This is a rant, mainly because I can’t stand hypocritical people.
There are those of us who are religious and those of us who aren’t. And let’s face it, there really aren’t any ‘tweeners. You either believe or you don’t.
These days it’s hard to openly admit that you’re religious because it simply isn’t cool to say that you’re Methodist or Mormon. It’s perfectly acceptable to say you’re spiritual or Buddhist, but as soon as you declare that you’re Jehovah’s Witness, consider yourself a social deviant. We live in an anti-religious society which is why there are so many people who hate Tebow, because he not only believes, but also professes. The way he practices–believes, preaches, and acts–takes a lot of courage. But apparently, you’re supposed to keep those beliefs under wraps. Mum’s the word.
I know a lot of non-believers. I have atheist friends, who I love. I don’t choose my friends based on how closely they align with my own beliefs.
Burners are especially atheist, and also anti-establishment. That’s great. But friggin OWN it!
I’ve been particularly shocked to see the behavior of some Burners I know. As new parents, they’ve been taking pictures of their babies in front of Christmas trees. One baby was dressed up in a Santa outfit in front of a nativity scene. Next thing you know, the kid is going to be playing Jesus in the school play! For God’s sake, if you don’t believe, then act like the atheist you’ve been claiming to be all these years. It drives me batty! As soon as you’ve birthed a child, you’ve suddenly got religion?
This applies also to people who convert in order to marry someone. How are you suddenly going to turn your back on Christianity and convert to Judaism? I know two Filipino women who did that. Ummm, excuse me? You spend your whole life believing that Jesus Christ is the Savior, then flip to believe that the Messiah is still to come. I can’t think of anything more ridiculous. What man wants to be with a woman who has no backbone? A woman who vacillates when it comes to her own belief system.
Shocking how fickle people can be when it comes to issues that are pretty important.
I don’t know…I think the problem with religion is that people think it has to be mutually exclusive. like you can’t embrace the best parts of everything and be spiritual at the same time. i, as you know, am not christian, but i do believe that jesus was an example of an incredibly awe-inspiring human being and i am grateful for his teachings and for the model he set. i also like to celebrate christmas for this very reason and also because i love the fact that the holiday season, and christmas in particular, tends to bring out the very best in people.
i have historically been a devout atheist but i think that often people who are atheists and people who are religion are talking about completely different things when they say what they are for or against. when i figured out a definition of religion & God, it was easier for me to open up to the idea.
and, to answer your question, yes, ABSOLUTELY YES, you look at religion differently once you have kids! 🙂
xoxo