trapped in christiandom

So back at the parents' house, I became a big fan of 30 Days. I even said I would like to be on the show. I realized now that I am, minus the film crew. I am 30 Days: a secular west coast liberal goes to Christian summer camp. It is scary.

A moment:

Sitting around with some girls, praising Jon Stewart.
M [one of the most Brethren of the girls here]: I want to marry Jon Stewart, except that he's Jewish.
Me: So, is Judiasm a deal breaker for you?
M: of course.

So so strange. When I mentioned it to my parents, they were very very puzzled. My dad told me of how he hung out with Jewish & Muslim & Christian kids and they all dated each other in the mid-60s. He was baffled that people still aren't up for some cross-religion dating.

I think all of the Brethren inbreeding (it is a small religion & they obviously don't wanting people dating outside The Chosen Faith), has made all of the kids socially inept and stange looking. Seriously. These kids don't know how to hold a normal conversation. It pains me.

There is some solace: N. She is fabulous. We go for long walks every night and complain about everyone else here, all the tiny ignorances and outrages. Not healthy, but neccessary. Two nights ago, we spent the evening sharing our boydramas. She has amazing ones - I haven't laughed so hard in weeks.