In one of his books, “Give Me Liberty”, he says “My intent is to tell the truth as I know it, realizing that what is true for me may be blasphemy for others.” Now that is actually not so profound a thought, though it is profound that he would make such a statement. He is at the same time granting everyone to believe as they will, yet challenging them to think deeply enough to be able to identify and express what it is they actually do really believe.

And he sure hit the jackpot with the quote you presented to us. Just observe what a range of responses it has stimulated, and how difficult it is for most respondents to clarify how they interpret the quote. I am most anxious to see which answer you select as best, because I am interested to learn how YOU interpret the quote. You had so many addendums to your question that it is obvious that you are either thoroughly confused or totally apologetic for even asking. Thanks for an interesting evening.

Religiously, I oppose it.

Emotionally, it kinda torks me off, it’s rather arrogant.

Physically it makes my hair stand on end, and my blood pressure go up.

Mentally, I think Gerry Spence is implying that you can’t believe in God and have an open mind, or be curious, or intelligent enough to question the world, and your own beliefs.

Horse Puckey.

Somewhere out there, Ariel and her sisters are swimming about, playing tag with the dolphins, exploring sunken ships, writing a history of great merfolk and their bravery.

Now, what if it was scientifically proven that mermaids do not exist and could never exist?

a little bit of me has died. Cold, heartless science (in this case) has dashed to bits an imaginative and fanciful notion. And to what end or purpose?

The reach of the mind is limitless and it should NOT be shut off for whatever reason.

Keep your science; I’ll keep my Ariel.

It seems to be a pretty anti-religious quote anyway… which also bothers me. People who put down religion just seem very negative and cynical.