I'm sorry I've been away for so long. I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post (and all I did was post a picture of a naked girl on a pumpkin). I had to go out of town for a few weeks for a wedding and a much needed vacation.
I had an interesting religious experience while I was away and it was a very positive one...
I went to witness a wedding (the kind that everyone is allowed to attend). It was in an Episcopal church. Prior to the wedding, I visited the church on a Sunday and sat in their service. Boy oh boy was it different from a Mormon sacrament meeting!
First, there was an actual band and they played fun, upbeat music.
The service was strange. All they did was read from a pamphlet and every once in a while the congregation would say stuff together. Sometimes we had to stand up, sometimes kneel.
The most interesting part, however, was that this happened to be the one Sunday each year where they talk about money and donations. But it was anything than what I expected. The preacher simply asked the audience members to please pay the amounts that they had pledged because they make their plans and budget based upon what people pledge. They talked about money for maybe two minutes and that was it.
So damn different from Mormonism! The members weren't being guilt-tripped or promised huge blessings for paying. It wasn't preached for hours and hours. It was a simple and humble reminder to those who hadn't paid what they had pledged. That's it! They did pass the collection tray once.
Although I am still an atheist, I was very impressed. Their focus was actually on god, whereas Mormons focus on tithing, strict obedience, Joseph Smith, and missionary work.
After the service, the preacher stood at the door and greeted everyone as they left. The preacher was a kind, charismatic, and very sincere man. He didn't want to interview me to determine my worthiness. He didn't assign missionaries to manipulate me into joining.
When it came time for the wedding, he memorized all the guests' names and where they were from. I was very impressed with this man. I intend to write him a letter and let him know.
While I was driving home, I thought up a funny joke (at least I think it's funny).
What is it called when President Monson takes a dump?
Holy Shit!
