I am not sure if a certain amount of irreverence is a necessary or sufficient precursor to achieving a healthy disdain for parochial religious brainwashing.

I can attest to having that irreverence at an early age and throughout my youth that was spent in a Lutheran Orphanage.

Sunday sermons, for instance, delivered in the high church Lutheran vein were something I found particularly banal.

There were many a Sunday where I struggled to overcome the sense of ennui that was pervasive that hour each Sunday.

One past time I found to be particularly effective in helping me stay awake as the exhortations and admonishments rolled down from the pulpit was to sit with my best friend and to the left of his girlfriend.

I instinctively picked a pew that was well ahead of our house parents watchful eye and angled such that the pew ahead shielded us from the Minister's judicious gaze.

Sitting with my practiced, studious and attentive visage locked eye to eye with the Reverend, I nodding occasionally to show my rapt attention I was an accomplished multitasker.

With one hand on the pew ahead, my other hand worked it's way up past the hem of Margie's dress, ascending the nylon's hem and venturing into HER holiest of holies.

There are some who my brand me a sinner for this nefarious practice but I say nay; I say it was yet another example of the Lord moving in mysterious ways.

I was happy; Margie was ecstatic and the Minister looking down at Margie's beatific smile concluded he was a great orator.

So having made all involved happy, I ask you is it sinful to help others overcome boredom and achieve a sense of personal bliss and serenity?

I think not.

Your mileage may vary...

And Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from repetitive motion disorder is a considered risk.

Be advised.

-Joe