Excellent reply, wish I had thought of that when cornered on a red eye train with my daughter's scout leader, several scouts and a few mothers. I was asked that since it was known that I was not a Christian, what did I believe. My reply was I piss off as many pagans as I do Christians, so I must be following the narrow path Jesus talked about. It worked. I was able to sit, drink coffee, and watch the Illinois scenery float by.

It is a bit less severe in this area. High tourist and transient population. Retirement community. So the majority of folk aretransplants, and the majority of that majority are generally retiring from a northern city. Yet the kids in the school system are usually local.

Thank you.

I have an advantage over most of the bible thumpers in this area. I've actually read and studied the book they claim to know. Now I look at how those words changed through various and multiple translations, and of course King James. My stance is a validity of all faith (see bio). If they are knocking on my door, I will go talk with them. The first thing I like to point out is christianity did not exist when their savior died. He died for all of humanity, and his parables work with any belief system. Humanity was freed from the strictures of the old testament. As a child, I was asked to believe in the faith of my ancestors. Others are taught to do the same within their forefathers belief systems. They would never go against the teachings of their parents, so how can they expect someone else to do what they themselves would not. A person can lead a 'Christ like' life and be something other than christian. Christ's biggest lesson was unconditional love and acceptance. They start to get wide eyed and a bit shaky when the words in red are broken down for them. This is a retirement area, and I almost felt bad once when this woman from a local Baptist church left my porch questioning everything she had ever been taught. Planting seeds and baby steps. It works, unfortunately not quick enough to stop what is snowballing from the last election.

I have managed to sway some hard nose opinions in non confrontational ways. It is interesting. I generally keep to myself, but if they want to go down that path, then let's go there. I refuse to be un-authentic to myself.

@Betsjon It was, I highly recommend it. Some nudity, some humor, but a very good look at what the Satanic Temple is doing and why.

Or Kentucky

Given the variety of places I have lived and visited, I've learned my circle is usually quite small. Hate and violence can be found most anywhere. Often, if one looks, they will find compassion and hope in those same places. Most people I just steer clear of. I did not move here for the people, though there are a few awesome folks around. I moved here because I wanted to be in the Ozark mountains surrounded by trees, rivers and lakes. I avoid most all cities, including Little Rock. Though I will visit family in StL on occasion.

Thank you. Don't know why I stepped out of introvert mode for a day, but it may be fun.

@SAMae sometimes it's a better choice to take a path less traveled.

@oldFloyd I don't take the path less traveled, usually I am blazing a new one.