I think it's because religion is such a personal and intimate thing. I am religious to an extent, and I could see myself saying the things that J. says. The existance of God is something people can't prove, and when you're confronted with someone who doesn't believe in Him/Her, it can almost feel like you're not a logical person.
Two other thoughts:
1.) It sounds like J. is afraid that talking about religion could be viewed as offensive or that she's trying to convert you. That's almost what I hear when I read the paragraph: "This isn't what you believe, but I know there are plenty of people out there who would try to change your mind and I'm not one of them." In fact, I'm having a hard time NOT including my personal philosophy about faith.
As Christians, we aren't supposed to judge, but at the same time, Christianity is held up as the "right" way. Accept Christ, be Saved, right? Implicit in that general philosophy is a sort of spiritual superiority. And for those of us that accept that the whole world isn't Christian (or even religious), it's an awkward feeling to cope with. I mean, me saying "well, I think it's okay that you're an atheist" is totally elitist. Just because I'm a Christian doesn't mean I am an authority on the existance of God or in any way fit to pass judgement on someone. But on the other hand, Christians DO have such a judgmental reputation that saying "I'm not judging you" is sometimes essential.
I have NO idea if I'm making sense right now. :P
2.) I've met atheists who were every bit as militant and intent on converting people as Christians. :) Fanatics of any sort scare the living daylights out of me! But I've felt like I have to defend my religious beliefs before.
Also, I know that I personally have a thinner skin about something like that- it goes up there with weight issues or my parenting ability, in a way. It's something that's so intimate and important that a smaller cutting comment has a bigger impact. I remember riding in a car with my mom and putting in a Michael W. Smith tape (very Christian). In truth, I just liked his music. My mom made a comment about "you're not turning holy roller on me, are you?" For some reason, that comment has stuck with me and influenced how I express my faith ever since. And normally, I'm pretty capable of blowing my mom off if she says something I don't agree with.
Anyway, that's my overly coherent babbling about your post :)
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branchandroot
(no subject)
Date: 2007-05-12 01:52 am (UTC)Two other thoughts:
1.) It sounds like J. is afraid that talking about religion could be viewed as offensive or that she's trying to convert you. That's almost what I hear when I read the paragraph: "This isn't what you believe, but I know there are plenty of people out there who would try to change your mind and I'm not one of them." In fact, I'm having a hard time NOT including my personal philosophy about faith.
As Christians, we aren't supposed to judge, but at the same time, Christianity is held up as the "right" way. Accept Christ, be Saved, right? Implicit in that general philosophy is a sort of spiritual superiority. And for those of us that accept that the whole world isn't Christian (or even religious), it's an awkward feeling to cope with. I mean, me saying "well, I think it's okay that you're an atheist" is totally elitist. Just because I'm a Christian doesn't mean I am an authority on the existance of God or in any way fit to pass judgement on someone. But on the other hand, Christians DO have such a judgmental reputation that saying "I'm not judging you" is sometimes essential.
I have NO idea if I'm making sense right now. :P
2.) I've met atheists who were every bit as militant and intent on converting people as Christians. :) Fanatics of any sort scare the living daylights out of me! But I've felt like I have to defend my religious beliefs before.
Also, I know that I personally have a thinner skin about something like that- it goes up there with weight issues or my parenting ability, in a way. It's something that's so intimate and important that a smaller cutting comment has a bigger impact. I remember riding in a car with my mom and putting in a Michael W. Smith tape (very Christian). In truth, I just liked his music. My mom made a comment about "you're not turning holy roller on me, are you?" For some reason, that comment has stuck with me and influenced how I express my faith ever since. And normally, I'm pretty capable of blowing my mom off if she says something I don't agree with.
Anyway, that's my overly coherent babbling about your post :)