Member Interview #9 - Shadowmancer Returns

cpk86 wrote:

favorite book?

I've read so many good ones. The top of my recommendation list to others varies, but among the consistent ones is Strength to Love by Martin Luther King Jr. I have read many wonderful books since, but this one was central in shaping many of my own values.

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favorite musical artist?

Music doesn't interest me an overwhelming amount, but I would probably say Pink Floyd.

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do you smoke? if so, what and in what way? if not, WHY THE HELL NOT?

I have been known to smoke; I have tried cigarettes, marijuana, cigars, and shisha (hookah). I'm morally opposed to marijuana now, and while I don't really have a huge problem with shisha, it's a little difficult for me to smoke since I end up with a headache after about five minutes. I have been only an occasional smoker of cigarettes in the past, but they never really did much for me and I'm not into buying them because they are among the epitomes of corporate capitalism: a product of no inherent value which breeds addiction and poor health and is mass marketed to people for a huge swipe of their money under the illusion of worth. No thanks.

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are you currently in a relationship? if yes, how's it? if no, do you want to be in one? why or why not?

I'm not currently in a relationship, but I want to be in one. I don't really understand why myself.

you should try smoking a tobacco pipe...it's quite relaxing

cpk86 wrote:

you should try smoking a tobacco pipe...it's quite relaxing

Ah, I forgot to mention that I have indeed experimented with pipes. It is indeed relaxing, but I currently lack the skill to be able to pack a pipe and smoke it properly. In any case, while I enjoyed my experiences, it doesn't attract my interest quite enough to dedicate myself to practicing. It's cool, though.

your very charming, intelligent, i could go on and on..... i really don't "get it" why you
haven't found a girlfriend yet, unless there's underlying psychological reasons, or
perhaps not. maybe no one has touched your fancy, so to speak. lol

my question though.... suicide. do you think it's wrong? right? God does give us free
will, doesn't He? and is it murder if it ourself that we kill?

also, being an only child. does that bother you? any advice for my son?

fairydust wrote:

your very charming, intelligent, i could go on and on..... i really don't "get it" why you
haven't found a girlfriend yet, unless there's underlying psychological reasons, or
perhaps not. maybe no one has touched your fancy, so to speak. lol

Perhaps I should start looking in an adult school for the blind

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my question though.... suicide. do you think it's wrong? right? God does give us free
will, doesn't He? and is it murder if it ourself that we kill?

I wouldn't use "right" or "wrong" to describe the act of suicide, because it is such a great tragedy. If someone murders someone else, we think they have done a very evil thing, whereas if I hear of someone who commits suicide I feel heartbroken. What must have compelled them to do such a thing? Did they have no support from friends or family? What was this person feeling that they felt they were so completely and utterly without hope or a future? Suicide, to me, is evil... but it is a great evil which torments and persecutes the person to do such a thing, rather than them doing an evil act. I feel such great compassion for those who have committed suicide, and I do not feel it is right to say that such a person has condemned themselves to Hell because of what they have done. What makes Christianity unique from all other religions is that we preach a God who has joined Himself to humanity in the person of Jesus. This means that God, through being crucified, has enjoined Himself to all forms of human suffering and made an identification with it that we ourselves cannot comprehend. If we take our own life, then we still destroy what God has made, and we still put to rest that which God has made in His own image. But would God condemn such a person solely due to the act of suicide? He alone is the judge of an entire person's life, and if someone feels their suffering has pushed them to the very edge of tolerance, then I do not believe God is so impotent that He cannot even deliver a person and restore them after that. God, through Christ, is able to forgive all sins if we accept His forgiveness; and even if suicide is sin (which I believe it is), then that is just one more among many for which a person must be forgiven.

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also, being an only child. does that bother you? any advice for my son?

It used to, but it doesn't anymore. It was quite difficult for me growing up, I think, to be the entire focus of my parents' hope; and I was the final destination of their disappointment as well as their joy, so at times it could feel overwhelming. I would say that Mario would do well to make sure he has a varied social life and gets out as much as possible to do things with friends his own age. It took many years for me to realise how shy and socially inept I was before things finally started getting better. While it might be hard for Mario to adjust, as he socialises with more people, the more confident he will become. That alone will do it for him, more effectively than even the goodwill of a loving parent, I think. A bird can only be shown how to fly for so long before the bird has to use his own wings.

remember when we saw the most amazing concert ever?

Shadowmancer Returns wrote:

fairydust wrote:

your very charming, intelligent, i could go on and on..... i really don't "get it" why you
haven't found a girlfriend yet, unless there's underlying psychological reasons, or
perhaps not. maybe no one has touched your fancy, so to speak. lol

Perhaps I should start looking in an adult school for the blind

A bird can only be shown how to fly for so long before the bird has to use his own wings.

i agree that no matter how loving/caring a parent is, it is only when the child leaves the nest
that they really fly into their own world and learn about life.

and stop it adam... there's nothing wrong with your looks!! sheesh! ....or did you
mean school for the blind because they must see with their hands, which might be fun for you.
hahaha

how do you feel about the Roman Catholic Church?

Are you lonely?

Is there such a thing as being over-educated?

do you drink?

what living human being do you admire most?

when you want advice, what non-deity do you ask? or would you ask?

Do you pray for other people?

Is a chainsaw a melee or projectile weapon?

tylersixx wrote:

how do you feel about the Roman Catholic Church?

My placement year is under the Jesuits, which is a Roman Catholic order. If I abhorred Roman Catholicism, then I wouldn't have associated myself with them. I consider Catholic Christians to be no more or less my spiritual brothers and sisters than Christians of any other tradition, and I feel that the worldwide church suffers because too many of its members focus on differences rather than diversity. True, I have met Catholics who have little to no understanding of the affiliation they claim, but I have also met Christians from other backgrounds about whom I could make similar estimations. And yes, I have a great issue with the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic church, but I also recognise similar problems within the Evangelical and Anglican traditions I find my own roots in. Each tradition has its faults, and each tradition has its own greatness and potential. Personally speaking, I think there is much within Catholic spirituality that I find enriching to my own faith, and that is perhaps why I felt drawn back toward the Anglican communion. I feel that Protestants, Catholics, and every other Christian tradition "in between" all have a great deal to learn from each other.

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Are you lonely?

You have no idea.

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Is there such a thing as being over-educated?

No, but I do think there is such a thing as intellectual discrimination, and I do think there is such a thing as reading too much into things. Learning is a wonderful gift, and it is a lifelong process, but I had how there is a tendency within some people and institutions to look unfavourably on those who appear "less educated." Some people I have met feel that science is more intellectually challenging than the arts, and I don't feel I agree. The arts, sciences, and humanities all have their own demands and skill sets, and will pose different challenges depending on how well the person can respond. I feel in the past I have been talented in science and in mildly responsive to philosophical/theological schools of thought, but art is something I am unable to respond to, and that's fine. I also have a love-hate relationship with theology, because scholars of this field tend to get caught up in what I have heard described as "intellectual masturbation" over topics which, let's face it, were first conceived and received largely by the peasant classes of the day. I love studying scripture, don't get me wrong, but every now and then I have to remind myself that I may be reading far too much into texts which would have been adequately understood by illiterate first-century Palestinian peasants.

I probably didn't answer your question at all, did I?

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do you drink?

I do, on occasion, but I try not to get drunk since it is against my faith. I do err sometimes, though, if I'm feeling excessively happy or sad. Generally speaking, though, I drink in moderation.

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what living human being do you admire most?

Do you mean a public figure or a personal acquaintance? Either way, the question is difficult for me to answer. I tend to admire many different people and I try to emulate the positive characteristics of anyone I feel leads a good example. I mostly respond better to ideas than necessarily the people who embody them.

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when you want advice, what non-deity do you ask? or would you ask?

I very rarely talk to people about my problems, simply because very few people care, and, even if they do, they can't really offer any help. I don't really go looking for "advice," though, because the last time I went to someone for advice (four years ago) it didn't really work out well. If I want to vent my frustrations, I usually talk to Mark because I feel he is the only person who comes close to understanding and sympathising with who I am.

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Do you pray for other people?

Of course. I have an intimate understanding of prayer in the context of my own relationship with God, however, as must every person have their own unique (remote) understanding of what prayer is. I try to absorb the problems of other people I have interacted with and encountered during the day, with the possibility of how God may have been working through those encounters. Usually, in prayer, I will ask the Holy Spirit to engage with me, then help to prayerfully reflect on the events of my day, and then to extend those prayers for the whole world.

But, before I go on writing a whole essay, the short answer is "Yes, I do."

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Is a chainsaw a melee or projectile weapon?

john wrote:

remember when we saw the most amazing concert ever?

It was awesome. And while it was a great shame I could only hang with you for half a day, I nonetheless had a wonderful time and I am really happy I got to meet you and your friends.

what makes you happy?

do you believe in ghosts?

what's your mornin' routine?

do you ever sing?

do you ever dance?

I wouldn't expect you to claim that you know, but what are your ideas as to why we were put on this earth?

do you believe that everyone has a true "soul mate?"

what kind of person would you say you are? if that makes sense.

why would the context of our conversation matter?

yasminspired wrote:

what makes you happy?

I'm not entirely sure, but it makes me happy to feel valued and to be assured that I've made some kind of impact or difference either to people's lives or to a particular situation. The times I remember being happiest was when I was surrounded by good groups of friends with whom I could spend time and among whom I felt like I belonged.

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do you believe in ghosts?

As in the spirits of people who have passed on and linger behind on earth? No. But at the same time, I don't think sightings and reports of ghostly goings on and apparitions should be necessarily dismissed as complete nonsense. But in the traditional sense of what ghosts are believed to be, I don't believe in them.

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what's your mornin' routine?

On a good day, after I have taken care of my morning business, I will spend some amount of time in prayer, get dressed, and then prepare some kind of breakast - usually bread or cereal. On a really good day, I will then prepare a cup of Fair Trade black coffee (The proper kind, not instant crap) and drink it in the living room while gazing out the window. I do this alone, in silence. I will then leave the house and spend approximately half an hour walking into Manchester city centre to my place of work. I could take the bus if I wanted to, but I really value the half hour walk as a time of reflection and contemplation.

On bad days, the prayers and coffee get skipped out.

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do you ever sing?

When it's appropriate.

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do you ever dance?

Sometimes, but I look like an idiot.

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I wouldn't expect you to claim that you know, but what are your ideas as to why we were put on this earth?

Because we were loved, and so that we would have the chance to respond to that love and express it amongst ourselves.

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do you believe that everyone has a true "soul mate?"

No.

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what kind of person would you say you are? if that makes sense.

Generally a jerk, an idiot, and a simpleton who occasionally tries to do the right thing and be a nice guy, but who mostly sucks at it.

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why would the context of our conversation matter?

Not necessarily the context of the conversation, but the context within which we have one. For example, you may not necessarily be in the mood to talk to me (or anyone) in any given moment, but then other times you might feel differently. That's why when you said "we should have a conversation!" I asked if context matters

HAHAHA....... adam dancing. HAHAHAHA. oops..sorry.

and friend...on bad days is when we need prayer the MOST, but i know what your sayin.

your NOT a jerk, NOR an idiot, so stop putting yourself down. you DO succeed at being nice.
you've gotta stop selling yourself short. i don't see a wonderful person "in there" for
nothin, ya know. wouldn't see it if it wasn't there.



do you like any particular plants or flowers?

would you ever like to visit ancient pyramids?

do you feel better when it's ?

do you ever if so, why?

fairydust wrote:

do you like any particular plants or flowers?

Not especially, but mostly because I find all kinds of plant life to be beautiful, especially trees and grass. But flowers are great too.

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would you ever like to visit ancient pyramids?

Maybe someday I do have other priorities for overseas visits in my head, but seeing more of the world's wonders would be nice.

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do you feel better when it's ?

No, I'm an oddity. I prefer grey skies, and also light rain. Grey skies make me really happy

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do you ever if so, why?

Not often. It usually takes something big, or some kind of crisis.

Does my singing make your eyes hurt? Be honest.

Shadowmancer Returns wrote:

john wrote:

remember when we saw the most amazing concert ever?

It was awesome. And while it was a great shame I could only hang with you for half a day, I nonetheless had a wonderful time and I am really happy I got to meet you and your friends.

Do you remember how jealous I am?


Ok, let's see.


Calvinism?

How do you justify homosexuality biblically?

What would you do if you felt compelled to a life of singleness?

Would you ever leave society and spend life as a monk or hermit?

franky wrote:

Does my singing make your eyes hurt? Be honest.

No

High Voltage wrote:

Do you remember how jealous I am?

Yes, but then again, you are jealous of me in general. I cannot help how awesome I am.

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Calvinism?

My experiences with Calvinists so far have not tended to be the most pleasant, but one thing I do love about reformed theology is that it envisages God as being sovereign over all of human history, and in all of time and space. I would never undermine any Christian tradition since unity is important to me, but the few experiences I've had with reformed Christians and Calvinists is that their belief in predestination tends to make allowance for an arbitrary and tyrannical God who just saves and condemns whoever He sees fit without acknowledging the beauty of humanity's cooperation. I also find the doctrine of "total depravity" to be quite disgusting, and does nothing to affirm the Biblical concept that all people are made in the Image of God.

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How do you justify homosexuality biblically?

My first thought is "I don't." I simply do not find Christian arguments that homosexuality itself is condemnable and detestable in the eyes of God to be convincing. I explain some of this in the "manifesto" thread in debates, albeit fleetingly, but to me God's word has only ever been about liberation, not exclusion. Christians in times gone past have used scripture to justify many causes of exclusion, not least of all the crusades and the slave trade. That three verses in the Bible, every single one of them very obscure and translated into modern terms alien to the authors, should be used to condemn a significant proportion of earth's population is to be specious at very best. What I believe in is a standard of sexual responsibility which is clearly put forward by the Bible, which applies to all people.

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What would you do if you felt compelled to a life of singleness?

There doesn't seem to be much of a strategy point involved here... "Hmm, I feel compelled to singleness, what do I do next..."

I note that you didn't say total celibacy, though. I've often wondered why Catholic priests don't just get themselves castrated. Seems cruel to constantly have to deny a natural urge.

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Would you ever leave society and spend life as a monk or hermit?

I would consider it, but by no means for a lifelong commitment. If ever I were to become a monk or a hermit, it would be for a time of spiritual growth and reflection.

Shadowmancer Returns wrote:

franky wrote:

Does my singing make your eyes hurt? Be honest.

No

That's, like, the sweetest thing you've ever said to me. hehe.