Comments on: My Weekend in Nebraska

By: Claire

Claire — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:11:46 +0000

Steph,
I really “enjoyed” (hah?) reading this because I can relate to you – not to the extremity of this specific situation, but in general, put-on-the-spotness when really, one just wants to escape it tactfully – and feel like, I don’t know, I can absorb some of the shittiness. Which of course, like the short list of ridculousness you listed, doesn’t make sense.

Just sayin, the one thing atheists are missing (besides unjustified comfort/calm that usually leads to lower blood pressure and longer lives) is community. Let’s commiserate!

Good luck navigating this situation.. and I seriously respect your classy but honest adherence to your core self.

By: OLD MAN

OLD MAN — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:51:36 +0000

My generation is hard to accept at times. Values are ingrained form the influences of time, people and events. Being incensitive is so ironic because we feel we are just the opposite when imparting “advise” to a younger person. Steph I love you so much and it is painful to read a tale in which you hurt like this. I only hope Nathan can resolve his love and respect for his family and to you while this senario does exsist.
Mary is really an admirer of your writing skill (and of you as well) and wants to spend some time with you when you are in ORE. I have told you before, you need to find a vehicle to expose your words to others. Your writing may be as influencial as the words of a carpenter’s son were a little over 2000 years ago. Love you much.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:32:06 +0000

Oh mannnnnn that sounds incredibly awkward. It sounds like you handled it very well though! Hooray for awkward families. My grandma is one of those that likes to preach too… only usually it’s things like the evils of natural sweeteners in diet sodas, or what have you. Telling my grandma that you drink diet soda is probably akin to telling Nathan’s grandma you don’t go to church. You’d get an earful. Only it’s less painfully awkward and more, well, eye-roll-inducing ridiculousness. Ok so maybe it’s not the same thing at all. But old ladies like to preach… there, I tied it together.

Also, his aunt sounds incredibly rude. I’d have a hard time not being a bitch to someone like that.

Also also: what other people said – it’s hypocritical to judge/shun others when you are supposedly practicing the Christian faith. Missed message for 500, Alex. D’oh.

Also x3: I never see you anymore. Fix that.

By: Steph

Steph — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:01:36 +0000

I want to reassure all of you that i’d be willing to put up with this and a lot worse for the rest of my life to be with Nathan. He’s most definitely worth it.

Calee, i must say your comment baffles me. It’s easier to believe in a higher power even though chances are that it probably doesn’t exist? Doesn’t that statement imply that you don’t actually believe in it? How can pretending to believe in something you don’t really believe in be easier than accepting its nonexistence? There is no problem with the nonexistence of God. I don’t understand why people are so frightened of that possibility.

And anyway, religion isn’t all about being a good person. Being human is about being a good person. Anyone can look at what Jesus supposedly preached and say “those are some pretty good ideas,” regardless of whether he or she believes in his existence or divinity – just as anyone can look at the God of the Old Testament and say “wow… he was a pretty fucked up and angry dude.”

By: Big Bro

Big Bro — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:06:11 +0000

We know better.

I agree with Nina, too.

By: luke

luke — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:04:17 +0000

religion is more than a moral code, it’s about grace and forgiveness. i am an alcoholic and yet a christian, thought it’s condemned in the bible, i am given grace. though i’d love to believe that he doesn’t, god exists. jesus didn’t bash christianity over people’s heads, he was mysterious. people that shun others for not having similar beliefs are doing it all wrong…

By: calee

calee — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:17:58 +0000

I love how a lot of Christians judge people for their beliefs and ways of life…it’s so hypocritical.

I’m Christian, but I don’t go to church, and I quit going to church because I was sick of watching all the hypocrites go through the motions and not practicing what was truly important — being a good person and being good to other people. Really, to me, that’s what religion is about — and when it comes down to it, all religions are essentially the same — a set of morals and rules based around a center belief/diety. The main reason I proclaim my Christiainity is because for me, it’s just easier to belief in a higher power even though chances are it doesn’t exist.

What a crappy crappy situation. Seriously. If I judged my friends by their beliefs I’d probably have a total of 3 friends left. My friend Mark is a satanist.

I love reading your blog entries. It’s almost like I am there sharing your crappy situation. I agree with Nina — I’m guessing his family will treat you like this forever – so get used to the uncomfortableness of it.

By: Micole Ogletree

Micole Ogletree — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:40:56 +0000

Ohhhh my gosh! You were one brave girl! Nathan’s grandma is scary! I remember one time she found a Harry Potter poster in Elizabeth’s car and freaked out. Because you know, Harry Potter is obviously the devil. I’m sorry you felt rejected. I hope that Nathan warned you before hand. Good job for standing your ground. Don’t get too discouraged because of this really uncomfortable incident. I guess it is a good thing they live in Nebraska! haha

By: Nina

Nina — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:22:20 +0000

Dang. You make the Foster family seem like a cakewalk…. although, they just go ahead and force me to go to church. If I won’t then they make me sit down in the living room while their priest uncle gives a sermon. All I could think while reading this was “Oh—My—God!” – which is funny, haha.

I REALLY liked how you told the story, though. Beautiful writing. I just have one thing to say: you better make sure this boy is the right one, because his family will treat you like that for the rest of your life. Look at my Mom and my Dad’s mother.

I also really loved when you said, “…and in a way I wish I could save her just as she wishes to save me.” Well put.

By: luke

luke — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:02:05 +0000

too many christians talk without waiting to listen. and judge without regard. i’d be pissed too.

By: Niki Brown

Niki Brown — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:31:38 +0000

wow…

don’t people know that you never talk about religion…or money…or politics the first time you meet someone? thats just AWKWARD