To Whom It May Concern: Last weekend, as a friend and I were moving into a house together, two members from the Jehovah's Witness Church knocked on our door. Being the jerk I can often be, I welcomed the opportunity to... I’m not even sure what my goal was; I can only say that from almost every body's perspective but my own, I was an asshole. I acted interested in what they had to say, just long enough to spring on them with rehearsed logic, accusations, and a cowardly defensiveness against an unsuspecting, undeserved adversary. I am both embarrassed and ashamed of my behavior. Any religious person who honestly believes the faith they adhere to, would be selfish not to want to share what they believe. I can only aspire to finding a truth so convicting that I feel compelled to spread it door-to-door. I logically disagree with them about the truth of their religious claims; I feel strongly that faith unchecked is one of the most dangerous forces humanity has to contend with. I am horrified at the abuses human beings have endured as a result of religious beliefs, both currently and historically. Make no mistake: I believe that the world would be a better place without religion. Still, without belief in a creator, I am only accountable to my peers and myself. Everything I choose to do or say can make the world a better place, or it can do the opposite. I want to be a person who makes the world a better place; I value things in this world which promote happiness and peace. I understand both logically and emotionally why the Golden Rule is a good rule to live by. My behavior during the conversation with the two Jehovah’s Witnesses who approached me did not make the world a better place. I arrogantly plucked out my mobile phone towards the end of the conversation and offered to record any “proof” they might have that God exists. As I began recording the conversation with the video app on my phone, I explained that I would put it on the Internet for everyone to see. I never felt entirely comfortable putting it on the Internet. When I uploaded it to YouTube I was still trying to convince myself that it was the right thing to do. I now know in hindsight that it was wrong. I have deleted the video. If ever I have owed an apology, this is one of those times. I intend to give this letter to the pastor of the nearest Jehovah's Witness Church so that hopefully the two men who approached me will know that I am sorry. Additionally, I apologize to all the people in my life who I have challenged, often arrogantly and insensitively, from both sides of the religion/science debates, for my behavior. I am sorry. |
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Apologyposted Aug 5, 2011 8:37 PM by Theresa McClain |