I got Hate Mail today. :( From FAMILY

[GraceHardGrave]

http://www.livejournal.com/users/morriganswitch/112159.html

Post is public.

My Husband's brother and sister in law sent me a 6 page letter, and a hate tract. The first words I saw when I opened my mail today were, Exodus 22:18. (Thou Shalt not Suffer a Witch to live.) /cry

I expect this from strangers. Hell, I even expect it from other members of my family (my uncle R belongs to a Calvary Baptist church.)

But not them. Up until semi recently, they were the biggest stoner drunks in Cecil county! Then the wife joined a Baptist church, and started dragging her hubby, and it all went to hell. Literally. Now every waking second must be devoted to Jesus, or else they're bad people.

Not only that, they're not happy just going to Church, they have to verbally abuse everyone else. Grrr.

Ravin Raven helped me work out a short "business like" reply, but I still don't feel better.

:roll: :evil:

[biker]

Hey Sweetie,
repleid in your LJ has metalsmith.

[GraceHardGrave]

Your such a sweetheart! /hugs I do feel a bit better.

[Mistress Lisette]

Oh, Grace! I'm sorry you're going through such crap! It does hurt, but ya gotta remain strong and firm in your own beliefs!

I've been through something similar, although it wasn't family. It was so-called friends. If you need to talk and/or vent, PM me. I'll provide that shoulder!

:hearts: your way!

~Lisette

[lady Amalthea]

What I find truly amazing is that most christians(not all, mind you)do not know that the phrase in exodus was changed by King James. The original line was 'though shalt not suffer a poisoner to live'. It was changed to reflect the attitude toward magic. I am a Witch, but I try to have a understanding of a lot of different religions.

[Constance Innuendo]

Grace, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this kind of crap from supposed "Christians". I would say that I'm shocked and apalled. . .sadly though I'm not shocked.

The main thing I was struck by in that letter was the scapegoating (how its the rest of the family's fault they weren't exposed to christianity sooner).

oh well and now a few quotes for everyone's benefit :)

The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.
-William Shakespeare

Man is a Religious Animal. He is the only Religious Animal. He is the only animal that has the True Religion—several of them. He is the only animal that loves his neighbor as himself and cuts his throat if his theology isn’t straight.
-Mark Twain

One man’s “magic” is another man’s engineering. “Supernatural” is a null word.
-Robert A. Heinlein

Blessings to all ! (and I mean ALL DAMNIT!)

[Guinevere]

My stock response to such lunacy:

Dear xxxxx:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination... End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is, my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath.Exodus 35:2. clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle- room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16.

Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan,

[Peaches O Malley]

Aww Honey :(
I am so sorry.
My hubby grew up Southern Baptist and says all new convert tend to be extremist/fanatical and should settle down and really feel like shit later. :augh:
Expect an apology and demand chocolate!

I am a practicing Wiccan, my hubby is not (he has hi beliefs and as he puts it "they don't align to anybody else")

Love, light and blessings to you and a big bear hug from my hubby :love:

[Peaches O Malley]

My stock response to such lunacy:

Dear xxxxx:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination... End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is, my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath.Exodus 35:2. clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle- room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16.

Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan,

:snarf:
Now that is hilarious!

[GraceHardGrave]

Thanks you guys. It's just a big ol' pain in the patoot. I'm leaving today for San Fran, at around 2 pm, and I can't help thinking that I'll wind up stewing over this on my 6 hr flight and just getting mad all over again.

So I'm taking my Laptop, Chocolate and the brand new Dean Koontz book with me.

Wish me luck.

[GraceHardGrave]

PS Thanks for the Dr Laura letter. It made me smile.

[Tempest_Gypsy]

Replied on you LJ. Sorry people are being so fricking intolerant at you.

[GraceHardGrave]

Replied on you LJ. Sorry people are being so fricking intolerant at you.

Thanks, I'll add you to my LJ now. :)

[ladyleggs]

Why is it, that just because we are happy the way we are, other people judge us? I say they arent family at all. For someone like yourself, who offers and does help a total strangers in her hour of need, to me, and my family, you are the greatest person in the world. I have always been a person, all my life, to give to others. I dont have much, but if you needed it more, it was yours. And to be on the other end, as I am now, I get a chance to feel in my heart, what all those people I have helped, felt in theirs. I have always lived my life like I wanted, cause it made me happy. You never know when this will be your last day on earth, so I make out like it is. YOu should go on your trip, put the words of those people out of your mind and lets hope that one day, they see, just because they go to church, doesnt make them better christians than the rest of us, that are happy with ourselves, and help others. I see a divorce just waiting to happen.

[ladyleggs]

He doesnt judge us. He loves everyone.

[ladyleggs]

Just read the letter, someone, needs to teach her how to spell.........get it?lol

[ladyleggs]

did she mean bible? If we all lived our life like others thought we should, we would dress alike, look alike, houses would look alike, we would have the same jobs. What kind of life is that? There is a reason we were given special powers within ourselves, to see, hear, etc. things that others cannot. It doesnt mean we do not belive in their GOD.

[GraceHardGrave]

For someone like yourself, who offers and does help a total strangers in her hour of need, to me, and my family, you are the greatest person in the world.

And to be on the other end, as I am now, I get a chance to feel in my heart, what all those people I have helped, felt in theirs.

/sniff I'm just happy I could help you and yours. /hugs

All too true. We never know when we'll Leave this world. I was in a horrific car crash three years ago, and was DOS. When I 'returned' I was told, that I had broken nearly every bone in my body, and not only was it a Miracle I was alive, but that even so, I might never walk again. I'm Walking now, (with a limp, but hell, it's under my own power.) and even though they kept trying to amputate my leg, I still have both. I'm living each day as best I can, and that's all we can every hope for. :)

[Margaret]

replied on your LJ as Sweete_Ladye

[Gwenyver Etaine]

I wish I had something productive to add. I don't. I agree with whomever posted earlier about their zelotry being a product of their 'newness'. However, I didn't really read "hate mail" when I read this. I saw someone who was concerned about a family member, and did what they felt their concious led them to do. Now...were they 'right'? I don't know. Was it poorly worded and handled? Definately.

As a practicing Christian, MY response to them would be ....of all the verses to choose from, the overwhelming majority were Old Testament. If they do believe (and I'm not casting doubt on their beliefs), what about Jesus' command that we love one another? What about turning the other cheek? What about not judging, for fear of being judged?

I think, personally, that the best way to handle things like this is to give them no where to go. Just say, thank you for your concern and prayers. I'll be remembering you as well.

JMO.

[biker]

well all of us that have tattoos should also be killed I guess. Lev 19:28. though shall not make any cutting of the flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks upon thy body.

And since I have that inked on my shoulder, guess Im first into the pit right?

[Peaches O Malley]

Looks like I'll be driving the express bus into the pit as I have 3 and 1 is a Goddess symbol )o( . :roll:

[biker]

Yo Peaches Im the bus driver around here. Ya trying to get my job??????? I have about 18% of my body inked.

[Ysobelle]

Yeah, I read it as, "We love you, and hate your sin," too. I despise that sort of thing, as there's absolutely no reasoning with it, but there's not much you can do save avoid them. They'll expect you to resist, and it'lll only fuel their zealous fire to "work" on you.

Shudder.


But the rest of us like you just as you are, so fret not.

[Peaches O Malley]

Ok you drive the bus, I'll navigate. :roll:
We're still toast :twisted:

[biker]

Ok you drive the bus, I'll navigate. :roll:
We're still toast :twisted:

Well OK but that means we'd actually get there. You know how us men are with directions.....

Grace, Has Ysobelle said, we all accept ya.

[ladyleggs]

I have a tatoo also, might as well add one more sin to it, what do you say Biker, want some sex on the way to the pit?lol

[Peaches O Malley]

I have a tatoo also, might as well add one more sin to it, what do you say Biker, want some sex on the way to the pit?lol

Well there ya go, the bus just sped up! :wink:

[LadyAtlas]

Hey, I've got almost 1/2 of my body tattooed. I'll get in the back with the other wenches and we could have a sing along! So I think we should let Peaches drive and Biker can navigate and were sure to take a wrong turn!! :D

[Pansy Faye]

posted to your LJ.

I'll be thinking of you.

Gotta feel sorry for them, they know not what they do.

[I'Cin]

I'm sorry they've decided to show their concern in this way. My S-I-L is sort of like that, and my brother takes spells when he goes extreme fundy. When I was pregnant with my oldest (and unmarried), I was visiting at home and at dinner with my bro, S-I-L, sis and mom, he either (not jokingly) called me a harlot and our sister a "heathen", or me a heathen and her a harlot during a conversation rife with religion. (She's 12 years older than me, and he's 10 years older than me.) She and I looked at each other and just cracked up. Told him thank you, changed the subject and went on.

And if the road to hell is paved with good intentions, I've got a private expressway that you can bring the bus on. If anyone wants the slow ride, you're welcome in my handbasket.

I'Cin

[wendyzski]

we could have a sing along!

Need a band!

[Peaches O Malley]

I'm sorry they've decided to show their concern in this way. My S-I-L is sort of like that, and my brother takes spells when he goes extreme fundy. When I was pregnant with my oldest (and unmarried), I was visiting at home and at dinner with my bro, S-I-L, sis and mom, he either (not jokingly) called me a harlot and our sister a "heathen", or me a heathen and her a harlot during a conversation rife with religion. (She's 12 years older than me, and he's 10 years older than me.) She and I looked at each other and just cracked up. Told him thank you, changed the subject and went on.

And if the road to hell is paved with good intentions, I've got a private expressway that you can bring the bus on. If anyone wants the slow ride, you're welcome in my handbasket.

I'Cin

Oooh!, my hubby will play the drums and we can bellydance our way there :)
And we have to stop for chocolate :wink:

[biker]

Sex? Sure thing Peaches, though the drving may get a bit erractic then. anyone want to take pix?

[Eric McTavish]

Don’t stew, don’t fret... I’ve learned from many years that folks just sometimes will be intolerant no matter what, If it's important to you to keep piece in with these "family" members then write them a nice note thanking them for their concern (remember to their eyes they are doing the right thing by you)... then explain your beliefs and how your path is different from there’s... and add a polite request to "drop it". Some of my fav responses:

Effective Answers When Christians Get Nasty:
"I forgive you for your acts against me, here, have the other cheek"
"Here seems you have a plank stuck there, lemme help you pull it out"
"<<Insert nasty word here>>, huh?? That word in the bible??"
"Seems to be you're not being exactly christ-like. How about this. You go out and become a real christian, then we can discuss our religions together"
"Which bible would that be? Masonic, gideon, kjv, nce, satanic, greek orthodox, book of mormon, apocrypha, torah...??"
"Funky, I don't recall christ ever saying that."

And my favorites:
"So basically, as a christian, you believe that do unto others thing. So what you're saying is that you want me to belittle your faith. I don't play those games, but you might want to try http://www.Antichrist.Com."
"That's okay. You are misrepresenting your faith and mine. Seems to be a pattern with you. Maybe you should talk to a minister."
"Well, actually, you've got my faith completely wrong, but that's understandable, i've studied it, you haven't. But I forgive you."
"I affirm your right to act like a moron, and I promise I will not hold it againsts real christians, in fact, I forgive you."
Responses to "I will pray you find Christ"
"What, he lost?"
"Will that prayer be in a marketplace or on a street corner"
"Edwin Goodenough, a scholar of religions, studied many cultures and noticed that in most of them, the feeling of having lost one's faith was as real as losing a leg or a hand. I hope you're happy praying someone lose their faith, and I pray that it never works should someone do it to you."
"You know, Pat Robertson says that there are satanists out there praying good christians lose their faith. And you pray I lose mine...And you are different from them in what way??"
"I won't pray you lose your faith, though you'd pray I lose mine. I will pray you find yours, though."

Responses to Jesus Loves You!!
"Jesus loves me? Sure, if jesus loves me, he loves my religion, it is a sacred part of me I won't be changing anytime soon."
"Yes, dear, but Apollo loves me more and he's a hottie."
"Then why doesn't he return my phone calls??"

Lastly, When I'm Feeling Really Nasty:
"You know, I want to thank you. It's folk like you that have made my religion grow and grow. Who knows, without enemies our faith might've died out, again, I thank you!!"

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

Responses to Jesus Loves You!!

"Sorry... I'm straight." :D

[Mistress Lisette]

Eric, love these! :rotfl:


Responses to "I will pray you find Christ"

My nephew has a bumpersticker that says "I found Jesus. He's in the trunk of my car."

And I usually wear either my "heretic" or "well behaved women never made history" tee shirt when I'm going some place that'll have a high number of fundy Christians, namely certain hs events...

~Lisette

[wendyzski]

"Yes, dear, but Apollo loves me more and he's a hottie."

diet coke, meet monitor!

I am SO stealing that!

[Eric McTavish]

Eric, love these! :rotfl:


here's a LINK (http://www.caw.org/articles/otherpeople.html) my other fav, a bit long tho. :D

[Fion Faolan]

Aww Honey :(
I am so sorry.
My hubby grew up Southern Baptist and says all new convert tend to be extremist/fanatical and should settle down and really feel like shit later. :augh:
Expect an apology and demand chocolate!

I am a practicing Wiccan, my hubby is not (he has hi beliefs and as he puts it "they don't align to anybody else")

Love, light and blessings to you and a big bear hug from my hubby :love:


:D Your husband about nailed it on the head. No one understands my beliefs either. They aren't supposed to, because they are my beliefs.

And so ma'am, telling them(your inlaws) to go take a running leap would probably be your best bet, or, more politely, tell them whatever you belive is going to happen to them.

[Wench Paradox]

(long time no post :) )

It's hard enough to be the object of good intentions by strangers, but even harder by family. I'm sure that you will have the strength to get by. Hang in there. I know it's cliche but, "To thine own self be true". As long as you are living within the law as a decent person (meaning--not hurting anyone) then do your thing! :)

I try very hard to be an open-minded and accepting agnostic. I think that most people of faith would find that 'teaching by example' is more effective. If not in converting someone than at least gaining respect and fostering an aire of peace. In turn being able to respect yourself for a life well lived seems more fulfilling to me.

But what do I know. I'm just a girl. ;)

Oh, and one of my favorite t-shirts:

God was my copilot, but we crashed in the mountains and I had to eat him.

This bumper sticker you might be able to use:

GOD PROTECT ME FROM YOUR FOLLOWERS

(If you are interested, go to: http://www.northernsun.com )

Keep your head up and keep smiling. Make 'em wonder what your up to! :)

[Red Maire]

Three things that most hard core christians don't under stand are a) Jesus was JEWISH! , b) Freedom of Religion means ANY religion and c)Jesus taught tolerence not bigotry. I am a Druid now but was raised in an Episcopalian house and it makes me sick to watch all the self rightous christians out there preach. I know that Fundies are Fundies not matter what the religion but is it just me or do christians just get more violent about it?
I am sooo sorry that you had to go through this. I have been in your shoes and I wil burn a white candle for you :cry:

[AnnaFaerie]

Three things that most hard core christians don't under stand are a) Jesus was JEWISH! , b) Freedom of Religion means ANY religion and c)Jesus taught tolerence not bigotry. I am a Druid now but was raised in an Episcopalian house and it makes me sick to watch all the self rightous christians out there preach. I know that Fundies are Fundies not matter what the religion but is it just me or do christians just get more violent about it?
I am sooo sorry that you had to go through this. I have been in your shoes and I wil burn a white candle for you :cry:

I want to comment on a couple of things you said.

I had a conversation with a friend of mine (not a close friend mind you, but a friend I see every now and then). He was asking about a costume for an upcoming play he was going to be in. Anyway, I asked what he wanted the costume to look like and he was going on and on about the colors and such. I finally said to the man....do you want it to be the traditional clothing of the Jewish man of the times? He looked at me and said, "Jesus was a Christian!" :shock: We had quite a discussion and he never got it. I just shook my head and let it go. I no longer see this friend. I think he was too shocked by my thoughts.

My next thought is about you saying, "do christians just get more violent about it?". Let us not forget the fundy Muslims that are still causing a lot of deaths. It isn't only Christians that are radicals....as you stated also. I agree with everything else you said.

As I've said before and will probably say again. It is "Christians" like these people that give all Christians a bad name. What I hope most people keep in mind is that most Christians think fundies are nuts too.

[Cyranno DeBoberac]

I finally said to the man....do you want it to be the traditional clothing of the Jewish man of the times? He looked at me and said, "Jesus was a Christian!" :shock:
You should have asked him if Jesus took communion or did He just bite himself. :rofl:

[Gwenyver Etaine]

I know that Fundies are Fundies not matter what the religion but is it just me or do christians just get more violent about it?

I agree with Anna....

Calling it a Holy Jihad and driving two jets full of innocent bystanders into scyscrapers full of innocent bystanders just about sweeps the 'more' category.

Giving people cyanide laced Kool-aide in the name of God sweeps the 'more' category.

Having your "Heavens Gate' followers ingest mass quantities of vodka and barbs because you think aliens in the tale of a comet will rescue you from the impending distruction of the world takes another roll at that sweep of the 'more' category.

I'm not so sure 'Fundie' is the right term. I know it's become the commonly accepted, but the term fundamental suggest a foundation. Being "self-righteous" in and of itself is a sin...a sin of pride (one of the seven deadly, by the way). So, how can they be the foundation? They can't. It would crumble around them.

As to the things 'hard-core' christians don't understand....there are Christians who don't know everything about their religion. I'll admit I don't. I'm in a constant state of learning. However, saying that 'most' don't understand that Jesus was Jewish or that Jesus was about love (I'd debate the tolerance idea...but that's another post for another thread)....I'll have to agree to disagree here...because your basic, #1 lesson learned is that Jesus was crucified and labeled King of the Jews. Like I said, I'm sure there are some who don't get it...but I'd debate the 'most' part.

As to the freedom of religion...that's not a principle of the Bible. That's an interpretation of the 1st Amendment. Not saying I disagree with your interpretation....actually, I do agree. But saying that Christians should 'get' that because of their religion is erroneous.

Just me and my opinon, which, as we all know, are like @$$holes.....

Edited to add:

My apologies to Grace for jacking your thread. I still maintain that your BIL and SIL were well-intentioned, but misguided. However, they upset and hurt you, which should never be the basis for ANY talk of faith of any religion. From me, the admitted practicing Christian in this thread, I've seen that your heart is spiritual, and you are a good and loved person. I hope that you can take from this experience a new lesson of your own ability to show tolerance where none was shown to you. Peace be with you.

[Ysobelle]

I finally said to the man....do you want it to be the traditional clothing of the Jewish man of the times? He looked at me and said, "Jesus was a Christian!" :shock:
You should have asked him if Jesus took communion or did He just bite himself. :rofl:



You are, as ever, my hero, love.

[Gwenyver Etaine]

What I hope most people keep in mind is that most Christians think fundies are nuts too.

WWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLl......I don't know if I'd use the term "nuts"....lol

But, I agree, there's something I just can't accept about a Christian who tries to deny the Fossil Record. I mean...come ON, folks....lol...

[biker]

If money is the root of all evil then how come churches ask for it?

[Margaret]

Well, there is the reality that they do have a building to maintain, staff to pay, 'good works' to fund etc.

What gets me is when the pastor/priest/reverand has the most stylish parsonage in the town where others are poor. Or when the church will reorganize or eliminate a parsih due to lack of funds, yet be sitting on a fortune somewhere.

[Gwenyver Etaine]

If money is the root of all evil then how come churches ask for it?

Money's not the root of all evil....


The love of money is the root of all evil. (I Tim.6:10).

Just for clarity's sake

[AnnaFaerie]

My apologies to Grace for jacking your thread. I still maintain that your BIL and SIL were well-intentioned, but misguided. However, they upset and hurt you, which should never be the basis for ANY talk of faith of any religion. From me, the admitted practicing Christian in this thread, I've seen that your heart is spiritual, and you are a good and loved person. I hope that you can take from this experience a new lesson of your own ability to show tolerance where none was shown to you. Peace be with you.

I know you're new to the board and you might not have read my earlier messages stating my beliefs. I thought I'd let you know that I am also a practicing Christian. Granted....a very open-minded one, but a Christian. I think if most Christians believed the way we are taught in the bible there would be lots less trouble in the world. Then again...I could say that about all people. We just need to learn how to RESPECT everyone else and their religion no matter what we believe.

[Gwenyver Etaine]

My apologies to Grace for jacking your thread. I still maintain that your BIL and SIL were well-intentioned, but misguided. However, they upset and hurt you, which should never be the basis for ANY talk of faith of any religion. From me, the admitted practicing Christian in this thread, I've seen that your heart is spiritual, and you are a good and loved person. I hope that you can take from this experience a new lesson of your own ability to show tolerance where none was shown to you. Peace be with you.

I know you're new to the board and you might not have read my earlier messages stating my beliefs. I thought I'd let you know that I am also a practicing Christian. Granted....a very open-minded one, but a Christian. I think if most Christians believed the way we are taught in the bible there would be lots less trouble in the world. Then again...I could say that about all people. We just need to learn how to RESPECT everyone else and their religion no matter what we believe.

I agree totally.

[Andreadoria]

Sorry that you recieved hate mail from family. But unfortunatly families can be that way.

I practice no religon and I accept all. (except for the guy who prays to fruits and vegtables as they go bad fast which makes me wonder about that guy) I was raised in the roman cathloic superstition, and i mean superstition. They tought you that Jews were bad and so on...and look they are responsible for all the breaks in the faith, luthuren (sorry i am a bad speller), agnostic, and to on.

Christian or not the bible or not respect is the key here. THAT IS WHY THERE ARE THESE bleepin WARS!!!

People forget the bible is not the word of god merely transcriptions of stories told down through the ages. And changed depending on the time of day and amount of wine and someones translation of a language.

Christ accepted everyone as long as they did no harm. Remember he threw the money changers out of the temple set the doves free during passover. Yet the churches and temples need money hand over fist yet help very few.

Rember Mary Magdlan was said to be a whore. When it was some jerk bishiop in medeval times turned her into one to have more control over women and make them more subserviant. it turns out there is Jesus' mom Mary, Mary Madglan maybe his girlfriend my be his cook, may be the girl he shared with the guys who knows?? (lord knows cause i wasnt there), and some woman named Mary that wiped his brow during the carrying of the cross she was the whore. All of them preached the word of god and were respected until the middle ages.

The funniest part is half the holidays the christans celebrate are based on pagan dates and some symbols of pagan faith have been incorperated in to the symbols of the christian faith.

SO I am sending you hugs and wishes of peace..as well as the ability to in time let this to wash over you.

I am new to the boards but not to the guild...haven't practiced wenching much. I know in my heart you must be a good person as from the responsies here you are much loved. Sometimes friends are better than family.

Be strong and forgive their ignorance as they are stupid and offend their own god with their actions.


OOOO and I forgot I often wear my favorate shirt when dealing with small minded people

picture of satan on it with the saying God is busy may I help you......I some times wear it to meatings

[WenchLadyKate]

At the risk of sounding testy (which I assure I am not trying to do on purpose, I promise! :wink: ) Keep thread dates in mind when you post. This one's from December of 2005. I've been guilty of this myself... BTW, if I haven't said it yet, welcome to the boards!

[DoñaNina]

Money's not the root of all evil....


The love of money is the root of all evil. (I Tim.6:10).

Just for clarity's sake

Also.. it would be nice to have heat in the winter, when in a church. Unfortunately, heat is not free. Neither is water. Or electricity.

But holy effing crap, I can't believe someone would send a letter like that. Makes me a little worried that my niece is hanging out at a Baptist church nearly every waking moment and criticizing my family because we're Catholic.

Debates over the importance of the Virgin Mary pisses me off to no end. Can't people just leave eachother's beliefs alone??! Unless you are, by the law of your religion, physically or emotionally threatening someone, there is no reason to be offended! It kills me.

[daBaroness]

Oh my dear - there's nothing worse than a former partier, bad boy/girl who'se found God. You'd think they're the first and only ones who've ever had a religious belief. And preach? Oh honey - a reformed sinner has a personal mission to point out every flaw they think everyone else has! Well they outta know - they've probably broken 20 of the commandments personally and regularly!

The good news is - most of the time their religious zealotry is about as short-lived as their sobriety. Unfortunately in the meanwhile, it's almost like they think they're going to win a big contest by being the most self-righteous, obnoxious jerks God ever put on earth.

For your own peace of mind - just ignore 'em. Don't even dignify their hate mail or comments with a response. And if you do feel the need to reply, just figure out something simple and straightforward that both puts them in their place and freaks 'em the hell out! Maybe something like, "Tell ya what, you hold that place in line to heaven for me, I'm gonna go live life the way I believe I'm meant to ... call me when our table is ready."

[GraceHardGrave]

For your own peace of mind - just ignore 'em. Don't even dignify their hate mail or comments with a response. And if you do feel the need to reply, just figure out something simple and straightforward that both puts them in their place and freaks 'em the hell out! Maybe something like, "Tell ya what, you hold that place in line to heaven for me, I'm gonna go live life the way I believe I'm meant to ... call me when our table is ready."

I've since figured out, that deleting her emails, without even reading them is my best bet, because then I have nothing to get upset about.

That is a GREAT line at the end though, I may use that next time she opens her mouth to preach to me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/AmyBlackthorn/funny/honkeaster.jpg

[Meari]

http://www.livejournal.com/users/morriganswitch/112159.html

Post is public.

My Husband's brother and sister in law sent me a 6 page letter, and a hate tract. The first words I saw when I opened my mail today were, Exodus 22:18. (Thou Shalt not Suffer a Witch to live.) /cry

I expect this from strangers. Hell, I even expect it from other members of my family (my uncle R belongs to a Calvary Baptist church.)

But not them. Up until semi recently, they were the biggest stoner drunks in Cecil county! Then the wife joined a Baptist church, and started dragging her hubby, and it all went to hell. Literally. Now every waking second must be devoted to Jesus, or else they're bad people.

Not only that, they're not happy just going to Church, they have to verbally abuse everyone else. Grrr.

Ravin Raven helped me work out a short "business like" reply, but I still don't feel better.

:roll: :evil:

I'm so sorry.

I would have commented, but you locked the post. *frown*

I wish all Christians would practice what they preach.

[GraceHardGrave]

Meara, if you'd like to comment feel free to add me to your friends' list, and I'll do the same. :)

[Meari]

Meara, if you'd like to comment feel free to add me to your friends' list, and I'll do the same. :)

*laughs* I have you friended already!
http://shadowwings.livejournal.com/profile

[GraceHardGrave]

*laughs* I have you friended already!
http://shadowwings.livejournal.com/profile

Then you shouldn't have problems replying... weird.

[Meari]

Then you shouldn't have problems replying... weird.

It must be a friend's only... and you don't have me friended back... maybe?

[GraceHardGrave]

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