I was raised as a 'whiskeypalian' as well. (The common nickname for that denomination where I am from. Back in the day, our youth group was called 'The Turnips'. That was because the church was next to a field of them that year. We decided that while eating hotdogs and listening to Meatloaf's 'Bat Out Of Hell'. My brother was an alter boy. We had four of them in rotation. You could tell which one it was by the amount left in the Sandeman Madeira bottle after they prepped for communion. I do miss those days, I have to say. My 'faith' vanished not long after that time. Long story for another time.)
You are correct that I will not understand what it was like growing up as you did.
But, based on how I was raised as a poor kid who knew he was gay from an early age (even if I did not know the terminology for it), who had talents in performance and electronics, and having to grow up in a Southern farming town of 493 (one of the bigger towns in the area), I can relate and empathize with both being persecuted and ostracized (thanks to my Taurean nature). I hope that this is not insulting to you, as I don't intend it that way. But, oppression is oppression, irregardless of the particulars, and common ground exists for all who are looked down on or ostracized for ridiculous reasons. Which is why we do so in places like here. And, why I am partial to your insights and wisdom, for which I am grateful.
Also, my point was that there is a type of 'Dunning-Kruger' effect when it comes to the religious. I found the same type of behavior when I interacted with performers as well. Mainly, that the louder they are about levels of prowess and professionalism, the more often they criticize others and defend themselves and their chosen without consideration, the less they actually practice the tenets they preach. The more political and vocal they are about their faith, the less they seem willing to hold the foundations of said faith in reality.
Now, this has been my experience. Yours may be different. And, that is great. But, that was my point.
They may say that they are listening...
But, the only proof that we will have is if they are actually living,as stated, 24/7. Otherwise, it is not a statement of faith.
It is an act.
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