Quote:
Originally Posted by abaya
Do you think that this partly came as a result of you growing up in a Western country, as opposed to total immersion in Lebanon? I know that for ktsp, his family is basically agnostic/atheist (despite their ethnic/legal ID's being Christian and Muslim--a relatively rare combination, as it is)--and that this shaped his worldview on religion quite a bit, much more than it would have if he was raised in a mono-religious, adherent household in Lebanon. I have also gotten the feeling that amongst his friends, most people are also like you and don't really care what religion other people follow... but I have met some Lebanese who *are* indeed interested in what religion their countrymen follow, and they always come off as being a bit creepy, somehow.
I feel that people who start a conversation with a stranger about religion, as a basis for getting to know that persona, are basically somewhat "off" in terms of personality. They have an agenda, and it makes everything awkward and unnatural. Might even be lacking in some kind of social skills, or I don't know what... due to their fervor. Maybe this is my bias, but I have felt it in many different cultures and religions (though come to think of it, never among Buddhists). It is a frankly insensitive way of getting to know someone, and usually ends up giving the exact wrong impression of your religion than you wanted to give. And yet, they persist...
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hmm..no not really abaya. i grew up in a fairly conservative muslim family. we observed all the islamic traditions and celebrations and everything that comes along with it. we also had muslim and non muslim friends all along the way throughout my life, and i still do. some of my very best friends are non muslim. i was involved in athletics and swimming for much of my life.
my parents kept myself and my siblings within the realm of religious practices, while at the same time mingling with everyone else. their method meant i got a view of everything rather than cocooning me into a religious enclave.
in saying that there is still pressure from islamic circles that look down upon the way i think, but im my own person and i believe what i believe.
on the subject of people actually caring about what otehrs believe in, its also necesary to know that its also a part of the islamic brotherhood to care enough about who your brothers are and to greet them well with the greetings of peace. i see no malice in that.
what you probably came across sounded like a social misfit that found a common bond between ktsp and himself