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Fendon from NZ
January 8, 2015 at 3:33 am
Hey everyone!
As is general procedure with this sort of thing, I thought I'd pop in here to introduce myself. My name is Daniel, although my go-to name on forums and general online activity is Fendon. Gives me a bit of anonymity, when I need it.
I'm a 17 year-old Atheist in New Zealand who is just about to go to University next year.
I like to think of myself as a bit of an activist when it comes to Atheism. It's a recent development for me and was the first real independent choice I made for myself. I grew up with my Dad who used to be a Church Minister and so Christianity was somewhat forced on me as a child. I always remember being somewhat disconnected from religion and even from a young age, I doubted it.
My Dad is actually really cool about the whole thing. We've had amazing discussions about it and it's great to see that he's really tolerant.
The biggest problem I've had with my Atheism is with my relationship with my girlfriend, who is Christian. Nothing wrong with the relationship, we're practically perfect for each other. However, we have recently had her Church tell her that she couldn't be with me because I was an Atheist, which was a big wake-up call for the both of us. I guess the worst part of that entire scenario was that I had no way of defending myself. I had no group that truly relates to me. Hence why I'm here.
You'll find me in various corners of the internet. My Atheist discussions usually take place under the name of AnonymousDan. Looking forward to meeting you all.
Fendon
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RE: Fendon from NZ
January 8, 2015 at 3:47 am
Welcome from Portugal, Fendon.
I find it amazing that people from a church would tell one of its members who they can't love...
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RE: Fendon from NZ
January 8, 2015 at 3:58 am
Welcome to the forums Fendon, and thanks for sharing your story. I'm Lucanus from Italy, and I'm a student at the local university. Very pleased to meet you! You have any idea on what to study?
Religion and girlfriends don't always mix up well imo, my girlfriend for instance is a lukewarm Catholic, and even though I am a dick at times and I joke about silly Catholic dogmas (but come on, how the fuck did Mary's hymen remain intact after she gave birth), we never seriously discuss it. Your case of course is a whole lot different, but be sure that for better or for worse you'll find out what kind of person she really is. Would you really like to stay with someone who's so easily swayed by her preacher?
Yet, from what you wrote, I get a sense she will not be manipulated that much by her religion, and I certainly hope so for you. Best of luck mate 
"Every luxury has a deep price. Every indulgence, a cosmic cost. Each fiber of pleasure you experience causes equivalent pain somewhere else. This is the first law of emodynamics [sic]. Joy can be neither created nor destroyed. The balance of happiness is constant.
Fact: Every time you eat a bite of cake, someone gets horsewhipped.
Facter: Every time two people kiss, an orphanage collapses.
Factest: Every time a baby is born, an innocent animal is severely mocked for its physical appearance. Don't be a pleasure hog. Your every smile is a dagger. Happiness is murder.
Vote "yes" on Proposition 1321. Think of some kids. Some kids."
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RE: Fendon from NZ
January 8, 2015 at 4:00 am
(This post was last modified: January 8, 2015 at 4:03 am by Fendon.)
(January 8, 2015 at 3:47 am)pocaracas Wrote: Welcome from Portugal, Fendon.
I find it amazing that people from a church would tell one of its members who they can't love...
So do we. It was a defining moment for her, but we do laugh about it nowadays.
Thanks for the welcome 
(January 8, 2015 at 3:58 am)Lucanus Wrote: Welcome to the forums Fendon, and thanks for sharing your story. I'm Lucanus from Italy, and I'm a student at the local university. Very pleased to meet you! You have any idea on what to study?
Religion and girlfriends don't always mix up well imo, my girlfriend for instance is a lukewarm Catholic, and even though I am a dick at times and I joke about silly Catholic dogmas (but come on, how the fuck did Mary's hymen remain intact after she gave birth), we never seriously discuss it. Your case of course is a whole lot different, but be sure that for better or for worse you'll find out what kind of person she really is. Would you really like to stay with someone who's so easily swayed by her preacher?
Yet, from what you wrote, I get a sense she will not be manipulated that much by her religion, and I certainly hope so for you. Best of luck mate
Thanks man.
I will be studying law and Criminology.
She was certainly confused by the whole experience, but she most definitely wasn't swayed by her church community. She's independent in how she views her religion, now. She kind of forges her own path, which is great. She's not afraid to challenge traditional values and that's essentially what kept us together.
Thanks for the welcome.
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RE: Fendon from NZ
January 8, 2015 at 4:19 am
You're... welcome. 
I'd never study law, but criminology sounds cool as heck. Good luck with that, too
Now just hang on a sec, there's some shoddy time zone business right here, but I guess Losty'll come in with the biscuits any time now.
"Every luxury has a deep price. Every indulgence, a cosmic cost. Each fiber of pleasure you experience causes equivalent pain somewhere else. This is the first law of emodynamics [sic]. Joy can be neither created nor destroyed. The balance of happiness is constant.
Fact: Every time you eat a bite of cake, someone gets horsewhipped.
Facter: Every time two people kiss, an orphanage collapses.
Factest: Every time a baby is born, an innocent animal is severely mocked for its physical appearance. Don't be a pleasure hog. Your every smile is a dagger. Happiness is murder.
Vote "yes" on Proposition 1321. Think of some kids. Some kids."
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RE: Fendon from NZ
January 8, 2015 at 7:16 am
Hey Fendon, welcome to the forum
Law and criminology are both very interesting subjects to study
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RE: Fendon from NZ
January 8, 2015 at 7:32 pm
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RE: Fendon from NZ
January 8, 2015 at 7:36 pm
Hello, Fendon.
If she pays attention to those church assholes you'll know where you stand.
Welcome aboard.
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RE: Fendon from NZ
January 8, 2015 at 7:47 pm
Welcome, Fendon
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RE: Fendon from NZ
January 8, 2015 at 9:20 pm
"The Universe is run by the complex interweaving of three elements: energy, matter, and enlightened self-interest." G'Kar-B5
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