faigin@ucla-cs.UUCP (12/22/84)
This is an article from the "Lahaina News" 12/12/84 issue, which I thought would be of interest to the various religion groups on the network. The fellow who wrote it is a regular writer for this paper, and although he can be off the wall at times, occasionally he writes excellent articles. In my opinion, this is one of them. I am posting it without further comment. SECOND OPINION by Bob Kelsey, Lahaina News Columnist. "Carried Away Christians" I saw a T-shirt on a tourist that read, "Love the Lord." His wife wore one that said, "Long Live Christianity." Some people post their religion for all the world to see. We all have known people like those mentioned above. They mean well, but frankly, they are big bores. There are things in the world to talk about other than religion. Many years ago, in Honolulu, I was living on the fifth floor of an apartment building in Waikiki. We were a big happy friendly group; we all had pool parties and beach outings. Then one day the lady who lived across from me asked if I had met the new people who moved in next to me a few days ago. I told here I had not, but I heard they were very nice people. "They are weird," she said. Weird I can get used to, I told her. The next day, I met them in the hallway, a man and his wife and a daughter about my own age (I was 22 at the time.) I shook hands with them and they asked me if I was a Christian. I was somewhat taken aback at this; it came without any warning. I muttered that I was, and he asked me what church I was going to. I told him and he looked at his wife and shook his head. "We'll show you the way," he said. I excused myself and showed myself the way to my door. An hour later, the wife knocked on my door and invited me to dinner. I figured I could go through anything for a free meal, and after all, that daughter was very pretty. As soon as I walked into their apartment, they all took my hand and prayed. I felt a little red in the face, but it was a very nice gesture and it did make me feel welcome. Their apartment was something to behold. The walls were covered with religious pictures. I counted at least four portraits of Christ and three or four versions of the Last Supper. A shelf was full of books dealing with religion and record albums... all religion music. The daughter asked me if I would like to hear some music, and did I have a favorite singer? I told her I was very impressed with the songs of Mahalia Jackson. The father came over to me and put his hand on my shoulder and said, "We don't play nigger music in our home." I about fell over. I felt like running for the door but my feet wouldn't move. "How about Tennessee Ernie Ford?" I wonder what his reaction would have been had I asked for Elvis. We had a lovely dinner after about a 10-minute prayer. I almost fell asleep, my eyes were closed so long. After dinner, ice water was served. They didn't drink tea or coffee. Then we had an after dinner prayer, thanking God for the meal. The husband and wife excused themselves and went into the kitchen. I was left with the daughter. We went over to the couch and she sat very close to me. "I'm a virgin," she proudly announced. I could have bet a million bucks on that. It was hard to tell whether she was bragging or complaining about her status. "I have never been kissed," she said. I told here that I didn't think any of this information, as enlightening as it was, was any of my business. Her revelations sounded like a plea for help and I didn't want to get romantically involved with such a strange family. She didn't hear a word I was saying. "I'm going to run away. I hate my parents and the life they are forcing me to lead." I told her she was over 21 and she could do as she wanted. "They said they would kill me if I left home." That was my cue to leave. I thanked them for the wonderful meal; told them I had to be at work at six in the morning (true) and I go to bed very early. In the middle of the night, my doorbell rang. It was you know who. "You have to help me run away!" she whispered. I shut the door in her face and went back to bed. I half expected to hear yells of "rape!" in the hallway. The next day I called the landlord and told him the whole story. In this way I was protecting myself in case the girl did cause me any touble. If I touched her hand that could me that we were engaged. Never know about these things and I was tking no changes. A few weeks later they moved. I never saw them again. Some Christians wear their faith for all the world to see. (Not just Christians, some other people get carried away about their faith). They wear it on their wall, on their T-shirts, on the bumpers of their cars, everywhere. They have it emblazoned on their towels, tottooed on their chests and burned on their foreheads. I have always been a religious person. I have had several profound religious experiences. I has always felt that it's better to live a good Christian life rather than brag about it. I don't have a "Honk If You Love Jesus" bumper sticker, I don't have any religious paintings in my home. You'd have to look hard to find my faith in my home. I do have a small plaque with a Biblical quote on it, and there is a small cross next to my bed. That's it. I operated my business on Christian principles but didn't brag about it to everyone who would listen. In interviews, I didn't mention my faith, that's a private matter. Religion is supposed to bring comfort and inspiration to our lives. I still think of that poor girl in Honolulu. I wonder what ever became of here. I hope she found what her parents were incapable of giving her: happiness. -- | THIS SPACE Daniel P. Faigin | UNDER CONSTRUCTION University of California at Los Angeles | | A new high-rise office UUCP: {cepu|ihnp4|trwspp|ucbvax}!ucla-cs!faigin | building is being constructed ARPA: faigin@UCLA-CS.ARPA | on this site. USPS (Home): 11743 Darlington Avenue #9 | Los Angeles CA 90049 | Full lines available. Call (213) 826-3357 | 555-1234 for leasing info.