@Arkturos saidWell, as an Orthodox Christian, I fully recognize that it is a life inside of the woman from the moment of conception. Thus, I find any act that terminates it unchristian. This is a pretty historic stance of the church. We do not have to have some bitter debate about it, but I am somewhat surprised in the sense that I thought the only other path for an orthodox christian (which I think you are?) is to perhaps say that since abortion will happen anyway, it's okay for it to be legalized so it's safe or some such.
Didn't mean to draw out your personal details, but might send a PM with a question.
As for being pro-life, I think we might agree that the people of Earth could do a better job of that all around, from cradle to grave, across the globe. We have the means of production, distribution, and coordination to make it happen.
However, I also think that the personal sovereignty ...[text shortened]... now I'm also wondering if you have ever heard of eyelid surgery or micro-thread nose adjustments. 😉
As far as eyelid surgery - oh yes, it's a very common procedure. You can even see people walking around here and there with one of their eyes covered a sit recovers form the procedure. I also am aware that we have a lot of rhinoplasty going on, though I do not know about all the procedures.
A funny anecdote about this... I know someone who went for a consultation on a rhinoplasty with a Korean doctor, but they were a non-Korean who wanted their nose reduced in size, and the doctor said quite bluntly in a way that made people laugh that he only knows how to make noses bigger, he has no idea to how to reduce them since this is not the problem of Koreans... (I forget how it was phrased to produce laughter, but still, the idea is comical by itself, IMO).
We have a concept in Korea called 'Sung-gwae' which is a shortening of 'sunghyug susul gwaemool,' which translates into "Plastic surgery monster." It is a common criticism of certain celebrities, and it is a lived reality for some people that they have had so much extensive surgery that their face has changed significantly and in an undesirable way.
Just looked up the number - apparently 20% of Korean women have had surgery. Considering that the majority of women above the age of 60 nver had the opportunity or thought to get something like that, we might be talking about a quarter or even a third of younger women doing it, which is rather remarkable.
It's a real interesting situation, lol. I am interested in discussing it more though, admittedly, since I've never had it or looked that much into it, I probably know less about the procedures and such than you, but in a sense I am perhaps a decent enough person to discuss it with because I observe it quite neutrally as someone who lives in a country where this is completely normal.
The post that was quoted here has been removedIf she does go to such an extreme stance as to be affirming of homosexual practice, then... I think we are no longer talking about Christianity, frankly. I am not saying that Christians need to be out there actively condemning homosxuals and trying to insert themselves in their business, and that Christians cannot support political movements that are libertarian or liberal...
But rather suggesting that, yes, indeed, it is not doctrinally feasible to affirm homosexuality from a Christian perspective...
But having said that, we are all sinners who require the grace of God.
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@Philokalia saidThank you, and I hope you understand that some lingering, hot bitterness about a certain matter is not directed at you personally.
Well, as an Orthodox Christian, I fully recognize that it is a life inside of the woman from the moment of conception. Thus, I find any act that terminates it unchristian. This is a pretty historic stance of the church. We do not have to have some bitter debate about it, but I am somewhat surprised in the sense that I thought the only other path for an orthodox christian ( ...[text shortened]... ause I observe it quite neutrally as someone who lives in a country where this is completely normal.
That matter being that since my teenage years I have been attracted to and have appreciated the beauty of guys more than gals [not all of you! don't panic!], and I have lived under some rather oppressive and inhibiting cultural shadows since then.
Also, I would consider myself more homo-romantic or homo-appreciative, as I seem to be driven more by beauty and personal attraction than sex per se, although I wouldn't mind some hanky-panky with the right guy(s).
So, on my side I would have to say that some Christian (and other) traditions are incompatible with my living as my own "God-born" true self, and seem like arbitrary, external, mental impositions and attempts at control, sometimes by bull males in velvet vestments.
I do not subscribe to the beliefs with which some others might have been indoctrinated when they were little kids incapable of objection, or which some might have voluntarily adopted later in life, which might be considered a kind of voluntary psychosis.
I would appreciate it very much if Christians would keep their creepy noses of prurient imagination out of my pants.
@Suzianne saidHave you ever considered taking a week-long forum fast to review and contemplate The Beatitudes?
Shameless lying isn't much different than regular lying.
It just means you have no shame about it.
You're describing yourself, you know.
Seriously, I hope you don't get tongue cancer from the way you talk to other people.
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@Suzianne saidAs if you ever offer the other cheek. 😉
They cannot 'defend God' when they ignore the teachings of his Son.
P.S. -- I'm not trying to "hurt you into Christianity" -- only to help you out of the ditch.
If you ever sincerely feel gratitude for my assistance, that's okay.
If you never do, that's also okay.
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@Very-Rusty saidI was raised Roman Catholic, and although some might say I became apostate at age 16, I still think it's the original and the best.
I am Roman Catholic and I don't feel attacked at all.
I don't know how things are up there, and sure, many American Catholics don't necessarily listen to the Pope or the Magisterium or the putatively celibate Cardinals and Bishops when it comes to contraception or whatever -- but I also seem to remember that many American Catholics have cultivated the habit of internal guilt-tripping to such an extent that they don't go around lashing out at other people, on internet forums or otherwise.
Plus, these days the Church of Rome has a Pope from Chicago -- who knows what might happen? 😉
@Suzianne saidIf what I really think is not what you think it is, then how can your petty little remark make any sense at all?
Despite what you seem to think lately, ironic foolishness is not a good look.
[I'm beginning to wonder if your locale is where tawdry gay-bar sarcasm from decades ago went to die. 😉 ]
BTW, I think Wednesday S2 starts on August 6th.
And how could one not admire in a way (despite all her many faults) someone who eschews the worm and insists on a piranha at the bottom of the tequila?
[not that I'm trying to court you in any way (heaven forbid!), not even as a forum friend -- I guess this must be some kind of atavistic self-defense mechanism kicking in, because I generally do try to stay well clear of apparent psychos]
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@Arkturos saidAlthough this is mostly true, it also comes across as cowardly and placating.
Also, I would consider myself more homo-romantic or homo-appreciative, as I seem to be driven more by beauty and personal attraction than sex per se, although I wouldn't mind some hanky-panky with the right guy(s).
Why should I or anyone else have to explain or clarify anything about my personal and private business to anyone who belongs to any Christian or other organization that seeks to control others, no matter the motive?
@Philokalia saidwe are all sinners who require the grace of God.
If she does go to such an extreme stance as to be affirming of homosexual practice, then... I think we are no longer talking about Christianity, frankly. I am not saying that Christians need to be out there actively condemning homosxuals and trying to insert themselves in their business, and that Christians cannot support political movements that are libertarian or liberal ...[text shortened]... a Christian perspective...
But having said that, we are all sinners who require the grace of God.
Exactly. We ALL can come to Him as we are.
Can anyone tell me a sin that Jesus did not die for?