Living in the closet

[sawbonz]

Sorry for misreading things, but I still think you are making a mountain out of a molehill. Everyone makes these kinds of compromises daily, why do you think you should get to be different? If you want to proselytize, do it and damn the consequences, or do what most of us do and keep your potentially controversial personal beliefs out of the workplace. In other words, **** or get off the pot.

As far as the blog goes, that is a gray area. Obviously, they are not always as anonymous as we would like to think, and one can be outed. I'm not from the myspace or facebook generation, but I would say you need to do your best to make sure your blog is anonymous, and if you can't, well, don't say anything in it that you wouldn't want the library board to read. That's life and last time I checked life isn't fair.

BTW it goes both ways. I had professors at UT who wouldn't write you a good recommendation letter for med school if they knew you were a christian. These letters can be just as important as grades and test scores in determining one's ability to enter his/her chosen profession.

 

[Bernard]

Not to get off topic, Sawbones, but do you mind if a Jew works at the library? How about Muslim? Hindu? Buddhist? Also, are there any other jobs we should keep atheists out of.

Personally, I'd rather have brain surgery from a atheist with a God-complex who knows my life is in his hands than a Christian who just starts cutting and prays for the best. ;-)

Bernard

 

[sawbonz]

B -- my comment about no ******* atheists in the library was meant to be ironical --see the juxtaposition of the blasphemy with the holier than thou statement ... nevermind

 

[Bernard]

My bad.

Bernard

 

[WhiteH2O Horn]

Someone just posted that letter to the editor in the "funny pics" thread over on Cactus Cafe, but I thought it had some relevance to this thread.

In fairness to good, level-headed Christians, I know that the opinion in that letter is an example of extremism and is not shared by most mainstream Christians. However, it is narrow-minded, judgmental nonsense like that that makes it difficult for those of us in high profile or public service careers to feel relaxed and confident (or not at least not be concerned about consequences/reprisals) when discussing our religious/spiritual/philosophical beliefs. While not all Christians wish to "stomp out atheists," I've seen and heard enough about the "culture war" being preached on in American churches that I've found myself on the defensive more in the last couple of years than at any point in my life. The bigotry on both sides is sickening. We were all human beings & Americans the last time I checked.

For the record, I am not an atheist. I'm not sure there is a spot-on, demographic statistical label for what and how I believe. The old agnostic label is probably closest, so I'll use that for convenience sake. I believe there is something "higher" than humanity and is connected to all living things, but I don't believe that we have evolved enough to fully comprehend what it is. I also think that religions do more to get in the way of human spiritual development with this "power" than to foster it. In my very humble opinion, "organized religions" place too much importance on black & white belief structure, doctrine, obedience, and worst of all, fear. I have no desire to be a "good, God-fearing man." Like the great social satirist & comic Bill Hicks once said, "the basic message of Christianity is eternal damnation awaits all those who dare question God's infinite love." If there IS a God out there in deity/being form, I sure don't want to fear it.

I have many family members, friends, business associates, and others who practice a variety of different religions. Some completely faithfully, and some very half-assedly so, going through the motions you might say. While we sometimes have in-depth discussions about where we stand, I make an effort to keep it about what I believe and NOT about why I think they should believe the same as me.

That being said, and trying to get back to the point of this thread for the original poster, when someone goes judgmental on me and tells me that I'm going to Hell or that I'm what is wrong with this country, it is VERY hard for me to bite my tongue. I just have too much Texan in me to put up with ******** like that. I refuse to be made to feel ashamed of who I am or what I believe. Has being honest about where I stand spiritually hurt or hindered my career? It is very possible that it has, but for me personally , I'd rather have the freedom that comes with being transparent than trying to always carefully choose my answers to appease someone asking about my faith. I am not a public or elected official, so I can see where this matter is more sensitive for others. I hope you can find a balance that allows you to feel true to who you are and what you believe without shame, and that those who would judge you will do so based on your performance and character, not on what you do or do not believe.

 

[Apostle7550]

Don't worry. Dewey Decimal was an atheist.