Saturday, August 6, 2011

The Church of Penny Lane

This morning I had two visitors at my door.  I wondered who the heck would be coming to our house this morning and using the front door, no less.  I peered out the window and immediately figured out who and also immediately wondered why.

Nonetheless, I opened the door.  I did not open the screen door but this did not stop the young man for launching into conversation.  Turns out, as luck would have it, he was here, with his friend Ken, to tell me about God.

yay.

So Buddy (I can't remember his name) proceeded to let me know there are 36 churches in Moose Jaw and asked what I think God thinks about this.

My reply: "I don't think He minds."

This did not sit well with Buddy and he started to read to me from his pamphlet some shit about one true God and how this one 'true' God probably isn't thrilled with Moose Jaw and their penchant for choosing their own ways to worship.  Those weren't exactly his words.

At this point, I politely, if somewhat coldly, shared I didn't want to waste anymore of his time and wished him a good day.

I don't even know if I believe in God but if there is a God, the one that I believe in doesn't care if you're Catholic, Lutheran, Buddhist or Mennonite.  The God I would choose to believe in only wants people to live a life where they try their best not to hurt others, not to cheat, lie or steal and to be nice.

The God I would choose to believe in does not want Buddy & Ken coming to my house on an otherwise pleasant Saturday morning telling me that He doesn't like people going to different churches to worship.  I'm not sure what denomination Buddy & Ken are.  Jehovah Witness maybe?  I'm not sure.  I don't know enough about them to tell.  It's a guess pure & simple.  I only know they aren't Mormon because they didn't say they were Elders or refer to themselves as 'Brother'.  I know a little more about our Mormon friends because my ex-husband took a super fun for all journey there for awhile.

To me, this sort of "God only wants one church" belief is akin to racism.  I'm pretty sure God doesn't promote that either. Come to think of it, I should've told Buddy & Ken that I needed to go because my (fill in the race blank) Lesbian lover was waiting for me upstairs for a session of Saturday morning lovemaking followed by a Ouija Board session.  I have a feeling Ken & Buddy do not support same sex marriage.  No confirmation, just an inkling.

So to end today's lesson in Penny Lane Religion:  I don't know if I believe in God.  I do know I believe in treating people equally and fairly.  I do know that I believe people deserve this equal and fair treatment no matter their age, sex, gender, race or sexual preference.  I think, if there is a God, he feels the same way and if he doesn't?

I'll carry on just the same.   I will speak openly against racism, sexism, and homophobes.  I will teach my children to do the same.  I will continue to respect those who choose to worship the God they believe in. 

And, I will not hope Ken and Buddy get stung by wasps today, eat a bad 7-11 burrito and get the runs without a bathroom in sight. 

7 comments:

  1. I had a similar experience the day before yesterday, only it wasn't a Jehova's Witness at my door, it was some woman in the train who tried to convert my cousin and me to christianity. We teased her a bit for our own amusement, heh :)

    Nice blog!

    Sabrina
    http://wittyblogtitlepending.blogspot.com

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  2. Hi Sabrina,

    Good on you for a little light hearted teasing! I was too bitchy this morning and trying to also reign in my four year old and the dog to engage in witty banter. I would've liked too though!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. AMEN!!!!! And this is coming from an atheist..who by the way shares the sames values & principles as you. I just somehow don't need an "invisble friend" to remind me on a daily basis. I just "do" because it is the right thing.Too bad you were busy & bitchy this Am...I would pay $$$ to watch you take a round out of the "door knockers".Nice blog...
    Chicken Little

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  4. I believe in god, and Im baptist. but I am not the kind of christain that would ever go door to door and try and push my views on others.

    If someone asked me, sure I would share.
    thats just the kinda person I am.

    In general I also get annoyed at strangers coming to my house on a weekend when I am chilling with my family.
    I hope that doesnt make me sound like a not friendly person.

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  5. Chicken Little, I was quite sure you would enjoy this one! Thanks for your comment though; always much appreciated!

    KittyCat, that's exactly the way I think Christian people or any people who believe in any form of God should approach and share their beliefs. I don't think that makes you sound like a friendly person, just an honest one, and probably within the majority. Thanks for your comment!

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  6. Well, you can "sorta" hope for the bees and the bad burrito!! God won't mind!

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  7. Ha ha ha Nicki! Thanks for the vote of confidence, so to speak.

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