In my mind, to each his own as far as religion is concerned. It’s like sexuality ~ as long as you don’t put it in my face, I don’t give a shit what you are.
But I’ve recently come across a hell of a lot of Americans, in particular, who seem to think that Christianity is the one and only ‘official’ religion in the United States of America. What the fuck happened to the Melting Pot, my friends?
It’s interesting that in Canada, if your ancestors are from Italy for example, you call yourself Italian or Canadian. In the States, it’s more than likely that you call yourself Italian-American. The ancestry is there and accepted. Your melting pot seems to have wrongfully absorbed all religions as well, with a majority official religion.
Not Christian? WTF?
Well let me tell you, my insular friends… Open your fucking eyes. Though Christianity may be a majority, don’t forget your Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Agnostic, Atheist, Hindu, Wiccan, Native American, Baha’i, New Age, Sikh, Scientologist, Humanist, Deist, Taoist, Eckankar neighbours.
How dare you think that you will ‘save us’. You have your religion, I have mine. I don’t want to hear your garbage. If I did, I’d give your place of worship a call. Don’t assume for a second that EVERYONE is Christian. Hate to break the news to you: Jesus may have died for YOUR sins, he’s simply a mere mortal to me. And though we disagree, I respect your choice ~ you respect mine. Or was it a choice? Were you preached to since you were a baby? Did you just absorb all of it by osmosis without thinking for yourself? Is it just family tradition to be Christian? Is the thought of exploring other religions more fear-inspiring because of the family retribution than any heavenly repercussion?
The American Airlines Pilot comes to mind. He asked all Christian passengers on the plane to identify themselves, then suggested that non-Christian passengers discuss their beliefs with the Christians. Very nice. That would scare the shit out of me more than anything else. And I sure as shit wouldn’t listen to one fucking person who wanted to tell me about people dying for my sins.
A Jewish friend of mine works in an employment agency. Her co-worker (who deals with the public) regularly wears t-shirts with such sayings as: “Contagious. I’ve got the Jesus disease.” There are more, but I can’t remember them. WTF is it about wearing this shit at work? Are you so fucking DUMB as to think that you are amongst ‘your own’ and the number of non-Christian people consulting you is so insignificant that it’s not worth considering? You’re fucking offensive. I can understand a gold cross on a chain. Just like I can understand a magen david on a chain. But a T-SHIRT? Now you’re pushing it, really.
In ThatDuckIsEvil’s latest BBQ post, he talks of a boss who has put up a poster in the office for the latest controversial Mel Gibson movie. When Duck wanted to take the poster down, he found out the owner of his company’s sister company put it up. His reply was, “… As for you not wanting any potential customers being offended or confused, I would hope that the confusion would be solved by them talking with a believer and finding out more about Jesus. Those who may be offended, I will pray for.” Hate to tell you, buddy. Really. Christianity might be YOUR only religion, but it isn’t the public’s only religion.
OPEN YOUR FUCKING EYES! And you know what? I’m genuinely happy that you’re a practicing Christian, though I am Jewish. I figure the more people that adhere to a peaceful religion, the better. As a matter of fact, my grandma was Catholic. Ain’t no one gonna tell me I’m not meeting up with her someday. As a matter of fact, I told her to save me a seat in the VIP section, cause that’s where I know she’ll be. (Joking of course … she got it on her death bed, so if you don’t, tough.)
In conclusion, my Christian Insular American friends, though some of you are commanded to recruit*, I suggest you keep that activity out of the workplace. If you knock on my door, I have the option of closing it. If you’re in my workplace, I’m in more of an awkward situation. You may not realize that what you are accomplishing is probably not bringing people over to the “right side”. Most proabably you’re putting more of a barrier between you and them, repulsing anyone from possible consideration.
But at the end of the day, who in the hell gave you the right to inflict your beliefs on others? You’re more disrespected than respected. Maybe I’m the first to tell you this cold hard fact; maybe I’m not. But I hope for everyone on the planet that one day, you absorb it and act accordingly.
- In Judaism, you are not allowed to recruit. This way, the faith stays ‘clean’. True converts seek conversion and are said to have a Jewish soul, therefore returning to Judaism. This explains why Judaism isn’t as fast growing as let’s say… Islam. Converts go through a rigorous learning period in which they are severely discouraged by rabbis. If they are deemed true converts, they are submitted to a final test by a bet din (three rabbis) who determine with finality if one is accepted into Jewry.
Seriously, lady, I’ve got some xanax right here, I’m willing to share.