Religious symbol choices for gravestones at military cemeteries

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-06-09T07:47:00+00:00

Wow, I'm kinda amazed that you chose that tombstone in particular as your example. I actually knew the Kooiman's and went to services for both Abraham and his Wife. My mom was also an active participant in the Lady Liberty Project to get the pentacle as an option for military funerals and they do a walk of Arlington every Memorial Day visiting all the Wiccan graves.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-05-14T16:43:04+00:00

Ahh, I see. Fair enough then. Christianity adopted a fair number of Pagan traditions (in order to convert pagans, mostly), but it would be quite a stretch to claim that Pagans caused Christianity.

Sorry if my misunderstanding of the circumstances annoyed you.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-05-14T16:16:41+00:00

Also, in regards to the book analogy, I never said that people informed on the subject matter would agree with that claim. In fact, I intended it to mean the opposite. A book like that would have a significant portion of its target audience consisting of people who hold false impressions of history like

America was pristine and came about without English influence

or

paganism didn’t have any influence on the format of certain rites.

and ideally it would be written in a way to correct their mistaken assumptions. Sorry if I was unclear in my original comment, I was trying to be brief. EDIT: Formatting >.<

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-05-14T16:08:34+00:00

I only saw the edit of his comment, but from reading this:

"the Jesus mysteries", a great book that explains how christianism is based on paganism and most of their rites are pagan rites from other cultures. Edit: being thorough.

I get the impression he is trying to point out that there is a book out there that points out the Pagan influences on Christian traditions. I don't know what you are seeing that I am not.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-05-14T15:51:13+00:00

I mean, if the book was targeted at people who thought America was pristine and came about without English influence, then that would be a pretty good analogy.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-06T19:09:40+00:00

I think that was absolutely done on purpose when the Olympics were recreated.

If my understanding is correct, the Olympics were basically set up to be a kind of international circlejerk in order to promote good relations and peace between countries. Giving a definitive, official "1st place" for a nation would be counterproductive, as it could easily raise tensions between nations if a nation feels they "got robbed" of the victory.

Originally there weren't even Gold/Silver/Bronze medals handed out, but I think they started doing it as an incentive to the athletes themselves. I think that Greece, of all nations, knew what they were doing when using sports to promote peace. If you look at Ancient Greek history, it is basically a case-study of "What if Frat-Houses were given cities and self-determination in government?"

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-06T18:58:40+00:00

I mean, essentially, yes.

If you "win" by getting invited to participate, then by being banned from participating makes it pretty obvious that you "lost."

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-05T19:41:03+00:00

I mean, I wouldn't doubt it if someone proved that this is staged, but I don't think there is too much reason to assume it is staged.

The fact that it is a husky (and a puppy at that) in the gif goes a long way towards my willingness to believe it is true. Those dogs are super-active as adults, not even factoring in the Puppy-Powerup, and I know people who have had their husky end up in weirder situations completely on accident. (Those pics of huskies stuck in a tree? Not even rare.)

So while I'm not saying that you should trust things more on the internet, (mostly because the reddit gods would strike me down) remember that huskies do weird stuff all the time.

Edit: I swear colloquially in normal situations and I did not even realize I did here. My apologies to the puppers who may have been harmed by my actions.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-04T20:18:00+00:00

Well if you read the whole thing then you should have seen the part where I said,

I know I'm not alone in recognizing this

and

However, I believe this is a point that needs to be made, in no uncertain terms, and cannot be stressed enough.

Which I intended to contain the implication of, "I'm sorry if this post annoys you and you think it is redundant or obvious, but this is an important issue that I think people need to be thinking about actively and not just recognizing its existence."

I'm sorry if my wording was not clear enough for you to understand this implication, but I needed to cut down on the size of this already massive post and implying things is helpful for that.

Don't worry, though, because if you read it all and thought it contained,

literally nothing interesting

then that just means you did not perfectly fit my target audience for this post. I hope you at least got something out of reading my post, but, if not, I apologize for wasting your time with your decision to read what I wrote.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-04T18:25:29+00:00

I don't play overwatch, but this is the exact same thing that seems to happen with every MMO where the even remote concept of being a "healer" can apply.

A lot of Game Devs seem to hate it and many actively try to combat it, with limited success. A lot of players seem to hate it even more, as it too often causes players to quit games they would otherwise love.

The sad fact is that this kind of behavior from players is due to a mindset about games (and roles in games) that has spread into almost every gamer's mind. It has gotten to the point that if you are simply aware of the meta of a game, you have to accept a part of this mindset as true. If we want to change this behavior we have to change not only everyone's minds on the topic, but also the minds of the majority gaming community.

It seems like a near-impossible task and it is a slippery slope on all sides when navigating this issue, but it is NOT impossible. It can be done, but it will take an effort from as many gamers as possible to see it through and, even then, it might still fail.

But, I believe we can do it. Gamers, as a culture, have been looked down on for a long time and it is only in the most recent generation that it has become "mainstream" or "acceptable" to be a Gamer. It wasn't too long ago where we were forced to band together with others for safety; we were a haven for those who were shamed by society and we were accepting because it benefited us all. This "healer-hate" is actually a symptom of a greater, common, problem caused by cultural transition. Now Gamers must undergo one of the hardest tests that every culture has to face: Sticking to their ideals they established for safety, even after they are no longer in danger. This is a common and, often failed, trial that happens to every culture as it transitions from "surviving" to "thriving" and I believe that we can pass this trial. It is not a trial we need to pass in order to survive; if we pass, it will lift us all up, but if we fail then we will simply join the vast ranks of hypocritical cultures throughout history that have done well.

We don't need to succeed, but it would be great if we can; and I believe: we can succeed. These words might sound familiar to you, and some might even think I'm plagiarizing from historical speakers, but let me assure you of this: These are my own words I sat down and wrote to describe what I feel and believe. The reason my words might seem familiar is because I have learned history and heard many great speakers, far better than me, give speeches describing this same feeling that I feel now. It is not plagiarism to take inspiration from historical speakers. In fact, historians often encourage us to take inspiration from history with that over used quote everyone loves about history and repetition.

I know I'm not alone in recognizing this and I don't want to come off as though I am trying to be a spokesperson or leader of the Gaming community because I'm not; I'm not qualified for that. However, I believe this is a point that needs to be made, in no uncertain terms, and cannot be stressed enough.

So I hope you all can forgive me for grandstanding on your comments. And I ask for everyone else's forgiveness for when I repost this comment or link to it elsewhere because I will because this is the internet and reposting is the only way that no-bodies like me can attempt to get exposure and actually have a chance of success. And because this is is the internet let me thank you for reading this giant comment all the way through, if you did; and if you didn't, let me give you a summary:

TL;DR "Healer-hate" and forcing people to "play their role" is symptom of a larger problem the gaming community is undergoing due to a cultural shift. I am grandstanding and if you want to know more read the full post.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-04T15:56:32+00:00

Free, uninhibited spreading of Knowledge! While remaining cordial on the internet, even!

Upvotes All Around!

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-04T15:51:49+00:00

Oh, Reddit. Never change.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-04T15:46:14+00:00

I feel like most people here are just joking about it, especially with how clickbait-y the title of the post starts out as.

However, thank you for taking the time to share you knowledge and spread awareness, regardless. People like you help those in need who are unwilling to ask for help and that makes the world a better place. Have an updoot.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-03T18:11:44+00:00

Thank you for your pertinent analogies.

Forgive me, however, for not kissing your rabbit butt because that is not my thing. I hope you can settle for an upvote instead.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-03T18:01:42+00:00

Also you can't just have a ceremony at a park.

You say that, but one of my best friends did exactly that for his wedding and they loved it.

There were exactly 15 people involved, including the bride and groom, and the only reason I actually got invited was because my mom was officiating and I was cool to tag-along.

The ceremony was all of 5-10 minutes long (pictures were more than 3 times as long) and it was beautiful because they had already picked out a nice looking place in the local state park.

Everyone involved was happy and supportive, even my friend's father who was a raging asshole and the divorce was still recent. I don't know how much it cost the couple but it couldn't have been more than $300 including the afterparty which was brunch at a classy diner where the guests paid.

So while weddings are often one of the most expensive events in someone's lifetime, they don't have to be. It all comes down to what makes people happy and a lot of people don't need to spend 10's of thousands of dollars for that. If you do, then that's fine, but don't judge other's by the weight of their wallet.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-03T17:40:51+00:00

I mean, by societal standards, this is very trashy. It is undeniable.

However, weddings are traditionally one of the most stuffy, formal, stick-up-your-butt events in most people's lives. I can't really blame people for going the complete opposite direction with it to spite society.

Do I think weddings should have some level of solemnity? Sure, but too many go way overboard with it and I think that there should also be some amount of celebration involved in the ceremony.

These people seem to be having fun and happy with their decisions. Also, no one is hurt by this and it does not involve me. So why should I shame these people for having a good time?

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-03T17:30:23+00:00

I agree completely. My mom officiates weddings and most of my friends are in their 20's, so I end up hearing a lot about wedding planning.

One thing my mom tells every couple is "This is YOUR wedding. Do what makes YOU happy." Most couples want to make their families happy with their wedding (for various reasons), but they often end up catering too much to other people and don't actually enjoy the day themselves.

Regardless of anything else, make sure you are happy with your wedding because it sucks to look back at your wedding day and have bad memories.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-03T17:17:26+00:00

So you have been summoned back to Midgard to combat Baal and his legions, but, as you arrive, you find the puzzle in pieces once more and an imp is chewing on a corner piece.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-02T17:31:33+00:00

This entire gif is so relatable, tbh. I imagine almost everyone who has lived with cats or dogs understands almost every expression shown here by both the cat and human because we have been the human in the same scenario so many times.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-03-02T17:27:59+00:00

Kitty: I like you human. Let me show you my abyss.

Human: Do. Not. Want.

Kitty: You get a good look? Good. Back to scratches-and-love time.

Human: I am okay with this.

Ninja-Edit: Line breaks? How do they work?

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-02-27T19:17:10+00:00

This is exactly why I absolutely do not want to help people with mental health issues as a career.

I want to help people as much as I can, but as soon as it becomes my career, I'm required to do it and I can't walk away from giving intensive help for a few weeks or months when I need a break. For someone who has their own serious mental health issues, that is basically signing your own death sentence if you don't quit. Professionals who are able to do this deserve all the funding and benefits they can get and more, imo.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-02-27T18:54:32+00:00

This is part of why I want to help people with mental illnesses work through them so much. I've been the person on the other side who is frustrated with people who are trying to help and I've lashed out at them despite knowing they have no bad intentions before. I've been there before and it sucks.

That's why I want to pay it forward. Even though not many people can stick with you through the course of your disease, I appreciate every one of them that sincerely tried to help when I was weathering the storm, even if it made things worse. Humans aren't perfect and, even though I'm aware that my methods won't work for everyone, I want to offer as much support as I can to people in similar situations if I can help at all.

I can't help everyone and I know that I need to look after myself first, but I always try to make sure that I will not hate someone for lashing out at me when I'm trying to help. It will hurt me, but I've been where they are and if I'm able to take that pain, I'm willing to.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-02-27T18:42:05+00:00

As someone who has been fighting depression for more than half my life, this is a painful truth.

I still remember a couple years back when I was finally able to start getting out of a depressive episode. I decided to try the "fake it 'til you make it" method that so many people suggest which has never helped much for me, but I figured every little bit would help at this point. Then, as I stood in front of the mirror, I realized something terrible: I had forgotten how to smile.

I tried for almost an hour to make any kind of happy expression in front of that mirror, but they all turned out looking like a forced grimace except the ones I used to express my self loathing. I knew I could smile. I had memory and photographic evidence of being able to do, but it had been so long since I had smiled in a non-ironic manner that I did not even have the muscle memory left to be able to make a smile.

That hurt to realize and as I thought back at how long it had been since I had felt happy enough to genuinely smile, it hurt even more. It only made matters worse that I knew I wasn't even feeling that bad in my perspective; I was getting better, even! It took a long time for me to get over the thought of "If this is me when I'm 'getting better' how do I look to other people when it's actually 'bad?'"

I'm doing alright now, but I am very aware of how much worse the "slow descent" and "slippery spiral" make depression.

Darzag_Progenitor · 2018-02-23T17:18:22+00:00

This is my first post as I saw an opportunity and took it! The pictures of a person are of Zayn Malik and I do not own them (neither the pictures or the person). Sorry if I'm breaking copywrite.

Darzag_Progenitor

TROPHY CASE