Christian Discussion Thread VIII: Augustine's Revenge.

[Nordengrund]

I've been living with depression for awhile, and I thought I'd share my thoughts here.

Well, I'm not doing so well in college and a lot of my family members are pushing me to join the military, but I don't really want to go into it. The message seems to be everywhere I go, so I decided to ask God. I asked him if going into the military is His will, and He seems to have said no, but idk for certain.

When I prayed, I told Him I dread joining the military, but if it is His will, I will go.

I'd advise against going to the military, if only because I believe you haven't exhausted your options at the civil level.

Not all of us have to go to the military to be organized or feel better about ourselves. Sometimes, it just takes time and a change of pace. Sometimes it just requires counseling.

I'd say that, unless you and your family sees no other options on the table for you, you should consider other options before the military.

That's pretty much how my family sees it, they talk like the only two options I have are college or the military.

[Tarsonis Survivors]

I'd advise against going to the military, if only because I believe you haven't exhausted your options at the civil level.

Not all of us have to go to the military to be organized or feel better about ourselves. Sometimes, it just takes time and a change of pace. Sometimes it just requires counseling.

I'd say that, unless you and your family sees no other options on the table for you, you should consider other options before the military.

That's pretty much how my family sees it, they talk like the only two options I have are college or the military.

Not to throw shade at the other members of this thread, but unlike most of them I actually have served in the US Military, so my opinion might be a little more insightful than theirs.

The Military is quite a heterogenus experience. There are dozens of different career paths for you to choose from. For instance I started out as a Musician in the Marine Corps Band. It's not the Vietnam era. Joining up doesn't guarantee you're going to be forward deployed to a combat zone. There's plenty of jobs you can do that support combat ops without actually putting you in harms way.

That being said, people like you and I, ADHD coupled with a healthy dose of depression, actually tend to thrive in the military environment. It's rigidly structured with immediate consequences, and the work is generally task oriented, which for someone like us with ADD/ADHD, is perfect. Social structure is also pretty easy to navigate with rank structures and barracks living conditions. Your roommates are gonna be friends you have for life. I still keep in contact with my friends from the Corps, and I spent thanksgiving with my old roommate. Yeah bootcamp is bit of a bitch, but keep in mind that's a limited experience, and Fleet Life is not like Bootcamp.


As my Senior Drill Instructor used to say, "There's a lot of fun to be had in the Marine Corps/MIilitary, and somebody has to have it. Might as well be, you." Don't write off the military just because it's war time or whatnot. It can still be a very rewarding experience.

[The Oan Isles]

God is GOOD all the time and all the time God is GOOD! I need to go to Church right now! Blessings, on blessings, on blessings, on blessings everyone!

[Lady Scylla]

I've been living with depression for awhile, and I thought I'd share my thoughts here.

Well, I'm not doing so well in college and a lot of my family members are pushing me to join the military, but I don't really want to go into it. The message seems to be everywhere I go, so I decided to ask God. I asked him if going into the military is His will, and He seems to have said no, but idk for certain.

When I prayed, I told Him I dread joining the military, but if it is His will, I will go.

How old are you? Have you tried seeking help for your depression? If you're fresh out of High School the early life crisis passes with sometime. I just want you to be aware that, if you sign-up, they will own you. Your opinions will mean jack shit, you will do what they say, you will go where they say, and once deployed, you're likely to see the very worst in humanity. And I mean the absolute worst like you couldn't imagine (Movies and games just don't cut it, sorry -- and there's a lot you see in the media that is very filtered). It might seem like I'm coming off harsh, but recruiters will try to sugar coat it because they have a quota to maintain, and I'm not willing to bullshit you on such a decision -- you need to think it through very carefully.

You need to also accept the fact that you may leave your home and never come back, or at least not in one piece. Or, at the worst case, you might not return at all. If you do come back, you'll have to live with what you've done, what you've seen, and the fact that people are going to both love and hate you. Our healthcare for veterans isn't amazing -- so it's best to have a plan when you're coming back of who you can stay with, people you can talk to, etc. (Other vets are really good for that, mind -- civilians just aren't going to understand).

So. Think very carefully.

[Nordengrund]

I've been living with depression for awhile, and I thought I'd share my thoughts here.

Well, I'm not doing so well in college and a lot of my family members are pushing me to join the military, but I don't really want to go into it. The message seems to be everywhere I go, so I decided to ask God. I asked him if going into the military is His will, and He seems to have said no, but idk for certain.

When I prayed, I told Him I dread joining the military, but if it is His will, I will go.

How old are you? Have you tried seeking help for your depression? If you're fresh out of High School the early life crisis passes with sometime. I just want you to be aware that, if you sign-up, they will own you. Your opinions will mean jack shit, you will do what they say, you will go where they say, and once deployed, you're likely to see the very worst in humanity. And I mean the absolute worst like you couldn't imagine (Movies and games just don't cut it, sorry -- and there's a lot you see in the media that is very filtered). It might seem like I'm coming off harsh, but recruiters will try to sugar coat it because they have a quota to maintain, and I'm not willing to bullshit you on such a decision -- you need to think it through very carefully.

You need to also accept the fact that you may leave your home and never come back, or at least not in one piece. Or, at the worst case, you might not return at all. If you do come back, you'll have to live with what you've done, what you've seen, and the fact that people are going to both love and hate you. Our healthcare for veterans isn't amazing -- so it's best to have a plan when you're coming back of who you can stay with, people you can talk to, etc. (Other vets are really good for that, mind -- civilians just aren't going to understand).

So. Think very carefully.

I don't plan to join, but if I do, I'll pick the Air Force.

I'm strongly considering starting my own business, instead.

[Lady Scylla]

How old are you? Have you tried seeking help for your depression? If you're fresh out of High School the early life crisis passes with sometime. I just want you to be aware that, if you sign-up, they will own you. Your opinions will mean jack shit, you will do what they say, you will go where they say, and once deployed, you're likely to see the very worst in humanity. And I mean the absolute worst like you couldn't imagine (Movies and games just don't cut it, sorry -- and there's a lot you see in the media that is very filtered). It might seem like I'm coming off harsh, but recruiters will try to sugar coat it because they have a quota to maintain, and I'm not willing to bullshit you on such a decision -- you need to think it through very carefully.

You need to also accept the fact that you may leave your home and never come back, or at least not in one piece. Or, at the worst case, you might not return at all. If you do come back, you'll have to live with what you've done, what you've seen, and the fact that people are going to both love and hate you. Our healthcare for veterans isn't amazing -- so it's best to have a plan when you're coming back of who you can stay with, people you can talk to, etc. (Other vets are really good for that, mind -- civilians just aren't going to understand).

So. Think very carefully.

I don't plan to join, but if I do, I'll pick the Air Force.

I'm strongly considering starting my own business, instead.

Depends on what you do in the Air Force. They do have ground ops. However, they're still going to own you, so the rest follows. Businesses take a lot of money, and depending on the model you're after, it may take a good 5-10 years before you start turning a profit. But we digress. Research, research, research.

[Pasong Tirad]

God is GOOD all the time and all the time God is GOOD! I need to go to Church right now! Blessings, on blessings, on blessings, on blessings everyone!

Somebody's been listening to too much Chance The Rapper.

By the way Chance The Rapper is a huge blessing (pun intended). Coloring Book is able to get me through really tough times. Very few people can turn Gospel music into really badass shit (among them: the Philippines' own Gary Valenciano and Kanye West's Jesus walks and Ultralight Beam).

[Czechanada]

How old are you? Have you tried seeking help for your depression? If you're fresh out of High School the early life crisis passes with sometime. I just want you to be aware that, if you sign-up, they will own you. Your opinions will mean jack shit, you will do what they say, you will go where they say, and once deployed, you're likely to see the very worst in humanity. And I mean the absolute worst like you couldn't imagine (Movies and games just don't cut it, sorry -- and there's a lot you see in the media that is very filtered). It might seem like I'm coming off harsh, but recruiters will try to sugar coat it because they have a quota to maintain, and I'm not willing to bullshit you on such a decision -- you need to think it through very carefully.

You need to also accept the fact that you may leave your home and never come back, or at least not in one piece. Or, at the worst case, you might not return at all. If you do come back, you'll have to live with what you've done, what you've seen, and the fact that people are going to both love and hate you. Our healthcare for veterans isn't amazing -- so it's best to have a plan when you're coming back of who you can stay with, people you can talk to, etc. (Other vets are really good for that, mind -- civilians just aren't going to understand).

So. Think very carefully.

I don't plan to join, but if I do, I'll pick the Air Force.

I'm strongly considering starting my own business, instead.

Don't forget the option of trade schools.

[Luminesa]

God is GOOD all the time and all the time God is GOOD! I need to go to Church right now! Blessings, on blessings, on blessings, on blessings everyone!

Somebody's been listening to too much Chance The Rapper.

By the way Chance The Rapper is a huge blessing (pun intended). Coloring Book is able to get me through really tough times. Very few people can turn Gospel music into really badass shit (among them: the Philippines' own Gary Valenciano and Kanye West's Jesus walks and Ultralight Beam).

I have doubted Kanye many times, but "Love Lockdown" did help me through a very confusing period in my life. As for my own depression and spiritual crises, however, Fernando Ortega (not at all a rapper, but a fabulous Christian artist, lol) has helped me through many sleepless nights.

[Pasong Tirad]

Somebody's been listening to too much Chance The Rapper.

By the way Chance The Rapper is a huge blessing (pun intended). Coloring Book is able to get me through really tough times. Very few people can turn Gospel music into really badass shit (among them: the Philippines' own Gary Valenciano and Kanye West's Jesus walks and Ultralight Beam).

I have doubted Kanye many times, but "Love Lockdown" did help me through a very confusing period in my life. As for my own depression and spiritual crises, however, Fernando Ortega (not at all a rapper, but a fabulous Christian artist, lol) has helped me through many sleepless nights.

Also a great Christian artist! It may just be because of the music I personally enjoy, but I've found myself being uplifted more with hip-hop - and even moreso with the Christian hip-hop of Kanye and Chance (and, to an extent, Kendrick Lamar).

[Luminesa]

I have doubted Kanye many times, but "Love Lockdown" did help me through a very confusing period in my life. As for my own depression and spiritual crises, however, Fernando Ortega (not at all a rapper, but a fabulous Christian artist, lol) has helped me through many sleepless nights.

Also a great Christian artist! It may just be because of the music I personally enjoy, but I've found myself being uplifted more with hip-hop - and even moreso with the Christian hip-hop of Kanye and Chance (and, to an extent, Kendrick Lamar).

Lamar is good. Do you know LeCrae?

[Pasong Tirad]

Also a great Christian artist! It may just be because of the music I personally enjoy, but I've found myself being uplifted more with hip-hop - and even moreso with the Christian hip-hop of Kanye and Chance (and, to an extent, Kendrick Lamar).

Lamar is good. Do you know LeCrae?

Familiar! I've listen to some tracks in Anomaly.

[Luminesa]

Lamar is good. Do you know LeCrae?

Familiar! I've listen to some tracks in Anomaly.

He's really good.

[The Princes of the Universe]

Somebody's been listening to too much Chance The Rapper.
By the way Chance The Rapper is a huge blessing (pun intended). Coloring Book is able to get me through really tough times. Very few people can turn Gospel music into really badass shit (among them: the Philippines' own Gary Valenciano and Kanye West's Jesus walks and Ultralight Beam).

I have doubted Kanye many times, but "Love Lockdown" did help me through a very confusing period in my life. As for my own depression and spiritual crises, however, Fernando Ortega (not at all a rapper, but a fabulous Christian artist, lol) has helped me through many sleepless nights.

If I'm looking for religious music other than what I would find at Mass, it's hard to beat Hank Williams.

[Luminesa]

I have doubted Kanye many times, but "Love Lockdown" did help me through a very confusing period in my life. As for my own depression and spiritual crises, however, Fernando Ortega (not at all a rapper, but a fabulous Christian artist, lol) has helped me through many sleepless nights.

If I'm looking for religious music other than what I would find at Mass, it's hard to beat Hank Williams.

Country music is always good for the soul.

[The Princes of the Universe]

If I'm looking for religious music other than what I would find at Mass, it's hard to beat Hank Williams.

Country music is always good for the soul.

Case in point.

[Luminesa]

Country music is always good for the soul.

Case in point.

Also this.

[The Princes of the Universe]

Case in point.

Also this.

It's hard to top Hank, although Johnny Cash does a bloody good job himself.

[Philjia]

Also this.

It's hard to top Hank, although Johnny Cash does a bloody good job himself.

Johnny Cash was best when he did covers.

[Luminesa]

It's hard to top Hank, although Johnny Cash does a bloody good job himself.

Johnny Cash was best when he did covers.

> Johnny Cash
> "Hurt"

DON'T DO THIS TO ME I'M GONNA CRY.

[Pasong Tirad]

Johnny Cash was best when he did covers.

> Johnny Cash
> "Hurt"

DON'T DO THIS TO ME I'M GONNA CRY.

I see your Johnny Cash and I raise you Chance The Rapper.

[The Holy Empire of the Spaghetti Monster]

*walks in*

What is this threads opinion on Pastafarians?

Needs more tomato sauce.

*walks back out*

[Luminesa]

*walks in*

Needs more tomato sauce.

*walks back out*

GET BACK HERE!

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

What do you think of Agnostic people thread?

[Constantinopolis]

Today is another Great Feast of the Orthodox Church, which marks the end of the Christmas season. It was originally the third most important holiday of the year in the Christian East, behind Pascha (Easter) and Pentecost. It was one of the two main annual occasions for baptizing new converts. It is a celebration older than Christmas, and remained more important than Christmas until recent centuries.

The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ
(also called Theophany, or Epiphany - the "revelation" or "shining forth" of God)



This is the Feast of the Revelation of God to Mankind. This is the Feast that celebrates the beginning of the Earthly ministry of Christ, the beginning of His preaching in front of large crowds and performing public miracles for all to see. And this was also the first time that the Holy Trinity was openly made manifest in a public revelation. God the Son in the waters of the river Jordan, God the Father as a voice from the heavens, and God the Holy Spirit in the appearance of a dove descending upon Christ.

In the ancient Church, Theophany was also known as the Day of Illumination or the Feast of Lights (being understood as the New Covenant equivalent of Old Covenant Hanukkah, just as Pascha/Easter is the New Covenant equivalent of Old Covenant Passover). Christmas didn't begin to be celebrated until later.

Although Christ Himself did not need to be baptized, He chose to do so, for several different reasons: As an example to be followed by all the faithful, as an expression of humility, as an occasion to reveal the mystery of the Holy Trinity to the whole world (and thus begin our illumination), and as a means to bless the waters - of the Jordan and of all the world - and to institute the practice of blessing holy water.

On Theophany, the Orthodox Church performs the ceremony of the "Greater Blessing of Water", and the water thus blessed (usually a very large quantity) is used by the priest for blessing homes over the following weeks, and for other occasions and blessings throughout the year. The faithful also take some holy water for use at home. We may drink small amounts of holy water in the morning (before eating or drinking anything else) as a form of devotion and a means to ask for God's blessings.

Here are some Orthodox hymns for Theophany on YouTube:

Hymn for Theophany by the Nuns of the Monastery of Saint Paisius (in English; this is really beautiful)
Troparion for Theophany (in English, sung by a parish church choir)
Troparion for Theophany (in French)
Troparion for Theophany (in Arabic)
Troparion for Theophany (in many languages)
Kontakion for Theophany - On This Day Thou Has Appeared (in English)
Kontakion for Theophany (in Greek, by Cappella Romana)

Troparion:

When Thou, O Lord, was baptized in the Jordan,
Worship of the Trinity wast made manifest!
For the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son.
And the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the truth of His word.
O Christ our God, Who has appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee!

Kontakion:

On this day Thou have appeared unto the whole world,
And Thy light, O Sovereign Lord, is signed on us who sing Thy praise and chant with knowledge:
Thou have now come, Thou have appeared, O Thou Light unappproachable!