From: mjmh@crsa.bu.edu (Michael J M Holmes)
Newsgroups: alt.callahans
Subject: Another introduction...
Date: 13 Nov 92 19:56:48 GMT
Organization: Boston University Center for Remote Sensing

It seems to be a typical night at Callahan's, everybody enjoying 
themselves in the usual ways, lots of friendly intimate
conversations, great music, and a few folx relaxing in the hot tub.

The door opens slightly, and a figure pops his head in.  A few of
the regulars notice the opening of the door, and glance in the
head's direction; but they return to their business - although
keeping a peripheral eye (or two, or more!) on the newcomer.

The door opens wider, and the figure steps all the way inside.
Before the door shuts, a few folx notice that the normally grey
fog outside has an almost burgundy tinge to it.

The stranger is a male, a little on the short side of average
height, casually dressed in purple jeans and a violet turtleneck.
He wears glasses, and has a beard and mustache.  He would be a 
relatively unassuming sort - except for the fact that his hair is 
a deep shade of royal purple, and all of the exposed skin on his
body is a darkish lavender.

He strolls up to the bar, and plunks down a purple one dollar bill.
Mike looks at it, and raises one eyebrow.  "Uhm, its okay, really.  
I've only had it for a day or two, so it should resort to its normal
color eventually."

Mike nods, and asks him what he'll have.

"I'd like a Grape Crush, please, oh, and made with Polish vodka
if you have it."

Mike nods again, and a moment later the deep red-purple drink is
slid across the bar.

The newcomer takes the drink, and walks over to the chalkline.
Many of the patrons are now shifting their attention his way,
curious, but not rude.

The stranger lifts his glass, and says "A toast... to the strength
that comes from diversity."
He drains his glass, and then smashes it into the fireplace.

He turns, noticing that he has everyone's attention.  He is 
obviously a little nervous at being the center of attention, but 
is not overly uncomfortable.

"Hmm, I'd like to introduce myself - but I've had so many names 
and nicknames, all of them appropriate to some degree, that I 
don't know which..."

He stops, shakes his head, and starts over.  "Might as well call 
me Slash Asterisk, or / *   -it's as good as any name for me, and 
better than some I've been called."

Slash smiles.  "I don't have any really stressful situation to 
deal with.  I noticed the warm atmosphere and the friendly company, 
and just wanted to stop by and say 'hello' to everyone.  I've been, 
well, eavesdropping on all of you, and enjoying your conversations.  
I figured it was about time I came in and introduced myself."

"My toast?  Well, I've noticed that some of the conversations have 
been getting a little heated, particularly in the 'God and Science' 
talks.  I realize I am a newcomer, but due to some of the people 
and experiences in my life, I have an insight or two I'd like to 
share."

"Religion and philosophy are such personal things - even those in 
the same religion have various interpretations, or they live their 
religious beliefs in different ways, with different style.  Yet a 
religion or a philosophy can bring someone such positive feelings 
that they feel others should share in it.  A noble sentiment, but 
if overdone, becomes very unwelcome."

"Even so, I am a big believer in religious freedom, and freedom of 
speech.  But I can also empathize with Speaker-to-Minerals.  After 
many years of thought, research, reading, thinking, experiencing, 
sharing - I made the very difficult decision to leave the Catholic 
Church.  Soon after that, I abandoned any Christian belief
system as well.  For a few years I was an atheist.  Now, although 
not a 'theist,' I have become very excited about the philosophy 
behind Buddhist teachings.  It is now the closest thing to a 
'philosophy of life' for me."

"The problem?  My family is VERY Roman Catholic.  Except for my 
younger brother, who is a born-again fundamentalist evangelical 
Christian.  For the past three years, ever since he was 'saved,' 
our relationship has gone from friendly to antagonistic.  I found 
it *very* difficult to support his religious choices when I was 
constantly told that I was going to Hell, that I had turned
my back on Jesus who died for me, that reincarnation was a 'silly, 
immature' idea, and that my choices were simply pride and 
stubbornness."

"Well, after a few months of this, I was so upset that even the 
word 'Jesus' sparked a negative response from me.  Due to 
perceived intolerance from my brother, I in turn became rather 
intolerant of Christianity and Christians in
general.  Unfortunately, it is an all too human response."

"My brother and I have had some recent 'heart-to-heart' talks, 
in the interest of coming to some common understanding.  (I 
had been avoiding some family occasions in order to prevent 
conflicts).  He has a more open attitude, and has certainly 
become more understanding of different viewpoints.
But that understanding, and our rapport, only came with an 
'agreement to disagree.'  He has even apologized for earlier 
statements, attributing them to overzealousness and a lack 
of empathy."

"So I can understand why Speaker is so distraught, having felt 
similarly attacked or offended.  But I have gained some insight 
into my brother's beliefs, so *I* can understand better why he 
behaved the way he did.  Neither of us will 'convert' the other, 
but we can now enjoy each other's company again, and enjoy 
conversations about other topics.  He has also agreed not to 
belittle my beliefs, and, at least when I am around, will not 
make any pronouncements about how non-Christians
haven't gotten the point, or are going to hell, or any other 
'I'm right and you're wrong' type of conversation."

"In the end, I believe this is an issue that individuals must 
deal with individually - I won't know for sure what happens when 
I die, until I die!  And two people with strong but differing 
beliefs can interact productively - as long as there is mutual 
respect.  So, I just ask for a little understanding and acceptance 
of differences and diversity - if we all believed the same thing, 
what a boring Place this would be!"

"Anyway, thanks for listening to my babble, and thanks for letting 
me enjoy your company!"

With that, / * realizes he's on some soapboxes, jumps down,
heads back to the bar, hands over another purple bill, and asks
Mike to make him another Grape Crush.

-- 
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Mike Holmes       mjmh@crsa.bu.edu           "Happiness Will Prevail!"
Boston University Department of Geography (a truly GREAT place to work!)
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Newsgroups: alt.callahans