Not so long ago, and despite the scar of original sin, religions were the unifying foundation of all of the world's spiritual diversities. Despite ritual differences, religions were similar in that they forged universal feelings of love and hope - both towards our respective representations of God and for ourselves as the embodiments of the Lord's multi-hued image.

Once goodness was aspired to, despite ingrained human imperfection. Now, there seem to be only two spheres of spiritual reference - total darkness encompassing the lost multitudes and pure light which seems to benefit only the "chosen" few who have seen and become the light. Once, original sin bade us reach above and beyond our human selves. Now, righteous is not enough. Man must be "perfectly" righteous - i.e.: righteousness must become the self and the self, righteousness. . . - if ever one is to be cleansed in the eyes of the new, improved and overpowering God.

And so it has come to pass that Man's world of God is more exclusive than inclusive. Where there was once acceptance and love, fear, intimidation and hate take their place. Once, where there were disciples of God's love and forgiveness, there are now only re-definitions and revisions of the Word which now does more to deny God than celebrate Him.