Only time will tell what may happen.
I worked with one of the few folks I trust today. I seldom get to work with her by myself, but weekend duty puts two of us in Critical Care, and it was the two of us this weekend.
We have a blast! We solve all the world's problems, do a bit of workplace gossip, and do a lot of talking about the things in our ordinary lives.
But, the subject of religion came up today. And, that is what makes me nervous. With good reason...my choice of faith doesn't quite meet the standards of at least 1/3 of the Big Three.
She asked me today what my belief system was. I've learned to hedge my answer on that one; after all, religious fervor can be strong, and if you aren't in the popularly chosen group, things could get uncomfortable.
So, though I didn't quite tell the complete truth, I said what I thought might let something be said and then let go.
"I follow many of the Native American beliefs."
Her reply was, "Oh, I see." And, you know she doesn't *see* at all.
Let the questioning begin... It wouldn't be the first time I've lost the comfort of a friend or acquaintance because of my Pagan beliefs. It doesn't matter to them what length of time we've known each other is, it doesn't matter that our belief system outside of religion is the same, that our values are the same, that we know each other to be fine, proud and upstanding people with good hearts and plenty of compassion for mankind.
All those things go to the wayside if the face of your God is different than theirs.
I injected replies that have become second nature. We are all believers in some sort of Divine Presence. We just call the face of God by different names.
"Now, if you'd just read the Bible from cover to cover you'd know that..."
I have read the Bible cover to cover, thank you. I've also read the Koran, have attempted the Quaballah, but I just haven't gotten that one to be easily palatable quite yet. I've also read plenty of religious history and if I ever go back to college for fun, I'd probably aim for a degree in theology. It's *that* fascinating to me.
"There has to be a God and the world was created in seven days."
I believe there was some kind of mastermind. I can't even capitalize 'mastermind' because quite honestly, I don't know if the creator was a being or evolution. I see possibilities for both. If the world was created in seven days, that's great. But someone has to give me an idea of what a "day" was considered. Maybe it was 10,000 years, not 24 hours. What I do know is that we, as humans can only see things in a linear fashion. To get the curve, the view of the horizon will require more of a dimension than we have in the bodies we work with now.
What is it that rouses the monster within many of the folks who call themselves Christian? What is the great need to try to convince you that your belief system is wrong, and your only path to salvation is to accept one of "their" faces as the only true God?
"How can you not believe in Jesus?"
It may surprise you to know that I *do* believe in Jesus. I'd like to have Jesus for a best friend, if you want to know the truth. He is all the best things of all religions.
But what about eternal damnation?
You mean Hell? One of the best things that I learned in my readings is that Hell was not believed in by early religions, at least not the fire and brimstone variety. It took a lot of stress away from me to realize that worrying about some eternal punishment at the end of my life was preventing me from living my life to the fullest NOW. After all, we were created as joyful beings - why should a doctrine force you to fear living?
My shift ended before she could ask more. I would imagine that if could come up again the next time we work together. But my faith has led me to a simpler and far more satisfying place than mainstream religion ever gave to me. I savor each day, and try to live it to the fullest, for I don't know when I'll be asked to give up my place on earth. I'm a far better person as a Pagan than I ever was as a regular churchgoer; what I don't understand is why a person's religion must be worn as a public statement and fit into a prescribed parameter? It makes absolutely no sense to me.
5 comments:
As I've said before, the problem is inherent to monotheism. If I have *the* Truth, then your version must be wrong. Since some old pervert in a tunic once said that if you aren't with me, you're against me, then you, by not understanding that my truth is *the* Truth, are against me. I must either save or kill you.
It's demented, but it's simple logic.
Fools. As my mother said, a lot of these "good christians" are going to be very surprised when they stand before god and find out she's black.
...a lot of these "good christians" are going to be very surprised when they stand before god and find out she's black.
I couldn't sum it up any better than that! =)
Seriously, i've never understood the seeming close mindedness of most self proclaimed "christians". And I definately do not see how a difference in beliefs should be the definitive factor for someone in a friendship.
Sorry, Kate!
Perhaps the old proverb is true: Never discuss politics or religion.
But you would think that friends could do it without imposing their opinions on each other.
And Native Americans are more aware of and closer to "God" than most modern-day Christians. I have good friends who are NAs and pastors and I appreciate the traditions, customs and experiences of God they bring to my faith.
You go girl! Not all Christians are like your friend.
As long as you have your faith I wouldn't worry about what someone has to say. I think it's going a little to far to ask someone about their faith anyway.
My son is also a Pagan. I bet you two could talk for hour's about it. I didn't understand it at first, but with much explaining I do now and am proud of him.
I don't think I could damn someone or dislike them because of their beliefs. I know I certainly don't appreciate it when someone comes to my door and tells me I'm damned because of my religion. I don't know everything there is to know about my religion, and I don't think I would learn about another religion for the purpose of telling them their beliefs are wrong. It's bad enough there are those of my own religion that would damn me because I don't belief absolutely everything they preach.
If people have a belief and they are happy with that belief, why can't everyone else just be happy for them? There's nothing anyone could say that would make me change my religion, even if I do disagree with some things. So why would I try to impose my beliefs on someone else?
I don't think I would mind discussing religion or beliefs--for the purpose of learning. I think it would be interesting. I think the problem with discussing religion is if one tries to tell the other they're wrong.
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