Twas the day after Christ-mass, and all through the land the other meaning of the holyday became evident: Boxing Day sales . . .

While we may lament the commercialization of Xmas, there’s no doubt the shopping experience is “real” (providing we don’t get metaphysical about the word “real”), even if the bargains don’t meet our expectations. At least we emerge from the shops with something in our hands, even though our method of payment is based on some abstract system of numbers on paper (but I digress).

But many of the promises (read: carrots) made by religions leave us holding nothing, except for words on paper.

Words of hope, for some.

Empty words, for others.

While yesterday, on Christmas, so many people were full of hope, I wonder how many feel let down today.

And how many feel let down by religious organizations in general? Churches make promises and take our money, but no gods appear to confirm anything . . .

You would think that if there are gods who are looking out for mankind, they would appear regularly. Imagine the difference Jesus could make if he appeared to the leader of ISIS and to Vladimir Putin and showed them the errors of their ways.

Why hath the gods forsaken us?

OK, that is something of a rhetorical question. Personally, I don’t believe in such gods, though I do hold spiritual beliefs. But many people do believe in the Church’s gods, and surely they must feel forsaken at times.

Yes?

— Jillian