Dan L

[b]discriminate[/b]: To make or constitute a difference in or between; to distinguish, differentiate. [b]to discriminate against[/b]("against" specifically): to make an adverse distinction with regard to; to distinguish [i]unfavourably[/i] from others. With indirect pass. Yeah, I know there's another meaning aswell, but I get the feeling that's not the one he meant.. And aj142 said [i]he[/i] as in, as a person, was discriminated against, not just the topic itself. still, I agree with your point, James. Discrimination can be in a positive way also. (I got the reference from [url]www.oed.com,[/url] but I think you need a subscription to that site or something.. all I know is this university has an institution subscription or something, cos I can't access it from home)

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sara [/i] [B][SIZE=1]And Shyguy is definitely not Hitler. ;)[/size] [/B][/QUOTE] >

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Mnemolth [/i] [B]Dying for the one you love is a cliche, and not altogether a difficult thing to do when you think about it.[/B][/QUOTE] It all depends what kind of death we're talking about here. I'm not a huge fan of death as it is. I don't value myself over anyone else, but I value my life more than I value my death. Sure, I believe in all that a Christian believes in, but it's a lot easier to have faith when you have nothing or relatively little to lose, than when you have your life to lose.. I'd have to disagree.. it's altogether not a difficult thing to do when you [i]don't[/i] think about it.. the more you think about it the more difficult it can be... and as I said, it all depends what kind of death we're talking about here.. if we're talking about a slow death, such as suffocation or freezing to death, then it's a lot harder to make the decision. Dying for the one you love may be a cliche, but it's not quite as easy to do as a lot of people make out, in the circumstances.. (for anyone with a lesser grasp of common sense.. I do [i]not[/i] speak from experience) [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Mnemolth [/i] [B]A harder question is, would you live for the one you love?[/B][/QUOTE] That's not really a hard question at all.. most people would probably say yes.. but then, I doubt they'd understand the full implications of the question (referring to general population here, not people on OB). I personally think a much harder question is, would you die for someone you [i]don't[/i] love?

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Nim [/i] [B]he is one of those british weirdoes that never shows their feelings[/B][/QUOTE] ... Are you implying that all us british weirdos never show our feelings?..? ... .. y'know.. I can actually see where you're coming from.. o_O anyway.. I'd just make the most of the time you have left. Don't bank on anything long-term.. but you never know.. just don't bet on it.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by tursi [/i] [B]um...i can tune out everything around me to listen to one sound...[/B][/QUOTE] Anyone can do that.. it's why you can actually discern words from music in a song.. it's just something that your brain does to identify different sounds, and then it can concentrate on just one sound. As for me: I STUDY QUANTUM PHYSICS!!.. kind of.. wait.. hang on.. one minor alteration I [b]SUCK[/b] AT QUANTUM PHYSICS!!.. ... it worries me.. that one of the fundamentals of quatnum physics is that [i]it is 100% certain that a particle will be between infinity and minus infinity[/i] meaning "we're absolutely sure that any particle [b]must[/b] be [b]somewhere[/b]"

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Spikey [/i] [B]I've been asked out many times, just it's that no one then stays with me. Nobody askes me out anymore, just because of what I like. I don't kno, but that shouldn't get you down, I'm sure you'll find that special someone someday. Just keep looking! -Greg [/B][/QUOTE] It never ceases to worry me how much experience you seem to have in these matters, for someone coming up to 10 years of age.. I've been asked out twice.. I think.. yeah.. but me being me, I actually turned both times down.. the first time I never really took it seriously.. even today I swear it was a wind-up.. so I suppose it doesn't even count.. OK.. once.. and that time the person in question was just.. well.. "too much of a looker, not enough personality".. if you see what I mean.. So far I don't know of anyone else out of people that I know from school, college etc. who's actually made that reasoning (except hypothetically, where [i]everyone[/i] does). Of course, I didn't actually tell her "No.. you're too shallow, vain, and everything else I'm really not after".. that'd be a bit harsh..

Back in college (the British "college", i.e. equivalent of everyone else's last two years of high school), I was in a big group of about 20-ish (at least 5 of us would be gathered somewhere at any one time in college hours), but there was two people.. let's call them "Craig and Al" (that's their real names.. it's more convenient than making two up), and whenever anyone wasn't with the group, they would be the subject of discussion. The thing is, nobody ever suspected, except for me and a guy named Mike, that Craig and Al were talking about [i]them[/i] aswell, when they were away.. and neither me or Mike really got on with Craig or Al.. I wouldn't worry too much though.. these guys were absolute weasels who'd talk about everyone rather than one specific person, so it's a different thing altogether.

OO! OO! New idea... Name: Inverted Deus Picture: [url]http://www.otakuboards.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=315996[/url] Type: Sorcerer Magic Type: Dark Bio: Deus thought it was a good idea... Elite thought it was weird. Maybe it's Deus's darker self.. or maybe he was just bored.. Effect 1: Invert- Switches one of the player's cards for an opponent's card Effect 2: Revert- changes magic type to "light" _______________________ Ability Card Steal Soul: makes one card unable to act until Steal Soul is removed

[b]Who am I in my mind?[/b] I'm the guy who "fits in" with anyone, but only loosely, and could slip into another group at any moment. I don't change much, I'm pretty much a constant in varying backgrounds. Once keeping contact with someone becomes something not part of the daily routine, it fades very quickly Though I have improved, I'm never enormously self confident. When my ideas are good, someone else would have probably come up with them, when they're not it's because I'm just no good at that kind of thing. When nothing is said, good or bad, it's automatically bad. According to all my teachers at various levels of education, I'm the guy with the huge potential but without the will-power to bring that potential about. Subconsciously I'm waiting for a miracle to bring it about. I seem independent, and act like it at times. I work better on my own, partly out of choice but mostly due to lack of confidence when working with someone else. When working with others I naturally take a submissive role and let someone else take charge. I need closeness to people but can't quite figure out how to get there.. All the while giving the impression that I'd rather be alone. When no-one's around when they should be I freak out.. my Mum, Dad and brother went out for a walk at night a couple of months ago, without telling me. I was listening to music in my room at the time. I came down later and went crazy about the fact that they were gone. none of them took a mobile phone, so I couldn't find out where they were, and I panicked as if they were all dead. I generally try to be very supportive. After a past "incident" which started with me stealing unexpectedly and ended in me becoming a Christian, I have a strong understanding of the forgiveness and acceptance part of Christian faith, and don't dismiss anyone regardless of past, present or expected future. I love music. Completely... whether it's listening, playing, writing, singing.. whatever. Though admittedly I prefer playing and singing. I lead worship (music) at our youth group. On the internet... No substitute for real life by any means. Still massively underconfident, but it's kind of a little easier to hide. I still freak out when someone leaves unexpectedly.. but nowhere near as badly. For some reason I feel tense around certain people. Today I realised it's not just me.. there appears to be a kind of "AIM body language" or something like that ^^ [b]Who am I to others?[/b] Dan.. the guy who's always there but rarely does or says much. When he does, it's usually something serious (as in, in a serious mood, not the "really really bad" kind) or involving some kind of work/involvement in church stuff. At social events Dan tends to start off good, but after a while he just walks around with a solemn look on his face, not talking to many people. Conversations don't last long very often.. [b]How would I like others to see me?[/b] Someone with the same need to talk from time to time, rather than someone who wants to sort out all his own problems..

Heh.. Elite would love this.. ^^.. I'll just ask- is this one OK too?.. Name: The 300 Foot Potato Magic Type: Earth Type: Plant Pic: Attachment Effect 1: Roll (Rolls onto opponent) Effect 2: Over-Bake (Harden's Potato's skin) Bio: Originally created by Elite, this potato terrorised the world for a few long minutes before REALLY BIG IRISH GUY was summoned to destroy it.

There's a load of different, funny "parts" to this one.. which I'll try to seperate and title.. heh.. [b]Part 1- the veggie war[/b] DeusExMachina92: ONION! Elite Dragon0: TOMATO DeusExMachina92: POTATO :-D DeusExMachina92: ..for throwing... Elite Dragon0: AUBERGINE DeusExMachina92: ASPARAGUS Elite Dragon0: TURNIP DeusExMachina92: um.. um.. CARROT Elite Dragon0: GREEN PEPPER DeusExMachina92: RED PEPPER Elite Dragon0: YELLOW PEPPER DeusExMachina92: MULTI-PEPPER I mean.. SPINACH Elite Dragon0: DARN nice one Elite Dragon0: MUSHROOM DeusExMachina92: AS... um.. AS.. AN.. aha! ARTICHOKE! DeusExMachina92: knew it had an A in there.. heh Elite Dragon0: Hmph Elite Dragon0: *thinks* Elite Dragon0: KIDNEY BEAN Elite Dragon0: OH YYYYEEEEEEEEAH DeusExMachina92: CELERY! Elite Dragon0: SWEETCORN DeusExMachina92: CABBAGE! [b]part 2: not that funny, really, but it was between part 1 and 3[/b] (a really long time passes) DeusExMachina92: ... Elite Dragon0: Sorry Elite Dragon0: Just posting something DeusExMachina92: heh.. s'oright.. I just thought you died or something.. heh.. Elite Dragon0: lol Elite Dragon0: I thought we were gonna schedule the veggie war? DeusExMachina92: we were?.. oh right.. yeah I guess so. Elite Dragon0: lol Elite Dragon0: I was ill-prepared DeusExMachina92: heh DeusExMachina92: still working on your veggie list, then? Elite Dragon0: ^^' DeusExMachina92: heh [b]Part 3: Cow eating[/b] Elite Dragon0: *sweat drop* DeusExMachina92: *eats a cow* Elite Dragon0: *eats ten cows* DeusExMachina92: dammit.. that aint not healthy for me.. heh DeusExMachina92: 10 cows.... DeusExMachina92: looks like I have competition... Elite Dragon0: lol DeusExMachina92: *eats 100 cows* Elite Dragon0: *eats 200 cows* DeusExMachina92: *eats 300 cows* Elite Dragon0: *eats 400 cows* DeusExMachina92: *eats 1000 cows* Elite Dragon0: *eats a million cows* Elite Dragon0: *throws up* DeusExMachina92: whoa.. I hope you threw up into something BIG.. Elite Dragon0: Your house... *runs* DeusExMachina92: NOOO!!!!! Elite Dragon0: LOL [b]Part 4: Potato Throwing[/b] DeusExMachina92: *runs after Elite* Elite Dragon0: *throws a tomato at Deus* noooo DeusExMachina92: *readies over-baked potato* DeusExMachina92: *is hit by tomato* Elite Dragon0: lol DeusExMachina92: *wipes tomato off, throws over-baked potato at Elite* Elite Dragon0: *throws cheese* AHA! BLUE CHEESE BAKED POTATO! Elite Dragon0: NOOO Elite Dragon0: NOOOOOOOOOO! Elite Dragon0: *is smacked by blue cheese over-baked potato* DeusExMachina92: YEEEEEESSS! Elite Dragon0: *falls over* DeusExMachina92: *does victory dance* Elite Dragon0: *huddles in a corner DeusExMachina92: *continues with victory dance, oblivious to the fact that Elite isn't knocked over any more (I don't think)* Elite Dragon0: *stands up and bakes 300ft potato* DeusExMachina92: *continues dance* Elite Dragon0: *throws baked potato at Deus* DeusExMachina92: *sees 300ft potato coming towards him in slow motion* DeusExMachina92: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO- Elite Dragon0: LOL DeusExMachina92: -OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! [b]Part 5: Summary of events so far[/b] Elite Dragon0: wait for a moment Elite Dragon0: Look at our conversation Elite Dragon0: A VEGETABLE CONTEST... a potato throwing war.. then A 300 FOOT POTATO! [b]Part 6: where were we..? oh yeah.. 300 ft potato[/b] DeusExMachina92: ...has it hit me yet? Elite Dragon0: Dunno Elite Dragon0: *looks* Elite Dragon0: yep DeusExMachina92: *falls over in potato-shaped crater* Elite Dragon0: LOL DeusExMachina92: *300 ft potato rolls on, terrorising cities for years to come*.. DeusExMachina92: Elite!! look what you've DONE!! Elite Dragon0: *hands his head* I'm sorry Elite Dragon0: I will invent a 300ft Irish man to eat it! DeusExMachina92: LOL... he'll have to be BIGGER than the potato though.. DeusExMachina92: What about when he's eaten the potato?.. what do we do with the Irishman?.. Elite Dragon0: We'll cross that bridge when we come to it DeusExMachina92: ok DeusExMachina92: hmm.. so, how do we make the Irish man, do we get a regular irish man and give him tonnes of growth hormones, or do we create a giant one? Elite Dragon0: Well I'm Irish DeusExMachina92: hmm.. do you prefer the injected or the editible kind of growth hormones? Elite Dragon0: I'm pretty tall.. 6ft 2, so if we can make me grow a measly 294 feet Elite Dragon0: hmm DeusExMachina92: no problem.. *gives you a huge injection of growth hormones* DeusExMachina92: I hereby dub you... "REALLY BIG IRISH GUY"!! [b]Part 7: The Wrath of REALLY BIG IRISH GUY[/b] Elite Dragon0: LOL Elite Dragon0: *is now 300ft tall* Elite Dragon0: *chases potato with butter* DeusExMachina92: *watches* Elite Dragon0: *jumps on potato, killing millions of innocent French men, women and children in the process* DeusExMachina92: heh.. oh well.. there's lots more Elite Dragon0: lol Elite Dragon0: *scoffs potato, and a "French salad"* DeusExMachina92: *orders some more French people* DeusExMachina92: ...should be here by tuesday.. Elite Dragon0: LOL Elite Dragon0: "orders" DeusExMachina92: heh Elite Dragon0: *takes anti-growth hormones* Elite Dragon0: no need DeusExMachina92: damn.. it was that simple..?.. taking anti growth hormones?... why didn't I see that..? Elite Dragon0: lol Elite Dragon0: I wanted a potato so I kept it silent [b]Part 8: Holy Water[/b] DeusExMachina92: damn you Elite Dragon0: .. DeusExMachina92: um.. not really.. *sprinkles holy water on Elite* DeusExMachina92: *repents for damning a person* Elite Dragon0: lol Elite Dragon0: I'm not christened.. DeusExMachina92: doesn't matter.. DeusExMachina92: ..*looks at holy water on Elite*.. heh.. you are now.. Elite Dragon0: NOOOOOOOOOOOO Elite Dragon0: nonononononononononono Elite Dragon0: I don't believe in religion! DeusExMachina92: heh.. j/k.. a minister has to do it.. heh Elite Dragon0: gd gd# Elite Dragon0: Gotta go monkey man DeusExMachina92: ...I miss the potato. he was fun DeusExMachina92: heh.. okay, see you later ;-) Elite Dragon0: Bye matey DeusExMachina92: bye bye, potato eating REALLY BIG IRISH MAN DeusExMachina92: heh

I'm not one for TCG's usually, but this is just too cool to miss out on ^^ ______________________________________ -Name: Deus Ex Machina -Magic Type: Light -type: big -picture: soon as I decide, I'll put it up... edit: ah, screw it.. just use my avatar -up to 2 effects: 1- "Heh" - A barrage of "Heh"s, which leave the opponent's mind numbed (miss a couple of turns or something) (anyone who talks to me a lot knows this is true ^^) 2- Light of the World - A bright light from above (heh) which blinds the opponent temporarily -description: some crazy guy who says "heh" too much.. ________________________________________ and you simply MUST let me also have: -Name: Special Edition: [b]Deus the Laughing Monkey[/b] (I had this SN for a while somewhere else) -Magic Type: Earth -type: Beast -picture: Random picture of a monkey.. ideally a smaller version of this one: [url]http://www.boredatuni.com/pictures/299.jpg[/url] -up to 2 effects: 1- Monkey Slam: "Slams" the opponent.. preferably with a bit more power than usual 2- Monkey Rage: Increases attack power (doesn't actually attack when used) -description: it's Deus... THE MONKEY!!!.. what more could you want?

I kind of guessed the whole time that that's what you meant whenever you mentioned the secret in your blog (although I never assumed, nor did I know who specifically did it). the reason for that is that my Mum went through exactly the same thing in her childhood, and I only found out about that a few months ago, but the way that she talked about this thing I couldn't know about (at the time) was the same way that you referred to it in your blog. One thing I can say about my Mum is that since she told people about it, it kind of seemed to her like a weight lifted from her after dragging her down for a long time. But there's more than that.. one of the first things she had to learn as a Christian was to forgive- even the person that did that to her (I don't know who it was), and eventually she could. Now, when she tells people her testimony, people are moved tremendously. On one hand, it's a terrible experience, but to people who see, or hear about, how you got over it, it can be a very powerful thing too. The thing is, I really don't know how to react to it.. realy.. I mean, I had no idea when my Mum told me either. I understand the kind of suffering that it entails, or rather, I understand that it entails a [i]lot[/i] of suffering. Obviously I can never really understand the suffering itself. But I really didn't understand why people should (or would) think any less of someone for something like that.. mostly because I see it as someone else's bad actions and not your own. On a very Christian note: God doesn't stop bad things happening all the time, but he makes the best out of any situation, and can make you, and others, stronger in faith (among other things) by helping you pull through a bad situation. I think you could seriously help others, having been through the experience yourself.

[b]WHOA!![/b].. Me, Rain and Duo are considered a clique??... I never realised that til now.. heh.. General Awards Overall Member of the Year: Duo Maxwell Honorable Mention: Justin Male Otaku of the Year: Justin Honorable Mention: Elite Female Otaku of the Year: Duo Maxwell Honorable Mention: Rain (I haven't known you for as long.. that's the only reason you're second) Most improved Member of the Year: ???.. Honorable Mention: Thread of the Year: The whole Newbie Lounge incident Honorable Mention: Silliest Thread of the Year: "Adam versus COPPA" or something like that Honorable Mention: Funniest Member: Elite (and The Potato) Honorable Mention: Rain Silliest Username: Char's old name.. I can't even remember all the bits of it (in the right order).. Honorable Mention: Saiyan Monkey (now known as Rain) Member most likely to be here in two years: wrist cutter Honorable Mention:Sara Avatar of the Year: Crazy White Boy Honorable Mention: Signature of the Year: "Former username: Thimoc" (Sara) Honorable Mention: That long fish war thing in Harlequins sig.. is it still there? Best Otaku Couple: Mystic's Knight/Phantom's Angel Honorable Mention: Ginny/Shaun Best looking Otaku: Honorable Mention: Otaku clique of the Year: "The Clique against Cliques" Honorable Mention: Nerdsy's Best Newbie: Rain (kind of) Honorable Mention: Mnemolth Best Oldie: Sephiroth Honorable Mention: James Best Otaku-Related site: Honorable Mention: Most likely to become a Staff Member: dammit.. most of you already are.. though I think probably Sara (again) Honorable Mention: Juuthena Otaku Writers Poet Laureate: Mitch Honorable Mention:

Rain's already put up the cocaine convo.. heh.. Soon as I next get into uni I'll put up: 1- the 300 foot potato convo 2- the "what's happening to my font size??!?" convo and whatever else I find All my saved convos are on the network at uni, so I can't get them from home

I don't really have a daily routine.. I kind of do when I'm at uni, but it varies from day to day in the week, and I don't have my timetable for this semester yet. Basically I get up at around 6:30-9:00 am (depending on the day) and go to bed at around 12:00am-4:00 am (again depending on the day. Lately I've been asleep on average 3:00am-9:00 am) anything which happens in between is pretty much variable.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Rain [/i] [B][color=blue][size=1]I hope so...man, I'd kick *** in that catergory! Ok, probably not...[/size][/color][/quote] you really think Rain is stranger than... um.. *thinks*... what was that name again..?.. I believe his SN initials were D E M.. >

[quote][i]originally posted by Sara[/i] [b]Everyone seems to be under the impression that love is the opposite of hate. That's not true. They're so close that sometimes you can't tell the difference. The opposite of love is apathy.[/b][/quote] [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Mnemolth [/i] [B]Hmm...interesting but I would have to disagree. Love and hate are close, but that's not because they are the same thing. They are [i]part[/i] of the same thing, two sides of the same coin. The opposite of love is not apathy. That's because the opposite of apathy is life... [/B][/QUOTE] firstly.. I'd say that apathy is the opposite of emotion in general, rather than love specifically, or life Secondly, saying that "They're so close that sometimes you can't tell the difference" isn't the same as saying "they're the same thing", which is the point you seemed to disagree with, Mnemolth.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by REVENGE2 [/i] [B]As for Adam, Eve, Caine, and Abel, apparantly everyone thinks that they were the only humans around at the time despite what I've refferanced. Maybe I've refferanced a differant version of the Bible? It's possible. Regardless, here's a question for the idea that they were the only humans - Adam and Eve had two sons, Caine and Abel. Now, one of the two could have reproduced with Eve (this is survival of the species we're talking about here, so don't say 'that's sick'). However, Caine killed Abel, and then Caine was banished into the Land of Nod. Thus, who was around to create a new race? By the time Adam and Eve had sired another pair, or even just a single son or daughter, both would have become too old to raise them, and all three/four/five/however many would have died (Keep in mind that back then, you were considered an old man if you were 35). [/B][/QUOTE] Funnily enough I've thought about this. There's a lot of difference between different translations of that chapter where Adam is created. Some translations say "God created man out of soil" whereas some say "God created [i]a[/i] man out of soil." Personally, I'm not sure if Adam actually was the first man. Nowhere in Genesis is it explicitly stated "Adam was the first man", and the Bible does tend to be extremely specific about that sort of thing. All it says is that Adam was made in the Garden of Eden, and Eve was made for his wife. Nothing is ever mentioned as to the possibility of people existing outside the Garden of Eden before that time. A lot of people won't necessarily agree with me on that one, and I'm not really sure whether I agree with it myself, all I know is I find it hard to accept that all Adam's descendants would pair off with either their mother or their sisters. [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by James [/i] [B][color=#507AAC]The Adam and Eve thing didn't happen in a literal sense. It couldn't have. Genesis, as the bible puts it, could not have happened in a literal sense. There is too much scientific information to the contrary. You know as well as most people with basic scientific knowledge that the process of evolution exists and that without it, we wouldn't even have doctors. You need to have a basic understanding of evolution to become any sort of biologist or doctor. It's as simple as that.[/B][/QUOTE] My above point (replying to Revenge) is pretty much where I stand on that matter [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by James [/i] [B][color=#507AAC]So, if I were a Christian, I would not take Adam and Eve literally. I'd take it in one of two ways: 1) Either Adam and Eve is merely a story designed to provide examples and religious teachings or; 2) Adam and Eve is a metaphor for mankind's development over millions of years -- if you think about it, this is quite a possible explanation. In fact, I believe that science and religion [i]can[/i] be very intertwined. People get defensive one way or the other, but they need not be. It [i]is[/i] possible to accept that God has intelligently designed the process of evolution and natural development, with specific intentions and goals in mind. In fact, I'd say that the theory of intelligent design sits quite well with the knowledge mankind has of evolution and its various processes. People who can embrace both are, in my opinion, truly getting a three dimensional view. It is only when you deny scientific fact that you start getting into more dangerous extremist territory (especially if you're someone who should know better, unlike the lay individual).[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] heh.. I remember this discussion, we've had it before.. and yeah I completely agree with you but from a believing the Bible point of view. I've been raised as a non-Christian, evolutionist for far too long to completely discount evolution. What I meant in my last post is that yes, I'm sure evolution is true, but I'm not discounting the whole Adam and Eve story, whether it's symbolism or if it really happened. I have a bible open to the book of genesis right now.. it says the following: "the Lord God took some soil and formed a man out of it, he breathed life-giving breath into his nostrils and the man began to live" it does not say "This was the first man ever created".. and the Bible tends to be very specific about that sort of thing (as anyone who has read it should know). It has merely been assumed that that was implied. Another thing which bothers me is the fact that it clearly says "on the seventh day God created human beings" in the chapter before it talks about the Garden of Eden. This bothered me a while ago, and led me to think that maybe Adam was the first human being in his genetic lineage, (assuming he was created as described) but that there were other humans in existence at the time, which were just never in the Garden of Eden, as they weren't created to be there. I dunno.. it's all very odd and more of a possible personal view of things (only "possible" cos I'm not sure of it), than an actual personal belief. [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sara [/i] [B][size=1]I guess the reason I can't accept evolution has to do with the way I was raised. I was brought up on Sunday School stories, had tests on the what God created on each day, and other stuff. And It was fine for me, for a long time. In a way, it still is.. But I'm upset, partly because I've gone to parochial school most of my life, that I've never really been introduced to other theories/religions. So, frankly, I can't comprehend them. The world was made in six days? Gotcha. Big Bang theory? Wha?! If I'd been taught it, I'd probably embrace it. As it is, I've been taught differently, and I don't think I could really change if I wanted to.[/size] [/B][/QUOTE] I come from a different perspective entirely. I spent up to the age of 11 in a church primary school. The church primary schools here though tend to only be affiliated to the church, not necessarily teaching the whole christian belief as if it were fact. I believed in God until I was about 7, when I asked my dad if he did. Being the young kid I was, I just adopted his belief that there was no God, but I really wanted to believe it. As I said, they didn't teach the christian faith in detail at the schol, but they did just enough to make me half-think the world was made in seven days, due to lack of any other input. Then in high school (which goes from age 11-16 here) I was taught about evolution and the big-bang theor, which I took to heart. The thing is, though I still accept evolution and the big bang theory, being in a church school for my early years makes me less rejective towards the first few chapters of the book of genesis, and I find that I can easily find a kind of middle ground where both my scientific side and my "believe what is written" are satisfied, without compromising either of them. I do think it's a shame though that so many people are taught such a limited view of things, which means that when they eventually are taught, or come acroos new things, it seems to go against everything you know, and causes a conflict which results mostly in people either rejecting every new idea they come across, or slowly rejecting the old one because they were taught that it was a very black and white kind of thing. I think my point is: it's hard to break away from what's familiar to you, especially when it's been engraved on your mind from an early age. It's possible for anyone to change their view on things, but it's difficult to keep the old as well as embrace the new.

one thing I've wondered for a while.. do you guys actually consider "a**" (I assume we all know the word I'm referring to.. if not then just think "butt".. but it's censored so I can't actually write the word) to be a more offensive word than "bastard".. which has been uncensored for a while, but in britain (in my area, at least) is considered more offensive than "sh*t"

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by James [/i] [B][color=#507AAC]Genesis is, obviously, completely false. The passage of time is a question where you ask yourself "does seven days really mean seven days...or can seven days symbolize millions of years?". It's hard to say. Obviously we know that Adam and Eve (and the story surrounding it) simply isn't possible. Anyone with even a basic scientific knowledge will tell you that.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] People with a basic scientific knowledge will tell you afew things. - Someone's spine, if warped doesn't just "straighten out" instantaneously - A knee problem (don't remember which, but the kind that needs operation normally) doesn't just heal instantly - Late-stage Parkinsons disease doesn't just reverse in the space of a few seconds - Water doesn't wash away permanent tatoos - People with one very short leg don't suddenly find their one short leg growing to a normal size in the space of a few minutes But I have actually seen the first two, I know someone who went through the third thing on the list (even her doctor can't explain it), and I know people who have witnessed the last two. They all have one thing in common- they were all recieving prayer for healing, except the last one, who was being baptised, and all his tatoos from being in the occult were washed away. I don't care whether something's scientifically feasible or not.. when I see things that go against science I don't necessarily think "science is wrong", but that God isn't limited to what is scientifically feasible. I believe the whole Adam and Eve thing. I don't care whether it was meant exactly as that, or just as symbolism for something different. Or maybe it was just a lot easier to chew than evolution at the time that Genesis was written. Either way I believe that the scripture is true in some respects, whether I know what they are or not.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Anna [/i] [B]Yeah, when and if you go there, let me know if you think we are Christian or not :rolleyes:. [/B][/QUOTE] I had a brief look. I'm at home, and the connection is really slow, so it had to be a brief look. Judging by the basic beliefs, I can't see any problem. There's no basic belief there that "You must do certain stuff every week or else you will be damned to hell". The only concept I'm not sure of is: [quote]Before you were born, you lived as a spirit with God, your Heavenly Father.[/quote] But then, that's just because it's not my personal belief. As far as I know it doesn't go against any Christian values. So yeah, if the faith is followed as according to the website, I'd consider it more Christian than some of the variations out there. All denominations have flaws. Some of us practice idolatry, in an obscure way which aparently "isn't idolatry". The anglican church (mine) seems to have a misconception that if things aren't done a certain way, it's against God, rather than just against their preference. Fortunately my particular church is more liberal than the common trend. There are probably similar flaws in certain people (not anywhere near all of them, just to clear that up) of your denomination- but judging by the website, the actual beliefs seem ok ;)

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Anna [/i] [B]What is debatable? Do I need to put stars and neon lights around the key words JESUS CHRIST? We worship Jesus Christ and are therefore Christians. End of "debate". [/B][/QUOTE] I mean, [i]apparently[/i] it's debatable, as in, a lot of people are in some form of disagreement over the matter. I have no real opinion on it. I should have made it more clear.. there are lots of people I wouldn't consider Christians, even in my own demoniation. It's one thing to worship Jesus and another to follow his ways. A lot of Anglicans, Catholics, and memebers of any denomination are like this. Generally there are only a few that actually understand the message. That doesn't mean they're all going to hell, cos I can't make that judgement, but they don't believe in the way they are supposed to. What I was essentially asking is why there is apparently such a grudge against your denomination. Being a recent Christian I seriously have no ideas. As for my views on people who can't understand why we would follow a religion- try telling a blind man, (born blind) what light is like. He's never seen it, can find no evidence of it, and could even choose not to believe it exists, for that reason. But it does.. they just can't see it.

I'm Christian.. but I have my doubts sometimes.. it's a very normal thing, and there's a scriptural reason why we have those doubts, but I won't go into that. I'm also a worship leader.. meaning sometimes I "lead worship" (logical, eh?) which is essentially singing songs in praise, and everyone else follows your lead (kind of like a music gig, but the focus isn't actually put on the musicians). Otherwise, without "leaders" of any sort, worship would be all over the place and would end up going nowhere fast. [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Shyguy [/i] [B][size=1]I don't believe in god, I [i]can't[/i] believe in god. At least not the Christian/Catholic/Whatever/etc. "God". Doing so would give into the belief that I am going to suffer eternal punishment, regardless of what kind of person I am, because of a lifestyle choice. -Shy[/size] [/B][/QUOTE] Not really. That's a very common opinion. it's also logically drawn from scripture. But at the same time it's taught that we all live sinful lives, whether it's little things or big things, and the "big" things are really no bigger than the little things. My logic goes something like this: Even vicars have done things wrong sometimes. If they deny it, then they're doing even more wrong. Everything you could do wrong is not considered any worse by God than what a "better" person may have done. No matter what your choice of lifestyle, you're always able to be accepted. I know what you're saying, Shy.. it's a [i]very[/i] common belief among Christians that homosexuals are doomed to hell.. but that's because they only focus on the fact that they consider it a sin, rather than the fact that the sins are forgiven. I'm not gonna preach saying "you're living a life of sin", because that's not for me to decide. All I'm gonna say is that I believe strongly that anyone-- even someone as bad as Adolf Hitler, could have been, and maybe even has been forgiven for what they've done. I don't think you're anywhere near that bad, so no matter how you choose to live, you can never be denied your right to acceptance. [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by amibasuki [/i] [B] mine is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, aka the Mormon religion. and yes, we are Christians. [/b][/quote] apparently that's debatable.. but I have no opinion on it cos I don't actually understand the mormon religion.. (meaning "my mind is open- feel free to inform it as you will") I'm intrigued though.. what is the actual apparent difference?..

What was the latest album/single you got? I got two U2 CDs today: "Rattle and Hum" and "Zooropa" (I also got "The Joshua Tree" for christmas) What's the latest tune you just can't get out of your head? U2: I still haven't found what I'm looking for What's your favourite and worst genre of music? I don't really have a favourite.. but I can't stand the [i]really[/i] heavy kind of rock. I'm ok with it up to a certain point (but not particularly fond of it), but past that point I just can't stand it What/who is your favourite band/singer? ..there are many.. My favourite right now is Gareth Robinson, closely followed by U2. Then the rest come in any old order: Tim Hughes, Brenton Brown (and the rest of the vineyard people), Stereophonics, Robbie Williams (hey.. I have to support Robbie.. he's from my home city of Stoke On Trent ;) )