As a moderator, I assure you that I haven't removed anyone's post and would/could not........rather, do act as eyes on the forums for any material posted that is offensive or malicious oriented and would pass that information on. I have in the past reported suspicious posts however.

Debating politics and religion are similar in some respects given convictions and passion, yet different. With politics, many feel "loyal & biased" to their party, and facts & interpretations of facts are where arguments/debate reside giving politics an easier platform for debate. Religion on the other hand, is based on faith and which/whose philosophy one believes. Are not Christians professing "progressive Judaism?" We believe Jesus Christ was the Messiah, Jews are still waiting for Him. Other religions have their prophets as well, but one central belief with "most" all religions is that their is a higher afterlife or higher plane of spiritualism. This seems to have been an innate instinct from all corners of the ancient world as far back as any history can deduce.

Isn't the real foundation of what Christ was teaching is love/honesty/humility? Yet in the name of religion, how many have died in religious wars or have lived their lives hating their fellow man? It will not change, just as political differences will not change due to predictable human behavior that is created by bias, culture, & environment. Utopia could only be possible if ALL were honest, compassionate, & considerate--its not in our DNA, we are competitive by nature and will protect our families if required at almost any cost.

Its great that we all have different personalities and even political opinions, how boring the world would be if we all were clones in our thinking. I avoid religious/political discussions as a rule, any have always chosen not to wear my religious and political views "on my sleeve," for a couple of reasons: One, my Father had a strong influence on me and advised me to always think twice before ever speaking in a accusatory or opinionated manner, two, many issues are really not black or white and may have several shades of gray which perhaps can allow arbitration on ambiguous differences. There is also Three, I know that the gospels in which I was brought up Methodist, advocate witnessing Christianity, however, I do not feel that I should persuade you how to choose/live your life in a spiritual way--you are your own person, and that is your decision. There will be those that say, "you are then not a true Christian," and I would just reply, "our actions in life" IMO will supersede who/what we say we are in the end........maybe, maybe not.

Happy Easter all, pray for the world--tough times here in the USA and scary times for the world.

All I really wanted to say, is that I didn't remove anything Chester!