I thought I would share with everyone an email reply I sent to my Mom today. Whenever she makes a comment that references "God" or "prayer" or her "faith", she tends to say something to the effect of "....you probably don't want to hear this...", because the impression I give is that I hold God and those who call themselves Christians in such low regard. This isn't actually the case, although I must admit to being somewhat critical of those topics (and people). So, at the risk of tarnishing my "devilish" image, here was my email to her for your perusal; please feel free to comment as the need arises:
Just so you know, I do not have any problem with anyone referencing God or prayer. While I tend to lean toward being Agnostic, it isn't that I have a problem with God, per se; it's any and all forms of organized religion, especially those who attempt to lead their flocks into the maelstrom of the political fray. There was a very solid reason our forefathers dictated "separation of church and state" and that position should be held in the highest regard. I do not like any person or group of people who think that because they worship their version of some invisible man who lives in the sky that they are either better than me or believe they have some sort of divine right to tell me what I should and should not believe. Their blood is just as red as mine. Someone like yourself has a much more pure relationship with God and you truly gain strength from it; that is something I can appreciate and respect. But anyone who would harm anyone else or deny rights to anyone or any group of people in God's name deserves nothing but derision and disrespect from me. God doesn't give a shit about anyone's politics; he loves everyone, in spite of the fact that most of the monkeys in this world are completely undeserving of that sort of unconditional love. He is color blind, cares nothing about what two people do behind closed doors - as long as they love and respect each other and do no harm to anyone else. I can and do respect any and all who exhibit a true and open attitude to others while enjoying their own specific faith; just don't push your ideas onto me. I have explored and read enough to have been able to make my own choices and I allow that to flow into my children so they can make their own choices as well without simply being a lemming who follows. Not to put too fine a point on it, but "The Devil" to me represents Man's inherent nature, that of rebellion, of chaos, of constant change, of the desire - and sometimes enjoyment - of shocking those who need a tweak in the ass every now and then. Those attributes are not necessarily bad things, you must admit. They are aspects of our basic natures which allow us to move forward, to tear down conventions, to change. It amuses me because it caters to my deeply held belief that we must all never become complacent, we must never close our eyes and simply "accept" how anything is. Sometimes it is necessary to push people down and force them to re-evaluate, figuratively as well as literally at times.
In short, God loves everyone without conditions. And, if anyone claims to be a "Christian" or one of the "faithful" to me, they had better back it up by showing they have the tolerance, the grace, and the patience to truly be an example of that. Basically, don't assume that you are better than anyone else simply based on your beliefs.
So, you should never feel you have to disclaimer anything you say that veers into referencing God with ".....I know you may not want to hear this but.....". Just understand and accept that we have different views. I already do that. We have never really addressed that previously and I felt the need to do so now, for whatever reason. Not attacking or arguing.....simply letting you know that you do not have to disclaimer anything around me because I know you and I know your faith is pure in your heart. Just allow me the occasional role of "devil's advocate" (to coin a term.....), for the sake of debate and argument, as it can often be entertaining..... :)
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