Frechy,
I'm sorry for taking so long to respond. This site is a little confusing at times and I actually lost track of where I was participating.. Anyway, I find that diversity in all aspects of humanity is something to enjoy rather than eschew. Very much like your comments on "viva la differance". I have two sons who are married to wonderful young women, one from India the other from Pakistan. They come from Sihk and Islamic backgrounds and cultures that are so different than what this American would have ever hoped to rub shoulders with. They bring a whole new perspective on life, add emensly to our family and of course are smashingly beautiful. Both have multiple degrees and are very socially conscious wanting to do for their poverty stricken countries all they can to elevate the lives of the down trodden and poor.
I very much enjoy the intellectual stimulation of people from all walks of life and like you, enjoy having my notions about God, religion and reality challenged and tested. As a life-long learner, I enjoy exchanging ideas and perspectives with people from all cultures and groups. As a young JW I was made to fear the evil "outside" world but have found that it is quite the contrary. It seems to me that many here are discovering that the picture the Society paints about the world is as misguided as is some of their other conceptual schemes.
carmel