Deano, why does it matter to you so much what other peoples beliefs are ?
Can't you find it within your Christian self to accept others as individuals.
Why do we have to follow your "conformist " views?
It also goes against the grain of Chinese culture/tradition, because Vatican based religion is not an indigenous religion in China, and very much an introduced set of religeous protocals...
Most of us here are pretty accepting of people, but not at the moment religion is raised as a basis of social acceptance. Hence why you need the security of your flock. Sheep ?
I also only see you mentioning your religeous beliefs upon others, at the clear ignorance of their God, that their religion isn't true, only yours is.
I don't see Hindu's, Buddhists, Muslims etc behaving in this way on the GEO forums, they seem to be quiet secure within themselves not to feel obsessed about their beliefs in mainstream Hong Kong society.
I've met quiet a few fellow expats from various countries, who believe in a great many things, i enjoy learning about them as people, but as soon as the topic becomes "but my god "is the only true god, you can get stuffed.
Why do you find it so difficult to just except people for what/who they are, and leave your personal choice of religion as a "personal" faith/interest ?..
Nobody minds what you do in your spare time, providing it doesn't hurt any body/thing, Dean.
I'll be honest, that i find Christian and majority of the Anglo popular religions least appealing. I find the Asian versions of religion the most interesting, colourful and landscape spiritual, ie Taoism, buddhism, I have always enjoyed visiting various religious temples dotted around Asia, as a result.
I've even made it to the far reaches of Wu Tai Shen ( 5 mountains ) 7 hours car drive from Beijing during the peak of winter, climbed 1008 hand carved stone mountain steps, visited a Ming Dynasty circa temple and probably one of the most important temples in China among the locals. Louwai's rarely ever visit this place as its not on the typical "tourist agenda" . i was taken there by a friend who prayed there every year, once to make a wish, and once to thank the Buddha. I loved the whole experience, it trully was beautiful, located in a place that time stood still, set amongst snow capped mountains with a pristine tree lined river running through the middle of the Ming Dynsaty town, with no neon signs, no McD's, no western influence or development at all.
Because I am an athiest, it allows me to enjoy all religions for what they are architectually, without bias for one another.
Anyway Dean, nothing we are going to say is going to change your very active religeous modus operandi.
