A Response

[kappsgurl]

I never, ever thought this would happen, but that church emailed me back. Below is the response from the Baptist Church I wrote a letter to a couple weeks ago. Obviously, I've redacted the name of the church and pastor, but everything else is exactly the way it appears in my email box right now.

Hi Jennifer,

I wanted to respond to your contact of our

Comments

[sourdick]

I think its a really nice reply.

If you don’t want to believe in a God that is your choice but don’t blame ________ for that decision. Your action should never be determined by what others say or do. We have a choice in spite of what others do or say.
Hes 100% right about that. You had an unpleasant experience, but ultimately its up to you.

The guy made an effort to respond to you. If you do reply, I hope you take the high road. No ones forcing you to believe in Jesus, but politeness goes a long way.

[kappsgurl]

I think he mistook my comment about mentioning his church every time I explain why I'm an atheist. I mention his church and what happened as part of a larger picture. He's certainly not the sole reason I believe (or don't believe, if you prefer)what I do.

If I respond, I'm going to be polite. Being rude just gives him an excuse not to take what I say seriously.

[kappsgurl]

I didn't know the name for it when I wrote my first letter, but I do know they encouraged everyone to leave and talk to a counselor. What about if not their sinning? They absolutely prayed until I was approached to get out of my seat even though that seemingly goes against their religion. The friend who invited me there even got a reward for Best Camper for her role in bringing me to God.

[kappsgurl]

You're not suggesting that, but he is. Any advice on what to reply back - if at all?

[auntiec]

I think it's pretty great that he took the time to come up with a polite, well-meaning response for you. Dude seems to have his head on straight, which is a refreshing departure from the DO AS WE DO OR ELSE mentality you experienced as a kid.

[kappsgurl]

It IS great he responded. I'm a little perturbed though that his first reaction was that this couldn't have been his church. I'm very clear about the details, especially that they prayed until every single person was gone. That was not an exaggeration on my part. And I know that was the way it happened every year, because later my friend who took me there said so.

your beliefs

[anonymous]

Jen, most people adjust reality to fit their expectations. I think the minister and some of your commentators as well. (Including me I guess) I suggest you respond politely that you are not at all, misinterpreting, misrepresenting the facts, and, further you do not hold them responsible for your present belief, but the events as you have described them did occur, and a contributing factor to your present belief, as is your science classes, the history of religions totalling screwing up the world, committing religious genocide, etc. etc. That might set him straight.

Wayne Linder

Re: your beliefs

[kappsgurl]

Thanks for your thoughts, Wayne. I think I've formed an appropriate response.

[park_ave_pirate]

Fuck 'em! I know it's not religious or wholesome or blah blah blah gratefully supportive BUT it's what I would say. You were trying to work through YOUR issue and it seemed to get turned back towards you.

AND this is why I belong to the Church of Lady Gaga.

:)

[kappsgurl]

Ah, thank you for being the only person to point out the ass hatery that exists in that letter. We had a back and forth over email this afternoon. He apologized but pretty much chalked it up to a difference of perception.

[park_ave_pirate]

At least you can put yourself to rest and reassure YOURSELF (yep, you had to do it yourself) that you reached out and tried to help yourself.

There are a lot of "yous" and "yourselfs" in that sentence but that's what it comes down to.

Now you can wash your hands of it and know you were the better person.