Show some respect people.

We went to a baptism a couple weeks ago. The mother of the child to be baptised is a colleague of my wife. Let's call her Theresa. Theresa was telling my wife that some of her family members refused to come to the baptism because they don't believe in them. She then went on to berate her for baptising her son.

Now.

I was baptised. My wife wasn't. I was raised Catholic, my wife was raised Heathen. Haha. I am not a practising Catholic and I really question religion often. I also question whether God exists, or whether God doesn't exist. I question all religions, and all beliefs, and non-believers. I have conversations with believers and non-believers alike to hopefully gain insight into why they believe what they do, and I never accept anything at face value. Sometimes I think it's better to believe than to not believe. Sometimes I wonder why I believe in anything. Sometimes I don't wonder at all. My daughter and my family/friends could be evidence of God. I feel great because of them and feel lucky to be so "blessed". But then sometimes I think that I'm just a glob of plasma and water and bacteria, and I should be lucky to be conscious anyway.

Anyway, my point is, whatever you believe, have the humananity to show respect for other people's beliefs, even if you think they're wrong.

If you preach the words of Jesus, doesn't he (capital H?) say to be respectful and love unconditionally? If you ask the Catholic Church, or George Bush, they'd tell you Jesus said to condemn anyone that doesn't believe what you do yourself. Very hypocritical in my opinion, but I can find things like that in every religion, politician, or even my neighbours. It seems hard for anyone to accept others no matter what. I'm guilty of it myself sometimes. We're human, we judge.

She's not saying you should baptise YOUR kids. She just feels lie baptising hers. Did it make me want to baptise my daughter? No. Did I enjoy the baptism? Yes. It was a nice family event and even if you don't believe in God or Sacraments, you can still believe in Perogies and Baklava can't you? I think if Theresa's family member has simply said she couldn't make it, it would have been a lot less dramatic and easier for everyone.

As long as someone's beliefs aren't hurting you or themselves or anyone else, can't you just let them believe? Wouldn't you want the same treatment?