Culture

Can I be a Christian if I don't go to church?

For my new blog about my life on and off stage please over the past sixty years or so please go to the following link. The blog should bring a smile to your face. Enjoy! - Rod Pickles www.rmp1944.wordpress.com

Why do childrens Nativity plays and pantomines have to be vetted for political correctness? Why are some of our loved Christmas songs censored in case they offend the narrow minded? Why must company Christmas parties be non-Christian and non-alcoholic? Why not go the whole hog and go vegan? Not sorry for pun. Seems like some have been reading the world view of Oliver Cromwell, or other "leaders" that I am not allowed to name in case of offence.

If I can cram onto a plane for sevreral hours closely packed why can't I sit in an airy theatre for the same time.

What's happening in our neighborhood and streets this summer that's creating decent and riots?

Mine are "Body Heat" 1981 with William Hurt and Kathleen Turner. Have seen it at least 15 times and always ready to watch again. Love the suspense and the "noir " aspect of it. And for a comedy," Trains, Planes and Automobiles" ( think I got the order correct there ! ). Steve Martin and John Candy. Never fails to make me laugh until I cry! Since I'm an American, most of you probably have British faves. I do like lots of them as well, but the 2 I mentioned remain my faves!

When did you last go to church? Did you get much out of it? Any opinions?

Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day is always on the fourth Sunday of Lent, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday and usually in the second half of March or early April. But does the name of the day matter to you? The day has long been associated with mothers and family. For centuries it was custom for people to return home to their ‘mother’ church on Laetare Sunday – the middle of Lent. Those who did so were said to have gone ‘a-mothering’. The day often turned into a family reunion and a chance for children working away from home – often young domestic servants - to spend time with their mothers. Many used to pick flowers from the verges along the way to leave in the church or hand to their mothers when they got home. The day is now seen as a celebration of mothers and the maternal bond and traditionally children give flowers, presents and cards to their mothers, and other maternal figures such as grandmothers, stepmothers and mothers-in-law. It is increasingly being called Mother's Day, although that has always been a secular event quite different from the original Mothering Sunday. In the UK and the Republic of Ireland, Mothering Sunday is celebrated in the same way as Mother's Day is celebrated elsewhere. The day has also become more commercialised too, and some may feel that Mother's Day has lost its sense of original meaning. Does the name matter to you? What are your views?

Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day is always on the fourth Sunday of Lent, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday and usually in the second half of March or early April. But does the name of the day matter to you? The day has long been associated with mothers and family. For centuries it was custom for people to return home to their ‘mother’ church on Laetare Sunday – the middle of Lent. Those who did so were said to have gone ‘a-mothering’. The day often turned into a family reunion and a chance for children working away from home – often young domestic servants - to spend time with their mothers. Many used to pick flowers from the verges along the way to leave in the church or hand to their mothers when they got home. The day is now seen as a celebration of mothers and the maternal bond and traditionally children give flowers, presents and cards to their mothers, and other maternal figures such as grandmothers, stepmothers and mothers-in-law. It is increasingly being called Mother's Day, although that has always been a secular event quite different from the original Mothering Sunday. In the UK and the Republic of Ireland, Mothering Sunday is celebrated in the same way as Mother's Day is celebrated elsewhere. The day has also become more commercialised too, and some may feel that Mother's Day has lost its sense of original meaning. Does the name matter to you? What are your views?

What is a reasonable amount to spend on a wedding. My son is getting married and So far the costs are at £12000 excluding the honeymoon. I've been told this is quite reasonable. I'm paying half they are paying the other half themselves. Personally I can think of better things to spend the money on. I have been married 31 years. We got married at a Registry Office with 2 friends as witnesses. It cost £18. We then flew off to Italy for our honeymoon which we paid for ourselves. How much would you pay for a Wedding and who should pay?