that he won't look foolish.

I think maybe "condescending" doesn't mean what you think it means. I don't believe what I said in the subject, nor do I feel I have the right to state it - I only included it to make the point. It may not bother you, but it certainly isn't me showing respect for your right to a different opinion.

There are plenty of things I don't know, and I am sure that I am often wrong. I don't care if someone disagrees with me. I don't even care that you disagree with me on this topic. You think I'm wrong, and while I obviously disagree, I don't find it remotely offensive or condescending.

The problem is, you're (deliberately?) misunderstanding me. I don't care about being told I'm wrong - I care that someone would feel they have the right to cover my spiritual bases. It's not about a simple belief, it's about the actions taken. If you feel it's about love, fine, we'll agree to disagree. I think it's about you, more than about the deceased.

And thanks for the nice, zingy quote. I am not at all ashamed of my position on this, and you can't try to make me feel bad with an empty quote. You're free to disagree, but my last word on this is that it is not nice to treat someone as if his or her life choices need a Plan B. It's highly disrespectful. *shrugs*