit me, strongly. Because every person in that room was filled with love, motivation, and acceptance. Christians, pagans, atheists alike enjoyed each other's company, and sought the day anew. We enjoyed a nice meal together.

So... I guess even though I feel the Bible is bullshit, it's the ideal "Dr Phil's How to Have a Little Extra Guidance in your Life" book.