amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

choleblack · 03-10-2005, 03:45 PM

This is not the sort of thing I usually ask; I need some perspective from people of various faith/spiritual experiences.

Do you ever feel uncomfortable around people of other religions who are especially vocal about their beliefs?

I have recently relocated and found myself in a group that I *thought* was secular. While it is, technically, there seems to be a very large number of members who are very vocal about their religious convictions. Nothing has been said to me in particular regarding my beliefs (& I would not discuss them if anything was said). As much as I might have in common with these ladies, I just can't feel comfortable and I think it's because of their constant mention of religion. In the past I have had close friends who were strongly religious and it never effected our relationships so why is this different. The only thing I can figure is that my friends weren't open about their religion and these new people are (very). I'm at the point now where even the religious tag lines on their e-mails is making me feel uncomfortable.

Has anyone else ever felt this way? Would it be inapproprate for me to ask that religious conversations be refrained from? Should I just leave the group and find one that really is secular?

Thanks everyone

Chole

fericito · 03-10-2005, 06:04 PM

I don't think I have ever felt like that. However, I sometimes worry I AM like that.

My religious beliefs are so much a part of me, that without conscious constant effort on my part to keep them out of anything I say or do, they slip in.

I try not to be in your face about things, but I know sometimes I come across that way simply because what I think and believe is so much a part of me.

Could it be possible that is coming through with these people? Then again, my sig and such would never reflect that - just only my online responses to specific threads.

I'm sorry you're uncomfortable! I can definitely see why you might be. That's why I fear that I'll be one of those causing the discomfort.

anise · 03-10-2005, 08:18 PM

Without knowing more about the group, it is hard to give any definitive answers.

But

Quote:

Would it be inapproprate for me to ask that religious conversations be refrained from?

Yes, I tink that would be inappropriate. If you're the one who is uncomfortable, then you either need to find a way to be comfortable in those circumstances or leave the group if you are in the minority. If they aren't trying to force their beliefs on you, I can't genuinely see any good reason to feel uncomfortable, and certainly can't see a good reason to ask them to accomodate your discomfort.