Christ and dating part 2

I wrote a post a while back entitled Christ and Dating and to date it's probably the most time I've ever spent writing in any entry in the history of this blog. Even though it's been a few months since I scribed it I still get emails from folks wishing to stay anonymous giving feedback and even asking advice about their current relationship.

Asking me advice?

I was drinking with a friend not too long ago he gave me an update on his dating life.

Him: She's a Christian.
Me: Wow.
Him: Like devout.
Me: How devout?
Him: So devout she said she wouldn't date me unless I was one.
Me: Well...you're not.
Him: I told her that, but I said I'd be open to learning more.
Me: And she's still interested?
Him: She seems to be.

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?" - Corinthians 6:14

Me: Do you think she's going to try and convert you?
Him: Probably. Her friends are highly against this and told her not to pursue anything with me.
Me: My father wasn't either when he met Mom, but he converted eventually.

I never got the full story of why my Dad was attracted to Catholicism. He was raised without much religion at all, but most of his extended family were Baptists. As I understand it he had no interest in becoming a Catholic, much less a Christian. Still a few years into their marriage he decided to dedicate his life to God and when I was young he decided to get baptized in the faith.

His Baptist roots still show from time to time. Recently in a conversation about the death penalty I realized he knew little of what the pope stood for, but could almost quote verbatim any political stance of the Rev John Hagee.

My mother reminds me often regarding my father's lack of spiritual interests when they were dating, but although she never states it I believe she has a sense of pride in helping shape his conversion to Christianity.

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” - John 6:44

Me: I think the fact that you said you were open about learning the faith makes you that much more attractive to her.
Him: Why?
Me: Remember that girl I dated back in Bham? She knew about my crisis of faith at the time, but being a preacher's kid I think she was attracted to the idea of bringing me back into what Christians call 'the book of life'. Come to think of it I guess I was kind of a 'bad boy' to her.
Him: Well you did drink quite a bit, but I see what you're saying.
Me: Girl's often love to mold the fallen angel into the man they dream of. This is maybe what your girl is thinking.
Him: Do you think so?
Me: I've been around many Christians in my life. Whenever they bring someone to the Lord most wear that fact like a badge.

I asked a Christian recently if she believed anyone should take a sense of pride in bringing them to church and what not. She claimed it's arrogant to believe that anyone but God did such a thing, but she understood the mentality. Educating people in any aspect makes someone feel good about themselves.

"Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing..." - Genesis 19:8

The girl texted my friend asking what he was up to. He responded that him and I were discussing issues of faith and later it would be girls. We went to a local pizzeria and talked about the issue of God more over more alcohol, which is kind of funny now that I think about it. I explained to him the things that made my walk with God shaky at times and discussed elements of the Bible that I couldn't wrap my head around.

Are we all descendants of Noah? I mean each and every race? Did that large ship carry millions of species? Finding no contemporary accounts was there a mass exodus of the Jews from Egypt? Did Christ exist as a spiritual figure as well as a historical one? Is evolution and Christianity mutually exclusive? Was Jesus a pacifist as so many claim? Is it possible to commit genocide and still be saved while someone else who commits blasphemy of the holy spirit will never see heaven?

These were but a few of the topics we covered.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1

He listened to what I had to say, but I think he couldn't grasp the concept of simply letting logic go at times and just give in to the idea of faith. It's difficult for many to understand, including myself at times.

Him: I can't get past the hypocrisy.
Me: You'll find that in many theologies and philosophies. If you do try to learn about this you'll have to ignore the behaviors of others and just concentrate on what the book says.
Him: It just seems so cultish. I've been to church with friends and it seems like a big cult.
Me: What's the difference between a cult and a religion?
Him: I know. A thousand years.
Me: Look at one time Christianity was seen as a freakish faith in defiance of the pagan traditions of the Romans. Now it's universally accepted as an established religion. While the practice of mass varies between denominations you're still giving praise to an unseen Lord.

I explained that if she's the one than do the right thing, but still I feel that I failed my friend. I suggested some books to read and offered things from my own personal library, because the idea of reading the Bible is a task that can be very complicated. Those who have actually read it will know what I'm talking about.

I explained further about my hobby of studying various religions; however I'm no scholar. Maybe I'm not the best person to ask. I believe I helped him be even more cynical about faith, which wasn't my intention. I wanted him to learn as he asked of me; however I did recommend that he attend a Bible study to ask questions from someone who may have actually went to Bible college.

I've never met this girl, but from what he described she sounds very educated and nice. He's my best friend and I would like nothing more than to see him happy with someone who's good for him. Still if she's the right one for him nothing I say will change that.

"The man that curseth His God, shall bear his sin: And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, dying let him die: all the multitude shall stone him, whether he be a native or a stranger. He that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, dying let him die." - Leviticus 24:15-16

Him: Does this mean I have to stop saying 'Goddamn it'?
Me: Yes. It's considered blasphemous.
Him: I say 'Goddamn it' a lot.
Me: I know. I work on that. Now mostly my swearing is incomprehensible. Like Yosemite Sam.

My father says 'Goddamn it' a lot much to the dismay of my mother. He even compounds phrases such as 'Goddamn it to the Goddamn hell'. I'm not sure why he feels compelled to do this, but whenever he turns a swear word into a run-on sentence you knew he was really upset. Oddly enough hearing his use of creative swearing always made me laugh. When asked why it was okay for him to say such things and not me and my sister he would state it's between him and 'the man upstairs.' My mom would remind him of passages from the Bible about blasphemy, but being stubborn as he is he had to be reminded of it like a thousand times and it still hasn't sunk in.

Is typing a reference to a blasphemous word said in a conversation a sin? Hmmm...

I should probably keep my mouth shut at times. Some would say all the time.

"God will never ask us how many people we led to Christ. Stop counting and concentrate on conversing! God knows that apart from Him we will never lead anyone to Christ. He simply asks us to take Christ to them." - Evangelism.net

Thursday Music

"Def Leppard and Poison in Sept. You know you want to go."

This text I received from Corey put me in a state of bewilderment. See I know he wants to attend this butt rock event, but as expected my presence is requested.

Now I like many of my generation could not escape the hair bands of the late 80s-early 90s. Some I enjoyed (Guns & Roses, The Cult) and some I wished an early death (Enuff Z Nuff, Extreme), but I was enough of a fan to own Hysteria as well as Open Up and Say Ahh. I actually had a Def Leppard tshirt if you can believe it.

Still I outgrew the genre quickly and it was once thought that pansy white boy metal would go the way of disco, but a lot of the bands that once ruled the charts are now doing their geriatric tours and entertaining many who once proudly sported a mullet.

While I could live without seeing these bands I think it may be a good idea to attend this show. The people watching alone may be worth it. To witness the 30+ crowd relive the days of Aquanet, ripped jeans, and tshirts could be a treat. I'll also make my friend Andrea very proud of me.

I imagine I will need to get really really drunk for this show. If I do go you can expect a full report on One Bad Apple.





"I am truly independently owned and operated." - Bret Michaels

Dictata

A couple days ago one of modern history's most important men passed on. There was little news about the death of Robert McNamara, Kennedy and Johnson's Secretary of Defense, as news viewers were interested in other dead celebrities. Pop stars, actors, and infomercial stars ruled the front page, but McNamara didn't get much of a mention.

This is of little surprise to anyone as the former World Bank president didn't entertain many. The Vietnam conflict was often referred to as 'McNamara's War' as he was pivotal in increasing troop presence in the region after the French pulled all forces. The treaty obligations regarding the protection of our allie's rubber plantations lead to one of our darkest periods in our nation's history and he was a key player.

Later in life he wrote his memoirs and was the subject of the riveting 'Fog of War' in which he seemed to apologize for the mistakes made in both administrations that he served. Granted many critics saw this as too little too late, but regardless it's an interesting lesson on the arrogance of leadership. While McNamara's morality left a lot to be desired there's no mistaking his intellect was rarely rivaled.

Robert McNamara wrote about the lessons of war and how we as a world must never forget them, although one would argue that we have repeated his mistakes already. Regardless it seems that so many are far more interested in the life and death of someone who starred in The Whiz. This is why I believe mankind will one day destroy itself.

You probably stopped reading a few paragraphs ago didn't you? Oh well. I could type anything right now. Lama tomahawk Clark Gable router paper clip. I was at the gym on the eliptical trainer yesterday in front of the mirror and I saw a glimpse of my moobs bouncing up and down. It was kind of gross. I need to spend more time in the gym.

"Neither conscience nor sanity itself suggests that the United States is, should or could be the global gendarme." - Robert McNamara

It blew up what good.

"Seriously," she said as we left. "You were like a kid in a candy store. I don't think I've ever seen you light up like that. You rushed up there leaving me in the dust."

My friend was describing my overall giddy nature when it comes to purchasing fireworks. Taking a break from the BBQ I was encouraged to visit the Indian reservation and buy certain items that may or may not be legal otherwise.

Native Americans. We take their land, give them smallpox, and all but destroy their culture. They give us easy access to gambling and illegal fireworks. I really like the American Indian. They're quite generous.

It was on the 4th of July so all the tents were closing in a few hours. I speed walked up to the tent and was immediately greeted by a salesman who gave me the small tour of all the explosive goodness. They had artillery shells, fountains, and all sorts of colorful fire induced pretty things that were loud and sometimes obnoxious.

Nightfall came upon us and it was time to put on Wiwille's show of patriotism. Having way to much alcohol in me that is safe or reasonable to be handling explosives I got some assistance from Friend. Between the two of us we put on a great show for our small group of spectators. The artillery shells, of which I spent way to much money on, were a huge hit when launched correctly. My first attempt scared everyone including myself. It was then I decided that reading instructions may be a good idea.

I do love this holiday.

"No other date on the calendar more potently symbolizes all that our nation stands for than the Fourth of July." - Mac Thornberry

Wiwille's movie reviews part 71

Fellow blogger and colleague Mizzle handed me a copy of a film directed by a friend of his. He asked me to review it, but with the disclaimer that I probably won't like it.

He was right.

The Falling tells the story of Grayson, a cop in Seattle whose life has been turned sideways by the spiraling addiction of his partner and a strained relationship with his sister. Events suddenly turn sideways when Lucifer decides to make his presence known on Earth to do battle with the armies of Heaven. Grayson finds himself in the midst of this supernatural war while both sides fight for his allegiance.

While the end of days premise has always been interesting to me this film does a poor job of telling a simple tale of good vs evil. It's low budget was obviously not spent on writing as the script is horribly weak. For the most part the cast do what they can with dialogue given them, but it comes off as incredibly amateurish even for an indie film of this nature. There are some very creative shots and the editing is somewhat clever, but overall the look of this movie can be laughably bad.

All that being said I can see some talent from this director and I imagine with a bit of polishing this could be a really good film. The movies does have a few moments, however few there may be, that really show off some skill. I'd like to see the director do another project with a bigger budget and better writing.

As someone who's made a far worse film I really wanted to like this movie, but sadly I can't recommend it.

Thanks to Mizzle for submitting this. Wanna see a film reviewed by Wiwille? Drop me an email or comment and you'll see it soon on Erik's Ramblings. Rules are posted here.

"The kind of weird religious pic that might appeal to those on angel dust." - Dennis Schwartz

Thursday Music

I normally don't do cute on this blog, but today I'll make an exception. Long ago I was browsing the interent and I came across this kid lip syncing to Foreigner's 'Jukebox Hero'. I sent it to a friend of mine who responded saying it was the worst form of birth control she's ever seen.

I wonder if I ever have kids if I could get them to do this to old Metallica. Hmm. Maybe it's a good thing I'm not a parent.

Take it away kid:



"I find singing some of Foreigner's older songs are a little reckless and not exactly who I am now." - Lou Gramm

Epic douchebaggery

Seattle has it's share of douches and unfortunately many appear in the public eye too often. Whether it be Tim Eyeman, Mr Ravenblade, or anyone trying to broadcast how Furries are sensible individuals the Puget Sound area can be the haven for people we'd rather live without.

A new douche has emerged and this one must be stopped.

His name is Benjamin Schroeter and you may have heard of him already. Recently the story of the environmental activist who has sued Seattle to halt the fireworks display at Gas Works Park was mentioned on the Colbert Report. According to the Seattle Times Schroeter, who is not a lawyer, decided it would be a great idea to file a suit with the city to ensure the facilities were environmentally safe to the community and wildlife.

Now many have blasted Schroeter for being a holier than thou asshat, but reviewing the case I think it's reasonable to ask the city to impose an environmental study regarding the event, but I don't understand why he decided to wait until late June to do this. He had 365 days since the last fireworks display to file and let the courts go through the process, but I can only imagine the attention whore thought he'd get more press by presenting his case right before the event.

It worked.

It's doubtful the fireworks will be put on hold because of this guy and thank God for that. To try and stop anything that involves alcohol and things that blow up is down right un-American.

Benjamin's own website is comedy gold. He has a list of published and unpublished writings on it, which mostly consist of letters to the editor. I mean what kind of douche thinks that broadcasting his ramblings to the masses makes any lick of difference? Oh wait....

"Jeez... get your blog mentioned in a major publication and suddenly a guy thinks his blog is as noteworthy as the Colbert Report." - Alec