Originally Posted by Freebase Dali

Today was kind of a good day for me. Very recently, I have slowly begun discovering how liberating it is to truly accept that other people's beliefs don't actually need to be argued against if those beliefs oppose mine and aren't doing someone harm. Although I'm still coming to terms with what should be considered "harm", whether imminent or vague and indirect, today I fully realized how good it feels to simply state my own beliefs and leave it at that, feeling confident enough about them that I didn't have to argue to support them.

Today I had dinner with my parents and some of their long-lost Christian friends. I don't believe those friends knew I'm an Athiest, as I had grown up in the same churches they attended, but there were a lot of points in the discussions that I felt were aimed in my direction, what with my tattoos and being the only one drinking beer. I remained polite, agreeable, and supportive.
I invited them to my house, where more Christian discussion resumed. Played the proper host. I was a likable guy like I've always been. Toward the end, when they were all leaving, they immediately felt the need to tell [specifically] me about how the bible says you reap what you sew, and that if you don't follow the word of Christ, your life will be in ruins, etc.

I thanked them for the wisdom, let them know I am an Athiest, and that my life is fine (my parents chimed in to fervently agree), and they are welcome to return any time they want.
I could see it in their eyes... they did not know what to say. So we exchanged pleasantries and gave them all hugs as I showed them to the door.

In retrospect, when wondering if they thought they were going to change me with their "Christian love" or not, I realized it does not matter in the slightest. I know how I want to live my life and I know what I believe in. I have always been vocal about putting stock in reason and my own self above all else, but it wasn't until today that I really came to terms with the fact I didn't need to worry about anything else. I don't need to justify that. And I don't need to change their beliefs. And I shouldn't care if they believe I'm going to die and go to a place I don't believe in! lol.. It really hit me how absurd that is.

So, here I am in the afterglow of feeling more successful than I've ever felt in a theological debate with a Christian.
Now, the only thing I need to figure out is how to deal with ignorant people who actually endanger the well-being of others with their beliefs. I haven't figured out how to come to terms with that, so it's just going to keep pissing me off.

Oh well. Progress is progress, I suppose.

Originally Posted by OBEY

"Never trust your own eyes, believe what you are told".

Originally Posted by The Virgin

what? i don't understand you. farming is for vegetables, not for meat. if ou disagree with a farming practice, you disagree on a vegetable. unless you have a different definition of farming.

Originally Posted by Mrd00d

Found out my application at the apartment rental place was denied. Looks like I have a 0 to 2% chance of finding a place to live. I'm in a catch-22 situation. Need a steady job to find a place, need a place to find a job. Frustration is running high. Craigslist is my only hope of finding something workable, and that alone is bothersome.

Originally Posted by PoorOldPo

About to set into a long night of work. Wish i had a spliff. Someone enjoy a spliff for me okay?

Originally Posted by milano

Damn dude. I know that feeling. It's tough out there right now. I've been looking for work for a month or so now, still haven't found anything.

Originally Posted by Mrd00d

I've been looking for a job/home for going on 6 months, now. This is the biggest city I've lived in to date, and it's been the hardest so far. Should be more opportunities, but I'm having a bit of bad luck or something. Craigslist every day, checking job listings and looking for a cheap studio or garage or basement to rent for 500/mo. or less. I have 1500 dollars and I'm still having trouble finding a place. I'm re-applying to places I applied to in November. I'm walking around trying to find small businesses that need help now. I've got 6 years experience as a cashier and I'm having trouble landing a gig in this department as well, starting to think about waving a sign for Little Caesar's or a mattress place at this point (been turned down for 2 of THOSE positions so far). Blaarhghhh