When a Christian commits a crime, you can always count on somebody being quoted in the newspaper saying, “But he/she is a good Christian, how could they do this.” Well, in my humble opinion, I think that the reason they can do it is because they ARE ‘Christians’. Remember, as the bumper sticker says, “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” Every time I see that, my first thought is, so if you murder, rape, pilfer, pillage, steal, destroy the environment, support torture, commit torture, etc., it is okay because the invisible guy up in the sky will forgive you?

I have met many people in my almost 42 years. I have been in all bur five US states. I have met many ‘Christians’ who are in legal, financial, ethical trouble because of bad judgement (a neighbor who lost her house because she tried prayer rather than actual therapy for alcoholism). I have met zero (let me repeat that, zero) atheists who are in similar trouble becaue of bad judgement (I do know of one who is in trouble just because she thought she could get away with a theft, and it was pure chance that the theft was noticed).

The forgiveness factor in Christianity has always struck me as a way to avoid the consequences of ones personal decisions. I know if I screw up, I answer to my wife, family, law (depending on the screw up). I also know that when I die, the only part of me which survives my death is the work I have done, and the memories (good or bad) left with the living. I have no magic ‘get out of the consequences’ card.

I think this relates (obliquely) to your wonderful post because since the 1980s, Americans have embraced this bizarre idea of faith based politics. The problem with faith is, no evidence is required. And if your decision (let’s not expand Georgia’s public water supply because we would rather cut taxes on mcmansions) produces failure, you can always say, “god is punishing us”, or “we have not been pure enough,” or whatever. Faith based decision making means not having to face the consequences of your decision.

On another subject, do any eastern European towns still celebrate this festival? Unless the exchange rate becomes horrifying, sounds like a fun vacation.

Sorry for the long post. I tend to ramble. Occupational hazard, I guess.

Ultimately, my point is, whether we pray for rain or parade skimpily-dressed young women and throw water on them, the odds of rain falling are the same. And the skirting of personal social responsibilities, as you said, is just as disturbing, regardless of what religious facade they may hide behind.