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Open Question: How do I introduce myself in the church?

During my childhood I've always attended a Christian church with my parents. Since they were old, I had to stay with them during the children programs & take care of them. Our pastor spoke in a different language so I didn't understand him at the time. Now that I am a little bit older I am attending a new church with my new family. During the service the pastor asks visitors stand up and introduce themselves. Everytime that happens I walk out because I get nervous. I don't know what to say because I feel I don't know a lot of things people my age should know. I know you start with your name and say a couple things about yourself and what lead you to the/their church, but I don't want to sound stupid when doing so. Could someone pls help me come up with an introduction that wouldn't make me look stupid? I just get really nervous with big crowds and feel like I'm going to fall apart but it's something I need to face/accomplish! Thank you for taking the time to read this! God bless! more

Open Question: help please. just read.?

one of my closest friends is going through a really hard time. i heard it from my other close friend who is a really strong christian and is telling me to pray like ive never prayed before. so im asking anyone out there to life up her and whatever she is going through. any christians out there who read this please pray for her. she is a very strong girl and not alot of things bother her. im worried but im not sure what is going on. just please. she needs it.her name is katie. i know she has issues with her dad and sometimes her and her mom have to stay somewhere else. but guys im serious. i have a bad feeling. i was thinking about her right before i heard this. if youre gonna be a butt about it dont bother. im posting this for good christians who care and will pray for her. i know my friend. she hasnt answered me in days. she usually does. but if you dont give a crap dont bother answering.thanks. this time seriously. i appreciate it. i really do.trust me im praying for her. i love her to death. im not putting if off on anyone. thanks guys for the support (sarcasm) except for one. wow. more

Open Question: I wish to become a christian but I know I will never be good enough at it, so can one of you christians help?

1. How much money must I give the pastor? 2. Do I have to renounce my beer? I read somewhere that there was a lot of wine consumption. 3. Since I have to come to church every week and confess my sins all the time, is there any way I can pay a little extra and receive advance forgiveness? 4. Which person on TV should I give my money to? I know if I pay one of the TV people, I'll be blessed with riches. 5. How are the riches delivered to me? 6. Why is Paul's list of rules given more creedence than Jesus'? Is it for better control of the flock? 7. Was voting for Obama a sin? I remember when the TV evangelists announced voting for Clinton was a sin. 8. Is questioning God illegal and punishable by law? Or is it ok to ask "lightwieght" questions that already assume there is a God and Jesus as commonly preached? If I can get some clear answers to this, I might be willing to sign on with a local non-denominational church. I have some extra money to give away to the most flamboyant speaker.I still can't get a straight answer about #6 or #7. more

Open Question: Do you agree with the Associated Press article giving Obama credit for the election results in Lebanon?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090608/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_lebanon_elections A pro-Western coalition won Lebanon's parliamentary elections and giving a boost to Barack Obama's Middle East peace policy. It was the first major political test in the Middle East since Obama's groundbreaking address last week…. FURTHER READING: Obama's words did not resonate as much as a last-minute appeal from Lebanon's influential Maronite Catholic Church to Christians, the main swing vote. Majed Ibrahim, a middle-aged businessman who lives in Christian east Beirut, said he didn't consider Obama's speech when voting on Sunday! The EU observer mission said vote-buying had marred the election. "Financial resources played an excessively large role in the campaign.” more

Open Question: Do you think he likes me?

Ok so there's this boy that I really like. He's almost 17 and I'm 16. He's just about the funniest and sweetest guy i know but i cannot tell if he likes me back or not. Well, we're always play fighting and well..we text almost everyday and now he's always initiating times where we can hang out. Like for example, there was a song that he liked that he told me about and i was like "that sounds really interesting" and he says back "i'll show you some time" or like I found something really interesting at the grocery store and i was telling him about it and he says "your gonna have to show me" And the other day, he randomly texted this (partially serious, partially comical) poem at me for no reason. And while we were hanging out tonight, he heard this song and was like "wait let me serenade you!" and he got down on his knees and sung to me (in a joking way, sorta). I just don't know if I'm reading too much into his little antics. Like the other night he said something sweet to me and i said "your being really sweet. what do you want from me?" and he was like "what? I'm confused" I'm just really confused. And well, from what I know from his last relationships, he's ALWAYS asked the girl out first. So i don't know what to think . And me and him are really different. He's Christian and wants to wait till marriage for sex, I'm a very liberal girl who thought she was a lesbian until she met this particular boy !!! I don't know do you think he likes me? Should I just come out and ask him ? more

Open Question: I don't think I believe in god, Anyone know how i can back-up or dis-aprove my belief?

I am Christian-Catholic, and I am 16 years old. My mother is big on religion but as a family we are barely C&E Catholics. but i question that there is somebody actually up there guiding us. It seems more like a scapegoat, like be happy with how you are in life because it all matters afterwards, kinda like the Caste System but I want to prove, or rather form my own oppinion/belief on the matter, i am probably going to attempt to read the bible and some other literature but does anyone have suggestions on what i could do, or read, or talk to on this matter? sincerely, zeroi more believe in the science idea about how it happened and do plan to become a scientist, if that may be a reason why i don't believe.... more

Open Question: In Reading the Bible?

I'm an athiest who has read teh Bible front to cover. Now, Christians, why do you always tell people to read it to convert them? It's the reason I'm not a christian. God appears to bipolar, in the Old Testament he is angry, volatile, and blood crazed killing people and sending his followers on the war path. New testament we hear over and over again that he loves us. Why tell us he loves us after the 600 pages of hate? It promotes rape, murder, war, animal sacrafice, domestic violence, and closed mindedness. The fact too is that of all the christians I've ever talked to, only one has actually read the entire Bible. Those who are demanding athiests to read it I doubt they've read it themselves. It's hypocritical bull. Now most Christians get their dose of Bible from a church where a minister of pastor or whatnot spices it up and fluffies it up for public consumption. I've never heard a sermon on (Judges 21:10-24 NLT). It states: So they sent twelve thousand warriors to Jabesh-gilead with orders to kill everyone there, including women and children. "This is what you are to do," they said. "Completely destroy all the males and every woman who is not a virgin." Among the residents of Jabesh-gilead they found four hundred young virgins who had never slept with a man, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh in the land of Canaan. The Israelite assembly sent a peace delegation to the little remnant of Benjamin who were living at the rock of Rimmon. Then the men of Benjamin returned to their homes, and the four hundred women of Jabesh-gilead who were spared were given to them as wives. But there were not enough women for all of them. The people felt sorry for Benjamin because the LORD had left this gap in the tribes of Israel. So the Israelite leaders asked, "How can we find wives for the few who remain, since all the women of the tribe of Benjamin are dead? There must be heirs for the survivors so that an entire tribe of Israel will not be lost forever. But we cannot give them our own daughters in marriage because we have sworn with a solemn oath that anyone who does this will fall under God's curse." Then they thought of the annual festival of the LORD held in Shiloh, between Lebonah and Bethel, along the east side of the road that goes from Bethel to Shechem. They told the men of Benjamin who still needed wives, "Go and hide in the vineyards. When the women of Shiloh come out for their dances, rush out from the vineyards, and each of you can take one of them home to be your wife! And when their fathers and brothers come to us in protest, we will tell them, 'Please be understanding. Let them have your daughters, for we didn't find enough wives for them when we destroyed Jabesh-gilead. And you are not guilty of breaking the vow since you did not give your daughters in marriage to them.'" So the men of Benjamin did as they were told. They kidnapped the women who took part in the celebration and carried them off to the land of their own inheritance. Then they rebuilt their towns and lived in them. So the assembly of Israel departed by tribes and families, and they returned to their own homes. Obviously these women were repeatedly raped. These people on the order of god killed and raped an entire town and then wanted more virgins, so they hid beside the road to kidnap and rape some more. How can anyone see this as anything but evil? the Bible has so many of these verses that people just casually ignore. My true question is: If you read teh Bible, cover to cover, how can you remain a christian?I was a christian when I read the Bible, so saying that I read it blinded by my god-hating athiest ways is a bad assumption. I read it as a christian and was horrified. more

Open Question: Is watching/reading Harry Potter a blasphemy against the Holy Ghost?

I was on a prominent Christian forum recently and the topic of this summer's release of the next Harry Potter movie came up. I was surprised to see that many Christians believe that watching/reading Harry Potter is a blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, thus an unforgivable sin, thus damning the person and their soul to to pits of Hell for eternity. Now to the unsaved this may sound preposterous, but I read some very compelling arguments from long time Christian scholars and I am convinced that reading/watching Harry Potter is blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. What are your thoughts? more

Open Question: Theists, what do you think of this Quote by Buddha?

I used to be a Christian. Now I just believe in God as universal consciousness. Does the following quote not make a lot of sense? "Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." Buddha. more

Open Question: Bible Quiz: Christians vs Non Christians 1st correct answer gets 10pts?

What was the name of the high priest who discovered the book of Deuteronomy? AND in what book do we read of its discovery?? State your christian position Running score Non christians: 3 Christians: 1alright lets go deeper. you guys are just way to good.addendum. What Book IN THE BIBLE do we read of its discovery?@ The Great Gazoo You are awesome. i hope you are christianR & S is the game buddster more

Open Question: How to be a Buddhist monk?

I know this sounds a little weird, but I am a italian guy born to an upper-middle class family, well off, so-so on the smarts, probably could make it in life. However I never really was that social or was into the party scene or anything like that, and I recently dropped my christian faith because I really researched things but thats another story. My question is how would I go about moving to tibet or china or something and becoming one of those silent buddhist monks you always hear about? I am interested in philosophy and i'm tired of the rat race and I hear those monks are some of the most happy people on the planet. I would like to work and fast for the good of others, but do you think I would be rejected because I am not asian? I know buddhism is not a racist concept or anything however I do think it would be quite awkward to see all these asian monks and then me, the dark italian guy standing there. What books should I read? Where should I travel? what should I research? Thanks. :) more

Open Question: Why are so many people turning away from God?

I read the questions here like "what happens when we die" and am shocked most of the answers are "when we die we die, we have no soul. The Bible is all fairy tales." As a Christian what is your take on these opinions? They now seem to be the majority. What happened to society in general? 50 years ago 90% of the answers would have been "of course we all have a soul" now most people consider that to be "wishful thinking" and totally dismiss The Bible as "fairy tales". Why is this? It is so discouraging. more

Open Question: Why gays shouldn't be Democrats?

But enough about the racism of the Democrats' hypocritical claims of being "all-inclusive" This really should read "We accept all races, religions, and sexual orientations, but ony if you're a liberal." They go out of their way to attack diversity by attacking people of minority groups who have the audacity to form their own opinions and viewpoints that are contrary to the majority in their groups. God forbid some people actually think for themselves! According to the liberal Democrats, a black person who doesn't support affirmative action is a hypocrite, a gay person who thinks it's wrong to force teaching very young children about homosexuality in school is a hypocrite, hell even a gay person who is a Christian is a hypocrite. Doesn't sound very "inclusive" to me or they would accept people with varrying viewpoints on important issues instead of attack those who hold views contrary to their own. I read blog where some liberal gays from Boston discussed their dissent of the presence of the Log Cabin Republicans at Boston Gay Pride. These people gloated about how "inclusive" they are but when they saw the LCRs they proceeded to ridicule them calling the assholes and other derogatory names because the group isn't a "proper" gay rights organization because it's members aren't liberal Democrats, though I'm pretty far to the right even for an LCR, who have a lot of moderates as their members. Those people were pretty much saying "we include everyone, except you guys get excluded".Fox News is the most neutral news network out there the rest are liberal biasedJust watch all of the gay rights wins will come from the rightFunny when the DEMOCRATS wanted only whites to vote and made them pick cotton back in the "good old days" more

Open Question: How come it really matters what anyone thinks?

I was reading these questions today. So many questions. All these people asking the same things. "Am I gay?" "Should gays have rights?" "Is my friend gay?" "Should I tell my parents I'm a lesbian?" "What do Muslims do to gays?" "Can you believe in god and be gay?" And all these questions had me thinking. Why does it even matter? Why we have to have names that describe us. Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Gay, Straight, Bisexual, Transgendered, Lesbian, Christian, Jewish, Atheist, Muslim, Why should we all interfere with each others lives that much? Rather than talking about your friend Lauren and saying " Did you hear? She's actually a lesbian! She made out with Margaret." Why can't someone say "Did you hear? Lauren is finally dating Margaret. I'm so happy for her they seem so right together. Why can't we fall in love with who ever we fall in love with? Not worry about what others will think because, they simply don't care. Why can't everyone care about people's personalities and their interests and hobbies and what they're like with out the labels. We should follow and believe in who we want to ad fall in love with who we do while being proud of the color of our skin. Why can't that happen? MP: What's the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to you? more

Open Question: NRHH: Since people seems to be on religion today, has anyone ever read the article.............?

"Why I'm Not A Christian" It is pretty funny, interesting, offensive, amongst other things.... Anyway I felt like it really fit in well with my religious views so, if you're interested... http://users.drew.edu/~jlenz/whynot.htmljust start from the part where he calls out Jesus if you don't want to read the whole thing. The Character of Christ The first half is kind of bullshit anyway.BTW, yes I'm that bored. more

Resolved Question: Why are some people opposed to the Harry Potter books based on their religion?

I have a Christian friend with Christian parents, and they forbade him from reading any Harry Potter books. Does anyone know what the "reasoning" is behind this?Harry Potter is a child's story-book. How does it promote evil? more

Resolved Question: KLU KLUX KLAN..............?

im white but this has made me soo mad. in history we learnt about you "people": it is PROVED, yes you morons, PROVED that black people have no different mental capacity. it is NOT proved that god exists. I read a thing on the klu klux klan website saying america is originally a white christian country, i mean they must be really thick! british people orginally came into america and took it over. therefore many white americans are imigrants!!! i mean why are they SO pathetic. i really want a member to explain this to me, because all i can see is that they are sick people. more

Open Question: Sabbath (Saturday) or Sunday?

Every one tries to observe all ten commandments and God said that if you love me, keep all of my commandments. The fourth commandment that God asked of us is to "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work. But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made the heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh : wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it" (Found in Exodus 20 : 8-11). Since we are God's children, we have to follow God's law and try to follow what God does. Since God himself rested on the seventh day, then we must as well. Even Jesus observed the sabbath. In Luke 4 : 16 it says " And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read". In Ezekiel 20 : 20 it says "And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God". So how did people actually start worship on Sunday ? You observe Sunday instead of Saturday because the Catholic Church transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday. (Reference : Peter Geiermann, C.S.S.R., The Converts Catechism of Catholic Doctrine (1957), p. 50.) "Regarding the change from the observance of the Jewish Sabbath to the Christian Sunday, I wish to draw your attention to the facts: "1) That Protestants, who accept the Bible as the only rule of faith and religion, should by all means go back to the observance of the Sabbath. The fact that they do not, but on the contrary observe the Sunday, stultifies them in the eyes of every thinking man. "2) We Catholics do not accept the Bible as the only rule of faith. Besides the Bible we have the living Church, the authority of the Church, as a rule to guide us. We say, this Church, instituted by Christ to teach and guide man through life, has the right to change the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament and hence, we accept her change of the Sabbath to Sunday. We frankly say, yes, the Church made this change, made this law, as she made many other laws, for instance, the Friday abstinence, the unmarried priesthood, the laws concerning mixed marriages, the regulation of Catholic marriages and a thousand other laws. "It is always somewhat laughable, to see the Protestant churches, in pulpit and legislation, demand the observance of Sunday, of which there is nothing in their Bible." (Reference : Peter R. Kraemer, Catholic Church Extension Society (1975),Chicago, Illinois. ) May I add that these are written by devoted Catholics that proclaimed the truth. Last but not least, in Mark 16 : 9 it reads " Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devil" Now if the Sunday worshippers worship on Sunday because that's the day Jesus risen from the dead, then Sunday is the first day of the week, and Saturday must be the seventh, so the sabbath is on the seventh day. If you are a Sunday worshiper, I pray that you take this into consideration and that you don't follow the majority of the world (that worship on Sunday) but you follow Christ. If you have any comments or concerns, please mail me back. May God bless you, and spread the word. Now what do you think? more

Open Question: Why do so many churches and christians judge people?

I'm not saying all of them. But most christians I've met do. It really upsets me that the followers of Jesus "Our savior" if you will can reject people just because they have a different lifestyle, taste of music, or anything. I was reading this article that was on a christian website that was about how a heavy metal band of CHRISTIANS were satanic and apparentley worship satan because not EVERY ASPECT of there life, including their song lyrics were not preaching the gospel! I also do not appreciate owd. I'm not stating that ONLY christians do this. I thought Jesus loved everyone! Thank you for listening to my thoughts, now tell me what you think!oops just ignore that little part that says "I also don't appeciate owd" Thats not what I meant to say. more

Open Question: i want to share my testimony, read below?

I was feeling very very depressed, very far away from God, very empty, after a while, i felt that God was calling me, and i felt that he wanted to make an appointment with me, so i accepted his request, and i began to pray, and attend church more reguraly (in my will) after that, i felt more motivated, a began to do better, i began to pass my exams, things started working out for me, I was in a point of my life where i felt there was no exit, but God has taken me out of there, I am not a religious person, im not even a christian, BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT GOD IS OUR SUPREME BEING, and i do worship God, this is my testimony, more

Open Question: What are some good summer reading books for teenage girls?

What are some good new and old books for a 15 year old to read this summer? Nothing inappropriate and preferably christian. more

Resolved Question: Do you know of any "Christian nations" where the Father of that nation's revolution hated the Christian Church?

I was reading a bit about Thomas Paine, the Father of the American Revolution, today on this news article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8089115.stm I had already known about his very popular "The Age of Reason", which point-by-point refutes the Bible: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Age_of_Reason So do you know of any other "Christian nations" with such a Founding Father? more

Open Question: The biggest decision of my life (giving my child up)... only genuine answers please.?

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS ALL! Im 21 years old. I have a 3 year old daughter named Makenna whom i love with all my heart. Makennas father (Ben) and I met when we were 15 and had a crazy relationship for almost 4 years, we broke up when she was about 6 months old. Since then we have been on and off a few times but things never worked because of all the anger we still had towards each other. But it seems that every time we try to move on we just can't seem to find anyone that could hold a candle to what we had.. it just doesn't feel right being with anyone else. And we have both told eachother that we could never spend the rest of our lives with anyone else.But We know that we have to grow up before we can give it another try, so we have just been doing our own thing for a while now but of course we keep in touch because we have Makenna. I moved to Louisiana from Tx after Ben and I broke up in fall of 06, and started dating a guy named Josh in spring of 07. For a while i thought Ben and I were finally getting over eachother and that i could make things work with Josh, but once again i found myself in the same predicament, i left Josh for Ben in late summer of 07 and went back to Texas prematurely, and I realized that then i still had anger towards Ben and it didnt work because I wasnt ready. So i came back to Louisiana 2 weeks later. Josh and i ended up back together, and were doing good for a while. But old problems resurfaced and Josh and i were on and off again... finally in December we broke up and I was for sure it was the last time! Ben had joined the Navy and was about to finish basic and head to Pensacola, the Navy had changed him and forced him to deal with his internal issues, and I had finally seen the changes in him that I have wanted for so long. So I finally learned to let go of our past and all the anger that I had, we both are soo ready to get our lives and our little family back together and get married. WELL a few weeks after Josh and i had broke up i find out that im pregnant by Josh, I tried to bring myself to get an abortion but i couldnt do it.... I know im not ready for another child, i still havent finished my education and i struggle to make it work with Makenna at times. I know I should have been more careful but I wasnt and its something that cant be changed now. But anyways I was thinking that I would just be able to give this new baby girl up for adoption to a good loving home that has the means and will to take care of her. Im 7 months along now and I have brought up the adoption issue to Josh and he refuses to comply with it. He said that he would not do it, that if I didnt want her that he would take her and I could sign my rights over...But its not that I dont "want " her its that i dont think that Josh or I have the money or means and yes it does have a little to do with Ben as well. Josh and i will never work out, we have nothing in common AT ALL! Josh was making about 1500 a week when I got pregnant but was laid off and didnt have a job for 5 months, now he is working and only makes like 350 a week, his car is about to be repossessed and the only place he has to live other than my apartment is his moms broke down 30 year old trailer house with her illegal immagrant husband (no exaggeration, he came from a broken family and home life, and because of what he went through in childhood he has a good heart and I know he would do his best to raise the new baby) but sometimes love isnt enough to raise a happy healthy child you know. Im afraid that if i let Josh raise her that she will just end up passed around from family member to family member and home to home like all the other young children in his family are, they all have emotional issues because they dont have a steady loving home.Adoption would be the hardest thing Ive ever had to do but i believe that with all my heart it is in the best intrest of the baby and everyone involved including Makenna. Josh has no plans on getting a college education and i believe he will live the rest of his life as he is now just making it pay check to pay check. But anyways I have found a couple that has 2 boys and wants to adopt a girl they are a friend of Bens sisters family and the husband Mark is a big oilfield boss and made over a million last year,they are a nice christian family and the mother is a stay at home mom. But since josh refuses to give her up to a good home with plenty of opportuntiy... That wont work. I need advice shoulFIRST OF ALL I am not thinking of giving my child up for a man. Even if Ben and I WEREN'T thinking of giving it another try I would still be thinking of adoption. I am thinking of giving this baby up because I know that Josh or I cannot provide this baby with the things that she needs. Alot of ppl out there say... you should have kept your legs closed or use birth control but its already done so that answer is of no use to me. I DO want the best for my unborn child but cant seem to figure out what that would be, and thats what my whole delimma is about... more

Open Question: Do all christians have such low self esteem?

I just read an answer from a christian about being a hell deserving sinner... do all christians believe they deserve eternal punishement from a sky fairy? Or do some of you/them feel that they are good people, and deserving of good things? Just wondering more

Open Question: Can a blood test be wrong?

I know I have read from other people that they had negative tests only to find out on U/S that they were pregnant. I just wonder how common that is. I'm 11 days late and have so many pregnancy symptoms. I am TTC but I have been for about 7 months and never had this happen. I started my period when I was 12 and I have NEVER been late. I took 5 HPTs and 1 blood test and they were all BFNs. And to my knowledge it was a quant test not a qual. So I have had nausea for several weeks off and on (no vomiting), awful heartburn, headaches, dizziness, skin tags popping up under my arms and on my neck, frequent urination, increase in CM and for the last week and a half my breasts have become swollen (not so much sore-they were for only 2 or 3 days) and I have huge veins EVERYWHERE that weren't visible before. I have two very visible horizontal veins over each breast! Oh and fatigue! I am exhausted all the time. I clean the house in spurts because I can't even finish a room without getting worn out. The weird thing is even though I'm exhausted, I can't seem to sleep anymore(insomnia). I have read about the hook effect but I don't quite understand it. I'm a Christian woman so I believe ANYTHING is possible but has anyone else experienced this and actually been pregnant? I'm due for another appointment on the 17th and I'm going to ask for an U/S then. They already checked my thyroid and there was no problems...everything was normal. Any suggestions? more

Open Question: Religious rudeness -- what can I do?

I have a friendly acquaintance (small talk, walking around the building together, etc.) with a woman who works in my building. At least I did until she mentioned being christian and started talking about bible lessons. I told her I wasn't religious and don't actively read the bible. No ridicule, no attempts to reduce her faith -- it was just a statement. Unfortunately, it was a complete conversation ender. She let me know my non-christianity was totally wrong and that was that. Now suddenly she won't speak to me -- just glares in a most hateful way. I never expected this kind of reaction. I don't see any appropriate way to respond to this treatment. I'm not going to change my work hours; I just am not liking the hate. Isn't there some way to bridge the gap? What do you do when a person puts religion over social behavior? more

Open Question: Liberals: Please tell me your definition of a Religious Fanatic or Religious Nut? In the USA.?

I often read this comment...does it mean someone who is a Christian. Someone who is against abortion. Someone who is against gay marriage. What is it? more

Open Question: What is your favorite genre (of book) to read?

Action/Adventure Biography/Autobiography Children’s Classics Comedy/Comics Crime Contemporary Fiction Fantasy Food/Cooking Graphic novels Health & fitness Historical fiction Historical non-fiction Horror Humor Mystery/suspense Other Non-fiction ( how-to, etc) Poetry Religion/Christian Romance Self-help Science Science Fiction Sports Suspense War Western Other I don’t read very often more

Open Question: Christians, do you think God would place interests on your heart and talents within you and not use them?

I've heard somewhere (don't remember where) that even though you may have great interests in something and amazing talent at something, God will more than likely not use it. I disagree with that statement; I mean, why would God give you a talent and not let you use it according to His Will? Has anyone had trouble/issues with this? Also, if you truly are concerned about doing His Will, how have you discerned it and followed it? I've read that you should read the Bible and pray about it and just follow God (I'm slowly entering the Christian world and am having difficulties with this area, but I'm getting there!). more

Open Question: Is there anything more I could/should be doing for my preteen daughter showing a high interest level in bible?

My daughter's twelve, and very mature for her age. She's also somewhat shy and a bit of a loner. When her much older brother was young, we spent a lot of time very involved in the church. But things changed a lot after my daughter was born and I became disabled for a while. She didn't get the type of exposure to the church that my son did. My son also attended a Christian school through 3rd grade, so he got a solid foundation in that way as well. He knew more than I did. My daughter's always been in public schools, but in small gifted programs with math/science emphasis, so of course no religion talk. At any rate, we began attending a fantastic church nearly a years ago, and both my kids absolutely love it. I've watched my daughter during services, and she seems to be developing a very deep faith and personal relationship with God. I expect any Sunday now that she'll go rushing toward the altar when a call is made. She's a private person, and doesn't talk about her innermost feelings much, but a mother can tell. I bought her a special bible for teen girls some time ago, and she can often be found alone in her room, quietly reading and studying it. So I recently got her a book called 'The Complete Girls of Grace,' which is a devotional & Bible study workbook. I thought it would be good summer reading and exercises for her. But as soon as I gave it to her, she excitedly dove into it, and has already done about 1/4 of the book. It's a big book! I feel like there's something more I should be doing to help her in this journey she seems so excited about, but I don't want to be intrusive, since this is HER walk.It is strange and always amazing to me how much effort non-believers put into expressing their venom and cynicism. I get a dozen nasty responses from these types within seconds after posting a religion question. very sad way to spend one's time. more

Open Question: Should I divorce him? (Long question)?

If you have some time on your hand - here's a question I posted last night:http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjoX_FcD5szKGjuZPMf8Dwbsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090607234916AAzkC9a My husband and I are already talking about the divorce (in civilized and friendly manner) and I'm getting ready to file for it. However, I'm still going over my decision. Am I doing the right thing? Should I give him yet another chance. To give more detail about what went wrong: 1. I gained some weight during the pregnancy (I wasn't skinny when we got married either). This really bothers him. He told me many hurtful things about my body, about my undergarments. Things that make me feel ashamed to be naked when he's in the room. (we haven't been "together" for over a year). My mom was very good looking when my parents got married but now for the past 20 years she's been overweight and when I tell my husband that my father didn't stop loving her because of that and he'll never leave her because of that, he says "I would". 2. He says that he doesn't love me anymore. He is a calm and easy going person and even now that he moved out he tries to make jokes with me, but for the past 6 months when we'd talk seriously and I would ask him if he loves me, he says "no" and that he doesn't have any feelings for me. 3. We have a 16 month old beautiful daughter. However, when I was 3 months pregnant and we had an argument he suggested that I have an abortion. 4. Before we had a baby we didn't argue much, but every time there was some missunderstanding he would tell me that he wants a divorce 'coz he thinks it's easier this way. Each time I would ask him NOT to say that word and if he does then to think if he really wants to be married to me. He never really gave it any thoughts and everything went to "normal", he would tell me he loves me etc (that was pre-baby). 5. Last December I told him that I have enough and that he needs to figure out what he wants to do. He didn't do anything to try to save this marriage. I got him some books which he didn't read. I took him to counseling (we might have had a bad counselor) and after two sessions she told me that he's immature, won't change and that she's surprised that a woman like me would want to be with a guy like him. She's an older lady so I'm assuming she had some experience with marriage therapy. After those two sessions we each had our individual seesions, but it still didn't change a thing. 6. We are both raised Catholics. We even had a church wedding (mostly because of my mother). However, I'm a Christian now and he says that he doesn't believe in God. This was never an issue in our relationship. This isn't the reason why I think about divorcing him. 7. Last September I opened my business (single practitioner esthetician). At that time my husband had another wave of "I want a divorce and I'm leaving you". I told him to make up his mind so that I don't open the business. Next day he said that he doesn't want to leave our daughter (his father did that to him) and he wants me to have the business. I'm not a lazy person and I am going to get a job if I can't make my bus. work, however since I started working for myself I didn't make money - just to cover the costs of running this business. 8. He says that I'm controling him because I call him after his work and ask him where he is and what time he'll be home. Before we had baby, he would get very upset so I just stopped calling him (then one day he went to a bar with a friend after work and met some girls which later would call him and he first didn't tell me what happened and then he lied - he says nothing happened). But after baby came I told him that I need to know what time he's going to be home if he's not planing to come home right after work. The therapist told him that this is marriage, then he said that if marriage means that he has to tell me where he's going and what time he'll return home then he doesn't want to be married. I did everything I could to try to help him with his emotional issues but it just doesn't seem like he wants to really work on them. Because of everything that happened I don't even know if I still love him, I'm confused and I'm hurt. I don't believe in staying together for the sake of the kid. What's the point of being unhappy and arguing. That's not good for child either. But all those answers to my other question make me think if I'm doing the right thing? Is there anything else I could do? All my friends (and therapist) tell me that losing those 30lbs won't change him, because if he would really love me - this wouldn't bother him. I can't turn his heart around. He's a little upset that I asked him to move out. But how can I live with a man that says he doesn't love me and that my body is ugly? By the way, my husband is 37 years old. Thanks for reading.He proposed to me 3 months after we met. I'm 6 years younger. I thought he had his sh** together. He was crazy in love. more

Resolved Question: To all Jewish people, what holy book do you read from?

Christians = Holy Bible Muslims = Karan Jewish = ?????? Im a Christian so I try to read the Bible but I go to church on Sundays. Not only do I go but i pay close attention to what the pastor is preaching about. Where I live there are Christians and Muslims so after a while I know a little about their reilgion. The Jewish faith I don't really know anything I just want to know what Holy book you read and what day you go to church/temple. I know I can't spell. more

Open Question: To put things bluntly, where do Christian girls hide??!!?

This is for Christian girls and/or Christian guys who are in the same boat as I. I have read here that girls find it harder to find Christian guys but I am 21 and have yet to come across a commited Christian girlfriend. Some would say I am still young whats the hurry but I have sacrafised a LOT to wait for a CHRISTIAN girl and time is ticking by! Any guys holding out like me and finding there are not many of them, and girls what is your advice are there any left! ;) more

Open Question: Why is salvation in Christian religions contingent on faith?

It has always bothered me that an entity we are to consider a perfect being would only save those who believe in him. Those of faith I have asked about this usually give me one of three responses. "God works in mysterious ways." which basically just means he is beyond question. An answer that answers nothing. "A belief in God is necessary to do his will." This may be true in order to follow the bible to the letter, but almost no one is quite that literal with the bible anymore, and most American and European codes of morality are based in Christianity even among those who are not of faith. Christian morals did largely shape our legal systems after all. The final response I hear generally equates to, "Why would god save those who do not believe in him?" God is supposedly a perfect being. I am sure almost everyone will agree that hypocrisy is not a trait a perfect being should exhibit. A desire to have people believe in him for no reason other than the belief itself seems a pretty clear example of vanity. A deadly sin. I am not going to claim to be particularly knowledgeable about Christianity. I have only read Genesis and Exodus so far. This question is simply the result of unsatisfying conversations with family members of faith. I am sure my question has flaws, and I welcome answers that point them out. more

Open Question: a question for christians about christianity?

Just curious, and i havent read the Bible all the way through, but according to CHRISTIANITY, what happens are we die, and what is the meaning of life? Jesus Christ said the most important commandment was to obey God, yet he said it was impossible for us to obey the commandments. He said that the meaning of life is to obey God. Okay, i get that, but my church believes that after death, in heaven, you spend most of your time worshiping God. if that was the pure point of our existance, then why give us free will? why give us free will on this earth, condem us if we dont worship god, and the only other alternative to condemnation is heaven, where we spend all our time worshiping God? redundant is'nt it? Also, my church believes the only way to heaven is to accept Jesus died for my sins. but Jesus often mentions how 'many are invited, but only some chosen'or how the rich man cant get into heaven. if all he has to do is accept christ as saviour, why must he also sell everything. he are often told we're not perfect, and we cant keep the Law, but also told we need to turn from our sins. i thought we cant do that? and, if we can, its only with Gods help. and apparently, even though lots of us are invited, only a few are chosen? does this make sense? if so, how do we get into heaven. finally - was Jesus really perfect? he definately realised himself as the son of God, and often demanded his disciples to break the law ( ie, steal a donkey?). also, he seemed filled all the time with pride, not to mention his anger in the temple. he broke others property? i am a christian, but becoming more agnostic. can you please answe this? more

Open Question: Where can I find a collection of Owen Hart rib stories?

I've looked on Google many times, I'm always hungry for more Owen Hart rib stories. I've already read the ones about: -Owen & Val - Owen pranks Val regarding a man after Val. -Owen w/ Davey Boy Smith & Lex Luger with the two off-duty cops. -Owen & Mark Henry - Pranks Henry's manager. -Owen & Edge and Christian - Hits them with napkins. -Owen w/ Foley & Steve Austin - Makes popcorn angel, Austin breaks character I love Owen, his rib stories are amazing to read. In fact, I would wish there was a collection of pro-wrestling rib stories on one page or something, just so I could smile and laugh. RIP Owen, Davey, Curt, and more.WWE.com doesn't do anything with Owen due to his wife... As for the link the 3rd answerer gave, I already saw that one but thanks! more

Resolved Question: Wow....are these for real?

So I come across an answer on this site asking of sins people commit without thought and I see this: "Thou shalt kill anyone who works on Sunday. (Exodus 35:2) Women shalt not teach, nor hold authority positions over men. (1 Timothy 2:11-15) Crippled people, dwarves, those with flat noses or damaged testicles must stay away from the altar. (Leviticus 21:18-20) Thou shalt not wear clothes of mixed fibers. (Leviticus 19:19) Thou shalt not eat pork, shrimp, lobster, or any shellfish. (Leviticus 11:7-12) " I know the Bible well enough to use stuff in arguments but that doesn't mean I've read it page by page....or Christian. But wow.....for real?You people aren't lying to me? more

Resolved Question: What should I cut out of my exam speech?

This is the basic outline of my exam speech, when parts would be best to cut out, as this speech takes over 10 minutes and should be minutes less. -What is the most important question on Earth? -I am going to assume that either all or the bulk of the religious people in this room are Christian. -Atheism, in all its forms, is the fastest growing religion-related belief in the world. -1 out of 5 of the people in this room are most likely non-religious. -Religion has existed for a very long time, served as an explanation for things people didn’t understand. -Now that we are understanding more than we could have ever imagined and are learning more as an exponential rate, religion is no longer necessary, but old habits die hard. -I’m not going to question the possible existence of a god in general or of the Muslim or Buddhist god, take too long. Could also talk for hours about Christianity. -Here’s a basic argument: -Evil exists (destruction, rape, murder, starvation, war) -Definition of Christian god is he’s all-powerful, perfect, loving, and caring. -Two possibilities: -Cannot take away evil, which contradicts with being all-powerful. -Chooses not to take away evil, which means he’s belligerent and lets billions suffer, not only adults who have sinned but children and infants all over the world for millennia. Does this sound like a caring, perfect, loving god? -Let’s take a quick look at the Bible, the holy word of god. How many people? -I’ll assume most people in here care only for the New Testament and reject the terrible Old Testament so I won’t go into it, but quickly I’ll say my favorite quote from the Old Testament: - Deuteronomy 25:11-12: If a man gets into a fight with another man and his wife seeks to rescue her husband by grabbing the enemy's genitals, her hand shall be cut off and no pity shall be shown her. -I’ll also ignore that God commands that witches, homosexuals, rebellious children, fortunetellers, adulterers, followers of other religions, nonbelievers, women who don’t listen to men, brats, fornicators, and false prophets be brutally murdered in the Old Testament and that there’s dozens of cases of god ordering entire cities to be pillaged, burned, all its men murdered ,and all its women raped. He also condones sexism and slavery. -The Old Testament is obviously terrible, so let’s look at the New Testament. Many people overlook very basic bible stories for granted. God ordered millions of men, women, and children and every other living thing save Noah, his family, and a lot of animals to be killed in a great flood. This is a child’s bed time story. Even if it didn’t really happen but is just symbolic, isn’t it terrible? -Did you know that on Matthew 7:7 “every one who asks receives”. Anyone who believes, and prays for something in his name, it will happen. Do you believe that? Jesus says its true but it obviously isn’t. -Worthy requests, won’t levitate a car for you. Even though it doesn’t say it matters how important the request is in the bible, lets think of this. Millions of people, like a raise at work or that the Packer’s will win. Millions of people think that when these things happen God’s responsible, while when a starving kid in the slums prays and gets nothing…this is just “god’s plan”. -Millions of people also say that prayer helped cure them or their love ones of disease -Hypothetical story Why is it that god cures the diseases or ailments with microscopic organisms causing it, but not the ones where if god helped, we would all see it? Why doesn’t he heal amputees. According to the bible, and to the claim that only worthy prayers are answered, if you pray for your friends severed arm to grow back it will happen. Why doesn’t it? Its because prayer doesn’t work. Prayer actually limits progress. If you say that god healed you, not chemotherapy and healthy choices, than your basically saying that new ways to fight cancer don’t need to be researched. God can cure people, why do we need to? Well, that’s enough about prayer. -I want to cover Christianity in a couple simple statements. -God has never left any physical evidence of his existence on earth. -None of Jesus' "miracles" left any physical evidence either. - God has never spoken to modern man, for example by taking over all the television stations and broadcasting a rational message to everyone. -The resurrected Jesus has never appeared to anyone. -The Bible is a primitive, immoral, illogical, and ridiculous book and is obviously the work of primitive men rather than a perfect God. -Huge, amazing atrocities like the Holocaust and AIDS occur without any response from God. -According to the bible, if your not Christian, even if you’re a 7 year old raised islam, you will BURN IN HELL. God is not loving, caring, he doesn’t give second chances, and he’s angry. Just read the bible. -Believing in Christianity and all other religions is basically throwing rat more

Resolved Question: Atheists and generally everyone: What if......?

What if tomorrow the Christian god, Yahweh or whatever, came down and was all, "I hath commeth to collectify those who hath done as I wish," or however he talks and made everyone stand in lines. Children and babies got in a line and were sent to Heaven because they didn't grow old enough to make big decisions. Others got in lines and, if they were good to people and did good deeds in their life for the sake of doing them, and overall decent people, they were sent to Heaven. If they did good only for fear of being smitten by some god otherwise, they had to stay. If they were religious and did good because they loved a god, any god, and wanted to please them and the folks around them, they were sent to Heaven or wherever their god was. If they did bad deeds, they had to stay on Earth. If they were Christian and spent their lives worshiping, reading the bible, and telling people they were going to Hell just because of what their religion said, Yahweh gave them two years to turn their behavior around and he'd consider letting them in. Otherwise, no. This applies to all religions, because for some reason Yahweh decided to be Hermes for the day. So after that, no horrible crap happens. No fires, demons, or anything. Just all the bad people left on Earth while everyone else, religious or not, is gone. Oh yeah, and in Heaven, you basically can do whatever you want. He doesn't care. Just don't mess up his rug, it was a gift from his grandmother, very expensive. But that's all irrelevant. But yeah, what if?It's an old story. Very old. Mine's shorter. But I think it's a good idea. Ironic, at that.But "Ye Olde English" is fun. XD And I'm asking "What if". I'm an atheist myself, I'm not implying this'll happen. more

Open Question: Do you think he's a virgin ?? Read detail . Pic 10 points?

Ok he's 19 but he's a really good christian though so I don't know. What do you think go to www.myspace.com/stu116 more

Open Question: What is the difference between the Catholic bible and the King James version and all the others?

I was raised Catholic, but now I don't really practice that religion specifically. I am just Christian. Is there a major difference in all the different versions of the New Testament? What makes any of them any different or better than any of the others? I have heard a lot of people say their bible is the best or the only one that is right and other things like that. I don't know who or which bible to trust. For now I think the Catholic version sounds best to me, but I don't know. That is just what I have always trusted and heard things from. I have never read the bible, but now I want to. Where can I find a good, Catholic Bible on CD? I am not that great at reading, so I just want to get the CDs. more

Open Question: Christians: If God gives human beings free will, how can he harden and soften people's hearts?

I was reading 1 Samuel the other day, and I read a verse where God hardened people's hearts so they couldn't believe in Him. Wouldn't he then be making the decision about whether or not they go to heaven or hell? Also, how does God decide when someone dies? For instance, say a baby dies and goes to heaven. What if that baby had lived and grown into an adult, and turned away from God, and then died. He would go to hell. In church, we pray that God would "soften" someone's heart so they would see the truth. If God can choose to soften or harden their heart, then he is in control of their destiny, not them, right? I am very confused by this, and trying to understand it. Please don't answer if you're not a Christian!!! more

Open Question: Is it a sin to listen to the song "Crack a Bottle"?

I love that that rap song but I'm Christian and I'm afraid its a sin because there is rapping about violence. I want to listen to the clean version. Is that ok? Answer this question only if you are christian and you have read most of the bible. I'm reading the bible but i'm at the beginning.READ THE DESCRIPTION THIS TIME!!!I DELETED THE OTHER QUESTION BECAUSE IT WASN'T SPECIFIC ENOUGH!!! more

Open Question: I'm freaking out here...did i commit the unpardonable sin?

I am a new Christian and i think i already made the biggest mistake i could make! I read the New Testament and i panicked when Jesus talked about how all sins could be forgiven except blashemy of the Holy Spirit. the reason i flipped out is because i used to think speaking in tongues was demonic. i now know that it is a holy gift of the Spirit as the Holy Bible says. this has been killing me for about two months. i hardly eat, i'm totally haunted by this every second of the day, and basically my life is fallling apart because i did the worst thing i could do...should i even be worthy to wake up each morning since i'll probably go to Hell. serious answers please, i really need your help. more

Open Question: What would be best for me to do in this situation at my job?

I started a new job that I really like. I work at a retail store in an airport. I work for a pretty good company, the job is fun and I enjoy it. I was basically making the equivalent sales numbers of employees who had been there for a year or two, within my first week. I had a very good customer comment within my first week or two, as well (which my manager loved and put it in my file for my future 90-day raise review). The "company was buzzing about it" is what my area manager told me, and they read my half of a page long comment from a customer who was thrilled with my customer service to them. I can do just about everything associate-related now, and my sales have only been getting better. I have an assistant manager who seems to have grudged me since I started at that store. He screws up a lot, barely seems to be able to read, and is one of those "positive/gospel" kind of people who likes to go around singing and trying to tell people to be positive. He's always ranting about how "perfect" he is when something works out the way he planned (and also the way it should per company policy, anyway...so it's not like he's going over and beyond for anything). I try to do my job to the best of my ability and try to help others as much as possible. This guy clearly hates me, and hates the competition I'm putting up for him. I'm not trying to "do better than him" on a personal level. I'm trying to do well in the company in general to go into a management position. He has successfully sent me home one day when I first started, because "we were slow" according to him. Of course the store manager believed him and backed it up, not knowing that he seems to personally dislike me. We have to meet certain attachment/dollars per transaction goals. So he likes to try to beat me to the better sales and get them for himself. If he gets a very low dollar sale, he likes to try to act like he's busy and act like I'm the only one who can ring it, passing it off to me: "Can you ring this for me?" While he gets on the phone or tries to act like he can't for some reason, even though he's really not busy and not doing anything that warrants doing that. Which in turn, makes my numbers go down if I ring it. I get along great with the store manager. She knows I try to do my job very well. She wants me to do very well, and even her and this assistant manager disagree on a lot of things because he does a lot of stupid things on his own decision. He likes to play the big boss man. I locked horns earlier with him today because he likes to call his wife and talk on the phone a lot, but is always constantly nagging me about "so and so might come up and see that you're doing x" (organizing the store, pricing, etc...things we should be doing) and say something about it." I mean he's always on my back for doing stuff that I don't think the higher up managers would dislike - it's just him that dislikes it. But he has no problem making and taking personal calls, goofing off with airport employees that he knows, etc. I think he may have been fired from his previous job as a drug store manager, and just isn't saying anything about it. I can't see how he even obtained such a position given how he is. I love my job - I've dealt with people like this in the past, but they usually either quit or were eventually fired. I'm not going to play the chicken and quit to "run away" from this guy so that he can get his way and think that he got the best of me. My store manager is a nice lady...so she isn't always harsh on him and overlooks stuff as mistakes, which of course everyone does make. Myself included. So telling her stuff...it's hard for her to take it as a personal thing between me and this guy, and I don't want to end up looking like the bad guy accusing her assistant manager of this or that. I am one of two employees (I'm part-time but work full-time hours), and then we have the assistant manager and store manager. We have an area manager and a regional manager...because we have lots of other stores in the airport in other concourses. They're just like that too, though - pushy and a "positive gospel preacher" kind of people. I just don't feel that should be in the workplace. I'm actually Christian myself, but I try to not push that on anyone and just try to do what I can to do my job to the best of my ability. Human Resources is a joke...we don't have a way to deal with such a problem other than talking to managers straight-out. Then they seem to usually stab you in the back by blabbing to x person and never doing anything to the person causing the problems. Then that person just gets more mad at you for telling the manager to begin with. more

Open Question: Why has Switchfoot sold out?

The band used to stand for something. I'm not just talking about their outspoken CHRISTIAN background, but also the fact that they had a message they lived for. While the other bands are cussing, talking about sex and living for sin, Switchfoot was always clean, just making great music, and I was one of millions who loved them for it. So why have they now started touring with the very same bands they stood apart from? Why are they going against everything they seemed to believe in? I mean, Blue October??? Anyone have any ideas, or read an interview I have missed in my frivolous research? more

Resolved Question: Explain John Hagee and his view of Jesus?

I have read that he believes that Jesus was not the Messiah for Jews and that he believes a 2nd Messiah will come. Is Hagee even a Christian if he believes thatHagee has a big connection to AIPAC and other pro-Israeli groupshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rJjCliGkyohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mQvvGJYQaM&feature=related more

Open Question: What do you imagine when you hear "fallen angel"?

I am not a christian, and wanna know what "fallen angel" means. I read about the fallen angels who fell down from the sky mentioned in the bible. When someone is nicknamed "fallen angel" , what pseronality does the person have? What do you imagine when you hear "fallen angel"? more

Open Question: I need some help with a bible verse?

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. i read this verse and it seems as if we are still to follow the torah, i am a christian who believes that the torah has been fulfilled by jesus dying but how does this verse fit in with him fulfilling the torah? or am i wrong? haha more

Open Question: Difficulty with marriage decision.. please read!?

I have been dating a Catholic man for a long time now. We've been recently discussing marriage... only one problem: I am not Catholic, or even Christian. He is fine with my choice in faith, however, his father is not. His father wants us to have a traditional Catholic marriage ceremony, but I am not comfortable or compliant with that request. My to-be fiance wants to follow his wishes, but also wants to follow mine. How can we be wed without his father being upset and me not having to convert to Christianity? Are there any ways to have a non-religious ceremony AND a religious one? Or should we just completely forget about marriage and just exchange self-written vows? Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated. more