Sigh. I felt bad the other day because I think I made some good Christians feel like I was making fun of them on a Heidi Montag post. I wasn't. I was making fun of the fact that Heidi Montag is one of "those" Christians who should practice what they preach, but, never will.
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I like to think I'm tolerant and curious about what other people believe..and most of all, respectful. All I expect is the same back. It doesn't work that way with zealots. They will drive you insane and they're mean.
I like to think I'm tolerant and curious about what other people believe..and most of all, respectful. All I expect is the same back. It doesn't work that way with zealots. They will drive you insane and they're mean.
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Do you see Pagans coming to your door to sell you Hecate'? No. Maybe that's a bad example since we're kind of private. My point is..if I had one wish for the world, it would be that people do their own thing and let other do theirs as long as no one has any ill intent.
Do you see Pagans coming to your door to sell you Hecate'? No. Maybe that's a bad example since we're kind of private. My point is..if I had one wish for the world, it would be that people do their own thing and let other do theirs as long as no one has any ill intent.
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Case in point. My idiotic neighbor across the hall. This chick is so stupid she actually gets disability just for being stupid. But, I wouldn't call her retarded. You know the type. After my son passed away, she grabbed me in the hall (yes, actually grabbed me by the arm) and said she had set up a special prayer service at her church for me and they were sending the church bus to pick me up on Sunday. She didn't ask..she TOLD me. And acted like I should be all grateful. Well, I wasn't.
Case in point. My idiotic neighbor across the hall. This chick is so stupid she actually gets disability just for being stupid. But, I wouldn't call her retarded. You know the type. After my son passed away, she grabbed me in the hall (yes, actually grabbed me by the arm) and said she had set up a special prayer service at her church for me and they were sending the church bus to pick me up on Sunday. She didn't ask..she TOLD me. And acted like I should be all grateful. Well, I wasn't.
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I told her in no uncertain terms.."no, I am not going, but, I thank you for your good thoughts." She wouldn't stop. She blocked my path on the stairway and wouldn't let me by. She said "I have a true and deep faith in Jesus Christ and that's what gets me through bad things..you ARE going. It's the best thing for you right now." You should have seen my face. I was like, wtf is wrong with this dumbass?? I said "I'm glad that you have your faith, faith is good, whatever you believe." (And I really think that's true.) "But, I'm a Pagan, always have been. So, no. Thank you."
I told her in no uncertain terms.."no, I am not going, but, I thank you for your good thoughts." She wouldn't stop. She blocked my path on the stairway and wouldn't let me by. She said "I have a true and deep faith in Jesus Christ and that's what gets me through bad things..you ARE going. It's the best thing for you right now." You should have seen my face. I was like, wtf is wrong with this dumbass?? I said "I'm glad that you have your faith, faith is good, whatever you believe." (And I really think that's true.) "But, I'm a Pagan, always have been. So, no. Thank you."
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She was shocked speechless for a minute, then she starts ranting. If I don't find God, I will burn in Hell. Jesus is the only way to save myself. On and on..finally I just told her to get her stupid ass out of my way or I'd kick her Jesus lovin' cunt down the stairs. (Not real mature, I admit, but deserved.) So ,she slams into her apartment across the hall and calls the manager. She told the manager she would not live next door to a Satan worshipper and wanted me out. NOW!
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Just for the record..I don't believe in Satan, let alone worship him. And even if I did, that right is protected under the constitution. I have friends who are Satanists and damn nice people. I don't quite get their love of Satan, but, they don't hurt anyone or accost their neighbors to recruit them. Neither do I. I could give two shits what YOU worship, and have no interest in converting you to witchcraft. All religions are kind of stupid, mine included, but, it's harmless and gives me comfort.
Just for the record..I don't believe in Satan, let alone worship him. And even if I did, that right is protected under the constitution. I have friends who are Satanists and damn nice people. I don't quite get their love of Satan, but, they don't hurt anyone or accost their neighbors to recruit them. Neither do I. I could give two shits what YOU worship, and have no interest in converting you to witchcraft. All religions are kind of stupid, mine included, but, it's harmless and gives me comfort.
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What kind of asshole thinks I'm going to change to something I've always found groundless just because I lost my child? That's insulting and mean. It reminded me of this creepy net friend I once had. She was a Jesus freak which didn't bother me until every email and convo started to be about how I was wrong and she was right. She even went off one time about how her God was the same power as the Moon Goddess so actually we believed the same thing. Fuck. If there's a Moon Goddess, I'll kiss your ass. What am I, slow? She never asked what I really believe which is much simpler and sweet. Respect the Earth and direct it's energies to do good. And I do believe in an after life, though I don't believe in any God or Goddess. Sorry..if you do, I support you, but, don't even bother trying to change me. I have a friend who's actually a minister..she accepts who I am, and I accept her. We don't try and convert each other. That's how all religions should be. Leave other people alone.
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That's about it, that's why I hate zealots. They don't have insights, they're just pushy and mean. As for the manager here at the apartment ghetto, she knows she can't kick me out for being a Pagan, but, she'd like to. Nevermind the fact that her friends here have meth labs and dope deals. Witchcraft is a sin. Shut up. And that chick next door? She needs to stop trying to slit her wrists on our hall carpet every time her scary boy friend cheats on her. The cops wake me up twice a week because of their fighting. So now, I need to be kicked out because I have a rat in the house. She has a known violent criminal in her house. Guess what bitches? I'm leaving and you can watch your own kids and call an ambulance when you need a ride to the emergency room at 1 am. And you're not getting anymore of my cigarettes either. Get a job. Or ask Jesus to buy them. NOW, do you see why I get pissed?
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But, there are good Christians. My favorite sympathy card I got at Erics funeral was from his best friends mom (who happens to be a good friend of mine.). Her son, Chad died in a car accident and Eric's last wish was that he be buried near Chad. And I'm honoring that request. Anyhow, her sweet card said. "I'm sorry, because I know. Eric was a good boy, so was Chad, and, there WILL be music in Heaven tonight." I put all the 100's of cards away, but, that one is setting right here on my desk. It doesn't matter if you believe in Heaven, Summerland or just "something more." She was right and I love her for that. My whole long point is..respect people's beliefs even if they aren't yours. Life's too short to hurt people over religion. My way is not the only way, or the right way..it is simply, my way. Why in the world would that threaten anyone else?
But, there are good Christians. My favorite sympathy card I got at Erics funeral was from his best friends mom (who happens to be a good friend of mine.). Her son, Chad died in a car accident and Eric's last wish was that he be buried near Chad. And I'm honoring that request. Anyhow, her sweet card said. "I'm sorry, because I know. Eric was a good boy, so was Chad, and, there WILL be music in Heaven tonight." I put all the 100's of cards away, but, that one is setting right here on my desk. It doesn't matter if you believe in Heaven, Summerland or just "something more." She was right and I love her for that. My whole long point is..respect people's beliefs even if they aren't yours. Life's too short to hurt people over religion. My way is not the only way, or the right way..it is simply, my way. Why in the world would that threaten anyone else?
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P.S. I love Atheists too, at least they will never be disappointed.
P.S. I love Atheists too, at least they will never be disappointed.
19 comments:
DD, sometimes you just amaze me with your insight. I think we all appreciate those who live their religion, are there for us when we need them, and don't push.
i totally agree with you DD!! those zealots are usually the biggest bunch of hippo-crits evar! the 'do as i say, not as i do' types....
the neighborhood kids have asked me before if i go to church on sundays and i tell them my 'church' is in the garden....i explain that people have different beliefs, no one is right, no one is wrong, but you need to RESPECT others....that, the kids understand...now if ADULTS could understand that!
jevohah witnesses going door to door really irk my ire too....depending on my mood i'll either tell them that if their beliefs were so great people would find it on their own or i come to the door with the satanic bible in my hand (i have books on ALL religions, very fascinating reading)....
you need to write a book about your ghetto apartment complex!!
I hate it when these freaks imply I will never see my son again unless I go to God. It's the evilest thing I ever heard. I may be a gossip blogger, but, I'd rather burn than hurt someone like that. My son accepted my different beliefs, I have no doubt the zealots are wrong.
My invisible friend is more powerful than YOUR invisible friend-man, I hate that crap.
I, personally, do not care if someone worships Buddha, Allah, Jeebus, or the great green snake god Damballah, if it keeps you off my property and you don't molest kiddies, fine.
Mormons kinda bug me, because they keep bugging me, or did, until I opened the front door stark naked and shrieked that God had answered my prayers for some young studs for a "threeway"! One of those clean cut mormon boys hit his bicycle saddle so hard that he may not be as ..er..fruitful as he was before he rang the doorbell. I think we are on some kinda list now because no one from ANY religion knocks on our door anymore.
Who says older ladies can't have a little fun?
LMFAO!!!!!!!
12:16---THAT is HYSTERICAL!!! I wish i was bold enough to answer the door naked! brilliant!
i like to toss bible quotes back at some of these zealots who like 'judge'....Matthew 7:1 judge not lest ye be judged.
then there's some bible passages that only 'god' has the right to judge others....so i guess these zealots are 'god'? but doesn't that go against the commandment about false prophets?
argh! too hot for my hootin and hollarin!
our loved ones never leave us, they are still with us in a different form. sometimes we know they are there, and sometimes not...love always remains...
I completely agree with you DD. People should respect other people if they want to be treated with the same respect. It’s my business what I believe in, whether it is Jesus Christ, Buddha or little green aliens.
Ya that sours most of us into disliking that type, but some seem to respond to it by BECOMING that type too.
I handle it in a sterile, boring way - I just say "No thanks" and close the door and it works if I do it without hesitation. But your way has some style I think I should consider adopting! How long did it take you to strip down when you heard the doorbell???
Oh my gosh 12:16, that is too funny! But what would you have done if they had stayed?
I'm in agreement with you, though...I think certain people need religion to help them through their stuff, and there are certain people who can help point them in the right direction. But I'd think that the best thing you could do if you really wanted to be a witness for your cause is live by example, and Speidi seem like they'd be recruiters for the International Church of Douchebag. Personally, I don't care what you believe as long as you're nice to me, don't try to tell me I'm going to hell, and don't try to sleep with my boyfriend. If you can handle those three then we'll probably be great friends! :)
Huge difference in using judgement in situations and being judgemental, sadly too many can't seperate the two.
Truth is no one is better then or more righetous then another, no matter what religion they are or belief system they follow.
That woman might have meant well but i doubt she will ever realize how much she turns people off and away from the very thing she wants to share.
Im sorry you were subjected to that pat, it wasn't fair or thoughtful.
I am the "stripper" and for missionaries , or if I find a tick, gack-shudder, I can strip real fast!
I have no modesty , really, none. And little mercy for uninvited visitors, none at all for those of the zealot persuasion.
My husband, by the way, saw the whole thing and was convulsed with laughter .
Anon 12:16, I'd like to shake your hand (but only if you're wearing clothes)! I tried to convert a couple of Jehovahs to Wicca once, but no dice. Guess I should have tried it nekked!
I was raised Anglican, but it never "spoke" to me. For a while I was nothing, and then in my mid-20s, I found witchcraft, which felt right, from the beginning. I spent a lot of time thinking and reading, and now I'm a solitary with my own set of beliefs and practices. I don't believe in God, per se, but in the presence of a very powerful life force, which is pure energy.
I've spent a lot of time defending my beliefs over the years. My argument is always the same: how can a "traditional" God exist who would allow such atrocities as war, famine, destruction of the environment, animal and child abuse, holocausts, disease, et cetera?
I think that humankind's survival hinges, in large part, on religion. It will either destroy us or bring us together. I'm guessing it's the former.
CapriciousCat
That sounds like a nice card.
And I once had a downstairs neighbor who did a novena so I'd leave.
And Satanists do hurt people. they hurt animal-people. Where I grew up, ritually slaughtered animals kept washing up on the lake shore and there were satanist altars. Same deal with Santoria. They adopt cats to ritually kill, it is horrible.
CapriciousCat,
Like I said, I got no kick for nice folks of any kind but folks ringing my doorbell uninvited to try and convert me are not what I consider nice folks, they get what they get.
I dress real modest around friends that might be distressed by my wicked ways, covered from knockers to knees, but a couple of ounces of gauze is my usual attire around our house ,on a hot day, and no trouble at all to remove should the occasion arise.
DD has impressed me with how tolerant she was in this encounter with a zealot- my patience might not, usually does not , stretch quite that far.
And a hearty second to DD writing the book about all those neighbors!
P.S. How can I get disability for being stupid
Dish,
I so appreciated your detailed explanation. My nose is now happily back in joint.
Thanks much..
I'm glad, because I really do care about ALL my commentors. You make my day worth starting. As for Santoria, it is a known evil. But, there are as many branches of Satanisim as there are Christian churches. Some of them are very sweet "live for the day" people who'd never hurt any animal or any living thing.
DD, I am a Christian, but I can totally see your points about your neighbor and the Heidi Montag post.
When you encounter someone who is so insensitive and overbearing- one who assumes you're an idiot that needs them to save your soul, PLEASE remember that the majority of Christians aren't that bad.
I try to set an example, but I never try to railroad someone into thinking the way I do. That will never work.
Of course, I probably should also not be reading gossip blogs either, should I?
I'm an atheist. I found your comment both true and amusing. It's not that I don't want there to be an afterlife. I hope I'm wrong. I just ain't feelin it. It's not that scary when you think about how not scary it was to be not-yet-born. =)
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