I will never buy a Kindle. I look at the Kindles, the Nooks, and the e-books of the world with the kind of distaste saved for the eating of a sour fruit or an overly cologned gentleman at a bar. These electronic ‘download your book’ devices upset me and I am stubborn and steadfast enough to…
It’s ALWAYS been taboo!
The topic of religious beliefs has popped up more and more in my conversations with friends and friendly acquaintances as of late. Now, I’m not talking about pow-wows reminding me about the little details I need to pay more attention to. These conversations just come from nowhere: coffee shops, casual dinners, class, Facebook chat. It just pops up like “Hey! I’m controversial! SO ADDRESS MEEEEE!”
What is the issue that I need to address regarding theological discussion? It’s a target, plain and simple. As SOON as you voice any personal faith you might have in something(s) or someone(s), you are branded in that person’s eyes. Sure, after getting to know you or drawing on information gathered for however long you’ve interacted, they can sub categorize and rank you a littler closer to an “individual”. But no matter how hard you try, they are still stuck with that little buzzer going off every time you are within their sight, listing every attribute that they identify with you. Especially new friends. It just sets the mood for your relationship, ughhhh.
Why this bothers me? I feel my personal beliefs, no matter what they are, are my own. I have them for me, to comfort and drive me, and to call upon them when it feels necessary. Now, if YOU want to be noticed for your beliefs, that is certainly your choice. Hell, buy a t-shirt for every day of the week. BUT I DON’T! That’s why I try not to voice the specifics too often. People can guess at them, assume I’m something (when you ASS-U-ME it just makes an… you know where I’m going) but never really get it right. Most of the time they’re just plain wrong.
In these conversations it always feels like I’m on that ‘To Catch a Predator’ show, being set up for something that will surely bring forth my damnation. “Don’t you think that’s wrong/immoral/sinful?” “Aren’t they wrong/stupid/evil for thinking that?” “Should you be doing that?”
Now, I’m not without red paint on my own hands. I catch myself wondering what someone’s religious beliefs are, how they would interact with mine, and labeling people all the time. I AM, however, trying not to find the answer and avoid that conversation. I like those moments where a light bulb turns on after I realize an friend is Baptist/Sunni/Athiest/Catholic/Buddhist and I could care less. They are my friend and the same friend they were before I accidently peeked into their hearts.
All in all, I would like personal beliefs to remain personal. If you try to guess or are confident your assumption, pass over it. Get to know me, I’ll get to know you, and if I find out you’re Jewish, wtf do I care? We both still love the Wu-Tang Clan and dipping pizza rolls in chipotle ranch (only if it’s kosher!)
