I've been thinking about this for some time. How can I speak my truth when I know so many people don't believe in what I believe? I was raised in a very fundamentalist Christian environment in the South United States. For those of you who don't know much about the Bible Belt, well, thank your lucky stars.
My entire way of life revolved around strict rules and regulations, severe control, and punishment whether you deserved it or not. Physical, mental, and psychological abuse are the norm, although it is given the name "discipline." After many years of this nonsense, I finally broke away, spent a decade exploring all major religions and many minor ones, and many spiritual paths. I continue that journey today.
I still cringe when people tell me they are Christian, because I know what that means for people, especially women, where I come from. I'm sure there are some who don't believe the patriarchal hierarchy is oppressive, and that's fine. I won't try to burst that particular bubble. But I have yet to meet the kindler, gentler Christian that some people talk about. With roll models like Rush and Hannity, Tea Party members who scream and rant, and pastors who declare from the pulpit that gays should commit suicide and abortion doctors should be killed, I'm not too fond of the faith. My biggest issue, though, is because of the flack I get when someone finds out I read Tarot cards.
"Ooh, you're going to Hell. I'll pray for your soul." Or, "repent now and clear the Devil from they life" are generally the responses I get from cross-wearing patrons. I've hemmed and hawed about joining blog hops or other sites because a large number of people on them share fundamental, or as they say, "conservative" values. Although I'm not sure how condemning people to Hell and judging them is conservative.
So how can I get my message out without offending those sweet sensibilities? How do I explain to people that there is nothing inherently evil about Tarot or readings cards? How do I point out that the cards do not "predict" the future, but rather help us take an honest look at ourselves, our lives, and point out where we are lacking and need improvement, just as speaking to a therapist or pastor does? The answer is: I can't. So I'm going to stop trying. If people want to rant and rave at me, then that's their business. I can let all of that negativity roll off and continue my search to find like-minded positive people.
And who knows? The other day I did friend one Christian guy who is open-minded and isn't a yeller. I'm sure there are others out there. Somewhere.
Do people really act that way when you tell them you read Tarot cards? It's a shame there's such negativity in the world. I'm a non practising Catholic, but I'm very open minded about things :)
ReplyDeleteI always thought a large part of Christianity was the ability to be impartial, non judgemental and accepting, its such a shame that there are so many people out there that claim to be Christians yet act in completely the opposite manner.
ReplyDeleteI am a Christian, and I think it's important to keep an open mind and not tar everyone with the same brush so to speak. Time has changed a lot of things in the Christian community (mental illness for instance) and it depends on a lot of different factors. At the end of the day it's very important not to throw the truth of the Gospel away with man's mistakes.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte - yep, but luckily I live out in Oregon now, so it's not as common.
ReplyDeleteSJ - one would hope it gets to what it's supposed to be at some point. I've met a lot of judgmental Wiccans, too, so it's not just one group. It's only that I'm most familiar with that group (and most scarred by it).
Elizabeth - it's your truth, and that's fine, not THE truth. There are 5 billion people who believe otherwise.
Ame, I was taken in by your first paragraph about speaking your truth knowing others do not believe what you do. Who cares! The Law of Attraction is at work and has brought you to this blog challenge to find your tribe, those who believe what you believe. They, and I for one, are grateful to hear what you have to say. I too, was brought up Catholic, still consider myself one, although non-practicing. My mother is one of those who prays to keep my soul out of eternal damnation because I don't go to church, I'm allowing my son and his fiance to live under the same (my) roof and it continues from there.
ReplyDeleteThe following is what I learned/gleaned from my year with Marcia Wieder and Dream University along with her colleagues: You alone have a special message; You alone will attract those who will listen and be inspired by what you have to say and offer; You alone are like no other! The rest of the world can go on its merry way wrapped in their ignorance. They don't need you and you don't need them. Or maybe you do so that the antagonist keeps you on your toes and at the top of your game ;-)
Dream On!
PeggyLee
p.s. I have always been interested in Tarot readings, but never had one. yeah, I'm different too ;-)
Thanks, Peggy. I felt like I needed to write this to kind of put it to rest and get it out of my system so I can move forward and start attracting more positivity. :-)
ReplyDeleteFeel free to check out my Tarot blog at http://www.ametarot.blogspot.com
Something I have observed is that people who tell you they are Christian usually aren't (at least not in the true sense).
ReplyDeleteAme, I wouldn't fear offending people because it is impossible to go through life saying anything of value without ruffling a few feathers.
:)
ReplyDelete