As a born again religious skeptic, one who has shrugged off a catholic upbringing, I have to ponder why others are not doing the same.

Why is it people do not realize that not only are they acting like sheep - but they are being treated as sheep too! Even the bible chuckles with hints - "be a shepherd of men" Hint - this is implying the followers are sheep!

From a young age, people are indoctrinated into this particular religion - which is a fancy way of saying they are brainwashed.

Speaking of brainwashing - here is another clue from the church for you - baptism of infants. Pouring water on the head. Can't be much more symbolic than that - can it?

Who needs an army to back up your dictates, when you can simply say "do this or you will go to hell and burn for all eternity" - and your listeners cower in fear - since they have been taught this behaviour since birth.

And finally, my biggest rant of all, if this religion is so darned wonderful, best thing since sliced bread, then WHY don't they (the culture) simply allow the children to make up their own minds at age 18 whether they want to pursue this as a religion or not?

Why do the parents not present their children with choices of the equally "valid" religions and allow the child to choose for his or her self?

Having a religion forced on you at birth is no different than having pre-arranged marriages.
Of course some pre-arranged marriages might be fine and dandy, but I'd be willing to bet that deep down, given a choice to pick your own direction in life, most people would excercise it.
And it wouldn't be up the ol' sheep ramp Baaaaah!

The problem with American Society, can be summarized in two simple words, words that are uttered by the smallest child and the most arrogant grownup.
These two words explain the person who insists on cutting everyone else off in a line of traffic, or charges ahead during christmas shopping season to grab the sole remaining "must buy" item of that year.
The next time someone cuts you off in traffic and charges ahead, only to have you catch up at the next traffic like, take pity on them, for the only two words they understand are:

Me First

In two weeks, it will be Labour Day, which means it is time for BayCrafters in Bay Village Ohio, which we have been going to for over 16 years now.
Gotta few pictures from there also.

If you have never been to a RenFaire, they are a lot of fun, especially if you go in garb.