Actually, Tom, I was attempting to copy & paste the last comment you made, about the notion that we're all actors. Yeah, it's true. I believe it's all scripted, as well. But if you hurt another, you're going to come back and be hurt (karma) so that you find out what it's like, and thereby learn compassion. There's a ladder back to Source. If one chooses to play a villain, one will not advance up the ladder until the karmic debt is paid and the lesson learned. Well, that's my take. Actually, it's what I've gleaned from various metaphysical teachings. - Marilyn

: Since I'm speaking of beliefs, why not believe that life is an
: adventure, a stage play, a movie, an entertaining
: (sometimes not so entertaining) reality show and we are all
: actors.

: After the show (after you finish playing YOUR CHARACTER) you
: sit with the cast and say things like, "Wow! George,
: you played the devil AWESOME!"

: BECAUSE of what people BELIEVE there are over a thousand
: religious philosophies/theologies, most claiming to be the

: ONLY TRUE ONE.

: My take is, those are philosophical / theological GAME PIECES,
: like being born black, brown, yellow, in Russia, and
: somewhere in time and space next to a hillbilly bar in the
: outback.

: EVERYTHING HERE makes life interesting, and certainly there is
: no lack of adventure, excitement, challenge and "Holy
: Shit, Martha, that's the second time you won the
: lottery."

: If you're gonna have a belief, and if you're gonna believe in
: a spirit world before this world and one after this world,
: just think of the before and after life as a travel agency
: for your next adventure. Works for me. nem.