It starts and ends here - 19 days.

Me, wearing a tin hat.

Ok, I think it is about time I got this one out of the way. My religious beliefs are my own. They always have been and always will be. This will probably be the biggest cultural difference for me to deal with.

As far as I’m concerned no set of religious beliefs is any more plausible than any other. My belief that whilst I am communicating to the entire world via a box on my desk the force of gravity holds me fast to a spherical planet which is millions of years old and turns on it’s own axis whilst circling a massive ball of fire suspended in an ever expanding infinity, all held together by the forces of physics; is to some just as ridiculous as the thought of some supernatural entity creating a civilisation who’s sole purpose seems to be to worship the entity who created it, is to others. Both are derived from the need for answers that as human beings we all have the desire to find, and neither will ever provide these, or will at least (rather conveniently) wait until I’m dead to let me know.

left handed?

It is mind blowing to think that my all so important existence is less significant than a piece of dust in the whole scheme of life, the universe, and everything; and that in a universe which is millions of millions of years old the human race is just a blink. The question of “what was here before the universe?” is just as brain-busting as “what was here before God?” or “am I even here at all?” and it is up to us all to make our own minds up, be comfortable in our own beliefs, and respect those of others.

I have absolutely no issue with what people believe in, when it is an issue of belief. Blatantly refusing to acknowledge facts, and opinions based purely on ignorance gets me going though. It astounds me that some people choose not to recognise that many aspects of various religious beliefs which were forged thousands of years ago are now redundant, and in many cases stem from poorly translated and bastardised versions of ancient texts. It saddens me that so much conflict stems from one set of people believing that their unsubstantiated beliefs are superior to those of others.

 Although there are many religious opinions which I don’t agree with, I don’t feel that it is my place to “educate” those who do not share my beliefs, or belittle those who’s ideas are apparently less complex than mine (or on the face of things rather fucking stupid) because the fact that we’re even here is proof that anything goes! I don’t need to make a person agree with me in order to validate my beliefs, that’s my business. I do reserve the right to lay the smack down on anyone who feels the need to force their opinions on me though. Just be happy that in your own mind you're right and don't you worry the teensiest bit about me. One day we’ll find out who’s right, and that’s when can start the told-you-so's.

Anyway, the whole point of this post is that although I am moving from one Christian country to another, I’ll be experiencing a significant cultural change. I am sure my beliefs will infuriate some folk, and may also cause some people to form an opinion on me based purely on this.

let's go ride a horse

At least one Christian already hates me, as I am supposedly living in a dark land which is overrun by homosexuals, because when a business deal doesn't go down the way you want it it's because everyone is gay. Bravo Mr Robertson, bra-fucking-vo. As we say in Scotland, may your next shite be a hedgehog.

So this is sure to throw some barriers in my way at some point, which is fine, I made my decision.