~ tricesimus quintus

[dofaye]

I'm surprised that attendance to our Sunday church outings hasn't increased at all recently. As Christmas approaches, I'm always more inspired than ever to worship. And that aside, we've been getting so much upsetting news about the war lately that even the generally non-religious might be inspired to attend. If anybody is hesitating to join us,

Comments

[mist_illusions]

You're surprised that people don't want empty comfort from religion? You're right, you really shouldn't be.

[dofaye]

Excuse me? That was rather unnecessary.

[mist_illusions]

Oh, was it? Then I apologize. I was just trying to help you understand why people might not be interested in attending church.

[dofaye]

Referring to it as "empty comfort" is quite a bold statement.

[mist_illusions]

But that's what it is, isn't it? After all, you don't get much out of it except a brief feeling of spiritual uplifting.

[dofaye]

If that's all that somebody "gets" from their religion, they clearly aren't very faithful.

[mist_illusions]

What do you get from it?

[dofaye]

[a few ink droplets from the tapping of his quill]

Guidance, and the knowledge that God is caring for my family and I.

[mist_illusions]

And how is that working out? If you've got God on your side, I'm sure you must have plenty of guidance, and your family must be very well cared for.

[dofaye]

Wonderfully, of course. My family and I are in very good health, and God answers my prayers.

[mist_illusions]

Well, isn't that nice? You should try praying for something useful, then.

[dofaye]

And what makes you believe that I don't?

[mist_illusions]

I don't see the war ending.

[dofaye]

We haven't lost, either. Praying does not always entail instant gratification.

[mist_illusions]

So if we eventually win, it'll be because of your god, and if we lose... what then?

[dofaye]

We're not going to lose.