With the exceptions of some fine buildings and inspirational songs that have appeared here over the years,, I'm not a fan of man-made religions.  I realised long ago, with the Crown Versus Church struggle, that it is

essentially about control.  And the sight of those gorgeous robes and the rest of the paraphernalia on show

merely enforces my cynicism and finds me reverting to my school day "religious instruction" (those words

give the game away) and the image of a Christ who would certainly NOT have presumed to affect such presumptious posturing finery himself.  What rank does the Son of God - let alone the son of a carpenter - aspire to?

And an even more telling point:  I cannot recall any time when established religion of whatever proclaimed

faith has ever put the word "love" at the sharp end of its teachings.  Oh yes, there is plenty of pious stuff

about forgiving our trespasses (with religion deciding what is acceptable!),  but WHERE is the bit about love - when Christ himself is supposed to exhorted us all to "love one another"?.

Until that word features prominently in the daily teachings and the examples set by man-made religions, I

shall continue to restrict my interest to the buildings and a few good songs.  As for  those without good

songs, they haven't a hope in hell of persuading me of the existence of their good humour OR their interest in my personal well-being.

I am not an "unbeliever" in an afterlife as such.  I sense there is more to existence than we can know.  My reassurance takes a simple form.

Can you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel a television signal.  No.  BUT if you possess the right

equipment and you're on the same wavelength,  there it is and you get the picture!  I see life beyond this mortal flesh in that sense and it comforts me.

Here endeth the lesson!