Preaching belongs at church, not work
by Frances Matteck
nw news editor

   I work as a carhop at Sonic Drive-In, and most people tip me when I take out their orders.
   However, sometimes I get pamphlets or cards that tell me that I am living my life the wrong way or that I need to let Jesus into my heart.
   These notes really annoy me.
   I am a Christian.
   I have no problem with religion; I’m not very involved in mine, but I have no problem with it or any other religions.
   I do have a problem with other people trying to force their religion on me, and it happens all the time.
   For example, I can’t walk around downtown without hearing someone preaching his religious beliefs or condemning somebody else’s.
   I received a pamphlet from a random person on the street. It urged me to embrace the season of Lent.
   I promptly threw the thing away in the trash on the next block corner.
   I’ve already fulfilled my Lenten obligation, thank you very much, and I don’t need another person trying to tell me what I should be doing with my time or what I should be believing in.
   I realize these people are not trying to be rude, but it feels like an invasion of my personal space.
   I don’t usually see things the same way they do, and it makes me uncomfortable to have them spouting their beliefs at me.
   They believe that their way is the only way, but do they really know that for sure?
   I don’t think that anyone can say his or her religion is the only or the right way.
   It’s getting to be where people can’t even go to see a movie without some person on the street coming up to them and giving them a sermon about their wicked, sinful lives.
   Imposing beliefs on street corners is not the way to bring people over to your way of thinking.
   People have to think and decide for themselves; otherwise, it’s not a belief at all. It’s a hollow, meaningless affirmation of someone else’s belief.