I, (a confirmed atheist), have entered into a relationship with an equally confirmed Christian woman. We've know each other for 30 years but have only recently, (due to both our spouses' tragic, untimely deaths), become romantically drawn to each other. We've been openly discussing our religious differences from the start and recognize the depth of those differences. Despite this, our feelings have blossomed into a serious attraction and we stand on the verge of a life-changing decision.
She has a life-long acceptance of a religion she has never really questioned, (as do most religious people), and she thinks I'm the first 'atheist' she's ever met. She's very interested in why I believe the things I do but I think she's nervous about her hold on her own beliefs, so I have to gentle with my critique of those beliefs. So here's my reason for this blog entry: She wants to come to the Winter Solstice party with me because she wants to know more about the non-religious universe with which she is so unfamiliar. I want her to see what normal people you all are because she only has her own inherited misconceptions to go by at the present. She has told me that she is really put off by people who make fun of and ridicule religion and churches, just as she is put off by the over-zealous members of her own religious family.
On the one hand, I want her to know that I am not the exception, but the norm when it comes to being non-religious. On the other hand, I do not want to jeopardize my future relationship with this woman by placing her in a position where she is made to feel like she's been thrust into the biblical lion's den before I have a chance to gently draw her into my world. When non-religious people gather, there is, (admittedly with good reason), a tendency to make fun of religion and I myself have not attended enough solstice gatherings to know if my concerns about this group are well-founded or not.
So, I put it to you, will we feel comfortable attending the Winter Solstice party? I would deeply appreciate candid feedback on this question as I believe my future may be impacted by the decisions I make regarding this issue. Thanks.
Mike Murphy