Huh, we must be reading different pieces. I heard a late-in-life believer who knows nothing about the politics of religion (and never cared to find out) discover, for the first time apparently, that Evangelicalism is chock full of racists. And at least now their children will be exposed to social justice and magic…

As a mixed race american (mom white/dad African Immigrant), I can say that I have heard many of the comments made by your former congregants. Its actually the reason i have more or less lost faith in formal congregations in general. Its easy for someone, in a racially monolithic community to imagine they are not…

Church goers are racist hypocrites. What a shock!

The point of socks is that you can wash them!!!! What is the point of wearing socks with your sneakers if you can’t wash them??? Either wear socks with your sneakers, to keep your shoes and feet relatively clean, and then wash them, or say fuck it, and just wear the sneakers. Just pick one!!!!!

Those aren’t pearls, those are Sean Spicer’s teeth.

Here’s how that worked: “Go to the mansion and you’ll be able to model and maybe you’ll get a career or a centerfold. It’s opportunity! You’ll be a star, maybe!” That would be the Modeling Agency, aka procurer. How do I know this? I modeled in the late 80s and 90s in Chicago. the number of times I was told to show up…

Just because someone “consents” to being treated poorly doesn’t mean you aren’t still a horrible person for treating them horribly. I generally like and respect your comments, but I think you could have more empathy here. These women all looked blonde and plastic, but they were people and they had their reasons for…

It is bizarre. I think the hair bleaching (tanning, boobing, etc.) acts more as a signifier of wanting to conform and please. Many people find *that* attractive in a woman. #NotAllFakeBlondes

Easter is named after a Germanic goddess, but it’s usually considered the most important Christian Holiday. Halloween has a name reflecting Christian influence, but usually isn’t considered particularly Christian. The name isn’t particularly relevant.

Christmas is mostly secular, and many of the traditions associated with it predate Christianity and are otherwise not particularly Christian-y.

I’m an atheist and love Christmas. Decorations, food, Santa, elves, reindeer, Frosty..there’s so much non-christian stuff about Christmas that makes it fun.

Very simply: December 25 was the winter solstice on the Roman calendar and was celebrated for ages and ages as a pagan festival long before the early church co-opted the holiday as the supposed birthdate of an ahistoric figure, so you just hew to the intent of your older, wiser ancestors. And in truth, much of even…

I know a muslim hairdresser who LOVES old orchestral Christmas music (like adeste fideles). I think she listens to it all year around.

While I’m still fully in Halloween anticipation mode, I do plan to start the Christmas decorating on Nov 1st because the twinkling lights and smell of pine never fails to make me at least a 10% better, kinder human. I also plan to leave the lights up all year like my house is one big freshman dorm. Whatever it takes,…

I’m not religious but I do love the Christmas holiday so thank you for giving us permission to celebrate early, Kelly!

The problem is that there is just no good way to move 6.5 million people quickly. Until we develop a culture as a society where we start shuttering businesses, providing leave, transportation and lodging a week ahead for an orderly evacuation, we’re going to keep having this problem.

After Charley, Florida counties rethought their no pet policies because so many people, especially the elderly, have only their pets, and would not evacuate without them. I would not leave without my pet, personally.

Until evacuation orders actually include physically moving people, saying “if you stay, you’re on your own” is not fair. Gas stations had no gas, flights out were canceled. This isn’t Harry Potter—people need to be able to leave to get out.

At least 40% of my work wardrobe is Banana but ONLY bought on clearance. I really do like much of their clothes but the prices are just stupid.

For me, that was KMart. Gap was aspirational for key wardrobe pieces. Clearly we grew up in different income classes!