I wanted to do some work on my independent study in the student union today. I found a table and sat down. Shortly after pulling out my notebook, two guys come up and ask to have a few minutes of my time. (Uh oh). They ask something about how I feel towards Christianity. I explain it's not for me. More questions- what do I believe about god? A possible creator. That's it. May or may not exist. Then comes the question of morality- where does morality fall in to place. It's up to humanity to find it- to set certain boundaries that respects one another. Yadda yadda yadda. This goes on for more than 15 minutes. It's taking up more time than I'd like. He asked a very complicated question- does everyone have to be perfect in order to achieve a society where everyone contributes... eh, something like that (I have a bad memory). That seemed like a great time to just remind him I have work to do. He/they (there was a second guy, too- but he didn't talk much) kindly understood and left (even though I'm sure it looked like I was backing out of the question- eh). The weirdest part is that they never said what organization they were with- if any. They merely said they were trying to get students' opinions, as if taking some kind of poll. I thought that was odd. Usually religious individuals who confront the public about their beliefs have some kind of motive, or so it seems often.

Irene Garrett left the Amish community by way of excommunication. Because of this status, other Amish folk don't really want to do anything with her--- including have her as a customer of a grocery store. The owner/s refused service to her. Apparently, they did so in an embarassing fashion. There's now a case pending to determine if it's discrimination or religious freedom. Discrimination because Irene Garrett was refused service (at a grocery/thrift store)... but the Amish have very strict rules about not dealing with those who have been excommunicated.

Articles
Auburn Pub
AP Wire at Kentucky.com

(crossposted- alternaland and aberwak)

I just pre-ordered Civilization 4 at EB Games (free shipping if you pick it up in-store!). I was originally planning on waiting to buy Civ 4, but there is a special "Pre-order Edition" (which includes a CD-soundtrack, a spiral-bound manual instead of the usual-type, tech tree, and keyboard laytout. It's all pretty trivial, but it does come in a special box. More importantly, it doesn't cost any extra.).

In my city's newspaper, people have been calling in to the "Sound off!" section saying that if anyone's offended by the city logo (with the crosses on it), they should move. I think that is completely ridiculous. Most people in the city probably agree that the crosses on the logo aren't religious- but rather, put on for a historical context (not to mention the name of the city means "the croses"). I do see, however, that having three crosses could potentially be seen as a religious act. I think those who are [considering] taking the city to court over it have merit. I think it's great that instead of just being offended, they're doing something they believe is right. They see a potential injustice and are trying to change that. Why should anyone live in a place they are offended by? They shouldn't. Should they move? I don't think that would solve anything. The potential injustice would still be around. I, therefore, applaud those individuals because they are standing up for their beliefs- even though I don't agree with them.

In my city, there are two "major" issues regarding religion and government:

Prayer at city counsel meetings

The city logo, which features three crosses

( Let there be religion. Or not. In government )