Question:
One should respond to what is written not from narrow mindedness

Ray Hooks writes: << Let's give our prayers and thanks to the Almighty, and let the reader which Almighty it is.>> Anonymous writes: >> "In response to posting that religion be left off site." "I was sickened to read this morning that people are suggesting that religious beliefs be left off this site. >> This appears to be rage before careful reading. Anonymous writes:>> What gave you the right to dictate who says what on here? Religious people have just as much right to express their faith as non-religious people have in expressing their beliefs. >> I didn't read Where Ray said he wasn't religious. Anonymous writes>> If you are the kind of person who is easily offended by christian, jewist, atheist, satanist, etc. views than maybe its time for you to start your own site exclusively for people of your beliefs. I think people should be welcomed to express themselves on here, regardless of their relgion. Ray Expressed himself, is he not allowed his opinion? Anonymous Writes:>> To deny people the comforts of using words like "pray" or "God" would be like catering to atheists at the expense of religious people.">> Wait, I'm atheist, am I not allowed to express my opinion. I'm confused. Are we atheists in or are we out? Mary Skinner [email protected]    — mary S. (posted on December 26, 1999)

December 26, 1999
"Let's give our prayers and thanks to the Almighty, and let the reader which Almighty it is."(excerpt from Ray's original comments) Ray should be allowed to speak his mind as well as any of us. That was never the problem, as I saw it. The problem was his directive for all of us. It is not his place to tell any of us what we may say on here at all. This site is meant for help, support, friendship, etc. If a posting does not help you, support your position, or make you more knowledgeable about these surgeries, then it is not meant for you. But Ray will not dictate what is allowed on here. And as for whoever said that "who said Ray was not religious", they did not say if he was or was not, they never even referred to his stance on religion except where he said we could no longer speak freely as guaranteed by our own Constitution. They just tried to make the point that we have that right as well as any other person in this country. The same goes for atheist such as yourself, you should be able to speak freely as well. Don't refer to God as often as you like, but understand by the same token us Believers can refer to Him as often as we choose.
   — Susan F.

December 26, 1999
Why are we bringing to this site such nonsense? When you register and you don't want prayers for you, just state that you are not interested in having prayers invoked for you, and that should be it. If other want them, and post words of religious nature, if you don't agree with these words, just don't read that particular post. Why does it have to be made so complex? Seems simple to me!
   — Sandy C.

December 26, 1999
I would like to see this site dedicated back to wls. When did the choice to have or not have wls become religious? I for one would like to read and receive answers to questions on what this site was intended. I am sure there are places where these religious arguments can be handled other here. Thanks for your understanding...
   — karen C.

December 26, 1999
To the Christians reading this....WOW don't you see the hay day Satan is having with this thread right here after the celebration of Jesus' birthday. I would suggest we continue to pray for each other and share the good news in the ways we've been doing it. We are commanded to "go into all the world and preach the gospel". I"m not saying shove down throats but we are to share Christs love. And I believe when I"m in the chat room and I genuinely mean I'll pray for someone or I say that if it weren't for God I couldn't have gone through with this etc. I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. Just my .02 cents worth. Denise
   — Denise S.

December 27, 1999
First of all, we should all grow up. This site is here for one purpose. That is to SUPPORT each other in the endeavor of losing weight through surgery or any other means that someone must exercise to be come healthy. This crap about who said what about what religion must END. We DO still live in America where there is freedom of SPEECH and I might add FREEDOM OF RELIGION. We must learn to respect each other and their own personal feelings and GET BACK TO THE ISSUES AT HAND!!! If you don't like what someone else has written, that's fine... just remember, they may not like what you write either. IGNORE it. Remember the real reason why we are here and stop polluting this site with bickering!!!
   — Mary B.