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TexasMadness Profile
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Assumptions about religious stance


I have lately made an interesting realization about myself. I almost always assume that some one I like is of a similar religious persuasion as I am until proved otherwise. It's not a conscious thing, just something that happens.

For instance, I've been reading a lot of Barbara Kingsolver lately. Something about her non-fiction made me think she must be a nature loving atheist. Then I started the Poisonwood Bible and it suddenly dawned on me that she might be a Christian! I'm still not sure as I haven't really bothered to delve in to it, but I started thinking...

I can recall several instances of almost feeling disappointed when I realize a person is of a radically different faith than mine (er, my lack of that I guess!). Of course, as long as they aren't proselytizing, I usually quickly get over it and move on. But it's almost always a shock I guess.

Does anybody else do that? I guess it makes sense. We assume others are like us until proven otherwise. It's interesting!
5/31/2011, 10:13 pm Link to this post Send Email to TexasMadness   Send PM to TexasMadness
 
Saijen SilverWolf1 Profile
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Re: Assumptions about religious stance


Texas, where I grew up, and where I currently live, I always assume people I meet....regardless if I really like them or not, are Christian. I guess it's from growing up in the Bible Belt.

I've met some people I thought were Christian, and found out they are anything but....others I thought were athiests or worse because of how they acted and talked..only to find out they claim to be Christians.....I've kind of learned to expect the unexpected..LOL. Around here, one never knows.

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Re: Assumptions about religious stance


I'm more amazed when I find someone of the Pagan religion. But, when I like someone, I like no matter what religion they turn out to be......I usually end up liking someone by their actions or lack there-of, instead of their religion.

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Re: Assumptions about religious stance


I'm the same way, Queeny. I think, though, that what TM is saying is that when she likes someone, it's generally because of their actions...which are close to her own actions, which causes her to assume they are more like her, even in the religious area. If it turns out that they're not of Pagan influence, it surprises her. At least that's what I got from it.

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Firlefanz Profile
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Re: Assumptions about religious stance


We probably make a lot of assumptions about people when we don't know them very closely but like them anyway.

The funny thing is, I have many friends and never asked about religion. It's not a defining thing about people here.

I remember feeling a bit surprised like TM when I realized that maybe a friend of mine was actually catholic - when she does a lot of pagan-like things. But I never asked her, either. emoticon

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Hannah Steenbock
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Saijen SilverWolf1 Profile
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Re: Assumptions about religious stance


I think in the world of religion, Catholics are probably the closest to Pagan than any others.



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Firlefanz Profile
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Re: Assumptions about religious stance


Ummmm. Not here. emoticon

Here, the catholics are the conservative ones, insisting on ritual (maybe there's a connection), and being rather old-fashioned and dogmatic about lots of things. At least the official church people are.

In Germany, it's the protestants who are more open to nature, more open to connecting with people and less stifling in ritual. They use more music, more open prayer and less bible study. (We don't have many baptist or pentecostal churches here.)

Funny, isn't it, how things can be different just in different countries?

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Hannah Steenbock
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Saijen SilverWolf1 Profile
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Re: Assumptions about religious stance


It is odd, cause here, the Baptists and other such denominations are the stricter ones...the Catholics are more into ritual, using incense, candles, etc. You won't find the other denominations doing those things, or even really being very nature concious, unless it's just something personal, rather than religious.


*shrugs* It takes all kinds to make the world go round, I guess LOL

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TexasMadness Profile
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Re: Assumptions about religious stance



Saijen SilverWolf1 wrote:

I'm the same way, Queeny. I think, though, that what TM is saying is that when she likes someone, it's generally because of their actions...which are close to her own actions, which causes her to assume they are more like her, even in the religious area. If it turns out that they're not of Pagan influence, it surprises her. At least that's what I got from it.



That's pretty much it! I see a person doing certain things or acting in a certain way and I grow to respect them. I find myself assuming that they re then of a similar mindset religion-wise then am I...and am frequently proven wrong.

I think in the end it's a good reminder to be aware that a person can behave in the same way and be of any number of faiths. You can be a good person with a wide range of beliefs. it's just that sometimes I assume one thing or another!
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Firlefanz Profile
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Re: Assumptions about religious stance


TM, that's a great point. emoticon

It just means that we should be open to kindness and whatever else we like about a person, regardless of who they are.

I love that. emoticon emoticon emoticon

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Hannah Steenbock
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