masses. :) Philosophical discussions about the nature of life, what happens when we die, the vastness of time and the universe are normal and fascinating. But I certainly don't believe a God dispensing universal justice or even a watchmaker who simply is, as in Deist thought. I can't abide the belief that anything is part of God's will or God's plan. If that's true then he sure is an asshole sometimes. I always think of the Job story where God and the Devil fuck with the poor guy over essentially a bet (for one dollar?). This is just arbitrary Greek mythology sort of stuff. I just eliminate the middle man. Sometimes bad things happen and there is no justice other than what we make for ourselves.

However, no, I don't think that becoming more religious, relying on some "divine" book or a blow-dried preacher's interpretation of said book that was actually written by mortals, will lessen divisions. Instead, I believe some of the prime violators of our division are fundamentalists and Evangelicals who seek to establish religion in our politics, to force their moral and structural beliefs on others. That separation of religion is one of the great foundations of our republican experiment for which Jefferson was a prime mover. You believe what you want. But don't expect me to accept Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, etc. (the closest belief system I would come to is probably Buddhism) or be afraid to tell you over a beer that I think differently and expect push back if it is forced upon me. Also, unlike Nancy, don't expect me to pray for you. I don't think it does any good. :)