The most devoutly Christian girl in class in high school told me once that she did believe I'd go to hell, but it was my choice, and she'd respect that and not interfere.

Which is all I want people to do, if they believe I'm eternally damned.

I guess that's the problem with "tolerance" becoming such a catchword. What does tolerant mean? Does it mean, just living alongside? Or actively thinking, "that's okay" about whatever?

I think of it as, "I may not necessarily approve of what you're doing. But I need a better reason than that to stop you from doing it. Or for that matter, even telling you that I disapprove."

It's kind of like like watching Hubs's brother and his wife raise their kids. If I had (human) kids, I'd probably bring them up very differently. But as long as nobody's likely to get hurt, I keep my mouth shut.

Right. Its not like everybody in Darfur is just whiny or all those folks shipped off to Auschwitz wouldn't have if they'd just said "I want to live free of Nazis" instead of "Don't let the Nazis slaughter me and everyone I know."

Seriously. Two words: Anne. Frank.

A beloved great uncle was the First Reader for his Christian Science congregation for many years, but he applied the teachings only to himself. He'd suggest to others that they go to the doctor, and I can't imagine him thinking that other people's illnesses were somehow their fault. His faith was something that guided him alone. He was also 100+ when he died, so it worked for him.

then does that make you tolerant or just non-confrontational?

When it comes to religion (and parenting, to bring in another conversation), I have definite opinions but I'm also truly not interested in trying to change anyone else's mind. I'm happy to talk about my religious beliefs but if I met someone like Allyson, I don't think I'd even bother, unless she was curious.

I don't know if I'm tolerant as much as I just hate having people push their ideas in my face so I try not to do it them either. (Is that another way of saying non-confrontational? BEcause I don't mind confrontation, but I want to know everyone is in it for the same reason.)

This caused a huge issue for my step-dad and his family. They are decended from this lady [link] and as far as I know, G is the only one who left.

Wow, really?? I love their big walk-through globe in Boston.

Okay, short story question....

What are some of your favorite short stories?

I've always loved "The Necklace" by Maupassant and "The Lottery" by Jackson. Others?

"To Build a Fire" by Jack London.

Yep. My sister's CS roomate was facinated by her, but L, having never grown up in the church was all, "Yeah, whatever."

A beloved great uncle was the First Reader for his Christian Science congregation for many years, but he applied the teachings only to himself. He'd suggest to others that they go to the doctor, and I can't imagine him thinking that other people's illnesses were somehow their fault. His faith was something that guided him alone. He was also 100+ when he died, so it worked for him.

I know there was stuff with G's sister having cancer and no one telling him. I can't even imagine what it was like finding out LB had a severe illness and him coming from that background.

"To Build a Fire" by Jack London.

That's an excellent one! What about "The Rocking Horse Winner?" "An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge"?