If I may intrude (waiting for dinner!)...
I see a big difference. Chris, a believer, is making a wish, or a prayer, to anonymous non-believers. Having found support and comfort in his faith, he is wishing the same blessing for those (whoever they may be) who have not found it.
Your "imaginary friends" incident, on the other hand, involved something you say face-to-face to friends. (I am going on memory here, so I apologize for any mis-statements). Moreover, as I recall, you yourself labelled this as a form of gentle ridicule, which you said your friends enjoyed and took no offense at.
Well, I think there is already a big difference here. Others on the board attempted to raise your consciousness of the probable offense here (condescension, patronizing) whether or not your friends revealed such feelings to you. I don't think anyone could interpret Chris' words as ridicule, or mockery, in any way. I would characterize his words as a lament, and a hope.
If Chris had aimed his remarks at you, or anyone by name, I think you/they would be entitled to take offense. I have had strangers come to my door waving a Bible in my face, and I take great offense at that (as I don't hesitate to make clear to them).
In a clumsy analogy, It would be one thing to wish all the morbidly overweight people in the world that they might find the will-power to shed pounds ... but quite another thing to say that to an overweight person's face, especially in a mocking fashion.
All in IMHO, of course. (The dinner bell has rung!). |
