Reply #6: They sure do take it personally... [View All]

[onager]

This is a touchy topic for me. Every time I got to a family reunion I have to clench my teeth.

Most of my relatives are nice people if they don't wander off onto the topic of religion. Unfortunately, I have a couple of kinfolks who ALWAYS drag it into the conversation.

Usually like this: "They won't let us pray in school." I've learned not to let them bait me, so they can start into their bullshit about "But Congress starts with a prayer!" etc. I can resist. Sometimes.

Like others in here, I have an elderly mother who is still a believer and is the only mother I have. She certainly knows I'm "not religious," as she puts it. But I don't think she wants any more information, and I don't want to cause her any unnecessary pain.

Then there's my cousin. I practically grew up with her and we are the same age. She asked me once why I had passed on the "honor" of saying grace before a meal where nearly the whole damn extended family was sitting at the table--a lot of people.

We were by ourselves, so I told her the truth--that I didn't want to be a hypocrite, since I was a non-believer.

She immediately said "No you're not," in the tone she probably used on her kids when they were small.

Well, I responded with "Yes I am" and suddenly it was like the two of us were 10 years old again and stuck in one of those endless and mindless arguments that kids have.

Amazing. I mostly enjoy visiting my childhood home, but I sure hate reverting to childhood while I'm in it...