I find it bizarre that many people say religion shouldn't be offered or "pushed" on to others, yet those same people push easter and christmas, petitions and political hashtags and photo filters... Then get real nasty when one doesn't agree. My experience of the world is near on the opposite of what I generally read online in regard to the religion topic.
When I was severely "mentally" ill (not one of the worried well, properly institutionalised) I didn't have a single person tell me to turn to God, or that they will pray for me. I have heard many people parrot that thoughts and prayers are pathetic and I probably have in the past too. There were no bibles in the hospital, only trust in the system. My grandfather was a reverend and even they did not offer christian help, they were told medicine was the only answer. I wish someone had prayed for me, I very much appreciate that form of protection now. I might have got out of that cycle a lot earlier than I did. I did live within a very strict religious community, but as immigrants they were told it was NOT OK to share faith with others, it was certainly not ok to pray for someone outside of religion. They too were medicated because thats what the mainstream said was best for our dissatisfaction with this world.
Still I hear every where that those who offer another way of life are being offensive by doing so, so openly. My experience has not been 'pushed' on me, but more like a door being opened to me. Its totally been my choice to learn more. Personally I am so thankful to those who turned up and shared their faith with me (some on this site). I wonder how many others who were lost like me are also wary of the truth, just because of misunderstandings, as I had. I'd love to help others like me but dont have the strength to be so open with my faith in the real world because of the extreme backlash. (I realised the USA much more accepting of God than Oz and other countries are).
Christmas is especially troubling to me, I don't get offended but it does make me sad. So many who have so much literally putting it all up in lights while thousands of others go without even shelter. Its a time that really highlights the inequalities in the world. I am disturbed that the attitude of "Woo consumerism" is completely acceptable, but a modest meal, mass or a prayer are looked down upon, even mocked. I guess I have to get used to being mocked though, I cant go back to the upsidedown world!
