So this morning my neighbor comes over and the short story is he apologized. I explained how his actions hurt my feelings and made me feel very disrespected to which he said he fully realized later that it wasn't very respectful of him and he could have handled things much differently. He claimed that he thought he was doing us a favor and was a little shocked when we got upset. He said upon further reflection though, he could see why we got upset. Now whether or not he was just giving me lip service remains to be seen, but I'm good natured about most things and am willing to accept his apology.
So that is that, and really the best outcome I could hope for under the circumstances. I won't be pressing any charges against him because I don't wish to bring grief into their lives...the world has enough of that as it is. They are an older couple and maybe if they witness first hand how nice and forgiving atheists can really be...and that we are just regular folks like everyone else, they'll soften their views a bit. One can hope anyway...
Funny how as an atheist I'm having to teach Christians how to be... well more Christian...LOL! Oh the irony. Oh and as for the Agave..it's actually a succulent! :)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
12 comments:
Yeah, that was a pretty good outcome; I certainly did not expect it.
I think you did the right thing in reaction to this. If he can bring himself to make an apology, better not twist the knife in the wound. It's probably pretty hard on him to realize that he's been bested in terms of morality by the very people he thought could never do so.
So good it worked out amicably. Did you find out if it will grow back or will you need to replant?
I can't figure out what would make your neighbours think they were doing you a favour, but I'm glad to hear that they have apologized. It was probably the vision of hellfire (in the person of the police) that inspired their contrition. ;>)
valhar2000 wrote: I think you did the right thing in reaction to this
Thanks! Some may be disappointed that I didn't act more aggressive, but that really isn't in my nature. I'd much rather keep the peace. :)
Welcome to the blog!
poodles rule wrote: Did you find out if it will grow back or will you need to replant?
I think it will recover. It might not look so pretty for a while, but with good care it should do okay. I think I'll get rid of all the grass around the base and surrounding flower bed and put some gravel in around it. That might help it look better anyway. :)
I see what you mean about keeping the peace but would reactions have been different if the couple were not old and if the damage had been done by teenagers or someone in their mid-twenties?
I believe that being old shouldn't mean that you automatically escape from the consequences of your actions and being young shouldn't automatically mean you get blamed for everything - sorry - a bit of soapbox for me as i work with young people
it is totally admirable how you both handled this situation - i think it's funny idea, the whole acting like a "Christian" thing - in my experience, being a Christian could mean absolutely anything (including having the seemingly ingrained behavioral reflex of telling me i'm wrong for being an atheist when i didn't ask for their opinion in the first place) - yes, i am troubled by the whole ideal of acting like a "Christian" - however, you guys sure behaved like mature, rational people - not a term i would ascribe to most Christians i know
Well the reason the idea of acting like a "Christian" is funny to me is because of the irony in it. Many Christian's think they have the moral high ground and that if one isn't a Christian they can't possibly have morals.
With that said there are obviously very good people out there who call them selves Christians and they walk the talk. There are people in my life who are devout Christians who I'm proud to be associated with and I care about.
I would much rather have you for a neighbor than a hypocrite that uses faith as a justification to be nasty. Hope your plant recovers.
what a shame! that could have been good tequila!!!
Hi Ginny. Got here via Kazim's (& in turn via AE & NP podcasts). So many aspects rate a comment. I'll just pick a few.
I'm glad that both you and Russell did as you did (even-tempered discussion despite their ungracious act and reactions; calling cops but not filing, friendly waves, etc.)
But PsychoDiva makes a good point. Their age got them a pass (or was part of it). Interesting parallel between that and the "religion gets a pass" ideas expressed by Dawkins and on AE/NP (and to which I agree and object).
His "apology" seems kinda lame. And, like Sandra L, I think was motivated more by fear of "Caesar's minions" (the cop they saw at your door) than by their "Christianity".
And I wonder if they'll look back on it and frame the experience as "persecution".
We can say their actions weren't very "Christian", but they were consistent with many biblical values. Or actually much milder. All they did was "go unto the land of the Glasserite unbelievers and slayed their plants".
It's always a problem. What does the reasonable person do in response to an unreasonable person? Rational discussion seldom works. Nor does reference to the equality of your rights, holding them to the law of the land (including prosecution)...
But cookies? Really? Not even Jebus said "turn the other cheek...and bake them a nice pie".
I think that, between you, you and Russell handled it juuuuuust right.
- - -
Knowing how Christians react, I doubt I'd put an atheist bumper sticker on my car. Too easy, tempting and valuable a target.
Perhaps your neighbor mistook your Agave cactus for an Agape cactus? As we all know, only Christians are allowed to use that particular ancient word ;-)
Hmmm I never knew "Agape" was supposedly an ancient Christian word. So when I see businesses with that in the name, I can assume they are blatantly advertising their Christianity.
I've seen the word used twice now in the past four days while out and about. One was for a business I drove by and the other was on a magnetized sign on a car advertising some other kind of business. I wondered at the time what was up with that, now I know.
Good to hear from you Jeff...hope all is well.
Post a Comment