I was raised Fundamentalist Christian. I know you all know stories, but here's mine:

[LiberalLovinLug]

134. "there are good Christians, and there are .... people like your 'friend'."

I also grew up in a strict fundamentalist Christian family. Maybe that's why I have more of a hard core opposition to organized Christian churches.

But those "good" Christians help to prop up the crazies, and those politicians who use the crazies to further their political agendas. It gives them legitimacy. No way an organization like the Westboro Baptist Church could exist without them aligning themselves with the largest, most accepted religion in America.

I understand there is a need for humans, some more than others, to fellowship together with others who just want to be good people when comes down to it. To gather in a place where one can both commiserate with others if you are going through a rough time, or conversely celebrate with others in the miracle of life itself and be thankful for that.

Just understand that if you do help to perpetrate the religion industry by being part of a congregation, you are indirectly giving cover for those who use the popularity you are helping to stoke for that religion, to be used for their own nefarious purposes.

Sorry if that makes some feel uncomfortable. But I've paid enough dues to feel I can say those things.

Too bad there hasn't been some kind of tradition instilled where people still go to a place to gather on Sundays, to have speakers, and fellowship, and friendly debates about metaphysical topics......under the condition that no one there has the right to define God, or even if there is a God. A world where no organized religion exists. "Imagine no religion...".

I know there are denominations like the United and Episcopal where this atmosphere exists. I just wish this was the norm, not the exception. Humankind would be so much further ahead.