The topic is so potentially divisive that people can't even see, much less appreciate, one anothers' jokes. THAT is a concern! :~)

I've been pondering, as our people went through the more peaceful parts of Christmastide as our denom observes it, that there is another fundamental dividing line.

I've said many times that anti-religioinsts are so often "proselytizing" for whatever belief system they espouse, as much and as unpleasantly as the Xians they abhor. I've also said many times that there is a fundie lack of respect in how many people approach the topic. These statements on my part have not brought the clarity or wake-up call I had hoped they would bring, and only fanned the divisiveness (and led me to mix metaphors).

So I'm going to offer another way of looking at that divisiveness.

And that is, (1) there are some nonbelievers who can discuss this topic in a nonviolent-communication mode. Stringsinger is a fine, recent example. I don't think he does it casually-- I think he has to work at it. I recognize it from some of the same semi-formal, self-conscious/self-aware writing manner I adopt when I am trying MY best to communicate with people of another culture, when I am trying very hard to write or speak with intentionality and not passionate upset. So that's one kinda human bean there.

And (2), there are some who can discuss this topic in a socially-respectful manner that doesn't preclude friendship, while stating their own beliefs as positively and logically as possible. My example there is BillD, who has been working at that one for a long time, and again, I see a lot of effort and intentionality involved.

Plainspeak:
Then (3), we have some who have a way of discussing the topic that equates to inciting a hate-crime. That is a strong term. I doubt that the people who write that way really MEAN to be inciting a hate crime, but ya know what? Their manner of expression does just that. It's not just that I find it offensive, as I have written about before. It's.... it's DANGEROUS, as dangerous as the rhetoric that propels suicide bombers. And it's scarier because it's used by some of the very same people who I think would junmp in to help if they ran up on a hate crime against someone of a minority skin tone or gender identification, in real life.


Now, to those of you who are offended by that last paragraph-- I ask you, as a respectful friend in music, to think about my words. Think about whther your upset may be that little twinge of defensiveness that comes from rueful self-recognition. You have here two wonderful role models who have shown the ability to conduct multi-religion-cultural friendships and alliances.

And I ask Stringsinger and BillD to consider doing what I have done-- I've extended the hand of friendship and leadership to religionists in an effort to help them soften their behavior to make more peaceful relationships possible. Consider extending your leadership to the haters. Please.

~Susan