Say you went to prison and were forced to "convert" by fellow inmates (or pretend to). Considering many of your past experiences with Christianity, how well do you think you could fake it? Do you think you could actually be a priest to the prisoners?
Just a weird thought that crossed my mind... thought I'd share and see what you thought.
2007-09-28 07:13:55 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
SWEET!!! EVERYONE ANSWERED THE SAME!
2007-09-28 07:59:55 · update #1
I can fake anything I choose too
Ohh, ohh, ohhhh YES!
2007-09-28 07:19:00 · answer #1 · answered by G's Random Thoughts 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Assuming that forced means that there is absolutely no way around the situation, Well, I would have to say that I would do it. However, some state penitentiary systems have alternate religion chaplains, such as California, who has a Wiccan chaplain.
But that's neither here nor there.
The thing with prisoners that choose to go to the chaplain is that they want hope, and really, I could never rob them of that. I would teach them about hope, love and peace. I would take the opportunity to teach them the parts of Christianity that the Religious Right forgets to teach (You know, like the fact that Christ was a hippie: a tall, skinny dude with long hair and a long beard that walked around in sandals and earth tones, talking about peace and love...)
But I would also teach them about other religions, as well. It's not hard to draw parallels between Islam and Christianity, or Paganism and Christianity or even Greekism (If that's what it's called) and Christianity. This would teach them tolerance for other religions, if they realize that all the religions are basically the same anyway...
And if they insist on having a religion, more power to them. However, my pupils would never persecute any atheists. They would be taught to respect everyone's decision of faith, even if they have none.
I would also teach that atheism and agnosticism are perfectly valid points of view and teach their points of view. If I were to lack in any point, I would write to one of my either agnostic or atheistic or Christian or Pagan or Buddhist or Taoist or any other religion friends.
So really, I would jump at the opportunity. People in authority positions teaching universal tolerance are what we need in this world to help balance off the many (Rush, Malloy, Falwell [I realize he's dead, but people can still watch him]) that are teaching intolerance.
2007-09-30 09:32:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to do youth ministry and started seminary before switching to atheism.
I would do fine, but I am not big on pretending, so its unlikely I'd do this anyway. I'll take the beating.
__
By the way, the Bible says Christians can be identified by the works they do. Like Kent down there, Christians regularly assume Im one of them through no fault of my own. It seems that being a good person and not making any religious claims at all tends to get you lumped in with Christians until you correct someone on the matter.
2007-09-28 14:18:20 · answer #3 · answered by Showtunes 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I could fake it very well. So well that you'd be surprised.
I was raised in a very conservative Catholic household. I learned to act in an obedient way at my religious schools. Nobody would have a doubt. And I would never tell inmates that I'm an atheist to start with -- they'd be complete assholes.
2007-09-28 14:23:06 · answer #4 · answered by Dalarus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I couldn't be a priest at all...
But I did play Sandy in my high school play of Grease..so I'm pretty sure I could fake the sweet and innocent christian if I needed to.
2007-09-28 14:23:16 · answer #5 · answered by Heck if I know! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This sure is a hypothetical, because I dont think I would ever find myself in prison for any reason...
That being said, I faked it pretty good for 17 years, so I think I could pull it off.
2007-09-28 14:18:30 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I could never get used or pretend that I accept some of the rituals. Most of them actually. But I supose I could, in a life or death situation.
But seriously I would hate it so bad to be forced to be a hypocrit!
2007-09-28 14:21:26 · answer #7 · answered by larissa 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's not too hard.
A)I was a Christian for like 18 years
B) I am mistaken for Christian all the time in my life so I know I'm at least "acting" like one now.
2007-09-28 14:25:24 · answer #8 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I faked it for about 18 years, so I don't think I'd have any problems.
2007-09-28 14:17:19 · answer #9 · answered by Drake the Deist 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
For many it's the same show we put on around our families. I doubt it'd be very difficult. Many of us are rather informed.
2007-09-28 14:19:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Easy.
It would take me a couple weeks to brush up on the lingo but other than that no problem.
2007-09-28 14:20:01 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋