You would be surprised how many idiotic beliefs or opinions I have heard over the years from people living all over the U.S. Perry. I lived in Louisiana for a year and never heard any of that crap you mentioned. I have heard that nonsense here in North Carolina and I heard in Oregon a few times as well.


>Let me tell you a little bout the deep south of the u.s., of which little rock is a part of:
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>90% of the time I've seen a news story involving something to do with nut cases, abortion, gay rights, unplugging tubes keep human vegetables alive, biblical items on gov't property, etc. The story involves people from Howie's neck of the woods.
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>I've lived in many different places in the u.s. Consequently meeting many, many people. Not once have I ever met someone who was looking forward to making a trip to the mississipi, arkansas area.
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>I visited some friends down in lousiana, mostly to visit new orleans about 5 years ago. They lived maybe 45 minutes from n.o. One of the girls worked in a grocery store. She came home from work rather flustered one day. An old lady was checking out and asked for some help purchasing a water melon. A rather heavy fruit. The store paged someone in the back to bring out a water melon. The lady looked up and said something to the effect that she couldn't by that one "a colered boy" was carrying it.
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>>>>I still don't know their ages, but at least it all sounds not too oppressing.
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>>>Oh yeah - forgot about their ages. The youngest daughter is 7, next daughter is 11, only son is 13, olddest daughter is 14.
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>>Mine are 16 (daughter), 18 (daughter) and 21 (son).
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>>What I also thought of: You and your wife share the very same beliefs. Moreover, you are embedded by also believing people in the wider community. I don't know about Little Rock, but I assume that the people over there do not all share your beliefs. So, theoretically, if you'd decide to give up (part of) your belief, you would have a conflict with many of your old friends, but you could cope with it and meet new friends. However, your wife is a far bigger obstacle. I know, you love her very much and she's the best wife one could wish for. But if you'd start doubting, your wife would no longer tolerate you and you would be banned, because she loves God even more than she loves you. This scenario is not really appealing, I understand that. If in doubt, it would still force you to continue with this tour de force. As I said, I understand that and realize that my endeavour (trying to convert you) is bound to fail anyway. That's probably the lesson I've learnt these days: Using rational
>>arguments and facts is not enough to convert the diehards. At best those arguments and facts are a little seed of a little doubt and the effect will be only in the long run.
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>>Ok, let's agree to disagree. You have my respect, although you'd get more respect if you try to get rid of the concept of Hell.