Hi Pepe, as usual, I appreciate your thoughts. I’m always interested in hearing about other people’s views on theology and their takes on how their religious backgrounds did (or did not) shape their perspectives and experiences. It sounds like you and I have taken different things from our respective religious upbringings and the surrounding cultural milieu in our respective environments — and I respect that. Regarding the disconnect between how I see my own having influenced me, versus your interpretations of the scriptures and of their historical impact, I’m happy to agree to disagree. Thank you as always for being so articulate and thoughtful… and also for the TheTorah.com articles you shared! I will definitely have a look at those soon. :)