I Am Religious

and I get so tired of the syrupy, spiritual bumper-sticker platitudes that are passed off as inspirational quotes or encouraging words.

Can I vent for a second?

When I get hit with spiritual sounding Disney theology in the form of one-liners that convey the depth of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, it occurs to me that while the kids in Romper Room find that comforting, the adults that have been through significant crap in life might be inclined to ask, "Do you really think about what you're saying?"

The whole "God is in control" stuff might have a bit of truth behind it, but the way it rolls off your tongue with the cavalier ease of relating basketball scores tends to paint a picture of a cruel Puppeteer than enjoys watching how he can make the marionette collapse in a heap.

Sometimes silence is the best counsel. Don't approach anyone that's hurting and offer them your "Jesus fortune cookie sayings," please! Life is much more complicated than the way those Christian bookstore, endcap, clearance special, framed quotes make it sound. When people need comfort, just be nearby. They don't need to hear your favorite parts of a Purpose-Driven soundbite. They probably just need a friend to shut up and buy them another round as they work through it.