The Jew made sense.

[HairOfTheDog]

^ I was searching for a vehicle in which to insert 'fuzzy bunnies' and found it.

Back to the question: "who are those folks that search for the Emerald City?"

I think they know who they are.

Anytime I name names around here it goes over like a fart in church (another great line I've been waiting to use). Remember when I used Shawshank's "why are you so obtuse?" last year?

HotD, I don't enjoy debating as much as you. You are very well prepared, and are very good at citing facts and figures to support your stances.

This is strictly ideology for me. We see things differently, and that's just fine.

I don't know if I enjoy debating any more than you or most others. But, for me, discussion and debate sure beats the hell outta "this is the way it is...because this is the way it was... and I don't wanna consider any truths, facts, or alternate viewpoints that require me to venture outta my cast-in-stone internal comfort zone...I know where I stand, period".

I do agree with you that members of the community having different viewpoints on the same topics is fine (healthy, even). So, it's ironic to me that you characterize people in favor of peace on earth, where possible (with no reward other than minimizing pain and unnatural death to other human beings) as fantastical seekers of a fictional Emerald City.

I find it ironic because you, MS, are one who asks for guidance from a supreme entity, one you cannot see, to help you conduct yourself on this earth in a manner which will ensure your place in Heaven after you die. Heaven - described in Revelations as a place where the walls will be made of pure diamond and the city of pure gold. A place where the foundation will be filled with precious stones. A place where God dwells and the light from His glory will shine through the stones producing a brilliant rainbow of colors.

People seeking an Emerald City on earth vs. people seeking a Precious Diamond-Walled Golden City in the afterlife? I don't see where the latter is less fantastical and hopeful than the former, myself. Anyway, the Bible doesn't say anything about fuzzy bunnies, as far as I know, but heaven sounds like a very liberal place and I bet the angels will let you hold on to yours, MS.