2012 conventions 2012 election 2013 session arts arts and culture author ballot measures basketball bomb books boy scouts budget bullying business charlie hales children clackamas climate change coal college courts crime culture culture club democrats drugs economy education environment family film fluoride food gay rights guns handguns health health care health insurance high school history housing immigration internet kitzhaber law legislature lgbt literary arts living marijuana marriage media medicine mental health military minor parties mohamed mohamud movies music native americans news newspaper obama olympics oregon our town parenting pers photography police politcs politics port portland portland business journal president prevention public safety religion republicans rnc romney rural salem sam adams sandy hook schools science shooting sports suicide supreme court taxes technology television terrorism theater third parties transportation union university of oregon washington wildfire women

As a "p.s." I do concur with the thoughts that the natural beauty of this place does make you feel more "spiritual" and/or "religious" as how can you see the abundance of beauty around us and not at least ponder something greater than yourself. I know there are atheists who see it differently, and I have no issue with that. So, I guess, I think there is a place for all. Whether you see a divine hand in what is around you or whether you don't, we can all experience the joy and celebrate the beauty we live in.

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
view in context

There is not only a difference in regions within the U.S. but also just within Oregon. I "had" to move out to a VERY CONSERVATIVE SUPER RELIGIOUS part of Beaverton when I met my husband. I am from SE PDX/Mult. Co. where there is more of a "live and let live" attitude. Out here, have been ENDLESSLY preached too and in some cases "shunned" because I am not part of their church or another church. I do consider myself to be spiritual. I was raised in the Christian faith and have NO ISSUE with people who find church necessary. Where I DO begin to have issues is when they act in extreme ways (in the public school my child attends and in all areas of life here) and if you are not on board, you are "lesser." It's so strange to me. Ironically, their actions personify the main reason I have never been able to attend any church long term as an adult -- the group think/"us vs. them"/"we're better/right and you're wrong" mentality does more to turn me off from group religion than anything else. To me, it embodies the exact opposite of biblical teachings. It's sad, as I know their beliefs are strong and I have upmost respect for that, but instead of drawing someone in and knowing them by how they live, I am repelled by the clique/judgmental/angry/condescending attitude.

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
view in context