06 April 2010

Internal (Maybe External) Rant


Dear Friends,

I'm having a bit of an internal struggle about today's post. I was reading a friends writing this morning and she was discussing religion, Christianity in particular, and how there are some books that she reads that she really enjoys because they question religion and it's establishments and doctrines in philosophical and Christian ways (Glennon, if you're reading this and I got that wrong, let me know). It was making me think about some of the people I know and how sometimes it seems that the people who claim to be the most Christian are really the least Christian.

It makes me cringe a bit to write things about religion, although I think about it often enough. I mean, who really cares what I think about religion? But, well, this is my blog and I get to write about anything and everything I want to. Wow, that's a sense of power that I don't tend to have in my everyday life. How disturbing. Okay, so more than anything I think about the hypocrisy of some of the people that are in my life, some in by choice, others not, who use religion on a daily basis and who don't seem to notice that they use it as an offensive weapon or that they say one thing and then act in a completely different manner. I really wonder what they think they're doing and what they think they're accomplishing by it.

I have to say, I just reread that and it makes NO sense whatsoever. I don't feel comfortable mentioning names of people that I'm thinking of right now, because I don't want to stir the pot and I don't want to hurt some people. I think that it would be good for a few of them to have something thrown in their face for self-examination, but I'm not sure a public forum is the best way to do it. Of course, in person I am a completely nonconfrontational, passive-aggressive, wimp who doesn't feel qualified to discuss religion because I don't have the bible memorized. And I do realize that that in and of itself doesn't mean that I don't have a knowledge base or understanding of my religion. That is my confession of the day. But, I do know enough that I don't throw or attack people with religion. I like to have calm and reasonable discussions including both points of view and try to show people the love I have for my God versus attempting to force people into the same manner of thinking. I think that example is more telling than speaking/lecturing/ranting...

And on that deep and meaningful note... Have I told you lately how much I love Chuck. It is seriously one of the funniest shows on TV, I highly recommend it. I look forward to it every Monday night. I don't even Tivo it so I can see it the minute it comes on. And I love Dancing with the Stars, because I could totally learn how to dance if I took myself out of real life and trained for 8 hours a day with a professional dancer. And I would look damn good with a spray tan, and AMAZING in one of those Latin costumes.


Love to you all,

C-

p.s. Please leave me some comments today if you're reading. I want some opinions on this and am feeling needy! I'm in need of a virtual hug.

8 comments:

  1. Hi Carin-

    I'm reading and now commenting, so I hope that will give you the virtual hug you need.

    As far as religion goes, I tend not to discuss it as I don't think I have done enough research to know what I was talking about. I do have a few friends that are very religious and I do enjoy talking with them especially when they quote the bible. I also have an acquaintance who (not necessairly with religion, but with other things) will say one thing and then do another. Latley I have been very frustrated by this acquaintance and I have prayed for some inner peace and strength for my feelings of frustration to go away. In the grand scheme of things I know this is not a big deal, but yet it bothers my on a daily basis...I can't figure out why I care about what she chooses to do and how she chooses to act?

    BTW- I love Dancing with the Stars. I have always been impressed with how the contestants are willing to put themselves out there and be criticized. I could never do that, of course I also can't dance at all.

    (Monkee) Kathie

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  2. *Squeeze*

    (there's your virtual hug)

    I can't quote the bible either, but I can talk about and live my faith. Someone at Momastery said, Love is an action.

    I agree.

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  3. On religion:

    "Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. Learn and practice nonattachment from views in order to be open to receive others' viewpoints."

    I believe that our faith journey is shaped by many experiences and thoughts that we allow our selves to be open to. What is steady, is how I choose to "embody the spirit of understanding and compassion of Jesus to touch the depths of my Christianity" my faith.

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  4. Chimmy - thank you for the comments, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the quotes. Where did you get them? As always, insightful.

    Kathie - Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate the virtual hug, I really needed it today. The religion thrower in my life is there on a permanent basis, so I don't have too many options but to tred lightly and pray for strength and to "not be a jerk" in return. It makes me defensive and I get snarky in return, which doesn't bode well for anyone involved. We'll see if I can be patient and allow for Guidance and for the Person to change... after all, if they use religion as a weapon it also allows for an opportunity for God to truly speak to their hearts and allow for real change, right?

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  5. Also sending you a virtual hug. And I think your post makes total sense. I have a very hard time with people who 'should know better' acting completely contrary to what they say they believe. I think the people who are the loudest about their religion tend to be the most hypocritical. We should totally get together for a play date and discuss more while kiddies play :) Seriously.

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  6. Luann - I am totally up for a playdate. Let's schedule one. And I should have known you'd be #10. Couldn't fit a better friend :)

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  7. Hi Sweet Carin.

    I hear you, sister.

    what helps me deal with everyone on earth without losing my mind is to try to keep things as simple as possible. so i tell myself these three things quite often.
    1. people generally do the best they can.
    2. the only person i can change is myself
    3.for God's sake Glennon, stop cutting your own bangs.

    if i could just nail these three, life would be good. KEEP WRITING! Loving you!

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  8. G-
    Thank you for the boost. I don't think I'll cut my bangs, I went through all those troublesome hair days in high school (if you recall) which is the BEST time to go through it. I highly recommend it to your daughters. Character building. Now, I have the opposite problem. It hasn't been cut in 6-12 months. Maybe more.

    I tend to give the benefit of the doubt, really I do... it's just the one person I was thinking of has done so many things to negate that aspect. I don't want to lose myself because of it. I don't like who I am around her and that makes me sad, but I can't change all of it. I will continue to work on myself. As you say, it's the only thing I can do.

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