why i [love] organized sports as much as i [hate] organized religion

Politics and religion are among my favorite topics for dinner conversation. I know they are taboo, but I get so energetic and happy hearing other people's views on the topics. Never mind that you're a republican (I just threw up a little in my mouth) or a democrat (ok, this time it made it onto my desk), or that your views on women's rights are woefully 18th century, or that you think we should start handing out hundred dollar bills to homeless people leaving the liquor store...

Never mind that ((your)) God is the one true God and your religion likewise. That you believe [I] am going to hell in a handbasket or that you believe [you] are the only one with a patent on right. You are on a team and your team is exceptional... more, your team is undefeatable and comprised of immortals. Which brings me to my point.

I love organized sports for many of the same reasons people love religion:

why i [hate] religion

Scrreeeeech on the breaks, I'm going to take a brief moment to explain something here:

I hate religion.

Yes, its true...Well, its sort of true.

I really don't hate religion, per se, as much as what religion does to me, as a person, and what it does to my relationship with God. Let me explain.

People like me, Joni Martin, curse more often than necessary in traffic.
People like me don't EVER ask ANYONE for ANYTHING. Period. (except maybe an interview!)
People like me are goal and achievement driven and find it hard to accept grace.

Religion says "if I obey, or if I do ______, God will love me."

That is easy for me to accept. Too easy.