New kind of Trail Magic

[The Weasel]

So I guess if someone from the KKK was hiking the trail trying to convert people it would be OK since in his heart he feels it's for the best?

Yes, it would be OK. It's a public place, and he's as free to do that as those of us who want to promose, say, "no trace" backpacking ethics. And the rest of us are just as free to ignore her as we are to ignore anyone else. That's why it's called a "free country."

The Weasel

[Skyline]

They make it clear that they are a Christian family.

They say a brief prayer at breakfast.

And that's about it. They don't preach, they don't tell their guests that they are heading to hell, and they sure don't take people into their home with the primary purpose being saving their souls.

They are fine people.

And as for taking part in saying Grace when you're a guest in someone's home, there's no need to "gracefully" back out of participating. It is something done as a courtesy to your hosts. And even if they invoke the name of a religious figure you don't personally worship, or if they refer to God by another name, it's no big deal. After all, the calls all end up in the same place.

Comparing the saying of a simple prayer of thanks at mealtimes to telling one's guests that they're fated for eternal damnation are two VERY different things.

Totally agree. While I really didn't feel like participating, I did, and in retrospect look at it as just another diversity of the Trail. No foul. Gary and Lenny are fine people.

[Flash Hand]

As a Christian and a hiker, I think that one's faith and spirituality is an intensely personal matter.

Setting a good example in one's life and helping others is admirable. Actively preaching and proselytizing others while on the Trail is less so.

well said.

I got enough religion groups knocking on my door here in Phoenix. I don't want any more door knocking on the trail.

I am christian and I have 100% belief in Creator and the problem is that, people have different understandings and perspectives.


Do's and Don'ts

Do...

Offer free meals and drinks at any places, including churches.
Offer free bible studies or gatherings at any places, including churches.
Tell them where they will be taken to.


Don't...

Bait and switch in purpose to preach
Preach to everyone on trail.
Leave bibles and your religion materials on trail or at trail shelters. *I believe in Christian but just it's turn off that you persuade others to believe in your group, not others* *Also, it violate leave no trace policy*


Other than that, preach friendly. Don't come over and knock on their doors.

Happy Hiking

Flash Hand

[rickb]

Yes, it would be OK. It's a public place, and he's as free to do that as those of us who want to promose, say, "no trace" backpacking ethics. And the rest of us are just as free to ignore her as we are to ignore anyone else. That's why it's called a "free country."

The Weasel

Big difference between legal and "OK".

Think Michael Richards.

[Lone Wolf]

In other words, to demonstrate what a jerk you can be. Great accomplishment.

The Weasel

Lighten up boy.

[Jester2000]

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

And all along I had heard that it was paved with stuffed dogs.
As far as the "fishers of men" reference goes, think about how the fish feel, and my view of the issue makes sense. Ouch!

Folks who do good works out of the goodness of their hearts (and will discuss their religion if you ask)? A-OK with me, top notch people living the life.

People who justify snaring people on the basis of the greater good? Not so much.

Lone Wolf? Priceless

[Jaybird]

You Go Craig & Suzy!

[smokymtnsteve]

They make it clear that they are a Christian family.

They say a brief prayer at breakfast.

And that's about it. They don't preach, they don't tell their guests that they are heading to hell, and they sure don't take people into their home with the primary purpose being saving their souls.

They are fine people.

And as for taking part in saying Grace when you're a guest in someone's home, there's no need to "gracefully" back out of participating. It is something done as a courtesy to your hosts. And even if they invoke the name of a religious figure you don't personally worship, or if they refer to God by another name, it's no big deal. After all, the calls all end up in the same place.

Comparing the saying of a simple prayer of thanks at mealtimes to telling one's guests that they're fated for eternal damnation are two VERY different things.

yes the calls end up in the same place.."i'm sorry your call did not go thru please check your number and try again later"

[MOWGLI]

Just stirring it up a bit more here.

How do y'all feel about the Blueberry Patch Hostel in Georgia. There is a definite religious flavor to it, especially at breakfast when they do the prayer circle thing. Kind of hard to back out of that gracefully once you're at the table.

Great place! Great folks! Fond memories!

[bfitz]

Again, if you have me as aguest in your house, I am willing to entertain whatever topic you prefer as a dinner table discussion. If you want to tell me how great your particular brand of jesus is, what's the big deal? I'm pretty sure I'm not going to hell, but if you think so, so what. What if the topic was education and you told me I'd get a better job if I went to a different school, and I disagreed. Should I be offended by yoiur audacity to bring up such a topic? Whats the big deal? It's just talk. If I got picked up by the spanish inquisistion and put on the rack after dinner till I confessed and repented I'd see the point of being offended. What happens on the trail involving pie and jesus just doesn't rate that level of offense.

[ed bell]

Great post bfitz. Well put.

[Mags]

For me, I look at it this way...

WWJD...?

WWJDD?

http://www.redsoxdiehard.com/features/pics/wwjdd.jpg

(More like Judas now-a-days, though..sigh..)