Vicky

My mother has been slowly declining further and further into the Christian religion the older she gets. This morning a conversation regarding the Christian people vs Mormons and Muslims turned into her saying, "[in heaven] I'm going to have a new body, a spiritual body that will fly through doors.".

My reply was, "sounds pretty sweet", but it got me thinking... why even have doors in heaven?

My conclusion was a resounding affirmation of the nature of religion when it comes to the human thought process. Heaven is such a human thing. Only humans would want doors in heaven so that they can fly through them.

Christians, why does heaven have doors? Who are you trying to keep out?

In a search to find a new part for her sewing machine, my mother received a suggestion to search on craigslist. It turned out to be just what she needed. Her first thought was it was a sign from god but my sister told her that google will often try to help people find what they are looking for.

That sounds like something a god should be doing.

Is credit often given to the wrong entity in life?

While talking to my mother this morning (who lives in South TX; about to get a visit from hurricane Don), she informed me that God told her to buy a lantern that has a weather radio in it and runs on batteries. She also bought batteries, per God's request -- uh, demand. She said that her first instinct was to refuse God. "NO", she said. But relented. (A bit of a bully?)

A little back story: God knows that she is now receiving SSI and has money to burn. God also knows about her Medicaid benefits and will consult her on medical advice.

Is this the voice of God, or storm preparedness in action?

Scenario:

Christian mother was a drug addict when she was young (there may be fewer brain cells to work with). She swears like a sailor and uses the bible to justify hatred of husband. Has not worked for 30+ years and takes too many naps. Loves her children and is white.

Alcoholic father does hard manual labor jobs to pay for supporting lazy Christian wife. Is wanted in Mexico. Has a 4 day birthday party that includes alcohol and Mariachi music along with cooking a baby goat (to eat). Loves his children and is Hispanic.

Who's the real villain?

Right now, my tally is one. My "christian" friend posted a scripture about the wicked people will be cut off from the land, etc... (proverbs 2:21-22). Anyway, I made a comment about scripture. About how his scripture was no less important than hers. When does it stop? Where's the line between justice and revenge? Blah, blah, blah.

She didn't like that, of course and kicked me out. Well, being the good atheist that I am, I just couldn't leave it like that. I really do like her and have enjoyed seeing her little family grow up (we've been friends since highschool).

I apologized and we are now friends again. I don't know how I feel about that.

How about you? Have you lost any fb friends because of your stance?

We recently had a Christmas potluck at work in which we were all told to take a seat before we ate our meal "for a special announcement". I was expecting to be BS'd about what a good job we were doing and how we should have a happy holiday. What I got instead was something that still confuses me. We were told to bow our heads in a moment prayer before we ate. I don't understand how a company can force people to do this. Of course they didn't hold guns to our heads, but the effect was the same. I felt like I had no choice but to sit there while the prayer was in progress. I know, I know... I should respect other's beliefs but what about those people who are not respecting mine? I think it's arrogant for any Christian (or other religion) to assume that nobody will mind praying because the majority are of that faith. I'm sure they wouldn't like it if I just stood up after and said, "OK, now I'd like everyone to join me in a moment of ‘nothing in particular’. Just sit there quietly or turn to the person next to you and thank them for bring the broccoli soufflé. Or you could just laugh at something you heard earlier in the day that you thought was funny." I don't know how many people would appreciate or respect me for forcing them to do something as pointless as that. And believe me; I'm not saying that, for those who believe, prayer is pointless. I think it's necessary for certain people to have something they can turn to in times of need; something that gets them through -- when suicide or murder are the only viable options. I'm just sick of being forced to participate in something that I would rather not participate in. Should I stand up and asked to be excused? Should I sit there quietly and look around (judging everyone with their heads down)? Should I be the first one in the line by filling my plate while the rest of the people are praying?

How do you handle a forced prayer situation (at work) when you would rather not participate?