Subj : [7/7] FYI Fwed advice To : All From : Rachel L. Akers Date : Fri Mar 23 2001 10:17 pm .. FYI Fwed advice: Dealing with a Practicing Christian [7/7] Subject: Re: Dealing with a Practicing Christian Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2001 00:01:27 CST Newsgroups: alt.religion.wicca.moderated > How do I get into a better place? One of my favorite passages in the Christian Bible is Matthews 6:1+. The long and the short of it is that Jesus commanded those who truely believed in them to keep low and private in their practice and belief, calling those who are more vocal "hypocrits" in their practice. Which is basically a Christian way of saying "it's none of your fucking business what I practice." After you have centered yourself, you should return the book on child-rearing to her, thanking her profusely for sharing her beliefs with you. But also tell her that you do not wish to discuss Christian matters, especially at work, and that your beliefs and salvation is none of her business. If she persists, start with Matthews 6:1-6, and remind her that trying to convert you through passively-agressively forcing words upon you rather than by her being a quiet, but living example of her faith, she is no better than those who "love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men." (Matt 6:5). And as Jesus said, "[they shall] have no reward of [their] Father which is in heaven." (Matt 6:1). I find that these passages of scripture generally shuts up most Christians real fast. (*grin*) -- - William Woody woody@[chomp].edu ------------------------------------------------------------- >>>>>> & FINALLY THE END RESULT <<<<<< Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 Subject: Update: Trouble with Practicing Christian Newsgroups: alt.religion.wicca.moderated Well, I guess I incorporated a lot of different advice into my response to this woman. I started with the "try a gentle approach" that someone suggested, but I think it got a little heated before the exchange was over (but not all the way to "Fuck Off" as someone else suggested). I simply asked her, as politely as I could (while returning her book to her) not to ever give me or mention to me anything with a religious theme. I explained that I found it offensive. I didn't have to say anything about going to the boss because at that point she apologized profusely and said it would never happen again. Since yesterday, I got an email from her explaining that she had no intention of offending me, that she didn't realize people could find such books offensive, and also stating that she has had other people tell her to lay off, as well. She says she doesn't mean to do this kind of thing and keeps doing it anyway. In fact, she says she doesn't know why she does it and doesn't remember anything about what was in her mind while deciding to give this book to me! She does say that she thought she was being helpful. For me, this event (and the many responses you all gave me here) has made it clear I need to do work on myself and my boundaries. I was too nice the first five or six times this happened. I should have set limits far earlier. It's been an evolutionary process. I've tried to remain open-minded about Xtians (and compassionate toward them), but I"m finding my own spirituality suffers as a result. I guess I'll try to remain open, compassionate BUT at a distance! BTW, I really hadn't had a chance to read much contemporary Xtian dogma until this happened, and I can tell you that I was really surprised (the author was a Xtian psychiatrist, with actual credentials). Even the most "liberal" of Xtians are off the chart, apparently, in terms of gender ideology, racial ideology, and homophobia. The lack of logic, rationality, and scientific rigor in their thinking is truly alarming. I'll keep you posted as to whether this woman is able to keep her word or not. --- Msged/2 4.00 * Origin: Elfwhere - The POINTy eared POINT (3:640/531.2379) .