because atheists and agnostics are (in lolcat speak) "teh ebils"

On the other hand I do wonder why the churches the Christians attend do not say that the tithes for the holiday season can go to the troubled families.

My parents have paid more than $300,000 in tithing to the Mormon church in their lives, money that could have gone to their retirement. Instead, they're both near 70, still working, have less than $30k in the bank, and a house that's under water. It's impossible that the Mormon church, a billion dollar corporation, somehow made better use of that $300k than my parents would have. Instead, they'll eventually reach a point where their children have to support them financially, so it negatively affects at least two generations.

if you're at the top.

Religion began as a pyramid scheme ...

They are in there late 50's but they have nothing saved for retirement but continue to pay to the LDS church. They are severely under water in there condo (actually largely due to water. Their complex was underwater in a flood and rebuilt but because of threats of future floods the condo is worth about a quarter of what they paid for it)

I absolutely mean it as sarcasm and an insult

...and a good Christian at the same time, depending on perception. It's still the same net result. I believe you're a wonderful person.

Good for you.

There are good people that are believers, there are good people that don't believe. Our prisons are filled with the devout.

I fill in the "Religion" box with "Under Construction".

... and what they say tells you so much about them. They could have said you was most kind and generous, a credit to your community, etc., etc. Heck, could they have meant it as a snark? You know there are some people who look down their noses at those who are generous... "folks" who are smitten by the Me-Me-Me/I-got-mine Reagan complex.

You're good people. Carry on.

crapitalism. the house that tinkle built.

I guess this means there's such a thing as a "bad Christian"?

You're a splendid person.

Julie

In our culture, for many people GOOD and CHRISTIAN are synonymous.

Also, many people, if somebody's atheist or agnostic, regard them as if they were a sex offender.

As if people who profess to be Xians don't steal, lie, commit adultery, etc., as much as anyone else.

When I was a buleeber, I would correct people and say, "I am christian but I am not a "good" christian, Those people have too many issues.

so, you know, obviously you're a man of God 'cuz you didn't eat any infants.

Yep, those compassionate conservatives are a fine bunch.

"We should give the kids warm clothes, not toys. That would be more practical."

"Jebus, Mrs. Scrooge. It's Christmas. We can afford to give them both."

My former employee had one of those programs. You're right, the stories you hear are truly heartbreaking. I was about to post a Potentially Derailing Rant, but will save that for elsewhere. For once...

I've been told both, that doing something meant I was a good Christian, and doing something made me "very white" or whatever the fuck they're trying to convey.

The strange thing is, that neither thing I did was something that was inherent to only Christians, or white people. Also, I come from a long line of white, pasty, red-headed, freckled people who tend to drink heavily. To tell me "that's mighty white of you"....it's so stupid. of COURSE it's white of me. I'm white. Anything I do is "White," just as anything I do is "female," "bleach-blonde," or "green eyed." To ascribe a charitable act as something that is solely the purview of those that accept Christ into their heart, and/or those that lack any meaningful amount of melanin is just....stupid. And offensive.

I find that the same people who think nothing of calling you mighty white or a good christian get *so* offended when you tell them that something positive they did was "mighty black of them" or that it makes them a good Satanist. Oh, why would that be? Why would it be offensive to ascribe a race or a religion to a good thing? I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND

You did the right thing, and many of the Christians didn't. Interesting.

I am only sorry that you were not able to tell your boss that you are an atheist when he said that.

(So is this one.)

If I had known it was your anniversary, I would have planned a party. So sorry.....no party for you.

But have a beer with me.....

An elderly woman and a couple of girls were trying to load some big heavy boxes into their car and having trouble. Stopped to give them a hand. One of the girls said "It's so awesome of you to help, God bless you!"

I just ignore such phrases as "reflexive neutral religiosity" or something. Like when you sneeze.

But being naturally cranky and suspicious, I imagined getting home and hearing a loud knock on the door...

"Mr. Onager, LAPD. You're under arrest. We have camera footage from a parking lot. It shows you aiding and abetting a notorious ring of shoplifters who have been working the neighborhood..."

I know that I cringe every time someone says that, but I also just ignore it. "God bless you" seems mild to me and probably it is a reflexive comment....no harm, no foul. Now if they were to say "thank God you came to help", I might have to tell them that it had nothing to do with God.

If I mumble it just right, they aren't sure what I really said. And who knows, maybe I'm just dyslexic.