Do you have American God-fearing in-laws?
#76
Re: Do you have American God-fearing in-laws?
#77
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: NW Chicago suburbs
Posts: 11,253
Re: Do you have American God-fearing in-laws?
But at 62.4 million out of a populat of around 303 million - they are a definite minority. And I think in today's climate, not too many non-Catholics would vote for a Catholic. So if he was after votes...
Fair or not...
#78
Re: Do you have American God-fearing in-laws?
Do you have American God-fearing in-laws, who have never stepped outside of America, mentally or physically
#79
Re: Do you have American God-fearing in-laws?
<--- agnostic, socially-liberal, fiscally conservative/capitalist/states-rights/libertarian American who is deeply upset by the wave of fundementalist, creationism-touting zealotry that has swept this country in the past 20 years. There are a lot of us out there and we're getting a little sick of all of this bullshit.
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#81
Re: Do you have American God-fearing in-laws?
Being in the deep south I was expecting to have the bible shoved down my throat by everyone I met in this area, but thankfully that hasn't happened. The OH's family are all southern baptist, but have accepted that the OH herself no longer goes to church or keeps her faith (she's not been in 20 years) and have no problem about me being athiest.
Our wedding is going to be done with a judge who is also a minister so it doesn't have a religious meaning to make me ok, but there can be a short blessing at the end to heep the rest of the family happy.
Saying that, just yesterday when the OH and I were in the local health centre to get a blood test done for the marriage license, she was chatting to an old friend of hers who was pestering the shit out of her to go back to church "You need to get back into Church.... we have such a lovely Church, please come and see us... bring your englishman to church with you, I am sure he'd love it". I just had to sit there and smile and nod while they talked. I've been put in my place before by the OH about not being too honest with people since we live in a small community. Bugger.
But still, only one religious nut in the 2 months I have been in Mississippi isn't bad going I guess.
Our wedding is going to be done with a judge who is also a minister so it doesn't have a religious meaning to make me ok, but there can be a short blessing at the end to heep the rest of the family happy.
Saying that, just yesterday when the OH and I were in the local health centre to get a blood test done for the marriage license, she was chatting to an old friend of hers who was pestering the shit out of her to go back to church "You need to get back into Church.... we have such a lovely Church, please come and see us... bring your englishman to church with you, I am sure he'd love it". I just had to sit there and smile and nod while they talked. I've been put in my place before by the OH about not being too honest with people since we live in a small community. Bugger.
But still, only one religious nut in the 2 months I have been in Mississippi isn't bad going I guess.
#82
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Grand Rapids MI
Posts: 448
Re: Do you have American God-fearing in-laws?
Before I get in trouble for joining in this conversation, shouldn't it be "taken outside"???
I'll leave it at this:
NOT ALL CHRISTIANS ARE THE SAME.
I'll leave it at this:
NOT ALL CHRISTIANS ARE THE SAME.
#83
Re: Do you have American God-fearing in-laws?
For brain damage, I wonder which is worse - US bible thumpers or militant Islam!
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#86
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: NW Chicago suburbs
Posts: 11,253
Re: Do you have American God-fearing in-laws?
They are right, and have seen the light
Anyone who doesn't go to a Christian church is misguided
It's their duty to help them see the light.
So they believe that by trying to convert you, they are helping you out and saving you from an afterlife of eternal torment.
They are not going to change their minds - unfortunately, some people are then uncomfortable. But I suppose can be a kindness to just keep quiet, because to do otherwise basically challenges their beliefs.
#87
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,181
Re: Do you have American God-fearing in-laws?
[QUOTE=Tracym;5765623..........they believe that by trying to convert you, they are helping you out and saving you from an afterlife of eternal torment.........[/QUOTE]
#88
Re: Do you have American God-fearing in-laws?
Tracym: .... I think a basic "problem" is that the Christian viewpoint is that. They are right, and have seen the light.
They are always right because they go to church where they're told what is right.
Anyone who doesn't go to a Christian church is misguided
Those that don't attend church are not keeping preachers in work.
It's their duty to help them see the light.
The light is a fixation attached to a belief that only God will shine hope on those that grovel and worship Him.
So they believe that by trying to convert you, they are helping you out and saving you from an afterlife of eternal torment.
Esoterically, this planet is the 'Red Star', the world of Illusion. Eat that, preacher!
They are not going to change their minds
No, because they are always right, in the 'light', at church. They know of no other existence.
- unfortunately, some people are then uncomfortable.
That be our eternal damnation.
But I suppose can be a kindness to just keep quiet, because to do otherwise basically challenges their beliefs
A belief is a belief is a belief. What of other folk's beliefs?
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They are always right because they go to church where they're told what is right.
Anyone who doesn't go to a Christian church is misguided
Those that don't attend church are not keeping preachers in work.
It's their duty to help them see the light.
The light is a fixation attached to a belief that only God will shine hope on those that grovel and worship Him.
So they believe that by trying to convert you, they are helping you out and saving you from an afterlife of eternal torment.
Esoterically, this planet is the 'Red Star', the world of Illusion. Eat that, preacher!
They are not going to change their minds
No, because they are always right, in the 'light', at church. They know of no other existence.
- unfortunately, some people are then uncomfortable.
That be our eternal damnation.
But I suppose can be a kindness to just keep quiet, because to do otherwise basically challenges their beliefs
A belief is a belief is a belief. What of other folk's beliefs?
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Last edited by britex01; Jan 9th 2008 at 10:21 pm.
#90
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: NW Chicago suburbs
Posts: 11,253
Re: Do you have American God-fearing in-laws?
Yes, I suppose they are not "respecting" other folks beliefs. But their motive (annoying though it can be) is kindness. They have been taught that other folks (non-belief) is misguided and harmful to them, and they're trying to help.
If one argues the point - nothing will change in their mind. They will not think they were wrong, and stop trying to convert people.
So, since it's just annoying, not really hurtful (generally) why not just be polite and say no thanks, or "oh, well thanks for the offer" and change the subject, try to defuse the situation.
I guess I personally would save my arguing for an argument where I can accomplish something - not just have more people upset.
If one argues the point - nothing will change in their mind. They will not think they were wrong, and stop trying to convert people.
So, since it's just annoying, not really hurtful (generally) why not just be polite and say no thanks, or "oh, well thanks for the offer" and change the subject, try to defuse the situation.
I guess I personally would save my arguing for an argument where I can accomplish something - not just have more people upset.