the brainwashed vs. the unworthy
By Elizabeth
@Poppylicious (11134)
United Kingdom
August 1, 2016 1:18pm CST
I upset my StepSister.
I know I upset her because she sent me a message saying {and this is paraphrased}: I heard what you and Husband said on Saturday about Mormonism. What makes you feel so negative towards us? Where do you get your information from? I'm not angry or upset, I'm just wondering. Love you. Xxx
I feel a little bit bad now. It was rather rude for us to say things in the church, within hearing distance of the people we were gassing about. A later message from her declared that she's used to hearing negative things and people asking her questions and then being rude, but she's looked at the information online and it's not true.
It's not! It's not! It's not!
I reminded her that I have a degree in Religious Studies and am a qualified RE teacher; of course I've done oodles of research on many religious practices and not just online ... I wanted to make that clear.
But we're still friends. I still love her. I just don't agree with her views, which I know to be wrong. The whole concept of Mormonism is freakishly weird. Many religious practices are freakishly weird, but ... secret handshakes? Secret names? Green aprons? A hierarchy of men being in control of everything? Not being allowed to divulge what goes on in the Temple? Being sealed for all eternity, but then having the option to cancel this if need be?!
Goodness.
To an extent I think most people of faith are brainwashed, to a degree. Even I'm brainwashed to a degree, simply because of the years I spent at church in my childhood. I consider myself an agnostic and can't believe that any single deity is the 'right' one, yet I still offer a little prayer heavenwards when things aren't going my way.
But I refuse to be lulled into a debate about it, especially by someone who has subliminally been told what to say and how to coax me into wanting to know more. I am perfectly capable of making up my own mind about what I want to believe, just as you can, and you, and you, and even you. Yes, even you!
Still, if I get to Heaven and am asked to use the secret handshake in order to enter, I'm probably going to feel a bit stupid ...
5 people like this
6 responses
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
1 Aug 16
religious diff'rences 'n politics 've caused many a war. i hope that y'all get passed this. i doubt there's such's a 'secret handshake' to get'n, mankind's the one who's twisted His words to suit their fancy 'n whims.
1 person likes this
@Poppylicious (11134)
• United Kingdom
2 Aug 16
I would like to think that if there is a god he won't actually care what religion you've followed, or not followed, but that he'll judge you purely on how you've lived your life. There are an awful lot of religious folk who therefore wouldn't get to experience eternal life and an awful lot of atheists who would!
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
2 Aug 16
@Poppylicious i agree with ya, hon. one can say all they wish, quote 'til they turn blue ~ but 'tis how they actually live their live 'n treat others that'll matter'n the end.
1 person likes this
@Hanyouyomi (2186)
• Dallas, Texas
13 Aug 16
@crazyhorseladycx I'll be dipped in butter. Someone who gets it. As yes mankind's the reason why a lot of religous denominations seem "off" for lack of a better term. As you said, man's twisted God's word to suit their fancy and whims. Ican't help but think there's a reason for that too. Call it a "black man's paranioa..."
1 person likes this
@shaggin (74988)
• United States
2 Aug 16
I consider myself agnostic too. I really hate debates on religion so I try hard to avoid them. If I hear religion I just tune it out as I feel they have the right to believe what they want. I do think the Mormon religion is very strange but so are a lot of other religions. We can all get along no matter what we believe as long as we don't push each other into our beliefs or lack of..
1 person likes this
@Poppylicious (11134)
• United Kingdom
2 Aug 16
Absolutely ... if you look deeply into any religion there is weirdness to be found. :)
@bird123 (10658)
• United States
5 Aug 16
We are all Spiritual beings in our true natures. Freed from our physical bodies, we will have no hands nor need any. That kind of makes learning secret handshakes a bit childish. On the other hand, how many people are really after truth and reality? I have found that very few really want to find God as well. Games and stories seem to have a larger following.
One should never be afraid of speaking the truth regardless of the reaction of others. At some point the truth will become important to them and they might finally understand what you were really saying. Smile and with love and kindness, point them in the right direction.
Interaction can bring Drama, however most of the learning in this world is around Drama. It should not be necessarily avoided.
1 person likes this
@Poppylicious (11134)
• United Kingdom
2 Aug 16
I know ... everyone becomes so defensive and everyone is always right.
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21845)
• Canada
2 Aug 16
My God is a loving God, she is not the scary one that the majority of the world believes in. I avoid religion conversations usually because I just don't care who believes in what, its none of my business. Politics is another subject, I let everyone know how I feel about that - that's not bad for every 8 years. Have fun with the handshake.
1 person likes this
