posted July 31, 2006 12:00 AM              

I *gently* told my Scorpio mom (who is a believer in Reincarnation and astrology as well as I) about our little quarrell and she got FURIOUS. I didn't think she would! I guess I underestimated her. I calmed her down by saying "It's okay, don't get angry. They have a right to believe whatever they want. As long as they are nice to everyone, which they typically are, forgive them of their faults and-"
Her: "NO! I DON'T WANT THEM FILLING YOUR HEAD WITH NONSENSE!! THEY ALWAYS DO THIS!! THEY ALWAYS TRY TO SHOVE RELIGION DOWN OUR THROATS!!!"
Me: "Mom. Am I not the most independent child of the century? Do you think they're going to lead me to believe them?? Um, hell no! But you have to remember that we are wiser than them! We aren't going to go over there and fight just because they deeply believe they are trying to help me. Move on."
Then I hugged her and I said "Allow and Love. Hating them isn't going to make you feel any better."
Then she smiled and said "I'm so glad my daughter is a little Ghandi."
And she was cooled off.

Oh I feel tons better now. Thank God for Zoloft.

*the bible hasn't been proven to had been rewritten. But Eric didn't finish high school so what the hell does he know?

posted July 31, 2006 02:16 AM              

I find it most ironic that what you told your mother were some of the christian teachings of Christ.

posted July 31, 2006 02:39 AM              

Lousianagrl,

that's good that you stuck up for your beliefs when confronted by that man. I've had the same types of arguments (read: fights) with extreme Christians over what's right and what's not with them saying they're right and I'm completely wrong. I know you just needed to vent, but I've come to believe that when we (finally/much later in life for some of us) glimpse the human condition throughout society and find ourselves helpless, we tend to try pushing our beliefs onto others, hoping they'd work for them the same as they did for us. It's a first step, but not an effective one.

You probably won't be able to change this man's outlook any time soon, but at least I hope he doesn't bother you so much after yesterday's event.

posted July 31, 2006 10:15 AM              

Organized religion have been historically used by people in power to either get into power or stay in power.

Needless to say, I don't believe in organized religion. I do believe in God. But what I do or don't do is between Him and me. I do not need external influences to tell me I'm going to hell... lol

My advise to you is to just laugh at the ignorance; don't let it upset you.

posted July 31, 2006 11:42 AM              

And atleast you dont have the children of such families bugging you all phucking day with stupid idiotic questions like, "Do the charmed sisters really exist?", "Did you go to Hogwarts to learn magic like Harry Potter?", "If you're a witch, where's your broom?"

Brrrr baby Brrr

posted July 31, 2006 12:11 PM            

My dad had an experience with these type of people in a SAM'S CLUB PARKING LOT. They tried to get him to join their new "religion". When he declined, they asked him "Do you not like Jesus?" LMAO, he couldn't friggin believe it.

posted July 31, 2006 01:26 PM            

I get such a kick out of the "I love you but you're wrong" tack!! Great story -- great job!! Perhaps you were put in Eric's path to open his closed mind up just a chink to let a little daylight in..... Astrology, Sylvia (and others) and assorted Eastern reading have convinced me to my satisfaction that reincarnation is probable.

I have my own connection with The Infinite and my own beliefs (which don't come out of a book which has been rewritten for centuries by men with agendas). I resent the he11 out of people who try to force their narrow exclusionary little views down my throat. And hey, I have a burning question: what happened to all those people who went to hell for eating meat on Fridays? Do they get to come out now?? That reminds me of another bunch of questions..... (see below)

I have a favorite bumper sticker:
Lord, please protect me from your followers

quote:

---

An Open Letter to Dr. Laura
J. Kent Ashcraft
May 2000

Dear Dr. Laura,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.

a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an Abomination (Lev 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

g) Lev 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev 19:27. How should they die?

i) I know from Lev 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev 24:10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.

---

posted July 31, 2006 02:50 PM              

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Thomas,

I write this letter in concern of your daughter, Aradia Moon. Please don't take this the wrong way, however, although she is a straight A student and a very bright child, she has some strange habits that I feel we should address.

Every morning before class, she insists on walking around the room with her pencil in the air. She says she is "drawing down the moon." I told her art class is in an hour and to please refrain until then to do any drawing.

And speaking of art class, whenever she draws a night sky, she insists on drawing little circles around all the stars and people dancing on the ground. And that brings up dancing, I had to stop her twice for taking off her clothes during a game of Ring Around the Rosey! By the way, what does "skyclad" mean?

Aradia has no problem with making friends. I always find her sitting outside during recess with her friends sitting around her in a circle. She likes to share her juice and cookies. It is nice how she wants no one to ever thirst or hunger. However, when I walked over to see what they were doing, she jumped up and told me to stop, pulled out a little plastic knife and started waiving it in front of me. I thought this a bit dangerous, so I took her to the Principal's Office. She explained to the Principal that she was "opening the circle" to let me in. She also said that her Mommy and Daddy always told her not to play or run with an "athame" in her hand, that she could put someone's eye out. I don't know what an "athame" is, but I'm glad she keeps it at home.

As for stories, your daughter tends to make up some whoppers. Just yesterday while I was talking sternly to Tommy Johson and shaking my finger at him, he started screaming and ran from the room. When I finally caught him, he told me Aradia told him and the rest of the class that the last time I shook my finger at someone, they caught the chicken pox. I explained to him that the Sally Jones incident was just a coincidence, and that things like that don't really happen.

One of the strangest things that happened was when I asked the children to bring in Halloween decorations for the classroom. Aradia brought in salt, incense, and her family album. I see she has quite a sense of humour.

One of Aradia's worst habits is that she is very argumentative. We were discussing what the Golden Rule was (Do Unto Others as you would have them Do Unto You), she firmly disagreed with me and stated that it was "Do As you Will, but Harm None" and she will not stop saying "So Mote It Be" after she reads aloud in class. I try to correct her on these matters and she got very angry. She pointed her finger at me and mumbled something under her breath.

In closing, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, I would like to set up a parent/teacher conference with you sometime next week to discuss these matters. I would like to see you sooner, but I have developed an irritating rash that I am quite worried about.

With deep concerns,
Mrs. Livingston

P.S. Blessed Be. I understand this is a greeting or closing from your country that your daughter informs me is polite and correct.

posted July 31, 2006 06:13 PM              

In a certain suburban neighborhood, there were two brothers, 8 and 10 years old, who were exceedingly mischievous. Whatever went wrong in the neighborhood, it turned out they had a hand in it. Their parents were at their wit's end trying to control them. Hearing about a priest nearby who worked with delinquent boys, the mother suggested to the father that they ask the priest to talk with the boys. The father replied, "Sure, do that before I kill them!"

The mother went to the priest and made her request. He agreed, but said he wanted to see the younger boy first and alone. So the mother sent him to the priest.

The priest sat the boy down across a huge, impressive desk he sat behind. For about five minutes they just sat and stared at each other. Finally, the priest pointed his forefinger at the boy and asked, "Where is God?"

The boy looked under the desk, in the corners of the room, all around, but said nothing.

Again, louder, the priest pointed at the boy and asked, "Where is God?"

Again the boy looked all around but said nothing. A third time, in a louder, firmer voice, the priest leaned far across the desk and put his forefinger almost to the boy's nose, and asked, "Where is God?"

The boy panicked and ran all the way home. Finding his older brother, he dragged him upstairs to their room and into the closet where they usually plotted their mischief. He finally said, "We are in Big trouble."

The older boy asked, "What do you mean, Big trouble?"

His brother replied, "God is missing and they think we did it!"
*********************************************
RELIGION IS FOR PEOPLE AFRAID OF GOING TO HELL, SPIRTUALITY IS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN THERE

HAVING ABANDONED MY SEARCH FOR TRUTH, I'M LOOKING FOR A GOOD FANTASY

DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK

Sex is evil. EVIL IS A SIN. SIN IS FORGIVEN. SO SEX IS IN.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEW AGE AND PAGAN? ABOUT $500 A WEEKEND

THE DEFINITION OF A SAINT: A DEAD LIBERAL WHO IS WORSHIPPED BY LIVING CONSERVATIVES.

***ERROR #666 HARDRIVE IS POSSESSED***

HECK IS A PLACE FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T BELIEVE IN GOSH

CHRISTIANS: YOU CAN'T LIVE WITH THEM, YOU CAN'T FEED THEM TO THE LIONS ANYMORE

BORN OK THE FIRST TIME

DOING MY PART TO **** OFF THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT

CHURCHES SHOULD STAY OUT OF POLITICS OR BE TAXED

IT'S YOUR HELL, YOU BURN IN IT!

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES. IT REALLY CONFUSES THEM.

LAST TIME WE MIXED RELIGION WITH POLITICS PEOPLE GOT BURNED AT THE STAKE

PS.
More bodacious blasphemy if you like

Jesus "I Will Survive" video spoof. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7334887927774049581

10 Things I Hate About Commandments http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1kqqMXWEFs

posted July 31, 2006 07:59 PM              

Here're some more:-

Football: Christians vs Pagans

Heard one night on Between the Worlds Radio, WIKA...

Bob: For those of you who have just joined us, this has been one hell of a game! The Salem Witches, led by the ferocious play of Sven Gahrinnson, a huge Asatru defensive end, have taken a 21-14 lead over the Bethany Baptists.

Sam: That's right, Bob. Sven's a force, but Bethany's quarterback Paul Damascus has been throwing passes with all the zeal of an evangelist passing out tracts on Judgement Day. Leading the Baptists' Fire and Brimstone offense, Damascus has been burning the Witches' secondary all evening.

Bob: Sam, now that was uncalled for...

Sam: Hey, if the Witches hadn't put a spell on the referees they wouldn't even be in this game!

Bob: And if the Baptists hadn't soaked the field with holy water, the Witches would still be able to use their running game, not to mention the third degree burns that Salem's tight end received.

Sam: His name was Vlad! I'll bet he wasn't only a witch but a…

Bob: Don't say it!

Sam: But the Bible says...

Bob: SAM! Let's return to the action on the field.

Sam: [mumbling] Well it does...

Bob: Salem's just about to kick off with 2:35 left in the fourth quarter. JohnPaul is on his own five yard line to receive for the Baptists. Here's the kick... It's a beauty! Just look at the hang time!

Sam: I'd look for a penalty on that kick. Illegal summoning of air elementals, I would think.

Bob: JohnPaul takes the kick... he's on the ten... the fifteen... WOW! WHAT A HIT!! Sven just leveled JohnPaul! I'm amazed Bethany's return man could even hold on to the ball. Uh oh... JohnPaul's not moving. The trainers are coming out to the field.

Sam: [chanting gleefully] Threefold law! Threefold law! Sven's going to pay! He meant to hit him hard.

Bob: Sam, this is football! You're supposed to hit them hard. Besides, Sven's not Wiccan, he's Asatru!

Sam: [mumbling] Well, they're all going to burn in hell. They aren't Christian, after all. The Bible says --

Bob: [cutting off Sam] It looks like JohnPaul's going to be okay. He ay not know what time zone he's in after that hit, but at least he's on his feet. The Witches' defense takes the field. Sven holds down the left side while Gavin Lord leads Salem's Wild Hunt defense. Listen to them howl! The Witches' fans are going wild, the pep band is leading a spiral dance while the cheerleaders are drawing down the moon. I can't imagine how Bethany can even hear the count over all this noise! Here's the snap. Damascus drops back. Here comes Sven! Damascus is scrambling, chased by the Wild Hunt. He has nowhere to run, not with the Hunt on his heels. Damascus throws the ball away, stopping the clock with 2:08 left to play.

Sam: There's a flag on the play. I'll bet it's against the Witches

Bob: My guess is holding on the offense, Sam.

Sam: Yeah, right. You're just saying that 'cause you don't want the Baptists to win.

Bob: No, I'm saying that because one of Bethany's offensive linemen is still holding someone's kilt!

Sam: They should call that a foul. After all, the Bible says --

Bob: [cutting Sam off again] The refs have marked off the penalty and the players are lining up again. Damascus is calling the signals. Here's the snap. He drops back and throws. It's caught by Moses at the 30 and he's brought down immediately. That's going to bring up the two minute warning.

Sam: Let's break for a word from our sponsor, New Jerusalem Witnessing Tracts.

Bob: Let's not. We're back! The word on JohnPaul's injury is either a slight concussion or demon possession. The team is calling in a specialist from the Vatican to be sure. It seems that Sven hit him hard enough that the Bethany return man thinks he's in a past life. He keeps saying, I was really just kidding. I like lions. Really. Good kitty! There's 1:58 left on the game clock and from the look of things on the field, I think that Bethany's starting to panic.

Sam: Why do you say that?

Bob: Because it looks like they're going for the Hail Mary play.

Sam: And why do you say that?

Bob: Just listen to the Baptists' fans.

Fans: Hail Mary, Mother of God... Hail Mary, Mother of God...

Bob: Here's the snap. Damascus drops back... he's under pressure... Damascus scrambles to the right, looking for an open receiver... he reverses the field, running to the left... Sven is right on his heals... He throws... Touchdown!! What an immaculate reception! Touchdown Bethany!

Sam: Yes! Yes! YES!!!

Bob: Let's be a little objective here...

Sam: Time to make those sinners pay!

Bob: Bethany's going for the two point conversion. The Wild Hunt is growling, you can hear it even over the roar of the crowd. This could be the game right here, folks. The Baptists are pulling out all the stops. I think that's even the Ark of the Covenant that they're parading over there. Here's the snap... It's a quarterback sneak! Damascus dives into the heart of the Wild Hunt! Look at that pile! Damascus is somewhere at the bottom. It's going to be a moment before they sort this one out, folks. One of the Baptists is in Sven's face. Uh oh... I think he's witnessing to the Asatru. Yep! There's the flag! That'll be unsportsmanlike conduct on Bethany. Fifteen yards off the kick off. It looks like the Baptists have made the conversion! Bethany leads 22 to 21.

Sam: That's not the only thing they converted. It looks like Sven is headed back to Bethany's sideline.

Bob: No! Sven! You're a warrior! Come back! Come back!

Sam: Oh... is da widdle asatwoo a kwistjun now?

Bob: [ignoring Sam] Fourth quarter... 1:22 left on the clock. Bethany sends a deep booming kick into Salem's end zone. Wait... who is that returning the kick? Long hair... curves... It's Artemis! Those Bethany defenders don't know who they have coming at them!

Sam: If she turns anyone into a stag and they don't call a penalty, I'll protest!

Bob: Artemis fields the ball deep in her own end zone. She's bringing it out! She's at the five, at the ten... breaks a tackle… to the fifteen, the twenty... she's on the sideline with room to run... Does anyone hear trumpets? Are those angels over there? OHMIGOD WHAT WAS THAT FLASH OF LIGHT?!?!??!

Sam: Where did all of Bethany's players go? Where are their fans?

Bob: Looks like its the Rapture... Artemis is left with a field empty of defenders... She's at the fifty... the forty... the twenty...Touchdown!! Salem's ahead by five with Bethany nowhere in sight!

Sam: Judgement Day... It can't be Judgement Day...

Bob: Looks like the refs are talking this one over. The clock is stopped with fifty-eight seconds left to play. The Bethany Baptists are nowhere in sight and the Salem Witches lead 27 - 22. Here's the official ruling...That's game! The Bethany Baptists forfeit the game and the Salem Witches win, 27 - 22!

Sam: [still bemoaning his fate] Judgement Day... It was Judgement Day and no one came to get me! It can't be Judgement Day! Why? Why, Bob? Why?

Bob: Don't know, Sam. It's your system of belief, not mine. You're welcome to hang out with us Pagans.

Sam: Dear GOD! It was Judgement Day and they sent me to Hell! This is Hell, isn't it Bob?

Bob: [thinking of being the only Pagan that Sam knows] Only for me, Sam. Only for me.

posted August 02, 2006 11:06 PM              

sorry it took so long to reply...busy last couple of days

Azalaksh- LOVE the letter you pasted!! I will print it so I can show it to him if he brings up the subject again. hehe..

posted August 03, 2006 12:51 AM              

But, based on the way you told this story, it really seems like YOU were the one that sounds very "holier than thou"... not him. From what you say, it seems this neighbor guy really cared about you and HIS belief system happens to be structered in a way that spreading "the good word" to as many people as possible is how to help them. Bottom line - he was trying to help you in his own way, and you kicked dirt in his face in my opinion. Sometimes you need to look at a person's intentions behind their actions, and I think here his intentions were good. He thinks he might be able to help you be snatched from Satan's claws by sharing some of his knowledge! Can't fault him for that, right?

You may think it's arrogant of him to suggest your beliefs were of the devil, but calling someone a "closed-minded christian" seems a lot more cutting and degrading to me than this man was being to you. And to title your post to suggest that you can't stand dumb people... well sheesh. DUMB because they don't think like YOU? (Also a bit funny considering your post was littered with misspelled words!)

You may have read a lot and feel you have many of life's mysteries understood at a young age, but most high schoolers think they pretty brilliant, and in hindsight, you may get a chuckle at yourself for thinking you "got things covered", so to speak. I can see myself in you several years ago, and I only have to say that I bet you'll meet a lot of people in your life that will shake what you believe. The older you get, the more you realize you DON'T know, and how many possibilities there really are.

My best friend in life is a "closed minded christian"... we have very different views and beliefs, but we can disagree with love and respect. She's taught me a lot, and there are times when I think WHAT IF she is right? WHAT IF? What if Sylvia Browne is not the be-all-end-all of spirituality?! What if we are all a bunch of yahoos for believing stars affect us? What if its all a big fat accident?? What if YOU are the one who dies and then sees HE IS RIGHT? How arrogant of you to be so absolutely sure about things? Like you said, life is all about learning, and NONE of us has it figured out!

The things that bother us in others often bother us because we have the same annoying qualities. While you didn't march into his living room to try to save his soul, throw the guy a bone for caring in his own way. Next time, what's wrong with saying, "Bob, thanks so much for caring enough to share, and if I ever have any questions about Chrisitanity, you're the first person I'll ask."

Remember, he goes home and thinks you are just as "dumb" and "ridiculous" as you think he is.

posted August 03, 2006 01:08 AM              

They are full of page after page of astrological charts of important Hebrew leaders. The Jews have always practiced astrology, which means Jesus, as a Rabbi, would have too.

Look at the Kabalah, another Jewish Holy book. It's also full of astrology, numerology, and magick. And there is even mention of the Jewish Goddess. Most people don't even know they believe in one.

But the Kabalah story goes, that when Adam sinned, God was separated from her, and that is why the world is full of evil and chaos, and that only when the Jewish people have harmony and become obedient, will God finally be re-united with her, and there will be peace.

posted August 03, 2006 08:18 AM              

>>>That bit always cracks me up! It has been translated and revised and re written so many times, and there are more purged books than ones still in it. It has been proven!

posted August 03, 2006 04:54 PM              

I also agree that, when someone feels compelled to 'save' another, THaT comes off as 'Holier than Thou'... People who try forcing their own BELIEFs on other's, as opposed to those who just live their OWN existance in them, ... I would guess they probably at least think with a similar sentiment as the one Lousianagrl titled her string with.