Several years ago, members of my family attended a funeral for a wonderful man who had been a light of the community. He didn't lead in the political sense, but he led with his heart and motivated many fine activities in every organization to which he belonged. The church was packed with people who didn't ordinarily attend that church. The minister took advantage of the audience of newbies to launch a fire-and-brimstone oration about saving all our eternal souls.
We had attended to celebrate the life of this man, not to hear about the minister's religious ambitions for us. It's safe to say, based on remarks at the reception afterward, that very many people were offended by the minister, but everyone gritted their teeth and stayed because they were there for the man's family. If they had to listen to him to give tribute to their friend, it was a sacrifice they were willing, if not happy, to make. Even some of the church's congregation were disturbed.
The response I received here was so much in the same vein that I snapped. Religious beliefs don't bother me much. When believers use other people's pain as a grandstand to advertize and fortify their beliefs, that bothers me. When it's my pain, it makes me furious.
He has a perfect right to say whatever he wants.
Free speech also includes the right not to listen and not to respond. I have earned that right in regard to his remarks, and I intend to exercise it.
After years and years of this, he's used up his ration of charm in this little corner of the universe. Maybe he can pick up with Betsy where he left off with me. I wish her luck.
Regards--
Mary Anne
Flame » in reply to re: For "Mr. Science", who calls himself SDAI
Thank you for noticing that, Justin
The whole thread (51 posts)
- For "Mr. Science", who calls himself SDAI
- Dude, you must have done something really bad to get Mary Anne, mad at you! (n/t)
- Well, you never know
- re: For "Mr. Science", who calls himself SDAI
- As I recall . . .
- Thank you for noticing that, Justin
- Karma
- Karma = Character (n/t)
- Now, in defense of the poor guy.
- he is a total loon
- Oh, how I'll long for the days when I was just an "amusing" "clown"