Dana

Hello and Happy Saturday!

I wish to thank Tansy Firedragon for her very interesting and informative interview. I really enjoyed reading your answers and learning more about your faith!
Thanks so much for sharing with us Tansy!

Today we have a new interview so please welcome Dana.
Dana is an Atheist and I know you'll enjoy her interview as well!

Here Is Dana's Introduction:

 My name is Dana and I blog at thekitchwitch.com. I'm a mother, former high-school teacher and writer.




1) What religion do you practice?
 None, unless you count the church of Don't Be a Douche.

2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
My parents tried to take me to our Lutheran church in North Dakota, but I hated it. I guess I've always been more of an independent thinker.


3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
 no

4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
I guess I'm "renegade?"

5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
Alas, I think we just sort of pass and become fertilizer. I know that's nothing that people want to hear, and I'll admit it's grim, but honestly, nothing else makes sense to me. The only afterlife that I can see is the ripples of influence a person has made on others while still here. People die, but their kindness and their influence live on.

6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
Since I'm a non-believer, if there's a Hell, I'll be making cocktails in it. I think Heaven is a lovely concept devised by people who have frustrating/inadequate lives. Miserable on Earth? No problem! Just wait until you die and things get better!

7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
 I get to hike on Sundays.

8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
 We do most of the Christian ones, but we really make a stink about winter and summer solstice. And, because of our blended family, Diwali and Bastille Day and St. Patty's Day and Boxing Day. Gotta celebrate every inch of our heritage!

9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Of course.

10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
 Why not? I'd love to eat latkes with my wonderful Jewish friends or attend a Christening of a baby. People of all viewpoints love a celebration.

11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
Hoo-boy. That's a heated issue. I guess I will just say that women should not be forced to hide their beauty. And not hiding their beauty should not be reason for rape or ostracism.

12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
I certainly can't be in favor of a religion who views women as second class citizens. Women have good minds, and to say otherwise is ridiculous.

13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
 Well, since I'm married to a "brown" man, I think segregation is antiquated and narrow-minded.

14) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
 It doesn't affect me, obviously. However, I think love is love, no matter the color, lifestyle, religion. How anyone can deem love (in any form) "sinful" is counterintuitive to me.

15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
 I guess I'd say, "Do you love this person?" If so, go.

16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
 Maybe. I will probably be making cocktails in there, so belly on up to the bar.

17) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
People need to judge one another on deeds and kindness, not religion.

18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
 no

19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
 Why would I subscribe to a religion that didn't value me?

20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
No, but that's okay. I think that is the appeal of religion; if you can't explain the unexplainable, say it is the will of God. I'll struggle with the harder truths of life on my own, thank you.

21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
 I have no idea. I just hope that I don't come back as a mosquito.