accidentaltourist says,

A topic that lands me in the hot seat so often.

Staraj says,

Sad but true. A hot seat for many for millennia.

Although I grew up Baptist (because my parents were Baptist), I became agnostic in adulthood. However, my agnosticism does not mean I disparage religions or those who practice them. I have a reverence for the mystery of life and the apparent infinite universe which birthed and nurtures life. That viewpoint does not exclude anyone's god. But certainly the history of this planet teaches us that we have efficiently killed each other by the millions, believing we had the blessing of one deity over another.

I don't fault anyone who has contributed six words to the Jewish Life category. Nor do I wish SMITH to eliminate it. But I do believe we can dispassionately wonder about SMITH's wisdom in creating it – to the exclusion of the various other religions. Is there a Jewish Life category because this topic has been a wellspring for comedy as well as angst and indubitably pride for many decades in popular culture? Sure. And we can accurately call such sourcing celebratory. But aren't the self-deprecating aspects also somewhat demeaning at times? (Not to mention one more reason for some in "competing" religions to begrudge American Jewishness for the imagined dotage and favoritism of society.)

Perhaps, some might think I'm trying to turn a sacred mountain into a meaningless molehill. I'm not. Nevertheless, the SMITH community seems to me to be one, which can at least entertain this discussion without fear of hurting feelings or feeling hurt. True?

accidentaltourist says,

Since you and I seem to be alone here in the hot seat, let me say this. I think the reflections on Jewish Life are viewing it more as a culture than a religion, although it is clearly just that. In that light, there are many other cultures in the melting pot (or cess pool, depending on your point of view) of American culture that also lend themselves to potentially unique observations. Witness My Big Fat Greek Wedding, for example.

Staraj says,

Agreed. Jewish culture has been a popular component of American culture for a very long time. But as you point out, it's a culture predicated on a religion. I should avow that I am not an officer in the Politically Correct Police Department. SMITH has the sovereignty to make whatever editorial choices it so decrees. Nevertheless . . . I can imagine some frequenters of this nook of the World Wide Web might be a bit sensitive to the exclusivity inherent in this blurb:

"From identity and mother issues to unfettered love of carbs and inner conflict over Israel—and the sheer joy of discussing and debating ... everything—the Jewish life is a rich and storied topic for Jews and non-Jews alike."

Why not open the door and welcome the "rich stories" of other religions, so that we'll all be the richer for such an invitation?

accidentaltourist says,

Let's tell our fun-filled stories of "growing up Baptist"...you go first. :)

Staraj says,

You too??? Well, for me, I suppose my Baptist upbringing is colored by WHERE that upbringing occurred: Oklahoma. So, I'm assuming that brand is different from New Jersey or East Coast Baptist.

I don't think I'm the worse for having been immersed in this branch of Protestantism. As for being better . . . well, although I am decidedly not a Bible thumper, I do nonetheless believe there is wisdom sprinkled here and there within its pages. Proverbs for example. And of course, the sayings of that Nazarene, who was brutalized for being too much of "the other". (The warning to future messiahs: Take your miracles and good deeds to some other planet.)

I did enjoy singing in the choir. Trips to other churches and events were sometimes "fun-filled". Christmas programs and other special occasions were nice on the whole. Heck, I guess I don't have any horror stories to tell. How 'bout you?

Larry_D._Smith says,

This project came with a sponsor called Reboot. Send other sponsors from other faiths our way and I'd love to do six words on those as well.

Staraj says,

Ye shall know them by their sponsors???

accidentaltourist says,

I don't have any real horror stories, either. I am now quite adept at Biblical trivia games, and know the words to countless traditional hymns by heart. My worst experiences were with the hypocrisy of some of our church mucky-mucks....the Pastor's daughters were huge offenders. There was a very high percentage of "do as I say, not as I do" in my small town church....which was confusing to the over-thinking teen that I was.

But as you say, I did love the Christmas programs. Not to mention Vacation Bible School.

Staraj says,

Ahhh yes, Vacation Bible School. My church's VBS must have used all of the plaster of Paris in . . . Paris. (Remember how it got warm as it dried?) Busts of JFK were popular with us. For some reason, once hardened, he usually was spray-painted gold. (His famous tan?) And then there were the cigar boxes, which ended up with macaroni shells and glitter glued all over them. I can't imagine anyone actually used these odd looking boxes for jewelry. But all in all, VBS was a fun way to spend part of the summer for kids too young to have jobs.

Dragonflower says,

I just wrote a comment, expressing out loud thoughts never before expressed. Thoughts about being tongue-tied (or keyboard-tied) about relgion in general and how, as a non jewish person, I've adopted some of the jewish religious customs as my own, drawing from their essence of showing love and kindness. But then, just as I was finishing up, I hit some key and it all disappeared. I had been very stressed today about something and wandered into this topic, where I'd never dared to wander before, and found words of encouragement "I am God's hands on earth" and also this spirted dialogue between Staraj and AT, which promoted me to express aforementioned feelings/thoughts. I now feel very calm and serene; it doesn't matter that no one will never see my original words. It only matters that I expressed them. Finally. Free-ingly (made up word). Thank you, SMITH community for being here. Thank you for the non-judgmental forum that gave me this healing courage to speak my thoughts on a matter so taboo in my upbringing. Thank you from the bottom of my non-jewish heart.

Dragonflower says,

Sorry, I meant "prompted me to express" not promoted.

Staraj says,

Message received. Message understood. Community and catharsis are the reasons we all come to this meeting place . . . day after day after day . . . And as you demonstrated on this day, a discussion can be joined weeks or even months after it was initiated. Whereupon, we ourselves can be initiated . . . and can do so again and again and again . . .

accidentaltourist says,

I feel really good about this.