This afternoon we visited a school function and I found myself chatting with a couple I had never met before. After discussing one thing and another the subject of the church came up and they asked me if i was a member. I offered a brief answer that I had been a member of the church for a good number of years, but was now no longer involved.
However, the observation that interested me most was that not only did I feel neither a need nor desire to justify or explain why I had left Christianity, but also that I felt neither a need nor desire to justify or explain my new “New Age” beliefs. I was content to simply let it be.
Its a wonderful freedom to simply be, to allow others to be, to bless that which you do not choose, and to have nothing to sell.
December 4, 2008 at 1:31 am |
It is a great freedom to be and allow others to simply be. No explanation required.
January 4, 2009 at 4:59 am |
Why on earth would you be required to give out explanations to other people?
But for the most part I let them have their own conclusions and leave it at that).
I myself never try to justify my actions to other people (Well, that’s a lie, obviously
January 8, 2009 at 6:41 pm |
Hi PurePersian,
I hear ya! The idea of this post was not so much about justifying my own actions, but feeling somehow obligated to impose my ideas onto others. This mindset (of which I am VERY glad to be free) stems from a Christian background where we are encouraged to evangelise and win converts to Christ. Looking back now, it was really just a form of intellectual bullying and imposition of ideals. Yuck! Much better now just allowing each to walk his own path with neither my pity nor envy.
Jon
January 17, 2009 at 3:42 pm |
freedom and peace. same experience
love your sharing, jon.
January 18, 2009 at 10:04 am |
Tinka,
How great to see you are still out there, alive and kicking! I wish you well for this coming year.
One of the great ironies of my deconversion is that I now experience far more peace!
Jon
October 22, 2009 at 12:43 am |
I used to find it hard not to feel the urge to defend my beliefs to atheists (as I used to be an atheist). Now I’m much more comfortable, and getting moreso. It takes a while!
Andrew