Hello, my name is Ceallaigh (You can just call me Kelly)

[Ceallaigh]

Hello all

My name is Ceallaigh...the Anglic version is Kelly to make it easier on everyone...LOL. I am a 50 year-old gay man living in Atlanta GA. I was raised, and still am, a Gael An Am Cara pagan...old line, not a neo-pagan.

I was directed to this site by a posting on another site about religious tolerance...but it was run mostly by christians...so...

This is my first day on here. I have read a lot on the board, though not all of it, or even a good percentage of it, but I think I can converse on here and find some soul friends and some interesting conversation. I am a very spiritual person, though I can be a bit of a grump from time to time...I have my quirks...LOL. I don't have a lot of tolerance for BS, especially the christian kind. So, if a conversation includes the word "god," just remember I am NOT talking about yahweh/jehovah/el/allah, but a much larger creation concept.

[dsdrane]

Thanks for introducing yourself, Ceallaigh. Beautiful name!

As you've probably already figured out, these fora have contributors from across the spiritual/political/cultural/geographical spectra. I, myself, am an Episcopalian...something I came to later in life. However, despite the fact that I've hitched my wagon to a particular group, I still retain the right and privilege to think broadly, interpret words and symbols, and embrace diversity of thought. [Fortunately for me, my church encourages this.]

In other words, I would never presume my way is the way...only a way.

I'm glad you're here, and I look forward to your input...and not just because I'm fascinated by my own Gaelic roots.

Welcome!

[Gennee]

Welcome to the site, Kelly.

Gennee

[Ceallaigh]

I think I will enjoy it here. I noticed there was a broad range of veiws and opinions here, something I enjoy. Our belief system believes in a wide range of diversity, as well. While we may not agree with everyone, we like to understand the points of view of all so we at least know where they are coming from.

As far as any Gaelic roots go, well, I may be able to help with what I can. My group left the Gaeltachta 1200 years ago and settled in southern Scandinavia, France (Gaul) and parts of Turkey (Galacia)...long story. We speak Gael, not Gaeilge (christian Irish Gaelic).

[evangelicalhumanist]

Welcome, Ceallaigh. Of course, we've met before.

I'm the token atheist on the board (or at least I assume so, I've not read everything here by the most distant stretch of the imagination).

Something I do like on this board is the number of times I've seen, in spite of some pretty major differences of opinion, a real stretch to try and understand one another. That's not a bad thing, all said and done.

By the by, I'm a 60 (soon to be 61) year-old gay man with native roots, living in Toronto, Canada -- one of those places where we can actually get married, for real, just like anybody else, including in church (if we go to the right church, of course).

[Montanna]

I'm glad you are joining us. One of the best things about this site is the diversity. Looking forward to hearing more from you. Montanna

[antiochian]

A belated warm welcome! There are folks of many religious beliefs represented here. There is a sprinkling of Pagans and Neo-Pagans as well. I am investigating Wicca and Druidry. Would love for you to share more about your spiritual path with us, if you're willing. Diversity is the spice of life.

[andrewlittle]

Originally Posted by Ceallaigh

I am a very spiritual person, though I can be a bit of a grump from time to time...I have my quirks...LOL. I don't have a lot of tolerance for BS, especially the christian kind. So, if a conversation includes the word "god," just remember I am NOT talking about yahweh/jehovah/el/allah, but a much larger creation concept.

Oh, great! Now there's competition for the Old Curmedgeon position. I knew I shoulda had a contract.

Well, anyway, I'm glad you're here, I guess. [sulk]

BTW, we have plenty of different religions and non-religions represented here. Sometimes, us Christians get a little loud - but we respond well when you remind to shut the f&%$ up. No, really, we do.

Oh yeah, welcome Ceallaigh. Pull up a chair, grab a pint and let's have a natter.