The Creation: Chaos Rising Read Online Free PDF Page B

continues her extra-marital endeavors with that young pup that lives across the street from her."
    "Tyree Griffin! You're not supposed to divulge confessional secrets."
    A mischievous grin appeared on his face. "I'm not. She brags about it at bingo every Thursday to Miss Hawkins when she thinks no one's listening."
    "Well you shouldn't be eavesdropping either."
    "Then she shouldn't sit so close to the podium when I'm calling out numbers. At any rate, the point I'm trying to make is that a lot of people sit their phony, smiling faces in service every Sunday, knowing full well they'll be doing the devil's work come Monday. How do you think God responds to that type of hypocrisy?"
    A thoughtful frown appeared on Nina's face. "To be honest with you, I've never given it much consideration."
    Tyree released a disgusted snort. "Most people don't. They treat salvation like it's one of those free-music web-sites where you can download everything you want without contributing to the source, and that's not how it works at all. You've got to prove your self worthy by living the life." He slapped the top of his desk for emphasis then relaxed back into his chair. "I tell you, Nina; when judgment day comes, a lot of these so-called believers are in for a rude awakening."
    Nina leveled disdainful eyes on him. "Considering my own spiritual track record, that's not exactly filling me with the warm and fuzzies, Poppa Griff."
    "I don't lump you in with those pseudo Christians, Nina. Despite your cynical views on religion, you do live your life in accordance with the Christian system of values."
    Nina's left eyebrow arched upward. "How in the world did you arrive at that conclusion?"
    "It wasn't that hard." He began counting off points with his fingers. "You're hard working, kind-hearted, humble, and you adhere to a positive, moralistic code."
    A slight flush colored Nina's face. "Jeez, Ty, you're making me sound like a choir girl."
    "No, you're definitely not that," the Minister laughed. "But you're no wild-child either.  The majority of the time you conduct yourself like a proper Christian ," he gave her a teasing wink, " lady, which is pretty commendable considering your steadfast separation from all things Holy.
    A shadow of uncertainty darkened Nina's hazel eyes. "It's not that I don't believe in God…I just find it hard to accept that he wants us to praise him through the use of arcane rituals and spiritual bullying which seems to be the basis for a lot of modern day religions; that and rending money out of people," she added with a snort.
    Tyree sighed. "Yeah, there are some pretty esoteric faiths out there. Even the Catholic Diocese, though I love it dearly, has done some things that I find questionable."
    "There, you see?" she exclaimed, waving a hand in his direction. "You're one of the most devout Catholics I know, and even you have doubts about your chosen faith."
    Tyree flashed another smile. "There's nothing wrong with having doubts, Nina. It's in our nature, and that's why the church's role is so important. It provides the rules and standards that allow us to structure our lives in accordance with God's Divine Plan."
    Nina glared at him through skeptical eyes. "That's what you believe. Personally I think religion is just another way for the government to control the masses."
    Tyree's smile deepened. "That's the beauty of living in a free society. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. Even someone as spiritually jaded as you."
    "I guess," she muttered.
    Tyree relaxed into his chair. "Well whether you believe in religion or not, you're still a righteous person."
    "I'm a cautious person," she corrected him. "The world's a weird place these days, and I'm not trying to get caught up in any craziness."
    Tyree acknowledged the difference with a nod. "Fair enough, but your overall character is still laudable; particularly that philanthropic streak running through your body. A lot of native Detroiters who become financially successful