Another Example of Religionism in Action

Post Reply New Topic

I visited one of the local churches in order to fine-tune their wired/wireless network interface. While I was working behind an office partition, one of the older church leaders came in and started talking to the secretary, who expressed her concern about the erratic behavior of one of the female congregants.

"You mean, like Mr. Fnord?" he asked. "He's mentally ill, you know."

I immediately stood up and asked him what problem he had with me. He said that they weren't talking about me. I told him that if he has issues with me or my work, he should come to me directly instead of spreading lies. He just turned away and kept talking to the secretary as if I weren't there. She told him that he was wrong about me and that he should apologize. He just snorted, muttered something about "Not worth it," and walked out. The secretary was visibly shocked, and apologized profusely.

People, this was a duly elected leader and founder of this particular Christian church! He is one of many who sets the policies of the church, yet his most recent job was as a security guard at a construction site (he's laid off now). I have no idea why he hates me, why he thinks that I'm "mentally ill" (as he puts it), or why he would spread lies about me. Maybe it's because I have a steady job? Maybe because my wife and I form one of only two "mixed" marriages in the community? Maybe because I lack diplomatic skills and tact? Maybe because it's no secret of what I think about religion?

(Hey, church money is just as green as anyone else's, and that's why I was working there on a Sabbath/Sunday.)

After discussing this with a couple of other church leaders and the pastor (the secretary provided corroborating testimony), I was told that they would "handle" the situation, which I take to mean that they will sweep it all under the rug and deny it ever happened.

All I want is an admission of wrong-doing and an apology ... from a leader of a Christian church.

I'm not holding my breath until it happens.

I was torn between the first and the last answer.

And, really, what were you expecting? Some are.. different.. and some.. dislike who're different. Like in the old days, where ret*ds were shocked, to "make them better".

Christ-like behavior, perhaps?

And thinking like this makes me reconsider the last option.

A lot of people think I am mentally ill too. It comes with the territory; NT's often see us that way.

I don't see what this guy's opinion has to do with religion. Aren't there any atheists who think you're mentally ill?

It seems, from your description, that this one man is the only one in the church who slighted you, so the second option seems best (though the last was quite tempting). Some people are just jerks, and you'll find them in any group. From your story, the secretary at least seemed to sympathize with you, and probably the others were as well. Now, if he is a long-established member of that community, it's unlikely that they'll raise as huge a fuss over this as you'd like, but that's more a human impulse to avoid unpleasant conflicts than any type of active "sweeping it under the rug and pretending it never happened."

I couldn't help to vote for the last option


Well, attitudes like that would certainly drive a few off from Christianity rather than attracting them to it, hmmm, that should be considered a grave sin.

Yeah, I have expected "Christ-like" behaviour too, I have to say that I have found "some" of it, from the humble, especially economically, I remember, years ago, I found a good samaritan, at least it seemed to me, which I found impressive back then.

None that have actually met me, and the mental-health professional who made my "Aspie" diagnosis and told me in these exact words: "You are most certainly NOT insane!" also happens to be an Atheist.

I think it has to do with the more rational and less judgmental approach to non-normal behavior that Atheists seem to have and that Religionists seem to lack.

But that's just my opinion.

I hope you are not now going to take this to mean, or be further proof of, 'religion is bad'.

Some religious people are good.
Some religious people are bad.
Some non-religious people are good.
Some non-religious people are bad.

What you really need is an adjustment of attitudes and expectations, with extra emphasis on the former. You are trolling for pity and it disgusts me. You have a handicap and use that as a shield but also as a sign that says, PITY ME!

Maybe someone at that chruch said something impolite about you while in earshot. Maybe it was meant as insult, maybe not. Dr. House has a bum leg and that his "excuse" for being a miserable person and mistreating others. You have a similar thing going. Try developing your character and improving yourself as opposed to just relying on that missing limg for pity.

Too late. I already have.

The majority of my most traumaitic moments have been directly caused by the words and actions of Religionists (including family members), who seemed to feel justified in doing so because of their religious beliefs.

I have grown to appreciate the honesty and sincerity of the Atheists I've known, who seem less inclined to hate others for being "different" in some way. Again, it seems to have something to do with the triumph of reason over superstition in their lives.

Fnord, you've got this wounded dog routine down to tee.

I seriously doubt atheists to be more "rational" and less judgemental than religious as a principle. Heck, that doesn't seem to hold weight, considering some things, first, it is a human thing, having any belief system does not necessarily make one "better" than the other, and about the atheist posters participating in the PPR forum, I could certainly say that the image is not of being less judgemental and rational, so we could say that the evidence provides the opossite direction from that generalization.


Now, that is what I would call to have a little bit of tact

"Routine"?

Do you think reports of my sufferring at the hands of Religionists is only a performance for your amusement, or are you attacking me for expressing beliefs and experiences that differ from your own?

well, I hope I don't seem to be cold or brutal saying this, but, you have to recognize that this is the result from experience, therefore it is subjective, if your epistemology is by accepting things through verified (and impartial) evidence only, you should know that subjective views based on life experience are actually unreliable, and do not hold value under empericism, if not repeately verified and be completely unbiased.

Last edited by greenblue on 07 Jan 2009, 12:50 pm, edited 2 times in total.