You're not alone in such tangled parental relationships. Due to an act of betrayal by my mother about 3 years before she died in the late 1990's, I was estranged from her during that time. I still haven't forgiven, and I suppose I never will. But it's a kind of grudge on which I don't dwelI. I have a lot of other matters in my life to contend with instead.
Here in the Philippines, Good Friday seems to be a bigger deal than Easter Sunday itself. The former is a more solemn occasion with everything closed down, even newspapers.. But on Easter, aside from Church services, it's business as usual.
The need to hold an irrational belief just because it feels good to do so begs the question as to why can't we substitute it for one that is not only rational but feels good as well. For example wouldn't it be great if at (least some) believers in astrology could be made to see it's absurdity and the futility of letting such nonsense control their lives, and instead come to understand and appreciate the awesome reality of the true nature of the heavens instead?
Meanness in American culture is nothing new. Just one example: Remember when Trump publicly mocked a disabled reporter before his first term in office? In a civilized society that would have been his political demise.
The public is at least equally at fault. I have always said that when Trump publicly mocked a disabled reporter in 2015 which was duly covered by the media, in a civilized society that would have ended his campaign.
I don't know to what extent absentee voting is an option in the U.S. these days. But as American expats, that's how my wife and I cast our ballots. Also the state of California in which we are registered voters is very accommodating in this regard.
I wonder whether responding to "Why are you an atheist? " with "Why aren't you?" might be worth a shot. At least it would shift the burden of explanation on to the inquisitor.
Although it wasn't the intent, the sign's equating the omnipresence of Jesus with--of all things--that of germs is kind of funny.
The fundies made a pact with the proverbial devil to help him win the 2016 election in return for which promised to confirm anti-choice SCOTUS justices. He delivered and the rest is history. I wonder what they will ask next for him
And not only did the present SCOTUS scuttle Roe v. Wade but it also decided in favor of religion over secularism in other decisions. In short Trump and the Christers have developed a symbiotic relationship. If he wins in 2024 and they ask him for more help in their efforts to turn America into a theocracy, you can bet he will comply.
This is an excellent piece and worth memorizing for occasions when theists ask "that question".
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Opus