If you're kissing this boy, you better be witnessing to him ...

It was a Friday afternoon and she had just asked me if I wanted to join her and others for happy hour after work. I played it cool and told her I'd think about it. Later on, I committed to the affair. After all, I liked this girl (in fact, I'd been liking her for quite some time, but I was practicing patience), and I took her invitation as a possible sign that maybe, just maybe, she was feeling the same for me. I don't remember all the particulars, but I do remember discussing religion with her that evening. She made it known that she was a Christian and I made it known that I "don't know the answers and don't pretend to." Weeks later, we would begin dating, and I didn't think much of our differences in belief. After all, she knew where I stood. If it were that big of a deal to her, why would she begin dating me in the first place?

I'll tell you why.

Because "strong" Christians think they can change you. They think they have all the answers, they think they know what happens when you die (even though they have never been dead and as such, are not qualified to speak on the matter) and they think that once you "see the light," you'll come to their side.

Sooner rather than later, religion came up again. Her father was adamant about the fact that he wants her to date a Christian, and this was very important to her and her family. Perhaps foolishly, I told her I'd go to church with her some time and hear her out on why she believes what she believes, but I couldn't keep my promise. Every time Sunday rolled around, I backed out and eventually, I backed out of the relationship altogether.

I believe this girl was guilty of two "sins" here. One of intolerance and another of deception. I won't bother explaining these in detail as they speak for themselves.

It was a very sad experience. We had become good friends before anything "extra" happened between us (not "extra extra" of course; Christians aren't into that kind of thing until they get married). Having to say goodbye to somebody that was so extremely intelligent, funny and kind over religious belief seemed (and still does seem) so silly.

I hope some day, she sees the light.