Pushing My Buttons

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) writes:

The ACLU vigorously defends the right of all Americans to practice their religion. But because the ACLU is often better known for its work preventing the government from promoting and funding selected religious activities, it is sometimes wrongly assumed that the ACLU does not zealously defend the rights of all religious believers to practice their faith. The actions described {here} – over half of which were brought on behalf of self-identified Christians, with the remaining cases defending the rights of a wide range of minority faiths – reveal just how mistaken such assumptions are.

Within a few short weeks, my workplace moved from an employee prayer "list" to an employee prayer "meeting" held in our Conference Room. I didn't react well; in fact, I was livid. Let me explain. My questions were how long would it be before employees shunned other employees who did not attend or employees were passed over for jobs because they did not attend? How long before it became mandatory? Some think that is jumping to a very broad conclusion.  It is my belief that Christians running in a pack can be vicious, i.e., I am more likely to have a greater faith in their God than I do his followers.

Who could possibly be against praying? "I happen to be one who believes in the power of prayer," said one co-worker. That is not really the point, though, is it?  If someone cares enough to raise my name to whatever higher power or send any kind of positive energy into the universe for me, I appreciate that and certainly could use it.  I do not, however, understand why people have to display their faith in every possible venue when, particularly in the Southern US, there must be a place of worship on every corner. Look at me! I'm praying!

Sometimes God's followers throw up roadblocks to people like me ever having any chance of having a spiritual connection in whatever way. One co-worker advised that I might eventually get to a place to have the freedom to let all that go. That is something I can understand. But, it is very hard for me, which is why I turned to the ACLU for some direction of what is supported as religious freedom/belief.

While I voice that I support every one's right of expression, this is one area where I struggle. I don't need a psychologist to point out that this is an unresolved issue from my childhood (preacher's kid, without my consent).  Or, maybe it is the fact that historically women have not been treated kindly by religions. Or, maybe it is I've heard more about religious people using the government to push a religious agenda into our personal social lives than I do about any good deeds they might perform, which I understand might be a direct result of my exposure.  Yet, I see nothing in that agenda that could possibly be good for me.

There is this joke about someone stepping over a homeless person to get into a church where they sit to hear about our loving one another. If Christians could prove their love by their deeds without having to "witness" or try to convert someone else then maybe I wouldn't be so hard on them.

But, I'm trying, Ringo. I'm really trying. ~ Jules Winnfield