George,

While Paul Gaston makes his points well and true, it must be added that gods exist only inside the head, the place where voices can be heard saying all manner of things. We condemn those who do evil deeds suggested by their voices, but we're not yet up to admitting that the voice, no matter what it says, is imagined.

Until we can accept that and deal with it, religion will forever breed warriers proud to die for their own or their leaders' inner voices.

Rey Barry (electronic mail, December 6, 2001).