Religion on the Greenway?
Today, getting ready for my daily run on the South River Greenway, I noticed a formal setup of some sort near the south entrance.
Two tables, with posterboard, pamphlets and three polite-looking folks. The message: selling religion.
Which, yeah, odd, for a random spot on the Greenway.
I wouldn’t say I was offended. I mean, maybe it’s a good thing; maybe I’ll set up one day in the future, with tables and pamphlets, advocating for my end-times view.
I didn’t engage the polite-looking folks. Does it make me a bad person that I fast-forwarded my playlist to Metallica’s “Holier Than Thou” on my final swipe past them?
Probably.
I grew up nominally Christian, which is what you do in the South. My grandfather went to a conservative Bible church, and I tagged along most Sundays, even though I identified much more with my grandmother, who stayed home, and at lunch complained that the only thing the pastor seemed to care about was the collection plate.
In college, I majored in constitutional law, and the major encouraged studies in related subjects that included religion. I took two classes on the history of Christianity, another examining the New Testament from historical and literary perspectives, and then a course examining the many Eastern religions, and finally a course on Islam.
My conclusion at the end of my studies: we’re all just guessing.
Not casting aspersions when I say that. But, we are.
Now, that said, I wouldn’t classify myself an atheist, or agnostic. I don’t really know how to classify myself, honestly, and I’m good with that.
And I don’t mind people who feel organized religion is important to them.
If religion makes you feel like a better person, I think that’s awesome. For you.
For me, what I believe in terms of spirituality is good for me.
Where I do get lathered is when people who are bought into a particular organized religion feel the need to proselytize.
Seriously, you want to have a discussion on religion, I’m game, and I promise, at the end, you’ll be in tears, and doubting the wisdom of having engaged.
The polite-looking people on the Greenway today didn’t seem to be engaging anybody. It’s a great spot, if you’ve never been out for a walk or run. Any time of day, you’ll see at least a few people enjoying nature, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch me running by, on my own spiritual journey.
Column by Chris Graham
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