Major Irkdom

One of our more unusual customers came into the store today. He's a real "back to nature" guy, a student of Native American spirituality and herb lore and Shamanism. He knows more about native lore and flora and fauna than just about anybody I know, and talking to him is always interesting.

But today? Today he came in to talk to my brother, who used to be a beekeeper. Their conversation was really fascinating -- including the part where he (the customer) started talking about a string of relevatory experiences he's had with Shamanism.

It was clear that these experiences were meaningful to him in a most profound manner. And it was also clear that these experiences had been life changing for him. Again -- interesting to hear, albeit unusual.

But then he launched into a tirade -- for no reason that I was ever able to discern -- against Christians. I mean - sucker punch outta the blue. He turned to me, saw the cross I wear, and said, "You're part of the problem."

Excuse me? I'm standing there listening intently, and with respect, to his reliving of what was to him a religious experience. I had not said a word. And my brother certainly hadn't said anything to provoke such an outburst.

I said to him, "What did I do?" I even kind of smiled - I swear I thought he was just kidding with me -- we've always had very nice conversations about all sorts of things.

Well. Apparently it's because I go around shoving my beliefs down people's throats, and want to rid the world of all non-evangelical Christian ways of thought. Huh?

No. And No.

So I (stupid me - where's the muzzle when you need it?) say to him, "You know, I was really very moved by your experience with the deer in the woods." (This was his religious experience - the deer communicated to him to "step off the path" which he found to be a call to a more spiritual way of life.) "Would you," I continued, "be interested to hear my story about my 'call' into my spiritual life?"

You know the answer to that. "Of course not. I'm sick of hearing about dead guys hanging from trees."

I would no more call him a fool to his face for listening to the "voice" of that deer than I would run buck naked down Main Street. I might think it was silly - but I respect the fact that it held great meaning for him. And he told the story so well I was quite engaged.

Here's the thing, people. I respect and understand that non-believers don't want me jamming my beliefs in their face all the time. I truly do. I go out of my way not to do it. Honestly.

All I ask for is the tiniest bit of respect from those who don't share my faith when the subject does arise. Most of the people in my life who don't share it get that it's a big part of my life -- and that I don't feel the need to thwack people upside the head with it.

If I don't find you foolish for talking to wildlife to get your life's compass set, don't tell me I'm an idiot for believing in Christ.

Isn't that fair?