I too am a bit set in my ways, but I've never tried to force my views on anyone, or imply that other views are invalid. I've always been very interested in other religions. I mean one can't discuss or debate what they don't know. So I think it's important to be knowledged. As for the whole birthing thing, I heard on Entertainment Tonight that silent birthing is the perfered method, but that it is something that is dealt with between the parents and the doctors. In other words, they wouldn't want a child's life claimed just so silent birthing can take place.

No painkillers??? Can I just say, from experience, that childbirth HURTS LIKE HELL???????

In other words, they wouldn't want a child's life claimed just so silent birthing can take place. That's good to hear. I, too, have my own set of beliefs, but I think it's okay to learn about what kinds of other religions are out there. I actually have never heard of Scientology until now....it's definately not my thing, but like someone said..to each his own.

I do not understand Jehovah's Witnesses at all....Ben likes a girl at school who is one and wanted her to come to his birthday party, but they're not allowed...which just seems like a sad thing to me. But I just met the girl's mom today and we talked a long time (not about religion though) and she's really nice, I liked her a lot. I guess the trick is just to be tolerant of people's beliefs and we can all get along...and not to discuss religion, although I would like to ask her about the birthday thing.

yeah i don't get it at all either, i just know they don't celebrate anything, no birthdays or anything like that. Not even christmas, cause they don't believe jesus is the son of godor something on that line. My use to have a friend who was on, when we lived back in vermont they use to come by the house, we were nice and let them talk but when i moved here to manchester we had this same group. i got soooo sick of them coming trying to convince me that my beliefs aren't right. i'm a set christians, don't come to my house telling me what to do. That's when my mom's said to those people, we respect your beliefs but understand that your wasting your time in convinceing us in another way.

i don't have much to add here beyond what i've said but feel compelled to comment and say how i really like the fact that we can all have a mature discussion of a somewhat sensitive nature and be so respectful and kind.

Thanks, Alisha, I always try to make sure my kids hear me being respectful, since they go to school with a few JW kids, so I'm careful about that. Just seems a shame that when a kid brings cupcakes to school to celebrate their birthday, they can't even eat one.

It really bothers me when a group such as the JW can have so much common ground with other Christian religions yet only focus on what sets them apart and thus making them right and everyone else wrong. That's my issue with them. We too have a set group that come by, especially at my father-in-laws place. Being we are from a small community we see them around town a lot too. They are the nicest people you'll meet, but yet so stuborn and, in a way, disrespectful. But it's not just them, my parents used to be envolved with a baptist church that went door to door. That wasn't my thing either. You can't force people into faith. I always felt it was best to show by example and how you live your life.

So, uh, Tom and Katie? haha

so what is toms kid count after this one?

3 total, he has two adopted kids with Nicole.

I thought the kids with nicole were theirs....weird.. :?