Thought provoking day

Today was a strange day! I had a Jehovah's Witness at the door trying to preach to me about prejudice. I was polite but once I told him I was gay he removed himself with a scowl upon his face. I also attended a christening today. My friend asked to to go as it would mean so much to her to witness her son being christened and against all of my beliefs (Atheist) I decided to be brave and attend for my friend. It was an unusual service. The Vicar pretty much shouted at everyone saying that we were all hypocrites. The Vicar of Dibley she was not! I had believers sat either side of me and they kept trying to get me to sing by offering me song sheets. They were nice and friendly enough but I'm tone deaf so I declined. I was raised in a Catholic family and went to a Catholic school so I'm no stranger to the church but I found today's service (CofE) very strange. I didn't understand any of the readings but I was very interested in what the Vicar had to say. I know I'm in their house and should respect their beliefs but the Vicar seemed very angry and was preaching that there is only one faith and we should not be accepting of other peoples faith / beliefs. Perhaps she should run for the EDL. I'm sure she would get elected. After the christening she walked around the church shaking hands and wishing people peace. My face must have been a picture when she shook my hand. It took me completely by surprise and I stood there with my mouth agape. I left the church feeling very dirty and further from the church than I ever have been in my life. My relationship with the church / religion / faith (western in particular) has always been strained. I was taught from birth to be accepting of others regardless of colour, creed etc only to find out that it only applies when the church says so. at 7 years of age I started to distance myself from the church and by 11 years of age I refused to take my confirmation. I have spent many years searching for my own truth and my conclusion to date is that I'm an atheist. That may change in the future. I never stop searching for my truth. I must say that I don't believe it's my place to judge how people live their lives. If you want to paint your face orange and only eat potatoes that's fine by me :-)

Excuse the ramble. The photo didn't come out very well. The church was very dark and I wasn't allowed to use my flash.