Pea soup and animal crackers...a VERY dangerous topic

I was recently having a conversation with a close family member about religion. I know this is a VERY dangerous topic so I was treading lightly.

They were upset that other members of our family have become so involved with their church and their “church family” that they no longer attend our family gatherings, holiday events or celebrations. To this person it was as if they had chosen the “church family” over their real family. Which was not what church and the Christian faith was founded on, in their opinion.

Confused yet? I don’t want to point fingers…I love all of my family and extended family, but I do see a point here. The first person feels left out. They do not go to the same church or follow the same spiritual path the other part of the family does. So one can’t see what the other is so enthralled about. They just miss their friend/family member. The one they ran around with, played cards, watched movies, went on vacations with and called all the time isn’t there anymore and when they are all they talk about is church and their “church family”.

Now I do only know one side of this story, but it hurts my heart to know that two friends are torn apart because of a church. It hurts my soul to know that these are my family members, who share so much history and now the care taking of an elderly beloved family member.

A church is four walls, the congregation is the like minded people attending services. As an American we have the freedom to worship according to any religious path that we are called to follow. I respect this and value it above all of my rights. It makes me truly happy that members of my family have found their path. I know walking my own spiritual path has not always been easy, for me or those around me.

I don’t ever want to loose my foundation, my family. Without them I have nothing to build my “church” upon. They are my rock, they shaped me into the person I am today. My personal religious views and path are not open for discussion or debate, I am who I am. Don’t try to witness to me…I don’t need saving…I may not be done sinning yet! Yeah, go ahead and start praying now…get out your rosaries…we may need an exorcist before I get dipped! Mmmm! Pea soup for dinner might be good tonight…wonder if Linda Blair has posted a recipe yet?

Is it a prerequisite that at a certain age that all you can talk about is religion and politics? Is that why my family members are having these hurt feelings and issues? Find a neutral topic please!!! Weather, crafts, compare illnesses or medications!

I wish I could go back the way things used to be when everyone was friends and made time to grill out or have pizza. Before life got so complicated for all of us. So many things have happened to our family, some good/some bad. We got thru it all, together! And we have so much more to go thru…is it possible to set the religious doctrine aside for one evening a month and be with family? Reminisce, look at old photos and welcome new members to our clan…I’ll bring the pea soup and animal crackers! ;)