God Seeker Guy has been asked to attend a church carol celebration over the Christmas period. What to do?
While churches are not his favorite place in which to gather, God Seeker Guy respects the traditions of others and will not be “making a point” at the expense of family and friends who look forward to a traditional Christmas church celebration that really has little to do with religion.
“We can respect the convictions of others without embracing them. We can participate as guests …”
Relationships with real people take priority over relationships with vague , esoteric , unseen entities. We can respect the convictions of others without embracing them. We can participate as guests without signing up.
If there is a contradiction here, no apologies are offered, the inconsistency signifies the struggle in searching for faith. Attending a church carol service will not corrupt or do serious mental damage, adamant refusal to attend would be childish and immature.
The cost to God Seeker Guy is zero, the pageantry can be fun and the religious nonsense can be dismissed. Participation in religious rights can be politely declined. While being among the congregation may at times be uncomfortable, it’s doubtful it will cause any real or imagined harm. Any search involves looking far and wide, not just in comfortable places.
Participating in a colorful Christmas church service will make family members happy, God Seeker Guy will just have to put aside his issues with the Almighty for one evening.
-GSG (God Seeker Guy)
God Seeker Guy 