It really hurts me to do this.

This November, I’ll be voting for Democrat Jim Davis, simply because none of the third-party candidates stand a chance, and I really don’t want that sexist, heterosexist fucker Charlie Crist to win.

Organized religion?

About an hour into the Interfaith meeting, I’ve come to the realization that organized religion does not exist.

Roman Catholics and Fundamentalists

Catholics are an odd lot. (Insert standard disclaimer here, that what I say here doesn’t apply to all Catholics, and I actually know quite a few nice Catholics. So if you’re reading this and you’re Catholic, don’t take this personally.) My experience has been that if Catholics meet a non-Catholic (Protestant or non-Christian) they are generally civil and tolerant (as much as I hate the word “tolerant,” it is apt to use it here). However, in interacting with people like me – an ex-Catholic who converted to Protestantism – the dynamic changes and they suddenly go on the defensive, asking me questions like why I left, don’t I miss Communion, etc. I try to answer those questions as best I can, but they act as though I am challenging their faith in defending my own. I find this absurd in the extreme, because it’s not only the same God we recognize and worship, but the same representation and manifestation of God, the same holy book (although my Bible has fewer books than the Roman Catholic canon, at least we actually read our Bible). In any case, my reasons for leaving are personal, and if any Catholic feels threatened by my decision, then they really should examine their own faith and ask why they feel challenged.

To be perfectly frank, I think a large part of the problem is a misunderstanding of what Protestant Christianity is. When fundamentalist evangelicals discuss Protestantism, they talk as though they have a monopoly on the word. (For an example of this attitude, visit www.chick.com.) Protestant refers to any Christian denomination, individual, organization, etc. that is not Catholic or Orthodox. As a Protestant, I do not believe the Bible is the literal word of God. I do not believe non-Christians are condemned unless they repent and convert. I make no pretense that I know what awaits me or anyone else after this life is done – I am more concerned with how I should live my life now. I make no effort to convert others – nor do I feel that anyone should. Religion and spirituality are personal matters for me. I’m willing to share what I believe, because it is a part of myself, but I would never try to make others believe as I do. I am not so arrogant to believe I have all the answers. I believe all religious traditions have something profound to say about life and God.

In the words of His Holiness the Dali Lama, “Lovingkindness is my religion.”