Hi Ilana; What an interesting, revealing and well-written Work you offer to us. Though a 'devout'-like, and still open-minded Atheist I am totally on your side where rudeness or 'social-blasphemy' is concerned. Apparently your classmate is still quite young and has a lot to learn. We both 'hope' and expect he will upon graduation be somewhat more open and resourceful--at least in his manner.
~~ Would it shock you to your core to 'hear' that I support yours and every other well-read/well-spoken opinion on the subject of Religion?
~~ But first I beg of you, not to lump one peculiar student's difference/manner-of-opinion with those of us who have been OutThere discussing these important subjects for a much longer time.
~~ I will admit there are those of us who can certainly be (quick-on-the-trigger) as it were. So called 'soldiers' for the cause on both sides of these {hot} discussions. The 21stCentury seems to be a time of fast-growing legions of Believers/dis-Believers; especially on Religious topics.
~~ Some of us are bound to get-it-wrong, or shoot-from-the-hip. Both sides might need to be wiser in the delivery of our 'arguments'. Watching all the while that we are cautious in our well-meant exchanges. What and how we impart those important positions and Understandings.
~~ A discussion of Patriarchy v Matriarchy is not in the least a manner, style nor substance of which 99% of our numbers would choose to speak on the subject of Religion. [YouTube shows us very well how the many and various debates can be presented. I have watched and learned much from the halls of Oxford, Georgetown, Notre Dame and other such venues.
~~ Wagging fingers and declarative 'gender gaps' are methods and positions most males and females I've met have long ago left far behind. Such misjudged style might have been accepted at the levels of either seniors in high school or at the most Frosh(es) in any University.
~~ Though I am not in the least bit a Judeo-Christian-Moslem thinker/believer, I respect your Beliefs and opinions and absolutely revere your good writing. I am evolved or 'developed' enough to by now (have nothing at all to 'fear') from any Belief offered to me--in any manner.
~~ Remembering all the while the American (as well as other world-wide starts in life.) We know that we are offered, taught, sometimes even trained to Believe in a particular "Faith" from-the-cradle.
~~ As mere children we are 'gifted' the bounty of Religion and educated--in the ways of The Lord. [see: Aristotle on the subject -- 'Give Me Your Child At A Certain Age; And I Will Guarantee Them A Particular-"Persuasion", for life!'),
~~ Meanwhile I look forward to anything/everything you and yours have to say on this and any other subject. Continued good writhing, and sorry to have gone-on so long(!)
