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March 10th, 2014 at 4:11:09 PM permalink
What do you guys do when Jehova's Witnesses come calling? Insult them? Kick them out? Sic the dogs on them? Once a year they make the trek up the very long driveway to my main residence. When they do I treat them cordially and politely just as I would anyone else. They have always been very nice even after I make it clear that I'm not interested.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
pew
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March 10th, 2014 at 4:14:40 PM permalink
Quote: Nareed

How?

I treat the claim of a deity the same way I treat claims of astrology, phrenology, numerology, etc. I require evidence for such claims. If any is available, the evidence can be reviewed and assesed.



There are faith-based ideologies with practices approaching religious conventions, complete with dogma, ritual, sins, penance, indulgences, etc. Politics is rife with it. But calling it an atheistic religion misses the point. Religious people may not adhere to a faith or church, but they're not atheists.

I'm sorry I may have misunderstood your question. Atheism is religious in nature because it's a world view and a belief (that our existence doesn't depend on God). Both are religious in nature.
pew
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March 10th, 2014 at 4:15:59 PM permalink
Quote: 1BB

What do you guys do when Jehova's Witnesses come calling? Insult them? Kick them out? Sic the dogs on them? Once a year they make the trek up the very long driveway to my main residence. When they do I treat them cordially and politely just as I would anyone else. They have always been very nice even after I make it clear that I'm not interested.

Out of love tell them they are wrong.
Nareed
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March 10th, 2014 at 5:11:01 PM permalink
Quote: pew

I'm sorry I may have misunderstood your question. Atheism is religious in nature because it's a world view and a belief (that our existence doesn't depend on God). Both are religious in nature.



Not most of the atheists I know (and as you might guess, I know several). For most of us it's not a belief but a conclusion. It's also not a world view. religion provides a world-view, yes, but so does philosophy.

In fact, religion is best understood as a philosophical system, complete with metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and politics. So, while there are different philosophical system not dependent on any deity, atheistic if you wish, these are not religion.

Science, BTW, is a tool, not a philosophy. When people speak of pitting science against religion it's as though they were thinking of race between a car and computer.
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pew
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March 10th, 2014 at 6:52:41 PM permalink
Quote: Nareed

Not most of the atheists I know (and as you might guess, I know several). For most of us it's not a belief but a conclusion. It's also not a world view. religion provides a world-view, yes, but so does philosophy.

In fact, religion is best understood as a philosophical system, complete with metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and politics. So, while there are different philosophical system not dependent on any deity, atheistic if you wish, these are not religion.

Science, BTW, is a tool, not a philosophy. When people speak of pitting science against religion it's as though they were thinking of race between a car and computer.

I think your definition of religion illustrates exactly my point about atheism being religious. You're welcome to use another word but a rose is a rose. Science is the same for believers and non believers. Water boils at 212- F. at sea level for everyone whether God exists or not. Are you saying you don't have a world view because you are an atheist?
Nareed
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March 10th, 2014 at 7:33:32 PM permalink
Quote: pew

I think your definition of religion illustrates exactly my point about atheism being religious.



You're starting to sound like an Orthodox Jew who thinks all words mean God.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
s2dbaker
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March 10th, 2014 at 7:51:05 PM permalink
Quote: 1BB

What do you guys do when Jehova's Witnesses come calling? Insult them? Kick them out? Sic the dogs on them? Once a year they make the trek up the very long driveway to my main residence. When they do I treat them cordially and politely just as I would anyone else. They have always been very nice even after I make it clear that I'm not interested.

I convert them to Atheism.
Someday, joor goin' to see the name of Googie Gomez in lights and joor goin' to say to joorself, "Was that her?" and then joor goin' to answer to joorself, "That was her!" But you know somethin' mister? I was always her yuss nobody knows it! - Googie Gomez
Mosca
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March 10th, 2014 at 7:51:38 PM permalink
Quote: pew

Atheism is religious in nature...



No it isn't. Discussing it might make it seem to be, but in real living it is not an issue at all... just like religion is not a part of the life of most Christians. Atheists pretty much go about life like everyone else, except we don't go to church. Atheism is the absence of religion, without doctrines, without tenets.
A falling knife has no handle.
gpac1377
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March 10th, 2014 at 7:56:47 PM permalink
Quote: Nareed

You're starting to sound like an Orthodox Jew who thinks all words mean God.


I'll give some background for those who are curious. Pew's second post on the site was in the "There Is No God" thread:

Quote: pew

I would like to end this discussion once and for all. It's quite simple. God is an actuality. (you can quote me on that)


Several weeks later, he posted this:

https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/religion/7360-there-is-no-god/91/#post247327

He was challenged over the next several days, most notably by Face. Here's an example:

Quote: Face

The above is one of two things. Either 1) an atheist sockpuppet purposely trying to make the religious look absurd, or 2) a theist that singlehandedly defines my biggest issue with certain religious persons - close minded arrogance


Basically, pew argues that the scientific consensus is wrong on a variety of issues.

Bottom line: God exists. Oh, and atheism is a religion.
"Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 feet per second, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter."
EvenBob
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March 10th, 2014 at 8:53:21 PM permalink
Quote: 1BB

What do you guys do when Jehova's Witnesses come calling? .



I had a friend who's wife was sucked into
JW and it took her 8 years to get away
from them. They're a cult and run every
aspect of your life. He finally got sick
of it and told a JW friend of his wifes that
he really enjoyed the oral sex they had.
This is strictly against JW law and she
got 'shunned' for a month and he had
her deprogrammed and she never went
back.

It's like a drug, she still wants to go back
years later but knows it's deadly.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
Tanko
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March 11th, 2014 at 5:04:38 AM permalink
Quote: 1BB

What do you guys do when Jehova's Witnesses come calling?


I always greet them in a friendly manner, but I confront their beliefs.

One morning two Witnesses came by and we began a discussion. After a few more visits, one of them said to me "This (being a JW) is the only thing in my life that I have done right. I'm strong in my Faith. I couldn't even read before this. Now I can read and I have skills.

He explained that all of their printing, electrical work, plumbing, masonry and carpentry is done voluntarily by male and female members who are trained in these skills free of charge by the organization.

He also explained that they always maintain a good appearance and keep their homes and apartments spotless because they believe they are always in the Lord's presence and He is always present in their home.

A fellow I know owns a number of apartments. After years of dealing with problem tenants, he decided to call the local Kingdom Hall any time he needed a tenant.

No more problem tenants.

They're quiet, clean and they always pay the rent.
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March 11th, 2014 at 5:16:34 AM permalink
Quote: s2dbaker

I convert them to Atheism.



Love it! Now, who answers the door naked? Fess up, guys.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
Nareed
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March 11th, 2014 at 7:45:47 AM permalink
Quote: gpac1377

I'll give some background for those who are curious.



Thank you. That clears things up.

Quote:

Bottom line: God exists. Oh, and atheism is a religion.



And apaprently so is philosophy, science, and maybe a host of other thigns. I wasn't joking about Orthodox Jews. I once heard one of them explain a prayer, and about a quarter of the words in it, like palce, time, feeling, and others, were explained as meaning or standing for "God." I had to leave or burst out laughing.
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Wizard
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March 11th, 2014 at 8:52:49 AM permalink
Joke Time!

A Higgs Boson walks into church and the priest says, "We don't allow Higgs Bosons in here." The Higgs Boson replies, but without me, how can you have mass?
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
gpac1377
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March 11th, 2014 at 9:05:54 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Joke Time!


"How's your son doing? Has he found a job yet?"
"No, but he has taken up meditation."
"Oh good, at least he's not sitting around doing nothing."
"Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 feet per second, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter."
beachbumbabs
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March 11th, 2014 at 10:01:57 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Joke Time!



And the bartender looks up and says, "Hey, buddy! We don't serve faster-than-light neutrinos here!"


A neutrino walks into a bar....
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
pew
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March 11th, 2014 at 11:42:12 AM permalink
This thread is about celebrating religion not whether god exists. All religious views are welcome (I think), including atheism as evidenced by what seems a majority of the posts being from non-theists and thereby celebrating their beliefs. Whats the big deal?
FrGamble
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March 20th, 2014 at 8:30:19 PM permalink
This was really touching, even if you don't speak Italian you can get the gist of what they are discussing. At one point one of the judges asks her what she thinks the Vatican would think of her doing this and she responds that she is waiting for a telephone call from Pope Francis...awesome.

Religious Sister on The Voice
24Bingo
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March 20th, 2014 at 9:31:34 PM permalink
Quote: 1BB

Love it! Now, who answers the door naked? Fess up, guys.



Two words: "Megan's Law."

For which reason I always keep around an XL sundress to answer the door in.
The trick to poker is learning not to beat yourself up for your mistakes too much, and certainly not too little, but just the right amount.
treetopbuddy
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March 22nd, 2014 at 9:35:47 AM permalink
I took my 85 year old granddad, the Reverend Herschel Liechty a Presbyterian minister, to the dog track, once. After a few races he somehow realized that I was betting on the races. He was very upset with me……yeah granddad, we came to the track to watch dogs chase an artificial rabbit while running in a circle, I thought.…….I felt bad so we left. He later sent me a scathing letter pointing out the evils of gambling.

Maybe it was his age…I don't know. Apparently gambling was a big no-no. I loved him anyway.
Each day is better than the next
beachbumbabs
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March 22nd, 2014 at 9:56:27 AM permalink
Quote: FrGamble

This was really touching, even if you don't speak Italian you can get the gist of what they are discussing. At one point one of the judges asks her what she thinks the Vatican would think of her doing this and she responds that she is waiting for a telephone call from Pope Francis...awesome.

Religious Sister on The Voice



They seem to have taken down the Vatican link, so here's the youtube clip with subtitles available:

If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
treetopbuddy
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April 27th, 2014 at 8:17:51 PM permalink
Two Popes were canonized today. That must have hurt.
Each day is better than the next
AxelWolf
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April 27th, 2014 at 11:03:34 PM permalink
Quote: beachbumbabs


They seem to have taken down the Vatican link

And they should have it's blasphemy.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
FrGamble
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May 1st, 2014 at 7:58:32 AM permalink
Hey everybody I have been two busy to really post much at all here or at Diversity Tomorrow and that is part of the reason that I'm saying goodbye to the Wizard of Vegas Forum. At the same time I will continue to say hello and post over at DT. It's been over a year since I've gambled and its magic charm of figuring out the odds and strategy have waned. That along with my spiritual director helping me to see that gambling is maybe not the best hobby to be associated with a priest. It is not that gambling is inherently evil, it is not as the Catechism of the Church makes clear, but many people are hurt by an addiction to it (including some parishioners) and in solidarity with them I'd like to remove myself from a forum so directly attached to gambling. I thank God for the Wizard and for his other site Diversity Tomorrow because it gives me an opportunity to continue to discuss things like religion with a eclectic wonderful group of people such as yourselves. Thanks for everything and maybe I'll see you over at DT some time. God Bless!
Nareed
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May 1st, 2014 at 8:20:06 AM permalink
I won't comment on your personal choices, but I will say this: None of that frees you of the obligation to attend a WoVCon at least once.

Come on, lots of people here would love to meet you.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
FrGamble
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May 1st, 2014 at 9:34:47 AM permalink
I do plan on going to Vegas for a WoVCon next year. My powerlifting I think will bring me there and I would love to meet so many of the great people on this forum.
Wizard
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May 1st, 2014 at 9:38:19 AM permalink
Quote: FrGamble

Hey everybody I have been two busy to really post much at all here or at Diversity Tomorrow and that is part of the reason that I'm saying goodbye to the Wizard of Vegas Forum.



I understand completely and will continue to enjoy your posts at DT.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
Nareed
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May 1st, 2014 at 10:08:48 AM permalink
Quote: FrGamble

I do plan on going to Vegas for a WoVCon next year. My powerlifting I think will bring me there and I would love to meet so many of the great people on this forum.



Good. I will be starting weight exercises when I get home and will surely have questions for you then ;)

Seriously, I would love to meet you and am glad you plan on attending next year.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
AxelWolf
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May 3rd, 2014 at 3:13:25 AM permalink
Quote: FrGamble

That along with my spiritual director helping me to see that gambling is maybe not the best hobby to be associated with a priest.

Perhaps I should be a spiritual director, I had the same view. Personally, I say you should be able to gamble all you want. I just don't think God likes gambling and there is really only one reason to gamble, and that's to try to WIN money. I think in gods eyes money should be WORKED for only and only enough to take care of yourself and family -10%.

I wonder what your spiritual directors views are on whether or not god has humor ;)

Good luck or positive variance. Leading people towards god is much like gabeling, play enough hands (talk to enough people) and eventually you hit something. Once in a while you hit the jackpot and bring in a wale or save a life. Perhaps Godspeed is a better word.

it will certainly be a loss to the site when you go.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
AxelWolf
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May 3rd, 2014 at 3:13:25 AM permalink
edit...
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
chickenman
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May 3rd, 2014 at 6:03:33 AM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf



it will certainly be a loss to the site when you go.


Amen
AxelWolf
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May 3rd, 2014 at 7:09:28 AM permalink
Quote: FrGamble

Hey everybody I have been two busy to really post much at all here or at Diversity Tomorrow and that is part of the reason that I'm saying goodbye to the Wizard of Vegas Forum. At the same time I will continue to say hello and post over at DT. It's been over a year since I've gambled and its magic charm of figuring out the odds and strategy have waned. That along with my spiritual director helping me to see that gambling is maybe not the best hobby to be associated with a priest. It is not that gambling is inherently evil, it is not as the Catechism of the Church makes clear, but many people are hurt by an addiction to it (including some parishioners) and in solidarity with them I'd like to remove myself from a forum so directly attached to gambling. I thank God for the Wizard and for his other site Diversity Tomorrow because it gives me an opportunity to continue to discuss things like religion with a eclectic wonderful group of people such as yourselves. Thanks for everything and maybe I'll see you over at DT some time. God Bless!

Will you be asking The Wizard if can make an exception so you can change your handle?
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
1BB
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May 3rd, 2014 at 10:40:45 AM permalink
Quote: FrGamble

Hey everybody I have been two busy to really post much at all here or at Diversity Tomorrow and that is part of the reason that I'm saying goodbye to the Wizard of Vegas Forum. At the same time I will continue to say hello and post over at DT. It's been over a year since I've gambled and its magic charm of figuring out the odds and strategy have waned. That along with my spiritual director helping me to see that gambling is maybe not the best hobby to be associated with a priest. It is not that gambling is inherently evil, it is not as the Catechism of the Church makes clear, but many people are hurt by an addiction to it (including some parishioners) and in solidarity with them I'd like to remove myself from a forum so directly attached to gambling. I thank God for the Wizard and for his other site Diversity Tomorrow because it gives me an opportunity to continue to discuss things like religion with a eclectic wonderful group of people such as yourselves. Thanks for everything and maybe I'll see you over at DT some time. God Bless!



Darn it. I never got to ask what you thought of the Holy Roller blackjack team. Perhaps you can answer at DT for your 200th post.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
MrV
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May 3rd, 2014 at 10:42:36 AM permalink
I saw an example of "mission completed" by a couple of Mormon missionaries, in my neighborhood no less.

A lady who came here from China was arrested for allegedly throwing an apple at her husband; he is by report an abusive POS who lied his way out of an arrest and pinned it on her due to her limited ability to speak English; she was immediately ordered out of her home, lost her job due to the charge, was destitute, and lived initially in a shelter, stunned, depressed, and in abject misery.

A friend arranged temporary shelter in my neighborhood, at a kind-hearted soul's home; two Mormons came knocking on day, they talked to the Chinese lady, and now she is moving into the home of a Mormon lady.

She told me, in her halting English, that she is genuinely impressed with the kindness of the Mormon parishoners who approached her at church services and during her other contacts with them: that is the deciding factor.

She cares not a whit about the rather, ahem, "unusual" religious notions of the Mormons; for her it is all about how the people are so nice, and make her feel welcome and wanted.

Another successful missionary story.
"What, me worry?"
Buzzard
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May 3rd, 2014 at 11:15:37 AM permalink
All gambling is a sin. a special exception has been made by the Pope for BINGO
Shed not for her the bitter tear Nor give the heart to vain regret Tis but the casket that lies here, The gem that filled it Sparkles yet
Mosca
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May 3rd, 2014 at 1:00:27 PM permalink
Quote: MrV

I saw an example of "mission completed" by a couple of Mormon missionaries...



We can say all we want about their beliefs, but every single Mormon I've ever met has been very nice. Wonderful people.
A falling knife has no handle.
MrV
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May 3rd, 2014 at 3:17:57 PM permalink
I agree.

Good folk.

And hell, if it wasn't for the Mormons setting up a bank in town and lending to the wise guys when nobody else would, Las Vegas wouldn't be what it is today.

For that matter, neither would Steve Wynn.
"What, me worry?"
beachbumbabs
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May 4th, 2014 at 8:02:49 AM permalink
FrG,

You will be missed here. I think you should stay, but it's not up to me.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
FleaStiff
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May 4th, 2014 at 9:13:12 AM permalink
Quote: FrGamble

Hey everybody I have been two busy to really post much at all here or at Diversity Tomorrow and that is part of the reason that I'm saying goodbye to the Wizard of Vegas Forum. At the same time I will continue to say hello and post over at DT. It's been over a year since I've gambled and its magic charm of figuring out the odds and strategy have waned. That along with my spiritual director helping me to see that gambling is maybe not the best hobby to be associated with a priest. It is not that gambling is inherently evil, it is not as the Catechism of the Church makes clear, but many people are hurt by an addiction to it (including some parishioners) and in solidarity with them I'd like to remove myself from a forum so directly attached to gambling. I thank God for the Wizard and for his other site Diversity Tomorrow because it gives me an opportunity to continue to discuss things like religion with a eclectic wonderful group of people such as yourselves. Thanks for everything and maybe I'll see you over at DT some time. God Bless!



Well, you will certainly be missed. Often your posts are wrong (ie, differ from my views) but at least they are interesting and thought provoking and often well researched.

I do not think it wrong for a priest to have an interest in boxing or in firearms or anything else. If a church claims to be a welcoming institution then it should indeed welcome a priest who has an academic interest in calculating odds just as it would welcome a priest who specializes in the baking of breads or fruitcakes or a priest who has an interest in investments rather than just his vestments.

A priest who is successful at getting teenagers off the streets and out of the pool halls might be viewed by his church as successful, but he is more likely to achieve that success if he actually knows something about music, dancing and playing pool. If all a priest knows is how to read Latin and mumble lengthy sermons it is unlikely he will be viewed as successful. If he knows how to dance, how to box, how to shoot pool or how to shoot craps he will find those skills make him helpful to the church. A priest who walks into a pool hall will be respected and allowed to deliver a brief sermon, but a priest who walks into a pool hall and chalks up a cue stick will be allowed to deliver a more lengthy sermon and the pool players will actually listen to him when he does it, for they will respect not only the cloth but also his skill with a cue stick and will consider him to be a part of the real world rather than a part of something that is aloof and separate from real people.
FleaStiff
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May 4th, 2014 at 9:37:15 AM permalink
Quote: MrV

And hell, if it wasn't for the Mormons setting up a bank in town and lending to the wise guys when nobody else would, Las Vegas wouldn't be what it is today.

The Mormons played a role in financing Las Vegas but I think the mob simply preferred it that way, they didn't really need it that way.

The primary role of the Mormons in Las Vegas was their honesty. They did not gamble but could work in a casino. The mob loved having Mormons in the cashier's cage or at the dealers tables.

Alot of those well-endowed Blackjack dealers grew up in Salt Lake City where playing cards were referred to as The Devil's Portraits and not a single deck of cards was ever in their homes much less in their hands. Its a rather major transformation for a Mormon girl to go to Las Vegas where the focus in on cards, chips and cleavage. They are liked by the casinos because they generally cling to their values and therefore work diligently and don't steal chips.

Of course none of this means the US did not have to fight the Mormon wars or that the expedition that was led into the Mountain Meadows encampment was not led into a trap. When the settlers dressed the two youngest girls all in white and sent them out with a water pail, the Utah Territorial Militia (100 percent Mormon) not only opened fire on them but undoubtedly gut-shot them on purpose, rather than by accident. Having two young girls lying in the hot sun dying slowly as the settlers in the encampment grew more and more dehydrated in the hot sun does not give much credit to the Mormon church, nor does the slaughter that took place when the leader of the Territorial Militia later cried out "Do Your Duty!" and the Mormon Militiamen all shot the disarmed settlers they were escorting.
Mosca
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May 4th, 2014 at 10:25:48 AM permalink
Some of the best brewers in the world are holy men. And there's the church blackjack team.

See you over at DT, FrG.
A falling knife has no handle.
MrV
MrV
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May 4th, 2014 at 11:20:04 AM permalink
Quote: FleaStiff

The Mormons played a role in financing Las Vegas but I think the mob simply preferred it that way, they didn't really need it that way.



Interesting article: "The Big Secret."
"What, me worry?"
Face
Administrator
Face
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May 5th, 2014 at 7:34:37 AM permalink
Quote: FleaStiff

A priest who walks into a pool hall will be respected and allowed to deliver a brief sermon, but a priest who walks into a pool hall and chalks up a cue stick will be allowed to deliver a more lengthy sermon and the pool players will actually listen to him when he does it, for they will respect not only the cloth but also his skill with a cue stick and will consider him to be a part of the real world rather than a part of something that is aloof and separate from real people.



Not to pile on the guilt, but a big +1 to this.

I find religion to invade my space at times, and as an atheist, it's usually in one ear and out the other. Funerals drive me nuts because it's usually the same, dry, generic b.s. that has nothing to do with the person in the casket. But there are times when the words of God sound off even inside this heathen. 100% of the time, it's because of the personal connection. Take the invocation before a stock car race, for example. I've heard the random generic one from whatever holy man they've pulled off the street, and it's complete fluff. But grab the God-man that has a passion for the sport, and suddenly the words come alive. It's a totally different experience, because there's that connection.

Not trying to twist your arm, I'm just saying. If any of your brethren were to have to console a man with gambling issues, the man that knows gambling has the best chance of reaching him.

See you at DT.
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
reno
reno
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May 6th, 2014 at 8:16:46 AM permalink
Quote: FrGamble

That along with my spiritual director helping me to see that gambling is maybe not the best hobby to be associated with a priest. It is not that gambling is inherently evil, it is not as the Catechism of the Church makes clear, but many people are hurt by an addiction to it (including some parishioners) and in solidarity with them I'd like to remove myself from a forum so directly attached to gambling.



For the most part, this makes sense. Many lives & families are ruined by compulsive gambling, and even if your own gambling was responsible, I can see how you have an obligation to set an example to your parishners who were engaging in self-destructive behavior.

On the other hand, wine is served at Mass and many lives & families are ruined by alcoholism. So it's curious that gambling in moderation is frowned upon, but drinking in moderation isn't.
terapined
terapined
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May 6th, 2014 at 9:28:58 AM permalink
Quote: Face

. Funerals drive me nuts because it's usually the same, dry, generic b.s. that has nothing to do with the person in the casket. .



Funerals are for the living, not the dead.
I'm an athiest also but I really appreciated how the funerals helped me deal with the passing of both of my parents.
Buzzard
Buzzard
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May 6th, 2014 at 9:33:25 AM permalink
FR.Gamble now joins the ranks of those preaching to the choir. And us sinners are left to fend for ourselves. Whatever happened to Hate the sin , but love the sinner ? ? ?
Shed not for her the bitter tear Nor give the heart to vain regret Tis but the casket that lies here, The gem that filled it Sparkles yet
rudeboyoi
rudeboyoi
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June 28th, 2014 at 1:28:27 PM permalink
I just learned that the catholic church considers whales and beavers as fish so its okay to eat them for lent.
Buzzard
Buzzard
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June 28th, 2014 at 2:21:07 PM permalink
Quote: Buzzard

FR.Gamble now joins the ranks of those preaching to the choir. And us sinners are left to fend for ourselves. Whatever happened to Hate the sin , but love the sinner ? ? ?




The shepherd has abandoned his flock. Too many black sheep in here, I guess.
Shed not for her the bitter tear Nor give the heart to vain regret Tis but the casket that lies here, The gem that filled it Sparkles yet
CammieGalle
CammieGalle
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October 7th, 2014 at 12:04:44 AM permalink
Hello Gamble,
Read your event very shocking...
There are various miracles in religion from which we are not aware..
But some times the stories are true as it gives the exact image to your mind..
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