differences that you will never get used to (Huntsville, Decatur: fit in, living)

[Mawoods]

Dee 42 I agree that even among Christians, they are their own worst enemy about how they act. I am not in favor of anything of that you described either. It goes both ways about raming judgement down a person's throat. We just need to respect each other and not be judgemental. By the way, nothing in the Bible that says church membership saves you - even though many say that. It is your personal relationship with God and your actions and words which we are all accountable for. I think when we get to heaven we are in for some BIG surprises! Anyway, do not want to get into an arguement or discussion on religion here so this is all I say. I just wish we would all accept one another and respect each other's point of view. And being asked to church and quietly saying no thanks is all that is necessary and the asker should then let it drop. bY the way, churches do alot of good for many and most do not draw the line on what the person believes. After Katrina, it was churches across the USA who really stepped up and helped people when the government was helpless.I can appreciate that while I probably disagree theologically with most. I don't think there is any one church that we agree with on every point. But we attend because it makes us more spiritually aware.

[dougb256]

I've seen both sides of the Church debate. People here look at me like I have a disease and give me a "Bless your heart" (and we all know what that means) when I say I don't go to church. OTOH, when I lived in N Calif I had friends that treated me differently if I ever asked them to come check out the church I attended. I was far from a 'religious nut', mostly I wanted people to check out the fantastic band that I played in at this church. So I've been judged for going as well as for NOT going! Apparently I've made it my life's mission to live somewhat 'outside the box'. Still going strong

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by dee 42

Y'all havent experienced anything. We lived in L.A. ( lower Alabama). Just drive that way for 3-4 hours and youll see the landscape change....lots of homemade signs, AND billboards, warning about how hot hell is. In those small towns, CHURCH RULES. If you dont impress by being a member of a church, you are a heathen, God is judging you, and you are going to feel the fire !

Church certainly does not "rule" down here. I live in small town 50 miles northeast of Mobile and most people here couldn't care less whether you go to church or not, I haven't been in over 20 years and never hear a word about it. There is a church NEXT DOOR to my house and once about ten years ago when I was in a conversation with the preacher he said "come over and see us sometime", that was the end of it.

Mobile also has too many people living there for them to be worried about you going to church. The Mobile area also has had a high catholic population since back in the French colonial days unlike the rest of the state, so the people here learned long ago to respect other's religion (if they have one at all).

[dee 42]

Mobile is more progressive. I am referring to Clio, Brundidge, Enterprise, Ozark, etc etc....

[tammie2]

Very well said Dee.

Like Doug, I have gotten it from both sides, here and when my daughter attended a Catholic school.

I love the work churches do for communities, I have also seen the other side of that coin too.

I respect everyone's beliefs, I just wish they would respect mine too. I wish my sons friend was never told he was going to burn in hell for his parents actions.

Church makes a person no better and no worse. Walking into a church does not make a person good or bad, everyone should be judged on their actions all week long, not just by what we do with our Sunday mornings.

[Charles]

Just because a person believes (in) something, doesn't make it true.

[gsp4ever]

It's a shame this thread has devolved into a quasi-religious debate. It was a fun thread when it began.

I've lived in the Huntsville area for nearly nine years and no one has invited me to their church (some of these posts would indicate that it's the norm around here).

Some of my neighbors, friends and co-workers go to church and some do not. No one really talks much about it and I don't think many people really care. It's been very "live and let live" in my experience.

[tammie2]

Originally Posted by gsp4ever

It's a shame this thread has devolved into a quasi-religious debate. It was a fun thread when it began.

Sorry, my fault.

However, maybe we live in different parts of the city...or maybe I look like I need saving we have been invited to at least a half dozen churches. That doesn't include the things we have gotten in the mail. So it was a difference to me.

With the religion in most cases comes a higher sense of morality, even if just due to fear of what the neighbors will think...see above for good and bad religious and otherwise.

I am done talking religion now, very sorry I brought it up, I should have known better.

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by gsp4ever

I've lived in the Huntsville area for nearly nine years and no one has invited me to their church (some of these posts would indicate that it's the norm around here)..

I've been here a year almost to the date. There was only one time a coworker asked me what is my religion.

I said that I am a ".. Born again, evangelical, fundamental.............


..... Muslim"






She was nodding & smiling approvingly until I said the word .... Muslim

Her facial expression was priceless !!

[caution]

- low taxes (don't remember if this was mentioned)

While that is an advantage to some, I'm not against paying reasonable local taxes so that services can be kept at a reasonable level. The other side of that coin is high taxes and high government waste. Few places can find a balance. I guess you get what you pay for.

- HS drop out rate (in general, in the state)

Amazingly high. I guess with a low cost of living, one is tempted to enter the workforce early and make a go of it on minimum wage or in the family business. I'll never understand that one.