Sex, boys, rebellion.
All of these things are a natural cause for heated conversation.
Let's try a new one shall we.
Topic of the month: Lent.
Good? Bad? Not Christian? What is its purpose?
Aside from checking out the usual church websites that will describe it as a time of penitence, fasting, purification, growing closer to God, getting into the proper frame of mind to celebrate Easter, getting ready to join the church, etc... check this out.
www.realtruth.org
I don't like their opinion. I happen to like Lent. I have written a great deal of material as a result of fasting and praying and think that I should do it more often as a method of devotional. It's been a productive couple of weeks and I don't think God really cares why other people throughout history have fasted for 40 days. Then again, I also like hunting for chocolate eggs, decorating the Christmas tree, getting drunk on Canada day, having fights with roman candles on Halloween while dressed as a cat, or any other secular holiday. I think we can use just about any established tradition and look for a reason to gain spiritual instruction. Christmas involves giving gifts. Cool. I'll teach my kids the importance of charitable giving. Lent involves fasting and prayer, as well as contemplation of the resurrection of Christ. Nothing wrong with these things on their own, so why are people opposed to them happening 40 days before Easter?
I gave up sex, boys, and rebellion
(actually, I just gave up liquor and a couple other vices kinda disappeared as well. Who knew?)