Just a little rant, bugging me today, tomorrow will be better...

Ya know, sometimes it's a pain to not be a Christian. Especially now, with the elections coming, it's constantly in my face - even more so with the whole "Obama is a Muslim!!!" trash floating about. The thing that got me going today is this quote (checked on factcheck.com, hasn't made it to snopes):

Obama, June 28, 2006: Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation – at least, not just. We are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, and a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers.

Now, that makes me happy - it's a fact. What makes me unhappy is the select "Christians" taking that statement and skewing it, and pretty much damning everyone who isn't a Christian.

What the heck? Why can no one be allowed to have a different religion, and it be ok? I'm not out to stop Christians from worshipping, praying, preaching, etc. I ask that I be allowed to believe how I believe, without prejudice or intolerance - isn't that what America is based on?

I'm tired of getting preached to by my neighbor - who isn't doing it to convert - it is just a part of who she is, a very strong part. I understand that, and therefore do not tell her to STFU or anything. I'm polite. I accept her pamphlets on how Muslims are the devil incarnate and are taking over the world (and throw them away when I get home). Her husband doesn't speak of religion, it's just the wife, and I can take it, it just saddens me. I still respect her views and do not feel she is a lesser person because of them.

But why cannot our society treat ME the same way? I'm not a Christian. I don't believe in sin. I don't believe in heaven or hell. Am I that bad??

Gah.

I wish religion could just be something that is a personal matter....I wish I didn't have to sit politely and be insulted about my personal beliefs.

I'll get over it, I always do, but man, sometimes it sucks. I worry about about DD. How to help her understand religion, and understand it is a personal choice. I will of course support her if she chooses to become a Christian, as long as she respects my beliefs. But until that happens, what is going to happen as she grows? Sigh.

I also didn't know that the Jehovah's Witnesses have now begun an apparent handwritten letter campaign, rather than door to door. I received a very nice handwritten letter inviting me to talk about it from some lady I didn't know.

Sigh. Tomorrow...

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A lot of people feel like it is their duty to convert other people to their religon or beliefs.

I have a group of friends that I have been friends with for over 40 years. We all have different beliefs and have made a pack NOT to discuss religon when we get together.

That doesn't mean that we don't still practice our beliefs. I still say a quite prayer before I eat whether I am in public or not. They know that I do this, so they just sit there while I do. No big deal either way to them.

A honestly think that a person can get their believes accross more by actions than words.

Next time someone comes to the door, just as politely as you can tell them "that you never discuss your religous belifes or policial views with ANYONE!

I tell people who do try to convert me that once they tell me all about their God I get to tell them about ALL of mine! Usually, they leave me alone at that point.

Sorry you have to deal with that!!! I hate when people try to push their beliefs on others!!!

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~Happiness is a large family~

I guess I can handle it ok on a personal level , like with my neighbor. I understand how very important religion can be for some people, and that's fine.

What I'm not cool with is the slathering on that only Christianity is the "right" religion in/for America - the only one that has a say or weight in our country, especially politics. Is the President "Christian" enough? What Christian church do they go to? What does the Christian bible say about our laws regarding (insert issue here, from abortion to gay marriage)?

To me, it's like, if "they" (collective they) want to base laws and choices on the Christian Bible, then shouldn't I be allowed to disregard those laws, because I do NOT follow the Christian Bible?

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I definitely can see where you are coming from!!! I think the separation of state and church has becomed extremely blurred. When I complain about it, I am accused of not being a good Christian.

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~Happiness is a large family~

Honestly, this is one of the reasons we live where we do. The cost of living is high, but it is a very open minded area so you don't hear much of this kind of talk. It is represented, but not as a majority view, just one among many others. We stay here because we want ds to grow up around all views, not feeling criticized for his or learning to be critical of others. We are raising him as a Christian, but will encourage him to explore the world and learn about all religions.

I know there are other open minded areas of the country and accepting people live everywhere. I just prefer to know that I am surrounded by as much diversity as possible. I don't want to hide him from these views, they are a part of life, but want to give him a balance and an appreciation that we are not all the same and that's a beautiful thing.

ETA: I'm also a big believer in the Separation of Church and State and agree with Happymom that it can get sticky sometimes to be accused of not being enough of a Christian because of that...

This is why I don't/can't talk politics with my parents. Doesn't matter what you say, if your political opinions don't flow with the conservative Christian viewpoint, you're not being a good Christian. Don't get me wrong, my parents are great people, but they're in that group who would be perfectly happy if churches doubled as town halls and all laws agreed with the Good Book.

I, however, adamantly disagree. I like the idea of diversity. And I like the idea of religious "safety". Unfortunately, safety from religion sorta has had to go along with that, what with all the supremist attitudes floating around the church. But I guess that'll always happen...

DD just called from NC and on her 2nd day of high school someone asked her what church she goes to and she replied I am Pagan, so I do not go to a church. The group of girls said "You cannot be Pagan, they are evil and are the downfall of America, You must be mistaken! (How do you mistake your own religion?) I told her just say you do not discuss your religion and leave it at that. Her school offers several Christian based electives even though it is a public school.

I agree. In a nutshell, I'm getting tired of the message that you can't be a patriotic American unless you're fundamentalist Christian.

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"I've been rich and I've been poor but independently wealthy is where it is at."