Sunday in the Supermarket [View All]

[Coexist]

I try to be a tolerant person, religiously. I find it laughable that there are people in power in this world who DON'T consider Leviticus a crackpot, but otherwise, believe what you want.

I bow my head during opening and closing prayers at our league meetings, and send silent support to those who try to do right in this world, instead of thanking Jesus and asking him for guidance - no big deal. I sit quietly during funeral masses and weddings, respectfully, but I don't say "Amen" along with everyone else.

I could care less about saying "Under God" during the pledge. The fact that is was written by a Baptist minister without that phrase that is such a flash-point for so many is ironic, but I say it anyway and don't care to fight to remove it.

Many people have called me a "good Christian", and I take that as a compliment, as Jesus seemed to be a very tolerant and caring person, instead of correcting them on my beliefs.

I listen to the vitriol that the mere subject of atheism invokes on Paula Zahn with sadness and quiet worry. But I go on, and only discuss my beliefs ONLY if directly asked.

I tell my teenage daughter to keep her atheism to herself so she doesn't get targeted at school.

I see the freezing up of people's eyes and the tenseness set in their shoulders when they find out I am not a Christian. I see mistrust and disgust creep into their eyes when they find out I am not Jewish, Buddhist or Muslim either.

I am told "people like me" need to stop taking God out of THEIR lives. How THEY can't do anything Christian anymore. They can't forward emails or pray in schools or live they Christian lives they want.

And then I go to the supermarket early on Sunday morning to avoid the crowds. And I am told I cannot buy what I want because it is Sunday morning. I just want beer to go with the steaks I am cooking for company that evening. I am not a Christian but can't buy beer because the majority of my state is supposed to be in church.

Please, tell me again how Christians are discriminated against, because I just don't see it.

I see how I have to constantly hide who I am, and have to alter my schedule for a second trip to the store on its busiest day. And how I fear for my children's safety. And how my Darwin sticker gets stolen from my car. And how people who don't know anything about me, or homosexuals, real science, or Muslims get to hate them all with the support of their churches. Because I don't get it.