tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609660826780717747.post8902897723281330678..comments2010-11-02T16:13:02.017-07:00Comments on Psalms, Laments, and Exile: The Guy In The CornerSimply Philosophizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17226574011104805643noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609660826780717747.post-80822660290212371912010-07-26T11:36:40.785-07:002010-07-26T11:36:40.785-07:00Hmmm...that's a pretty thought provoking post....Hmmm...that's a pretty thought provoking post. As you have probably already noticed I'm fairly extroverted. But there are definitely parameters around that.<br /><br />For example, I generally am very careful what I share about myself. Most people simply aren't ready to handle really knowing me. :-) I have to give that out in small doses or it's just overwhelming to people. <i>Especially</i> "church people". <br /><br />Of course, I also avoid the kind of classes and bible studies mentioned there like the plague anyway. If you have a social event, I'm happy to talk about you. But when I attend a SS class or a bible study, that's not what I'm there for.<br /><br />I'll happily hear your prayer request, but I'll pass on everyone more than 1 branch out on your family tree. I know that sounds bad, but frankly, I think those prayer requests are often laden with either avoiding being honest about your own personal needs and struggles or else prideful attempts at appearing spiritual to others. Not saying people never have honest prayer requests further out than that, but if you're sharing them with a class full of people who have never met nor have any connection with the people and circumstances involved I'd say the likelihood is pretty high.<br /><br />However, as I read that I couldn't help but think of all the times I've heard people talk in the way described in the article and worse. There *is* something of a default assumption that if you're in the church, you should behave as an extrovert at least to some given extent. <br /><br />I have to confess I myself had never really thought about things in that way before. Definitely going to have to give some serious thought to how that impacts the way I interact with and view others, and keep a closer eye out for that type of thing going on around me.<br /><br />BTW - I feel your pain on not fitting in. Try also having largely unpopular political opinions. :-) Try being an Iconoclast in a baptist church. Or worse, actually having convictions that a pledge of allegiance to a symbol like the Christian Flag is questionable at <i>best</i> and that pledging to the AMERICAN flag in a church service is flat out offensive. :-) <br /><br />Then add in some political opinions that run really hotly contrary to the accepted status quo....<br /><br />Well, lets just say if you aren't enjoying where you are, you might want to avoid listening to me too much. -laf-Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com