So I am at work this afternoon out front taking a smoke break with 2 of my employees.

[TigressDem]

18. Some thoughts.

I wouldn't go up to someone and say that, because I feel that being a Christian is about my own walk with Christ and keeping my own nose clean. IF someone asks, I am honest, but I've never wanted to push religion at anyone.

However, having been around many types of Christians and other faiths, atheists, pagans and such..... I have seen people get along despite their differences and people make everyone uncomfortable from any position. It all comes down to respect and a light touch.

SO WHY would someone start out nice and friendly and then offer to pray for an atheist? Don't they REALIZE how offensive it is?
(I hear you, really I do. I get it.)

Basically, they may totally accept that others have every right to believe or not believe, but let's say there is even the slightest chance that someday science could prove the existence of intelligent design and some sort of higher power that started all this chain reaction of evolution.....

Think Higgs boson and Black Holes.....

https://scitechdaily.com/science-made-simple-what-is-the-higgs-boson-god-particle/

https://www.science.org/content/article/black-hole


There was a time where there really wasn't a way to "prove" black holes existed and a time when no one even thought about them.

Higgs boson particles are way weird. Quantum physics is a slide down the rabbit hole at times.




IF Christians are right and there is some day a way to prove the existence of God, it's just a kind thought to hope everyone might feel the love that exists in people of faith for all of humanity.

They are TRYING to NOT be those a**hole Christians PUSHING anything on others, but wishing them a nice day.


I KNOW IT SEEMS ridiculous, self-righteous and INSULTING, but it's a step in the right direction of NOT JUDGING or EXPECTING a person to "convert or go to Hell".

A way to say, "I believe and I wish you the best in the only way I know how to do that and stay true to my beliefs." NOT ANY EXPECTATION OF THE OTHER PERSON CHANGING, but a kind thought toward others who don't have the same beliefs.




I once sat next to a Druid at work and he sneezed.

I said, "God bless you."

He said, "Which one?"

I said, "Take your pick, it's your blessing."

He said, "I can live with that."



There are MANY wonders to discover in this world and the universe. Who knows what the final answer will be?

We just need to make it through this life and be our best self, however that shakes out.


I think the way Jesus taught and treated people sounds like a good way to live, so he's my example and I'm good with that.

I respect that others believe differently.

It makes the world more interesting.


IF you take anything from this, simply open your mind to the possibility that they meant no disrespect, though they certainly DID act in a disrespectful manner according to any rules of engagement where someone doesn't assume a position of authority OVER others.


Sorry that it gave you that angry slimy feeling.


And I don't know those ladies.... maybe they DID mean it that way.


BUT you DO have personal power over whether you let it wreck your day or just let it slide off as really "more about them" than anything you need to worry about.


You could also simply look at them and say, "Respectfully, ladies, I am also an atheist, but please DON'T pray for me. You may not understand it, but it comes off as judgemental and I'd prefer to simply be allowed my choice and not be on your prayer list. IF you DO believe in God, then you know He gave man free will and wouldn't force Himself on anyone. You may be trying to be nice, but it just comes out offensively. Have a good day."


IF you stand up for yourself without resorting to defensiveness, you can teach them to back off in those cases and save others the discomfort you felt.


It's STILL BETTER to hear about that kind of interaction than to hear ANY THING the Christian Nationalists are spouting.


I am so glad you didn't run into anyone like that. They COMPLETELY give Christianity a bad name. Like whores spreading ghonorea in the name of love. Please.


Enjoy what's left of the night.