Originally Posted by
robsawatsky
What we have is: a printed slip of paper that may or may not be read, and when read may or may not be accepted as God's Word, and when internalized may or may not be expressed as prayer. The words represent whatever one voluntarily accepts them to represent - whether that is through "faith" or any other multitude of pre-conceived positive and/or negative notions that have been influenced by personal experience and belief. Any offence taken is mostly within one's own biases and prejudices, which we all have to one extent or another.
I tend to agree. If I pick it up, it's a nice bit of free verse with usually an inspiring thought (to anyone, even if they are not aware it is one of the Psalms). If I don't, it's a nice coaster, albeit a tad rectangular.
I do not like others promoting their faith to me -- never have. I can think for myself. I have cheerfully quoted conflicting scripture back to those who quote me scripture in an attempt to "prove" things to me (I memorize quickly and read much of Bible as a lark while studying comparative religions when young). I do not consider myself religious. And yet I fail to find this offensive. A bit unusual, but hardly offensive.
But that's just me. YMMV (Your Manna May Vary).