If I don't believe as you believe and no one is around to mock me, am I still wrong?

I have written this post several times over and no matter how I write it I feel I am going to offend someone. Not meaning to, but it is very likely going to happen.

I remember learning in school [a very long time ago] about the pilgrims coming to America to escape religious persecution. Then they persecuted those who did not believe as they did. Huh? Is it just me or does that make no sense?

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays

My cousin posted a video on Facebook the other day called ‘Christmas with a Capital “C”‘. On this same day she had a posting that read “MERRY CHRISTmas”. But, I like Happy Holidays.

I purposely buy holiday cards ~ no Christmas or religious overtones. I wish the majority my family a Merry Christmas, send a Hanukkah [Chanukah] card to my Dad, and celebrate Yule on December 21. In case you didn’t know, Yule is just the Winter Solstice. But in general I like Happy Holidays ~ it’s all inclusive, never exclusive. That is just my preference.

They are not ashamed. Why should I be? I’m not.

I take great comfort in the many people I know who are strong in their faith. I read several blogs that are quite Christian and I think they are wonderful. The blogs and the people who write them, that is. They are not ashamed. Why should I be? I’m not.

Why ask if you are only going to make fun of me?

The other day my daughter texted me after school. She was upset and could not understand why people have to be so mean. It seems she was sitting with her friends at lunch and they were talking about their religious beliefs. Then they asked her what she believed. She answered. They laughed and told her she was wrong. How can a belief be wrong?

belief (noun) ~ {opinion} impression: a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

~ WordNet Search 3.0

How did she answer? She likes the theory of evolution. And before she is stoned [I thought we had grown beyond such things] know that she has told me she felt herself to be a Christian. She would go to the FCA [Fellowship of Christian Athletes] lunches for the sense of community and discussions while many were there for the free pizza. It brought her comfort. Yes, I said brought.

They laughed when they asked her ‘if evolution is true, then why are there still monkeys?’ I don’t think they teach evolution in the schools here. I like the idea of evolution. It’s just another school of thought. She didn’t mock them when they shared their belief.

How does one go from Christianity to Evolution?

I’m not really sure. I want my children to be exposed to the different religious views. I was raised Catholic, but attended other types of churches growing up. Vacation Bible School is not a Catholic thing. I didn’t know that until I was much older.

My daughter has attended several churches of varying denominations. There is one belief she will not follow due to her bad experiences. In fact, one pastor offended me. I told him my child was Christened in a Catholic church and he mocked me. Really? The kids [her friends] made fun of my daughter and told her she was going to hell if she didn’t believe like they did. Really? I didn’t get that from the Bible or my years in Catechism classes or any church I ever attended.

She has been turned off by those who try to convince her. Some may say it is a test of faith. I say it’s a societal acceptance of bullying. Maybe this is the proof needed to show the validity in evolution. Follow me here. I promise I have a point.

Creativolutionism

Some monkeys evolved into humans, many stayed as they are ~ monkeys. Some people are open to acceptance of other viewpoinst ~ to accept that not everyone will believe as they do and this does not necessarily make them wrong. Then there are those who are not open to anything other than what they believe. This is why we have holy wars. Evolution does not mean every creature evolves, just some.

And if we really think about it, maybe there is a place for the Bible and Evolution. After all, seven days to God is not the same as seven days to us. Maybe after creating all the animals, God decided to make a few adjustments to the monkey and created Adam and Eve. But what about the dinosaurs? {sigh} My head is starting hurt.

I believe

… in respect of others and their beliefs and choices.

… in live and let live.

… in do unto others as you would have done unto you.

… in freedom of choice.

… I am a good person and will not go to hell just because I do not believe like you.

… your beliefs are valid and just even if I don’t believe them exactly as you.

What do you believe?

Dwayne has read the Bible cover to cover several times. I made it through Genesis and was confused by all the begotting and begetting of everyone. It really makes the head spin. He says the Bible says ‘Faith cometh by hearing’. So, for those who attend church regularly, your faith is probably strong. Me? I believe, really, I do. But, I also believe we are not alone in the universe. Seriously, we cannot be the most advanced being, can we?

Then there is my all time favorite story, Jonathan Livingston Seagull ~ many planes of existence and learning and growing and advancing. And what about reincarnation? And, what about ghosts or spirits? Do you believe in these things? Or is it one or the other? Yeah, I’m like a two-year old, I know. So tell me, what do you believe?