prisonchaplain

This former high school debater did not know that. In that case, I'd choose #3. It just seems unlikely someone could pick up an instrument for the first time and be able to play a hymn (much less Chopsticks).

#2 is either the lie or was mistyped, because high schools do not have National Football League teams.

I've met some awesome clergy of other faiths, as well. My interactions with a United Church of Christ (very liberal) minister, with an Orthodox rabbi, with a Sunni Muslim imam, and with a Buddhist monk have all been fascinating. Of course, like @Traveler, I believe these men would be even more compelling if they had the abiding presence of Christ within them. That said, I've also seen forms of Christianity that sucked the life out of people. One friend of my older brother's became a Christian, and he seemed to be almost running on auto-pilot. His humor was gone, his perspectives calcified, and sadly, I doubt many would have been compelled by his changes. Yes, he behaved better. However, our faith should make us more alive, not less. It should bring out the positive aspects of our individual personalities, not suppress them. So, while there is not doubt that wealthy, celebrity preachers suffer from some flaws (we can discuss the errors without condemning the persons, imho), I suspect that they often provide desperately needed positivity to those who have become downcast, despite their faith.

So … @Still_Small_Voice won, but … I had this picture in my mind of him swinging his theological sword about, as he fended off scores of Bible-belters , and instead he was snoozing.

Oh, definitely not. I wouldn't do it they way they do, teach it the way they teach, or steer the church in the directions they tend to go. On the other hand, I've learned that some are gleaning blessing from them. I suspect that there are quite a few unrighteous souls that manage to be used by God ...

#2 is the lie. #1 & #3 are interesting, and suggest vibrance. #2 is just too boring for @Still_Small_Voice.

Seonjiguk … so rich in iron!

Does the fact that the blood was coagulated (thus the purple tofu reference) help?

It was blood soup--considered mountain food. I had it at a restaurant up on Apsan (Taegu).

I never did. My guess is that was pre-1987, because I'll never forget the purple tofu soup (rich in iron, if a hint is needed). Also: CORRECTION: There is no such thing as kimchee pacheon. It's just kimchee-cheon. Apparently, pacheon must have seafood mixed into the dough.

I distinguish between "prosperity preachers"--the get rich through God quickly folk--and the hugely successful God-is-always-positive ones. Again, the latter might not be good as a long, steady theological diet, but they usually stick to simple truths and can offer up some much needed short-term spiritual sunshine to folks that are in dark, difficult and lonely places.

I'll admit I was funnin' a bit. Kimchee quiche would probably be delicious. However, kimchee pacheon, fried in oil as it is, wins, imho.

In some circles of Christianity criticizing big-name TV preachers seems to be an art form. I've seen some depict these celebrity as anti-Christs, false prophets, only-about-the-$$$, etc. BTW, do some of these criticisms sound familiar? The realization that most of these folk serve a godly purpose hit me awhile back. An inmate asked me what I thought about Joel Osteen. I paused--always a wise move when asked a question that seems to have more to it--and responded with, "Why do you ask? What are your thoughts?" The answer? "Oh, I love his teaching. I was so discouraged, and reading that God wants me to have my best life now helped me realized that the LORD never intended me to wallow in misery." Amen. In reality, I suspect that most who tune in to ministers, like Rev. Olsteen, are not weekly parishioners who get all their wisdom from him. Rather, they are believers in God, sometimes church-goers, who need an uplifting word. They're starving for God's smile and a sense of His peace and presence. I might not recommend their churches as places to grow and flourish. However, a sermon or book from such folk can often help us to see the Heavenly Father who truly desires our blessing and wellness. Thoughts?

I'm actually suffering from @pam envy right now.

F

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BINGO! There are such programs, but I suppose the give away was the "highly-capable" part. :::sigh::: You're up @Suzie

Well, I didn't get one...but yeah, my friend did. Rode the church van for 4 years--then another church family agreed to give me a ride.

Hmmm… and soft, squishy egg...it may rise to the level of okay, but the kimchee and the eggs seem to be in opposition. Now, if you want to sprinkle in some bacon on the fried, crispy version, by all means!

Yeah...I think my wording was not clear, but I guessed right on the 2nd try. So, he did hit you in the face with the ball... Okay... #1. I became a Christian because my older childhood friend invited me to church so he could get a candy bar. #2. I completed my Master of Divinity straight out of high school. The seminary had a program that allowed highly capable and motivated students to earn both a BA and an M.Div. in 5-years. #3. I lived in Korea for almost 7 years, but did not start dating my now-wife until the last year.

Okay, this may be a total bust, but I'm sticking with my logic. He hits you in the face with a soccer ball and then (perhaps a few months/years later) asks you out. The six days might not have been so horrible, after all. [If it is #3, he's all that, and I must repent to my wife tonight...]

@Carborendum, here's how it should look:

@Jane_Doe, I'll guess #2, only because the first and last have that "No matter what, love wins" vibe.

Then it wouldn't really be quiche, would it? It would be flatter, like a pancake, and fried in generous amounts of oil. So, yeah...it would be good...but it wouldn't be quiche.