On A Claire Day by Carla Ventresca and Henry Beckett for April 12, 2010

Well, today’s comments could get interesting.

Yeah – I’m bothered by the “old”. That implies she switched to some other church. Is it out-of-bounds to let her get so bored that she just stops going to church altogether?

yeah, and the 1st century Christians actually got out and did something about their beliefs.

Sure, there could be someone like you describe. But also there can be those who quit all participation with church. For various reasons, including disaffection with the practice and ritual — but also loss of belief. Why is it better to show Claire’s friend as more like the former than the latter? (And at the cost of slightly more awkward dialogue.)

Y’know, there ARE atheists in foxholes, why not on the funny pages?

As soon as I find a church that has Jack Daniels and Beer Nuts instead of bread and wine I’m converting..lol

da mn, birdd55– no christians indignation or bible quotes yet– how about:

The LORD gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.”Deuteronomy 31:23 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. 1 Chronicles 22:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened.” Take Courage

these, of course, are just off the top of my head since I am quite the thumper

My impression is that she changed denominations. I was afraid that some of us would go off on certain denominations. One in particular comes to my mind. I can’t say too much though, as mine takes communion. Regardless, you can’t really judge an individual by their denomination. (I do not like to use the word ‘church’ in this context. I believe God’s church is spread through many, if not all, denominations).

Rituals only become “silly” if you don’t use that time to really think about why they started. Some rituals ARE silly - if they are just because “we’ve always done it that way” and no one remembers why. But rituals can be quite meaningful if they are used to reflect on the reasons why they exist.

For the raggedy-a** masses: 1-2-3-4 and repeat ad infinitum; For dancers: 5-6-7-8 repeat ad infinitum; For mathematicians: 3.1416 ad infinitum; etc ad inf. = rituals.

Nearly all of the traditions of mainstream ‘churches’ are based on misinformation and are misguided. Do some real independent research and you will be amazed at what is taken as the ‘gospel’ truth.

I’m not knocking God here. I want people to find Him. But every denomination I’ve looked at has something twisted up wrong.

I also prefer to simply worship in my own way without “organized” religion of any kind. The practice of religion should be to do good - not follow rules just to make yourself FEEL good ;-)

vldazzle, you’ve got the right idea there! (says the agnostic here)