Faith And Belief

I believe in the faith of people, whatever faith they may have.

Studs Terkel
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Go Studs! Why can't we leave each other's religions alone?

I would like to know why so many people I don't know are interested in my soul.

One day I was standing with a group of friends on the sidewalk. A car drove up and stopped. A young man got out, rushed over and handed me a pamphlet from some Baptist organization. The title of it was "Are You Saved Yet?"

When I was a broadcaster I got a lot of fan mail, but one day I got a postcard from a listener who said "I am praying for your immortal soul."

Another day as a girl was getting off the subway, she threw into my lap a magazine from some eastern religion and told me to read it.

I was in rehearsal for a show and one of the actors came up to me and tried to sell me on the truth of some Jewish splinter group;

I was at a party given by a director for his colleagues and friends. He had a penthouse apartment and outside was the roof of the building, a big wide area where one could sit privately and enjoy the fresh air and the view. During the few hours I was sitting there a fellow came up to tell my about Jesus. Another tried to teach me a chant that she was sure would solve my problems and give me solace. (Did I need solace?) Another fellow talked to me at length about his meditation group and invited me to attend.

I am an ardent reader of philosophy and world religions, so I made short work of those people. I appreciate their concern, generosity and compassion, but I don't appreciate the proselytizing. I kept wondering, though, why I was being singled out by these people. Was it my cigarette? My beer? When they look at me do they see horns and a tail, or vampire teeth, or smoke signals of desperation coming out my ears? I put it to you, you who read my journal, am I the devil's man?

I have numbered among my friends two Protestant ministers, an Episcopal priest and a Catholic priest. None of them ever tried to convert me or to save my "immortal soul."

To tell you the truth I have received more spirituality out of Debtors Anonymous meetings than I ever got in a church. I know what I think, I know what I believe and I know where my faith is. I don't mean to put down anyone's religion. I don't and I wouldn't. I just want people to leave my faith, or my lack of it, alone.

DB - The Vagabond
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AUTUMN QUESTION

(This is not a contest.)

At what event of the past do you wish you could be present? Why?

Only 5 responses so far.

dbdacoba@aol.com

Thank you.
DB
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