"by the grace of God" she said

[CommonHumanity]

12. I'm sorry but I disagree

Language has subtleties and nuances and we use known words to convey known concepts. I'm not sure saying those words in that context equates with horrifying consequences, but maybe you are right. I may have to ponder your response. That said, the harms caused by religion are countless and I am not sure that particular reference to "God" is a priority battlefront. As I said, I'll ponder it.

A slight tangent here, but speaking personally:

My use of the phrase "God" in a metaphorical way has helped to build bridges with my religious friends. This is not a matter of capitulating. I always explain that I do not mean "God" literally, but I do think it helps to convey a similar understanding of the divine and the random luck we sometimes call grace. In particular, I have been known to use the phrase "there but for the grace of God go I" (again always with the caveat that my mention of God is not literal). I think sharing the phrase in this way, again with caveats, helps believers understand that an understanding of the precious and precarious nature of life, our blessings and the grace that sometimes befalls us are not the exclusive province of believers. I have yet to find another known and historic grouping of words that better expresses our commonality and the need to walk in the shoes of another before casting judgment. If the world could live by this phrase a lot of problems would be solved and I wouldn't care what belief system lay behind the words. Suggestions regaring a better way to convey this healing truth are welcome. I mean it and am not being snarky. So far the "walk a mile in their shoes", just doesn't express it with the same eloquence. Anyway, as Beau from the 5th column says "just some thoughts".