religious.anecdotes

Di's blog has churned some persistent thoughts about religion in my own little (or big?) head which just wont go away like a persistent little bugger mosquitoe..In many ways, what Di says rings much truth --> that people 'lose objectivity' when they're consumed by very strong personal religious beliefs. No pun intended (and hope the religion-FBIs dont come after me *wobbles*). I have come across many staunch Christians myself in life (and mine's not even a long and experienced life yet) and i must admit, at times their passionate preach, prayers and hands in the air thing scare me. Dont get me wrong. I completely respect another's choice of being 101% devotees of their religion. If anything, their strength and devotion impress me very very much.

I do, though, feel that some devotees are not mindful of the rest of us and our different opinions. The mind's just too closed. some really strong opinions may just impose on the rest of us. I myself have had a few bad experiences with such people (im a Buddhist by family descend). (1) those people who come by with pamphlets and go 'Do you know God?' and start telling you that if you dont you wont be headed to the blue skies... (2) a vague experience back in a Catholic church in Sgt where i was in a room and was pressured to embrace him.. and i was only Five or so!! ..NOW, i personally feel that if youre gonna believe in God, its gotta be by your own accord. It's even a reverse psychology thing *grin*. People have been 'saved' and lives have changed with the acceptance of Jesus, i know, and that's so wonderful and amazing, but until one is ready, perhaps prodding should be gentle?

Since then, i have not been inside the church (not because im avoiding it, it just never came up), until about maybe half a year ago when I went to one in Sydney. If anything, the band was aweeeeSsome (Triple Hoots!)--> drums, electric guitars, bass guitars and a keyboard (sorry i just light up at the sight of them *grins*). The experience was a little bit surreal, maybe because i was seeing how christians preach and pray for the first time as a fully aware adult (rather than a mere 5 year old kid). At times, it felt a little 'weird' and like i hardly belonged, but thank goodness for the support of loved ones, the single link between me and the Church. I know how much B would like me to embrace Christianity (sometimes when i face obstacles and get down, he jokes that i need some 'saving' the cheek of him! *grin*) but im glad that B and his family are understanding, and dont push me, although they tell me how great God is. Perhaps they are the 'good bunch' who know when to give others their space (or we'd scurry off like raccoons into the bushes *smiles*). I am totally happy to listen and absorb from anyone, but i guess at this point, im still a free-thinker........ for now.....