boundcreature

meh. that's an easy way out. what if you actually care for someone and religion is an active part of their life? what if it's not so simple to write this person off as an idiot?

and "Fuck politics" worked when I was 16 and too punk for you and didn't realize that the next nomination to the Supreme Court could affect my life in countless ways.

from the gut, I agree with you--that to have to follow the dictates of some book to run your life is weakness. but I am nothing if I can't attempt to be open-minded, so I will see. he's only been converted a few months, and I think as time goes on he will adapt it to his life. or hell, give up on it entirely. who knows. I still identify as Jewish, and have contemplated the past few years fasting on Yom Kippur for personal reasons, and I'm not one to knock whatever makes someone feel better.

he's a straight-edge guy who's had a fairly strict moral code for himself since I've known him (admittedly less than a year) so he seems fairly suited to the setup of a religion. not to mention it almost seems to be part of the ridiculous training schedule he's on right now--run 30 minutes before breakfast, teach two classes, spar, bike, 100 situps, class for two hours, pray 5 times a day...

I know you're not stupid and are conscious of what goes on politically, but reductionist statements tend to get under my skin. punk bands are rather short on subtlety and nuance.