Happy New "Friendly" Year!

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Hi, my name is Linda, and I’m a blog addict. It’s been a whole 30 minutes since my last post… (and this is the second time I’ve admitted to this weakness) :-)

I have been doing a lot of blogging but not enough reading and writing, which is my first love. However, I cannot seem to tear myself away. I get absorbed into the lives and thoughts of the people that I’m reading about, and I fall in love with them. It’s a strange phenomenon that I’ve only recently discovered.

I have been spending a lot of time at an atheist blog called “Friendly Atheist.” Hemant Mehta, the creator of the blog is a master at finding and posting the most fascinating and note-worthy topics. A couple of recent posts which I enjoyed immensely are "Open Thread: Questions for Christians" and "Open Thread: Questions for Atheists". I've learned so much through the discussions that I've read and participated in. There are a couple other authors -- a liberal Christian pastor named Mike Clawson; and a very sweet, gentle, and funny counselor/science/astronomy/art guy named Richard Wade.

Hemant does not comment much, other than his (sometimes too many) posts that get the conversations rolling (and boy, do they roll!). He did write a book, however, called “I Sold My Soul on eBay,” which I understand was how this whole site started (correct me if I’m wrong.) The book is a detailed account of his experience of auctioning off his time and an open mind to the highest bidder who wanted to attempt to convert him to their religion. It was recommended to me by my very first atheist friend (you know who you are), and I was surprised at Hemant's "friendly" manner in which he wrote about his (very interesting) experience. Reading his book prompted me to visit his blog, and the rest is... well... never ceasing one giant learning experience. He has been on numerous speaking engagements since the release of his book and continues to open the eyes of the world one friendly word at a time. A very handsome, smart, insightful, and charismatic guy living and teaching in Chicago… Don’t ask me why he’s still single. It’s a mystery to all. Maybe the new year will bring him a nice, submissive, beautiful, Christian wife. (Relax, Hemant, I’m just kidding!)

Mike Clawson is sort of an enigma to me, and I cannot yet figure him out. His church's website can be found here. He’s very well learned, read, and experienced in Christianity, among other things; but he’s not your run-of-the-mill Christian pastor. That’s a good thing, because the world has too many of the other kind (the run-of-the-mill kind). Why he is on this blog and what his ultimate mission is still remains to be seen (Notice I didn’t say “heard.”) I’m really giving it my best effort to like him because of (and in spite of) the fact that he is a fellow Christian. I hope to learn much more about him and from him in the upcoming year. I know I haven't given him enough credit (he deserves more), but I have a very bad habit of being skeptical of Christians (despite the fact that I, myself, am in Christ), especially pastors. I have been hurt and/or disappointed VERY badly by pastors and other Christians in the past. (I'm sorry, Mike, that you have to receive the residual effects of my bad experiences with "religion." But I'm trying to see you clearly.)

Lastly, but not leastly, there is Sir Richard Wade. How does one describe Richard Wade? He is firmly rooted in his skepticism (I don’t like to refer to him as an atheist), and he can prove his point every time with his boundless knowledge, wisdom, and sharp wit. He is admired and respected by all who frequent the blog, including the Christians. He always knows how to jump in and throw some humor (and/or kindness) onto the fire. I have secretly designated myself a disciple of his and aspire to grow up to be just like him (except for the atheism part). Many of us are anxiously awaiting his first book with anticipation (No pressure, Richard, honest!)

There are many regulars that comment on the blog and also wanderers and transients that stop by from time to time (and even a few trolls). Then there are the “lurkers,” at least two of which I know for a fact, who are spectators but never players. I have gotten to know quite a few of the regulars in the last couple of months. They have become my friends. I feel closer to them in some ways than my own family, because we share with each other the most sensitive issues that weigh on our hearts. We unload our baggage, our concerns, our pains, our disagreements (as well as agreements), our hopes, and our dreams into this mixed pot overflowing with black and white words. It somehow feels safe there to say whatever happens to be on our minds - the anger, curse words, and all. Anything goes (for the most part.) Yes, we are a family. Dysfunctional? Of course we are! And wonderfully so!

I want to offer you my deepest gratitude, Hemant, for creating this delightfully addictive and dementedly familial place where anyone can stop by and escape the normal lunacy of this sometimes unbearable world.