archenemy

yup

Tell that to my brother's in-laws. At the Thanksgiving table, I could feel the mother's eyes burning a hole in me everytime I reached for the wine. Alcohol is the absolute work of the devil himself. In her eyes, I might as well have stood up and yelled, "FUCK YOU GOD!" I hear you brother. I get the Mormon talk from my grandfather every time we speak. Can you imagine trying to get me to shut up and have some babies? My heart goes out to the man for trying so hard for so many years. It is actually impressive.

Oh, and it hurts the most on the outside of the leg, but deep within. Does that make sense?

Winter, My hip doesn't pop, but I used to have that problem. I went to a chiro for about a year 2-3x/week and that fixed it. Rob, I am fine up and down hill. Getting out of bed in the morning or standing up after I have been sitting (expecially cross legged) is excruitiating. And I am even on a Cox 2 inhibitor--but before it kicks in, I ache. I am fine after I exersize for a while. It doesn't bother me when I am 10 min into my yoga or walk.

Wow, these are outstanding suggestions!! Thank you all, I am going to get started on some of them right away. First, I am going to call my LMP whom I've not seen for a long time. Thanks for bringing that to mind! And I'll get those rolly thingys. You guys Rock!

This is a problem that has particular relevance here in western culture- we assert our beliefs onto others rather than enquiring into the beliefs of others. There's no curiosity about the other, only a desire to talk about one's self, and then promote it. By far the most stimulating "religious" conversations I've had were in Asia- total strangers will approach and want to know all about you- what do you believe, how do you view this, that, etc. But in my experiences it was never an inquisition or condescending, it was genuine interest, and not with a follow up attempt to persuade you to change your views. They would explain their views, of course, but it was a simple exchange; in the course of the relationship there was a mutual respect that allowed each person's views to hold equal validity and importance in the conversation, everything was considered and everything was discussed. In the end, both people would learn and take something useful away in the absence of engaging one another's egos and creating the defensive response we've been talking about here. Great stuff. Face to face, this is how my discussions around religion and spirituality go (the folks on this thread whom I've had these exchanges with can verify this I am certain). Any other type of discussion (face to face) I withdraw from. I think more and more people are like this now. People realize that blugeoning someone over the head with your thoughts doesn't work when you are sitting across from them.

nope. some do. many people of faith consider your life's journey to involve periods of faith being cyclical and part of a lifelong process. at times it is expected you would question the existence of God, the purpose of life and so on. It is a personal journey that everyone must undertake. Forcing someone to think a certain way at a certain period of time in their life damages this process. The gospels support this notion (the workers who are paid the same salary and do less than a day's work); and some saints have led lives exemplifying this process as well (Augustine). and don't confuse talking about religion and faith as forcing it on you. it's not the same. This is an excellent post.

And I think it's a uniquely human trait to observe someone holding two seemingly conflicting ideals at once, and feel compelled to point out this irony. . So is the abuse of young boys by Catholic Priests just another by-product of the "beauty of humanity"? I think I have been completely misinterpreted here. Two conflicting ideals WITHIN the same human being. I was referring to the quote I included in my post

I have not read through the rest of the posts yet, so all I can hope is that we are not going down the tired road of total relativism again. Of course I don't believe that. Does anyone, truly?

I think I mean to say that I have never felt the need to confine others' ways of thinking to the contricts of consisteny, rationality, etc. I believe it is a uniquely human trait to be able to hold two seemingly conflicting ideals at once and still be able to function, make decisions, accept others, and accept themselves. I see beauty in that.

Human as in complex.

Bullshit. Everyone knows you don't think.

Interesting, isn't it Sounds perfectly human to me.

Given the way discussions go around here, and your frequent role in slamming the miserable and pathetic excuses for human beings you see in the whiny liberals on this board, you can only have hoped for the reaction to be some critique of Christianity and a bandstand for you to go on your soapbox about how secular humanism is devoid of human spirit or whatever your point may be. I would be surprised if this were K's point, mostly because: 1. Most Christians believe that a person can accept Christ at any point, even at the moment of death, so no one is pathetic, without hope, option, redemption, etc. 2. Most Christians understand that the only way to get into Heaven is through the Grace of God. One cannot "earn" one's way in; and living through good deeds is just a good way to live--not a bargaining chip for eternity. 3. Judging other peoples' spiritual worthiness is the sole domain of God. To do so oneself is to risk losing Grace. Does K strike you as someone willing to do that? I realize these points don't address your statement directly, I am not beyond a little disconnect obscusifwhatever once in a while. But just a few thoughts to throw into the mix.

And remember that if you do need a new gasket, you can make your own. Kits are cheap and good to have around anyway.

thanks!

Will you post the link to Dante's for directions? I don't know where that is.

Air hockey? I'm there!!! The only thing that beats Air Hockey is Foosball, and that's a close race.

I seem to never be able to get over the tightness/soreness in my hip muscles. I practise yoga almost daily and use those muscles a lot. If I take a bit of time off to let them recoup all the way, I just go right back to being sore once I start up again. Is this normal? Is there some other form of exercising or stretching I can do to help this? (I also walk about 3 miles 3X/week at a good pace.) This pain gets exacerbated whenever I use an elipical machine, but not when I use a stairmaster. What is going on?

Good question.

A 10%er no doubt

I like freaks.

Care to enlighten us with some examples, oh eloquent one? There is indeed a history of bodily mutilation throughout Christianity. The hair shirt, the cilice, the whip, etc have been used throughout history by the layman, the saint, the monk. It is to have originated with Saint Paul with his saying that the flesh must die in order to live through the Spirit. The modern sect that most people are familiar with utilizing self mortification is Opus Dei; but there are others. Until you have experienced pain and discomfort with the intention of reaching a higher spirituality, you may wish to withhold your opinion of it. However, harming children is of course a tough thing to swallow and may be in a different catagory.

It's as confusing to me as the people who move somewhere like Bridle Trails because they like the "atmosphere" and then complain about the "horsey smell". What happened to having to adapting to your surroundings? Although watching a public stoning must be a sight to behold.

sounds good.