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[onlyconnect_83]

Things with Joel are going pretty well since we reconciled. On Saturday afternoon after work, he brought to me the idea that one way we could restore our connection is to go on more actual dates. We never really dated, per se -- we did things together, sure, but they never had much of a "date" feel. Lately most of our time together has consisted of

Comments

[rotting_orange]

Interesting point about Mary's situation. I believe, though I could be wrong, that in Medieval times virginity could be reclaimed in such ways legally, so I wonder if that was around in the ancient world as well.

I don't remember a lot about the writers/redactors of the New Testament books but it's quite probable that with their emphasis or de-emphasis of the "helping the poor" stuff they were addressing the current events/issues of *their* times as well. And with the area of Palestine being a Roman colony at the time I wonder how much *their* caste views affected things as well...

[onlyconnect_83]

I think I've heard similar things as well about the Middle Ages. Attitudes about virginity/purity/rape in the ancient world would probably be a fascinating research topic.

Yeah, I definitely think that many modern Christians are foolish and ignorant when they fail to keep the Bible's words in context with the time(s) and place(s) it was written. I believe that much of it is still relevant to today, but we need to keep in mind that its authors/editors knew nothing of our world.

If you don't mind me asking, what are your religious beliefs? I think I read in your journal that you're a Christian...I'm just curious about other peoples' thoughts/feelings on the Bible and Christianity, whether they're believers or not.

[rotting_orange]

I'm not Christian of any variety at the moment, though I was baptized and raised Eastern Orthodox Christian (which some refer to as a variety of Catholicism) and also taken to Jewish services until I was a teen but not Bat Mitzvahed (Jewish confirmation). I attempted to be Catholic for about 3 months at the beginning of this year. I've also done a decent bit of reading on the Bible in historical context. The closest approximation at the moment would be agnostic Pagan with Buddhist tendencies.

[onlyconnect_83]

I've also done a decent bit of reading on the Bible in historical context. The closest approximation at the moment would be agnostic Pagan with Buddhist tendencies.

Both of those statements are also very true for me. What you said about how you identify spiritually is pretty much exactly how I identified for years...the Jesus stuff is a very recent development for me, although I always thought that Jesus was cooler than Christianity.

Just out of curiosity, what made you decide to attempt Catholicism, and what led to your quitting it? Sorry about all the questions -- like I said, I'm honestly just curious about others' spiritual journeys!

[iamashamed]

Happy about you and Joel. the date things sound like a wonderful idea. yay for it going well:)

2. I love catching up with old friends, it's fun to see how much have changed and how much the other have grown.

[onlyconnect_83]

Thanks, sweetie! I have to say though, I've started to feel a little nervous about it...I'm worried that he doesn't want to continue our just relaxed, laying-in-bed-watching-movies time that we had so often before. While it's true that that had become almost all we did, which wasn't good, I don't want to lose that "down time" completely. Part of me is worried is that he's actually pushing me away, like Sam did at the end of our relationship. Sigh. Maybe I'm being paranoid, I don't know. I guess I'll have to talk to him about it.

That's definitely true! Recently I've had opportunities to both catch up with old friends and make new ones...it's great. :D

[girlcameralife]

I think going on dates is a great idea! In fact, my parents go on a date every Wednesday, and they've been married for 35+ years! I think doing something "special" always helps you remember what you have and be grateful for it.

That also made me think of my relationships... I'm not sure I've ever really DATED someone, besides an initial first date. We get friendly/comfortable with each other and start just "hanging out." I think in my next relationship I should try to just date and keep some boundaries in regards to hanging out at our homes until we're serious.

[onlyconnect_83]

Yeah, I also know married people who always have a "date night." I agree, it IS good to keep that aspect of the relationship going, no matter how comfortable you get with the person.

Nod, it's really easy to hang out with your significant other in your home too much...especially if you're physically intimate and staying the night a lot.

As always, thanks for the comment, Allison...and good luck to you in your future dating life! <3

[nikkidemon]

I love Thich Nhat Hanh, I’ve read many of his books, love his writing and his teachings. I find his words very calming, and inspiring. I have not read that book though.