Overlap

Does feeling the need to defend yourself automatically make you guilty? As if you felt okay about it you wouldn't care what others thought? I know this is not so, but why am I so hesitant to offer my religious beliefs as an answer to why? I've never wanted to be grouped into the "one of those religious people" category, fearing that such connotation would form negative opinions from people - someone who follows a strict set of rules and regulations; someone who merely does what they're told and doesn't think for themselves. I don't have all the answers, but by now I have come to peaceful conclusions about enough things to offer, what I believe to be, reasonable explanations as to why I don't do or say certain things, or as to why I TRY to not do or say certain things. But I find it very difficult to express some of these. I've had a couple of key encounters here that have challenged me as far as taking a stand.
I have a co-worker, who I try not to judge, but sometimes feel judged by her as I believe she falls into that category - the "one of those religious people" category. I simply don't find a lot of logic in some of her statements, and find myself wanting to put her in her place so to speak. Sometimes I think she looks at me as though I don't practice what I preach, or as though I don't preach enough. Let it be known that I enjoy an occasional glass of wine (especially on a rainy night, or around Christmas, or with pasta) and a good margarita (especially with Quesidillas) and don't feel it causes any rift between God and I. But she, a Mormon, believes there lies a contradiction, as does drinking coffee (caffeine=a drug). I have to refrain myself from commenting as she drinks Coke or hot chocolate, or pops Advil like vitamin C. I get upset and defensive.
And at the same time, I have sat in silence when someone has asked me about church or drugs and sex or whatnot. I want to go into the all the other complications that arise from such activities - the law, addiction, emotional ties, unwanted pregnancy, disease, etc, etc,
but can rarely offer the simple answer of not wanting to dishonor the Lord. All are warranted, solid, true. And I have a real distaste for the arrogant and self-righteousness; I don't feel the need to make a remark every time someone does something I don't agree with.... yet, am I backing down? Chickening out? Coming up with stupid excuses? I go to Church; I believe in God. Why are those such difficult things to say at times? Especially when I believe in God as much as I believe in the Earth being round.
This is my present contemplation, just to throw out there......