As someone who turned his back on religion many years ago, but who still finds religion a fascinating interesting subject, I can't say it's a great surprise when I see the passion between posters on this thread. Let me be absolutely clear, I don't believe in a supreme being in any shape or form. I'm content in my own belief that when I reach the terminus at the end of life's journey; then my own existence comes to a halt also. I must also stress that my beliefs are mine alone and I've no desire to convert anybody to my way of thinking. Also, I have total respect for people of faith, and by that I mean not just Christian faith, I mean ALL faiths......But please, NO DOGMA.
I would like, if I may, to relay two personal experiences which, at the time, gave me a very good example of both the good and the bad in believers.
The first was way back in the sixties. School leaving time had arrived; I was looking forward to taking my place in the big bad world. Good or bad, exam results were in and we were sitting in class passing the time in ( mostly ) good form. We were interrupted when the parish priest came into our class. He was carrying a bundle of forms. On those forms was printed a promise to the Catholic Church. He wanted us to sign them before leaving school. The purpose of the promise ?... It was a promise that we wouldn't eventually marry a non-Catholic. Only two of us refused to sign. I've never been afraid to speak my mind to authority. So not only did I refuse to sign, I gave him a piece of my teenage mind and told him he'd just insulted my mother.
Am I right to consider that man a bigot ? I think I am.
I have to say I've told this story many times over the years, sometimes to folk who were practising Catholics. I've been called a liar more than once.
The second, ( and very pleasing ) experience, was when I was in Gambia a number of years back. One afternoon for some reason I was out on my own, I think the gaffer was catching up on her beauty sleep or something. I felt a bit peckish and so decided to go to a wee place which had become something of a favourite of ours. It was very quiet, I was the only customer in the place. The owner, Philip, asked me if he could join me for a blether as he always enjoyed our company when we visited. I was happy to have his company too. I think most of you are aware The Gambia is something like 92% Muslim, so, I made the mistake in thinking Philip would be too. But I was wrong; not that it mattered. When I made some reference to his Muslim faith he stopped me to inform me that he was Christian, but it didn't really matter as he would join his Muslim country men and women in celebrating their religious feasts and festivals. They in turn would reciprocate in joining Gambian Christians at such times as Christmas etc. It was what he said next that left a lasting memory....He said it really doesn't matter which faith we practice.....ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOD. Wouldn't it be nice if the priest I referred to in my first story could meet up with Philip ?
If I can quote the late great Dave Allen.....May your God go with you.
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