“What do you believe is the meaning to mankind’s life then?” Christy earnestly asked with eyes so beckoning an answer, one just had to respond. “I am not sure there is meaning apart from attempting to live an honorable life, and treating others as good as you think they deserve. Ten thousand years from now, I doubt that England will be remembered let alone the First Consulting Detective, yours truly. What do you say, Watson?” I attempted to divert the attention, to share the answer with another. “You are correct Holmes that of the millions and millions of fellow mankind that have lived and died, only a minute handful are remembered. But I do not think this life is the total sum of our existence you know. As I doctor I see the miracle of life and the tragedy of death constantly. Most who face death on a deathbed experience are terrified that they are going to something different that is beyond what they can endure, ceasing to exist, having contributed nothing to their fellow man that will last beyond their mortal existence. Most feel their will be a reckoning in the next, and are not sure they measure up. “Only a handful seems to be ready to meet their maker, not fearing a judgment, although I am not sure I myself could face such a court without trepidation. My lovely Christy, I know from her own words is one that does not fear death, she seem to be assured that she will be alright in the hereafter.” “John knows I have Jesus as my Lord,” Christy modestly commented. “I don’t have to account for my poor life showing, He died that I might live eternally with Him.” “My goodness,” I asked in a humorous inquiry, “you are a Christian, Christy?” “Goodness, really is besides the point,” Christy returned, “the Bible tells us that salvation is by grace, that no one can earn it. It is a gift that must be accepted; it cannot be earned. “Have you not read the Bible Mr. Holmes?” “Watson, have you been attending church regularly?” Uncomfortable with this line of questioning, I attempted once again to divert the attention from my own condition. “Matter of fact I have been going with Christy quite regularly. It is not so bad, the singing quite inspires one, don’t you know.” Watson defended himself. “And have you succumbed to the preacher’s call to salvation?” I good-naturedly jabbed. “Holmes, you are now cajoling me to something I have yet to submit to. I know there is a Spiritual existence beyond our mortal comprehension. I know there is good and I know there is evil in life. Overall, I have tried to live an honorable and good life. I have not yet determined what it all means, or what path I must take to meet my creator. Christy and I have had many conversations, but she has not nagged me nor harassed me into a decision I am not ready to make.” “John must make up his own mind, Mr. Holmes, I cannot force him into Heaven.” Christy gently intoned. “But, you are avoiding my question, Mr. Holmes,” she returned the attention to me, “Have you not read the Bible? Who do you think God is?” I countered, “Yes I have read the Bible, many times, from cover to cover. I must admit without the cultural background of a Jew I am lost to comprehend most of what is being told. It seems to be a history of a rather immoral, rowdy group of corrupt persons and tribes forever fighting and whoring amongst themselves while claiming to follow the Laws of a most unforgiving God. He drives them to kill multitudes and allows multitudes of them to be slaughtered when they disobey his commands. His method of salvation by having his own son, so it is claimed, killed is quite remarkable. The church that grew from that experience is unique in history, it is quite remarkable such a movement started, let alone survived its formation around a slain leader, who barely led a small handful of men for 3 years. ” “Do you believe there is a God, Mr. Holmes?” she persisted. “Let me elucidate upon what I see as reality, Christy,’ I replied in a stiff, pedantic tone,” You can peg me as a humanist Deist. I cannot detect God’s hand in human affairs. Both sides in national conflicts tend to claim God is on their side, even as they slaughter their so-called Christian brothers. I have seen Christian and pagan un-mercifully struck down with the same debilitating disease. I am a man of action; I do not see a need for God in my life nor comprehend a personal God who would listen to my prayers. I believe reason should rule the world, but I know only too well that passions, greed and cruelty rule most human behavior. I believe that rewards should go to the best, but I understand that standing-and-inheritance have its choice prerogatives. “ I guess I just have a high minded attitude in a corrupt world. I see the wonder of God’s work; who cannot look at the intricacies of nature and the limitless heavens not to be cognizant of a creator. But, I see too many clergy in England consider their office not a calling but a profession, like the good doctor or a dentist, but for the mind not body of mankind. King Henry created his Anglican church, a politicized action for a selfish treasure on earth, not any heavenly reward. England fell into his church, not because it was better than the Catholic version, but because of self interested survival. If there is no Truth to God in man’s affairs, any ‘True Church’ is equivalent to another. Spiritual matters are not a scientific proposal that can be investigated, experimented with and determined with certainty; therefore it remains in doubt. The masses cannot comprehend your God, so the unscrupulous or desperately misguided hopeful teach foolishness that fearful, guilty men grasp after.”