Bennie resigns

[Dark Knight]

The modern interpretation of God the father is Zeus
Jesus is caucasian
the devils pitchfork is neptune;s trident

the list is endless

[Boris+]

Hi Suespud,

Well - yes and no, as most of them aren't around any more. However, for those left I am increasingly generous in late December. It is my way of saying thankyou to them for another (hopefully stunning) year. My gifts given at the start of a year are my best wishes for a year ahead.

Otherwise it is mainly then birthday gifts and congratulation or goodluck gifts.

My reason for giving gifts is simply an act of gratitude and best wishes, nothing whatsoever to do with religion or fantasy characters in red robes used by marketing people.

It suits the recipients - and it suits me, so we are all happy and content.

Em

[Boris+]

Anyway, in this age of evolution and revolution, why can't we have another female in the vatican as leader there?

Em

[wolfie]

Unless there is a female cardinal, and I doubt it, no hope.

Suggest it Em, I'm sure it will go down a storm.

[wolfie]

Saturnalia was an event which took place when the nights grew darker and they hoped that, by acknowledging this and paying tribute to whoever, the daylight hours would grow longer, little knowing that they would anyway. So, they thought, way back in those times, that their little song and dance ritual, or whatever it was, resulted in longer days.

Then of course we get the legend of St Nick.

[Serendipity]

Being brought up as a Roman Catholic I am quite happy with my religious beliefs, I have my own thoughts on this and I would never expect anyone who has not been raised to understand them. My son has just married a Protestant and she was welcomed into our home with open arms, he has never gone to Church since he was 15 and made his own mind up about what he wanted to do. As long as I have my faith I really do think it is unwise to interfere with what others do or not believe in.

[Meg 50]

As long as I have my faith I really do think it is unwise to interfere with what others do or not believe in.

exactly - I have no problem with those of whatever faith or none - as long as they don't belittle those they don't agree with.

Written as a practicing member of the Church of England.... If I keep practicing , I might get it right.... and anyone who says they've got it right is deluding themselves!

[Mo2013]

Serendipity - the flip side is also true, I don't like unsolicited religious groups knocking on my door - if I wished to explore a faith I would do so off my own bat. These people who cold-call on you are not getting on with their faith in their own lives, they are trying to get others to join them, so 'interfering' works both ways.

[Mrs007]

I think Pope Benedict XVI has made a very brave decision by admitting that he physically feels he is no longer able to carry out his role. I'm sure a lot of preceding Popes have felt the same and perhaps should have also taken this action. Maybe this will lead the way to younger Cardinals, with more open-mindedness, to be considered hopefully now and in the future...........and yes I am Roman Catholic but do not always agree with the doctrine passed down from the Vatican.

[qbman1]

....but do not always agree with the doctrine passed down from the Vatican.

I am currently reading a trashy novel (my usual fare!) with a Templars theme but it does include a telling line - "it is impossible to regulate an organisation that holds the keys to the Gate of Heaven"

Yes, I know it's dross but there is no arguing that the Vatican can do just as it pleases.

[Serendipity]

Mo2013- I do to advocate knocking on doors to find people who will listen to religious views, I do not interfere in anyway where religion is concerned. You are entitled to your opinion just as I am mine. If people would respect others religious/political beliefs the world would be a better place and we could all get on with our lives in a much pleasanter environment.

[Boris+]

I agree with Mo - I can't abide people disturbing my peace and quiet or enjoyment of whatever I'm doing to further their own ends; and for me this includes anyone selling stuff or going on about religion. Like Mo, if I want to know something I am perfectly able and content to find out for myself.

Em ... I have moved the Politics part to it's own Topic called ' Door to Door Politics ' ...

Em

[suespud]

Regardless of whoever knocks on my door..i dont think,i cant abide those people who are knocking on my door !!


Im polite and say No Thank you. Thats all it takes.

As for wasting their time if its a different party to what you support... Bizzare IMO.

[Meg 50]

political door knockers are told very smartly that who I vote for is between, me, my maker and the returning officer.... So shove off pdq.

Those peddling religious tracts are also sent packing.
Mind you my JD's Godmother has a son with Haemophilia and her standard line is,"Please excuse me cos I have to get a pack of factor 8 out of the fridge!"

[Dancing Queen]

Hi Suespud,

Well - yes and no, as most of them aren't around any more. However, for those left I am increasingly generous in late December. It is my way of saying thankyou to them for another (hopefully stunning) year. My gifts given at the start of a year are my best wishes for a year ahead.

Otherwise it is mainly then birthday gifts and congratulation or goodluck gifts.

My reason for giving gifts is simply an act of gratitude and best wishes, nothing whatsoever to do with religion or fantasy characters in red robes used by marketing people.

It suits the recipients - and it suits me, so we are all happy and content.

Em

Ahhh wait until you have grandchildren Em

[Boris+]

Hi Jo -

It would be lovely to have grandchildren - but currently still waiting, and the stork doesn't even seem to have a flight plan logged!!!

Meanwhile I shall just have to carry on cruising.

Em

[Dancing Queen]

Oh I'm sure it will happen one day Em, then the fantasy character in the "red suit" will be your nbf

[Silver_Shiney]

Does an atheist do Christmas?.....I'm not an athiest..I am a Palace fan

The church teaches and preaches a good message on how we should live our lives and how we should care for others but a great deal self confessed Christians are indeed the biggest hypocrites going.

As a practicing Christian, it pains me to say that I must agree. But, then again, ARE they actually Christian or are they what we call churchians?

[Manoverboard]

To keep on Topic I have moved the Political part to its own ' Door to Door Politics ' Topic

[Boris+]

Hi Jo,

Well, maybe one day - but I've seen so many people (rightly or wrongly - I am not going to judge) using Santa as something to bribe or blackmail kids and grandkids with ...... and I just won't do that.

There again (my gosh you must think I'm a strange old bird) I prefer wherever possible to give gifts via a third person, so that if I am loved I am loved for being me and not for being a generous person. Funny old world.

Em

[Mo2013]

Regarding Christmas, if you do not believe in God then you should not celebrate Christmas. I know someone (a practising Christian) who has told their children that Santa Claus does not exist, that it is mum and dad, grandma and granddad etc. who have brought them gifts. The parents do not want to perpetuate the consumer-driven event that passes for Christmas. It is so easy to do what everyone else does (like getting married in Church) and use Christmas for one's own ends, but much, much harder to have the courage of one's convictions and not do it.

[Kendhni]

I disagree, Mo. I love the christmas break ... In particular i love getting together with family and having a few days off to recharge the batteries.

[Boris+]

It was always great fun on 25 December to look out of the window and spot which children had received bikes or little prams etc., they'd be going along and proudly getting to grips with a new bike or pram or roller skates.

So whilst I may not be signed up to the religious side of things, it's great to see the happiness and enjoyment all around.

Em

[Silver_Shiney]

It is not good enough to do what you want and then run off to pray for forgiveness - but then again I've been told that their only judge is God ! So as long as God forgives them, the rest of us don't count for anything!

Whoever told you that is prevaricating through an orifice at the base of their vertebrae....

[Silver_Shiney]

Personally I avoid religious buildings like the plague. It seemed to me that if people were so completely certain in their beliefs etc that a simple edifice should suffice, and therefore I can only conclude (for myself, personally) that ornate religious buildings could possibly have been built or adorned either for the self-agrandisement of whoever was funding the building or adornment thereto to 'feed and support an ego' or perhaps to overawe people and unduly infuence them through the impression which the building has created.

Give me an honest working everyday building every time - places which have been built and developed with no 'hidden' agenda.

As to what do I feel if I should be in a religious building (I did once enter a church in Paris but only to shelter from a shower of rain) - probably a draught.

I most certainly do not expect anyone to agree - it's just me.

Em

It may surprise you to know that I agree with you, Em.

The original churches were actually in people's homes!