Ask Steph

Just so we are clear - I am talking in philosophical terms here - not about specific people , or any particular incidents that may or may not have happened to me in the recent ( or distant ) past. I am expressing my beliefs and comments on world affairs. No more. This is a personal opinion, and it does not change my view of my Christian friends and family, whom I love dearly.  :  Christians think of themselves as a flock of sheep , following their shepherd. And truly - I cannot think of a more truthful analogy. There are few things more comforting that knowing that all the hard decisions in life are already made for you. You don't need think about all those really tough ethical issues - like what is right and wrong exactly , and how to determine whether your construct of the universe works well or not. It's handed to you , a ready made rule book , with a knowledge expert ( priest/ pastor/ counselor ) who will help you to understand something , or just t...

Just read a really dreadful news article about gays and lesbians across Africa being persecuted , raped , and killed. So ... *climbing onto the soapbox* Seems some people have yet to understand that silly notion, where it's immoral , to kill people for their sexual orientation. I use the word orientation and not preference, because preference implies that there is choice. And having learnt a small amount about genetics in my years at University, I have come to the conclusion that this is , unfortunately,  one of those things that genetics and not environment determines the most. I say it's unfortunate, because I  believe that given a choice , a great many people would not choose a life of persecution , pain and suffering. I am certain no-one would choose to be different in such a way as to induce pure unadulterated hatred. Being male or female , is about so much more than just the bits that come with your body. We know this for a fact. There are t...