Confessions: Going to Church for Xmas this Year

[Alex K]

Thanks that's sweet

but we can make it whatever we wish, to make it special

Exactly, and with feelings of guilt over that we'd just spoil it for us for no good reason.

[*Deidre*]

Well, update...I went to midnight mass with my father...and it went very well. It was odd being there after all this time, and I sort of faded in and out of the priest's sermon. You know, so much of religion can be seen just in living life, and through mankind. What I mean by that is...you don't need to worship a deity in order to love your fellow man. There is this notion that without Christianity, without Jesus...we will fall apart as moral, loving human beings. I sat there listening and thought...all of this isn't necessary to believe in, but it's ok if one does. Just saying, what I realized is...love exists in each of us, and it isn't necessary to follow and particular religion to find it any be comforted by it. I like that revelation. Not that I didn't already realize it, but it hit me sitting there during mass that all the years I spent as a Christian, I believed that the only way to peace and love was through Jesus.

Second...before mass, my dad leaned over to me and whispered that he just finished reading The God Delusion, by Richard Dawkins. I was floored...in a good way. I'm not a fan of Dawkins, but impressed that my dad is interested in learning about the atheism movement. He said he will continue to read more, as to better educate himself, for his notions of atheism are not based on reality, but rather negative hearsay and opinion.

I hope everyone here had a lovely holiday! Looking forward to 2015.

[Whateverist]

I like your dad already. Sounds like you had a very nice Christmas. Well done.

[abaris]

Well, update...I went to midnight mass with my father...and it went very well. It was odd being there after all this time, and I sort of faded in and out of the priest's sermon.

You know, your description evoked old memories of going to midnight mass. Especially the fading in and out part, since I remember it as freezing my ass off and fighting sleep at the same time. Very spiritual experience.

Anyway, glad your father reacted the way he had.

[*Deidre*]

I like your dad already. Sounds like you had a very nice Christmas. Well done.

Thank you, and hope you did also.
My dad and I have a bit of a strained relationship as he is very much a conservative traditionalist, but he was impressed with that book. lol Not looking for him to deconvert, but it's exciting that he's taking the imitative to do this on his own. Props for my dad!

[Mudhammam]

Just remember, no matter how many answers they can offer that seem to touch whatever emptiness you have felt lately, what they're essentially selling you is this:

[robvalue]

Where do I sign!

I've played so many zombie games I may shoot his head off on instinct. Oopsie!

[*Deidre*]

Just remember, no matter how many answers they can offer that seem to touch whatever emptiness you have felt lately, what they're essentially selling you is this:

LMAO that's hilarious!
I should carry a few of those in my wallet and hand them out when I'm at an airport or something. lol

[Thumpalumpacus]

That's very cool, Deidre. Cool of you to join, and cool of your dad to read books challenging his own views. It sounds like you guys are on a good road that will allow your love to thrive even across the different religious views.

[bennyboy]

That's very cool, Deidre. Cool of you to join, and cool of your dad to read books challenging his own views. It sounds like you guys are on a good road that will allow your love to thrive even across the different religious views.

Yeah, sounds like a functional family can be had whether you're Christian, atheist, or a mix. Makes me think dysfunction is a product of dysfunciton-- not of world view.