Why Christianity needs changes?

I was a born Catholic and was raised differently from other Catholics in the sense, we don't really go to church on Sundays and I was never baptised nor had my first Holy Communion. Although my parents were born and baptised and went through the 7 Sacraments, they raised me up in a way that no Catholic nor Christian in today's world would think of it as acceptable. However, In my humble opinion, I think it should be that way.

For starters, my parents embraced Hinduism even before I was born despite the fact there were strong objections in the family but my parents went against all odds. I never really knew about religion though I was told about doing good deeds and telling what was right from wrong. When it comes to prayers, I followed what my parents taught me to say e.g. the Hindu prayers as well as "Our Father" which is also known as "The Lord's Prayer". People called me a non-believer of Christ but I just couldn't be bothered.

Some family members even told my cousins to keep away from me calling my parents and I devil worshipers. I asked one of my aunts where in the Bible was it written and she quoted the 10 commandments. I argued with her that one of the commandments also mention "Honour thy father and thy mother" so I am following what my parents have taught me. She then counter attacked and said "Honour thy father and thy mother in the name of the Lord". My point is, the 2 sentences don't mean the same and "...in the name of the Lord" was NEVER in the commandment. Who are we to change what was given to Moses? Another aunt even told Hindu Gods are devils and she chased all demonic etc. from Hindu houses. I threw back a question asking, if that's true, how come my parents and I have never been inflicted with evil although we follow Hinduism? Strange, isn't it?

When I was in school, the School Christian Fellowship condemned other religions discrediting them. Being a follower of Hinduism, naturally I fought back. The question I threw at them was "Prove it to Religion A that Jesus died on the cross because they don't believe it was Jesus". They being shocked said the Bible said it's true but I asked them, if Religion A says it's not with their scriptures, how are they going to counter? With all the religions each having a book, you cannot say the other is wrong just by saying "The Bible says so" for other scriptures can counter attack. The use of the Bible as a reason is no longer valid as it's not concrete to be used as evidence to discredit other religions. I have sung with religious groups of other religions and have not been brainwashed whatsoever so why are Christians so rigid?

Moving on, my mom told me the Bible was edited and some books were removed and even edited. My neighbour confirmed this is true and is done by a committee. If the Bible is the "Word of God", who are we as humans to edit it? Why were some books removed? Did we get God's permission to edit?

Recently, an Atheist friend of mine was offended by some comments about Atheists should be burned in hell or even be killed. I would like to ask these so-called Christians, did they even read the Bible carefully which also said "Judge not others for you will be judged" which means, you are nobody to decide who goes to heaven and hell. Also, remember the commandment "Thou shall not kill". Do you as Christians follow your own teaching before condemning others? I don't think so.

If Christianity is the only way, why do we have so many denominations? Why even with denominations, there are conflicts in its teachings e.g. Catholics do not condone masturbation or marrying a second but there are other denominations that do. Why can't these denominations unite?

So before Christians start spreading the Word of God, you need to understand first and not get caught with questions you yourself cannot answer.

The above is solely my opinion and I mean no offense. I believe in Jesus but I feel that the churches have a lot to explain.

My thoughts on religion

I was born to a Catholic family on 18 January 1981 which also fell on Prophet Muhammad's birthday also known as Maulidur Rasul. Although my parents were Catholics in their early life, they converted to Hinduism. One may ask why? Hinduism and Buddhism are the only 2 religions that don't fight nor condemn one another nor others. Hinduism accepts all religion as one. I agree. Why? We all belong to the same planet earth. Our looks may be different like the birds in the sky but our blood is still the same.

While we are not anti-Christs and do believe in Him, Christianity in today's world has lost its meaning with several denominations and each carrying out their own version on the Word of God. Not forgetting the different versions of the bible. The Bible itself has been edited in different languages and versions e.g. King James being the oldest to New International Version. Not forgetting the fact that the story of Jesus between the age of 12 and 30 is unknown. So what became of Him? Why was this left out? Some said it was because He lead a normal life. Why was it left out of the Bible? How do you prove that He lead a normal life and the Bible was not changed? So how do you prove of someone's existence if you do not record His autobiography in real-time? This is why, Islam believes Jesus was not crucified on the Cross but someone else was. So how are you going to prove it? By just saying the Bible says so alone is not enough. The Bible has gone through many versions to the level a book on Levi is missing. Why? Why should the Bible be edited? Why tamper with the Word of God? Who are we to edit?

People have asked me since I was born on 12 Rabiulawal 1400 Hijrah which is also the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, why don't I embrace Islam. My reply to them was just because I don't embrace Islam doesn't mean I don't have respect for it. I respect the religion in my own way but my thoughts on the way of life are different from its teachings. Further, when I asked my Muslim friends if they can convert to Christianity if they were born on 25 December, their answer was NO. I questioned them if that's the case, why should I convert just because of their auspicious date?

Why are we fighting over whose religion is right? Don't all religions teach us to do good? Where did it ever state in any of the Holy Scriptures that other religions are fake or wrong? What does it mean by non-believers? Does it refer to the non-believer of that religion or non-believer of God? How sure are you of heaven and hell? Like I said above, saying that the Bible or whatever Holy Scripture you say that says only their religion is the right path alone is not enough. Every religion says that so if I create my own religion and say that, how do I make people believe for sure? All books say the same so how can I prove that the other Holy Scriptures are wrong? Quoting verses from them saying where Jesus or the Prophets said only their way is the correct way alone is not enough. How do you counter the other religious scriptures proving them wrong?

Think about it.

Back from the past.

After a long time, a very old friend of mine whom I've known from Scouts (though I was in the Red Crescent); Elizabeth Koh inspired me to continue my posts via blog. Although I never really got to know her personally, from my observation (I used to go back to the school she studies in (also my secondary school in the 1990s) to help the BSM members), she is very friendly and polite.

After the knee surgery, nothing happened except that the good news, it's not cancerous. Thanks to everyone who visited me and gave me their support.

My friends are all doing well. I still keep in touch with Han Zhang and his gang. Deepak is as usual in India and Ihsan has gone to further his studies in the UK.

More to come in the next few days including an overview on world religion.

Day 5: Improvement and More Visitors

Things are improving and Dr. Bazam was happy except for the slight fever but that went away. Nothing much happened but I was happy to see my friends from the spiritual group my dad and I belong to. Slowly walking with crutches and calling less for help.

Day 4: Resting and Exercise :)

I decided to be bold and use the crutches they gave and the nurses taught me how to use. They told me to be careful. I managed to bathe on my own with abit of a wobble.

Morning went well. Mr Ananda came after Dr. Bazam left. I managed to eat on my own with minimal discomfort but hey that's a progress. I was just closing my eyes when my neighbour (also another Adrian, his mom and siblings) came to visit me. They're a very nice family I must say and the children are well mannered. Angie made friends with the nurses and I was a bit scared of her voice might disturb other patients. However, later I found out I was the only patient left that afternoon. We had a nice long talk on customer service, religion/spirituality. I learned alot on religion/spirituality from them. One thing I respect them that although they are Christians and the way my parents brought me up are slightly different, they respect me as an individual. After all, we are all human at the end of the day.

Evening was quiet and slept well without problems at night :)

Day 3: Resting

Woke up and asked for a bed bath which the nurses complied and helped me change my clothes. Breakfast was cereal and bread. Dr. Bazam then came in almost 10am saying he needed to take an X-Ray. The nurses took me on a wheelchair to the Radiology Department but I couldn't get out of the chair due to pain so they managed to accommodate using support and a different machine.

The day went well and in the evening, Dr. Bazam came back and said the X-Ray looks good. Woke up again at 3am and got another jab and was alright after that.

Day 2: Surgery

The day finally arrived. Had my breakfast at 6.45am, blood test later that day and just lazed around chatting with the nurses and my dad came at around 12. I was abit nervous of course but the doctor and my dad told me just relax and take it easy.

The idea of changing into a surgical gown is fine but the idea of not to wear your underwear sounds freaky. The nurse said it's not as if they don't know what I have underneath LOL!!! At 2.30pm, I was wheeled to the OR where my dad couldn't come with me. Took a deep breath and said bye to him. Went through a series of questions between the anaesthetist, OR staff and myself and finally agreed to settle with spinal anaesthesia with sedation instead of GA to reduce complications. The anaesthetist was good and the needles went in my arm and back with little pain which is normal. Then he injected the sedative into my IV and just told me I'll be asleep in 2 minutes. One minute I see him putting the ECG pads on my chest and the surgical cap on my head, the next thing I know, I am awake and they said it's done. Funny part was, I don't remember the oxygen mask being placed on my face (probably I was too dopey).

I was wheeled back to the ward and since it was spinal, they told me not to get up too fast and the medicine will last for 6 hours. My uncle and cousins came with my aunt, dad and grandmother along with George. Odd as it sounds, my dad fed me my dinner since I was groggy and couldn't sit up due to the spinal which hadn't worn off yet. Went to sleep well though I did wake up at 3am as I felt a sharp pain. Another jab and I was back asleep.

Day 1: Admission

And my journey begins!!! Woke up early to clear insurance matters, final checks on my clothes etc. needed, my medical card and other stuff. Packed some books to read to kill time.

My wish of wanting to see my grandmother before admission was fulfilled as Fabi brought her early. Aunty Karen was kind to drive my dad and I to the hospital and we checked in. Not the same room I got but same ward so got the same nurses (yay). Dr. Bazam came late at night (almost 11) but I was just closing my eyes. We went through the reports together and I signed the consent form. I had to fast for 6-8 hours so he suggested I eat early since my op is only 3pm the next day.

Birthday

Not much to call a birthday knowing you're going to be admitted for a surgery the day after your birthday. The day was quiet and in the evening, went to temple to pray and our family friends took us out. A nice dinner I must say and... I came home to just pack my stuff and hit the sack :)

Decision Time :(

As painful as it may sound, I have decided to go for surgery rather than leaving it to risk. Taking into consideration second opinions from my cousin who works as a Pathologist in UMMC and Imran's dad as well as feedback and comments from friends and family members, I suppose that's the only option left.

No one can imagine the pain and tears unseen. Fortunately, I have supportive friends like Aaron, Jason, Han Zhang and few others. At work, my managers and colleagues have been understanding and supportive. They do cheer me up and that makes me forget the pain. Back at home, my dad has been hiding his emotions but I know he too is worried. It's all in God's hands and we can only pray and hope for the best.

Well, tomorrow's my appointment with Dr. Bazam to find out when can the surgery be done and my dad is coming along. Let's hope it all turns out well.

Been a long while...

It has been sometime since I last updated my blog but only a few incidents took place.

Firstly, I injured my left knee during a BSM duty on 30 October 2011. The best part was, I didn't really feel much pain until the next day after lunch with Aaron. I then decided to go for a checkup at KJMC and they told me to see the orthopedic the next day. I was attended to by Dr. Sidik who was friendly and admitted me for close monitoring. On my third day, an MRI was done and showed bone bruise and swelling with the medial collateral ligament strained. 5 November was discharged.

As I felt I could not keep my commitments to BSM, I tendered my resignation which came as a shock to many but I won't go into detail about that. To cut a long story short, on my followup after the discharge, the doctor dropped a bombshell on me telling I have a tumor on my left knee in 2 placed (medial side). The good news is, it's not cancer but the bad news is, removal is recommended if the pain does not subside which will be next month. Freaky I know but let's face it. It's not the end of the world. As the doctor said (currently being attended to by Dr. Bazam at KJMC), I am lucky to have discovered it as people on the streets may or may not even know if they have it or not.

Work is just as normal. Nothing grand or exciting. Can't wait for Christmas as will be in JB this time =)

Post Extraction and a Mad Day

Woke up this morning with slight discomfort but not really painful so I took some milk, rinsed my mouth with the mouthwash prescribed. Nothing serious and my tongue is back to normal. Watched TV the whole morning and had lunch with my dad.

The power supply to the lifts and LG floor broke down causing failure to the car park and lifts. 2 residents were stuck but Bomba managed to get them out. No one knows what happened or what caused the electrical failure. Imagine having to climb up 8 floors. Quiet evening at home apart from having dinner with dad and Uncle David.

Wisdomless mandible

Yup, both my wisdom teeth are now gone from the mandible (lower jaw). Had the lower right extracted after weighing the pros and cons with the dentist. The dentist said while removing it is harmless, it may not be a guarantee to solve any issues with my TMJ disorder. I told him about my sleepless night and tongue problem and he said fine. I have never felt anything as painless and less sensation when the tooth was extracted. Amazing!!! Now resting at home with minimal discomfort and on painkillers as I don't want to take any risks.

Came home and took a nap due to the medication they gave me. Woke up and ate tauhu bakar. Not much of a torture but it was okay ;)

Badminton with friends and a funny conversation XD

Not a bad Sunday morning with George. Had breakfast with him and I told my dad I'll be heading to Han Zhang's house to play badminton. So I had my shower and left about 2.25pm since Aaron said he would be a little late.

When I reached Han Zhang's place, I tried to call his mobile but was unsuccessful. So I called his house phone and told "him" Yo I am already downstairs" and the reply was "Okay". Well, unfortunately, that was NOT Han Zhang LOL. It was his mom. Well, they both sound alike and when Han Zhang told me about it, I didn't know whether to call his mom and apologize for saying "Yo" or laugh but he said his mom had a good laugh so I guess that's fine. Some of my friends have this habit of calling their other friends names and I also had this habit of calling Siu Pin a clown. I guess this taught me a lesson as to why telephone manners are important even when with friends. I don't know why HZ and his mom sound alike and usually the saying is "Like father, like son" but in this case, it sounds like "Like mother, like son" XD

For some odd reason, my badminton was pretty bad. Kept missing the shuttle and Han Zhang's game has certainly improved. Aaron was good too. Sadly, I played like a clown LOL. We played for an hour and headed for Mcd. HZ and I had a game of chess while Aaron and I also talked on BSM stuff. Aaron's mom was kind to drop me back home and I felt bad because they live on the other side of the highway.

My tongue suddenly became painful and my wisdom tooth hurt and I was almost in tears. I wowed to have the stupid wisdom tooth removed asap. Sigh, I hate going to dentists but... sometimes, you have to.

The Mighty Arrogance of Mat Sallehs

I just don't know why I hate these so called Mat Sallehs. They're nothing but arrogant and think no end of themselves. A customer used the F word in his email and expects me to keep quiet? Well same to you too. I suppose your parents didn't teach you manners. Customer may always be right but I have my rights to tell you to your ugly face how uneducated you and your people are. Only a low class fool would use such language. English may be your language but you don't understand what you speak and confuse everyone. When I tell you off, you go off into a stupid message telling me I am unfit to work as a CSR, well hello, you sure have poor vocabulary or didn't go to school that you had no better word to call me?!?!?!?!?!? You gotta do better than the F word you numbskull.

Well based on the above you can tell what kind of mood I am in. The above statement is meant generally, I do have good Western friends and they're nice. Unfortunately, it's hard to come by courteous and friendly Mat Sallehs these days since they look down on us Asians. That's why I don't bow down to these fellas to be honest.

Well, I don't know why I have been getting arrogant people spoiling my mood but that's the world today. At least I have a happy family (Dad and Grandma) and some good friends who understand me when I am pissed off and always listen. I pity them sometimes they listen to my troubles LOL!!!

Well, in tier 3 of the King's Gauntlet while HZ is in Tier 1. There's no telling what the God of MouseHunt has up his sleeve and I wouldn't be surprised if he defeats me at capturing the Eclipse Mouse before I do XD. His advantages are, experience and the Spellbook Base so... kinda hard to tell but based on my estimate calculation of the cheese using the gauntlet chart estimates, I know I'm able to capture the Eclipse Mouse this time around.

Saturday became a Shatterday XD

Went to work this morning as normal but still exhausted from yesterday's ordeal of processing 190 items and an hour waiting for the next transport thanks to me missing the 6.15pm transport. Had mild diarrhea but other than that, nothing serious. Finished work at 4pm and this time didn't miss the bus.

Came home and had a very quiet evening and went to bed early.

Nail Biting and Hair Pulling Time

Yep, it's the mid-year review and since Nisha is on maternity leave, Reuben; my ex-line manager did the review. It went quite well but I could have done better really but just glad it isn't bad.

Work was a headache doing 3 queues but overshot my targets and broke the record. Unfortunately, I missed the bus by 5 minutes and reached home late since I had to wait for the bus another hour.

Back to Blogging XD

Been quite sometime since I blogged and yeah have been busy. After the vacation in Kedah and back in KL, I went for a Disaster Relief and Rescue Operations Camp at Hulu Langat with Imran. Man that camp really rocked except for minor issues but oh well. Exam was kind of hard but I tried my best.

MouseHunt wise, Han Zhang and I are at King's Gauntlet (my 8th time up the gauntlet and believe me, I won't leave KG until I have captured the Eclipse Mouse). Once that's done, I'll head for Seasonal Garden, Zugzwang's Tower and the Crystal Library.

SMKKJ's BSM, well, not too bad in the sense that we had one final activity replacing the camp and that was the first aid quiz. Well, my teachings didn't go to waste and all winners were from BSM.

Work's as normal. Now a Fire Officer due to my experience etc. and queue is high, work is stressful, customers are just finding excuses to find fault as usual. We can tell them umpteen times, that's their last chance at being charged or not reading the terms and conditions but yet these people cannot understand English. They come back and say we're not treating them fairly. I suppose they're not treating us fairly by looking after their own stuff. Yet, they speak it as their national language which is amazing that they don't want to read terms and conditions and accept the fact they're just ignorant or arrogant people. I suppose the literacy there is worse than I thought. Call themselves Doctors and God knows what but still don't seem to understand their language. Not forgetting they don't want to accept change and give excuses even without trying. Some peope never learn. Mid-Year Appraisal with Reuben tomorrow so I better be prepared.

Checkup at ENT

The checkup with the ENT went well and I must say my pain has reduced tremendously thanks to Dr. Nobu and Dr. Chandran. What UM couldn't do in 4 months, these 2 did it in just 3 weeks. I know who to recommend now for those with such problems XD

Bye Kulim :(

Well, all good things must come to an end but the memories still remain. Left for Bukit Mertajam station and the train was punctual but as usual, punctuality is lacking in today's public transportation here and the train arrived almost an hour later in KL. My dad picked me up from Taman Bahagia and I came home and took a nap.