My brother goes to a local Baptist church. I've met most the people there, and I can say that they are good people.
My son, Imp, has decided he wants to go. I'm happy for him. He's been asked to help with the puppets. I'm proud of him.
But, I'm uncomfortable with church.
See, I classify myself as a happy little pagan.
I remember telling someone that, and they did their version of bug-nut crazy, saying that it's nothing but a cult, blah, blah, blah.
Dude, don't force your views on me. It's rude and inconsiderate.
The way I look at the Divine is that it's just too blasted big to be understood by humans. If I want to talk to a goddess name Brigid or Morrigan or Allah or Jehovah, then it's my business. Not yours.
When I was pregnant with Imp over ten years ago, I was asked something; would it bother me if my son didn't choose the same path as me?
Honestly? Nope. I said that as long as he's a good person, I will always support him. I will support him if he wants to become a Catholic priest. If he wants to learn about Judaism, I will help by finding a synagogue. The same for Taoism, Buddhism, Islam. I will help him.
My only caveat on his decisions; if he follows the moronic idiots like Phelps and Falwell and other zealots, I will beat the ever-lovin' tar out of that boy.
In my mind, hate has no place in any religion.
It's not my place to force any sort of view on my child. I feel it's my place to guide him into the path that suits him.
I believe that there is no one true way. Truth is subjective. Just because I believe one thing, does not mean that someone else has to believe it. Find what fits you. I don't care if the Flying Spaghetti Monster noodles you into rapture. That's for you.
For me, I feel closer to gnostic Christianity, Celtic paganism, with a hefty dose of Buddhism. It works for me.
Joseph Campbell said it best: follow your bliss.
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