Reply #21: I'm not going to argue with you.

[Meldread]

If you found it offensive then I apologize as it wasn't my intention. As I stated in the post that started this thread, the challenge springs not from myself - but from the book "In his steps". The challenge is practically taken from the book word for word, and yes the author of the book was a Christian. I thought it would be interesting to see such a challenge take place, considering the book was written back in the late 1800's.

You ask how this effects me? Christianity effects my life on a daily basis even though I am not a Christian. I am a gay man living in a rural part of Southern Virginia, a place where so-called Christian's would just as quickly shoot me as shake my hand. A place that is about to place an anti-gay Amendment into it's state Constitution. Even if I weren't gay, I am still a non-believer, and I am constantly subjected to Christian thought and beliefs, most of which I find contrary to the teachings of Jesus.

So yes, I would like to see some "real" Christians take a stand and prove that their religion is more than just a tool to oppress and harm others. Even if they were to fail, at least I'd know there was a Christian, somewhere in the United States, trying to actually stand for their beliefs.

I do not know why you are offended and angry. Maybe you miss understood my intentions, you give that impression, but maybe you are also angry with yourself because you are unwilling to make the attempt. If you think this is an attack on your faith, it isn't. I'm far beyond attacking Christians for their beliefs, and more often than not I simply show scorn to the bad ones (judged by my own measuring stick) while pretty much ignoring the good ones.

You may hate me all you want for me trying to hold out some form of hope for the religion, being hated is nothing new to me and I certainly won't lose any sleep. Although, I think perhaps you're really more angry at yourself.