To the churches, believers, and ministers in my community, I think Ive tried, whether or not individual perception supports this, to foster a strong dialogue between the members of my ideological family (Through DASH, and as an individual) and those representing the overwhelming majority in this community (Believers, churches, etc ). Despite what I consider to be very strong good faith efforts toward dialogue and friendship I feel like the reception to these efforts has been lackluster at best and at worst spat on as if I am some wolf preying upon your congregations. Yes, Ive sometimes been combative about issues that I find worthy of spending time on - but Ive always tried to do so in a way that is kind and caring - especially in the last 4 years Ive been extra careful to even tip-toe around certain things so as to not offend certain sensibilities of the people around me. Ive embraced the Humanist inside me and when Ive made errors in judgment Ive apologized to those Ive hurt...something very few have offered me. Sometimes Ive been a thorn in your side - Im sure of that, but everyone has always had the option of not engaging with me anytime they decided not to. Ive never said one word out of hate, even the things that come from a place of deep emotional pain for me are words that a fostered from love and a genuine concern for people and a fear that they too might experience the pain Ive felt. The truth is - with few exceptions here and there (and you know who you are) - Ive found little grace and maturity in Christianity since Ive left it. My extended hand of peace and understanding has been slapped away far more times than its been embraced - I dont believe Im to be blamed for that. I think it behooves us all to understand one another and to not speak evil of one another. I believe it would serve us all better to reach for common goals while we have dialogues over the difficult questions we face - but it remains uninteresting to so many, and I dont know why. Im not your enemy. I never really have been - but sometimes Ive been treated as such and it doesnt seem to be in anyones best interest. Matt.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 02:59:05 +0000
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