Emerge 2008

*this post has no pics

I have been hearing from my friends about attending youth conferences bla bla bla, and I was invited by Alice to attend one today, so I went to see what it is all about. Lets see, it's a church youth conference, held in Sunway Convention Centre, with the title EMERGE 2008, organised by City Harvest Church (CHC). Went with Alice and Kean.

Started with prayer and worship (it's a charismatic church, btw), so a lot of songs and praying in tongues. Was slightly uncomfortable with the praying in tongues (I did not pray), cos it's not the so-called 'traditional' method of prayer. Anyway, the songs were quite nice, and the singers had great voices.

Sermon session. The pastor was really good, what he preached, was not only applicable as a Christain, but also in everyday life, in everyone who is of other religion. He talked about being true sons/daughters of the house, doesn't matter what house, as house means your family, workplace, organisation, club, whatever you are a part of. I am not going to elaborate on this now, you may msn me if you wanna know further (haha).

Next up, Talent Time finals. Whoa! They were superb. Especially this little kid named Shawn. He could beat box really well, and so damn realistic. I feel he is the best out of 18/19? groups. And there was this band from UTAR Sg. Long who were champions of last year's Gegar U! competition. I just love these two performances.

And I really enjoyed myself today! Thanks so much to Alice for inviting me!

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Now let me tell you how I felt about this whole thing. First of all, when Alice invited me, I was a little hesitant, but then I thought it over, and, well, what the heck. After all, I'm not committed to any religion (tell you why in a moment). So asked Esmond and Kean to go with me, cos Alice will be with her friends. Esmond couldn't make it, so me, Alice, Kean, Shee Wuen (UTAR) and Alvin (KTAR) went together.

Why do I not want to commit myself to a single religion? Well, first of all, my family is not that religious. Secondly, all religions are good. Thirdly, why choose one when I can have all? OK, the third is not that relevant.

All religions are good. Which religion teaches a person to do bad? Is only the people who interpret whatever scriptures use it to their advantage. They take whatever they want from the bible, quran, suttas etc and disregard what they do not want. This is taking advantage of the whole situation, manipulating it...

Everything is so simple. If I find anything that is suitable from suttas, bibles etc, I just apply where it is applicable. For example, today's preaching is really good, and from a non-christain point of view, I feel Pastor Kong is different in that he preaches in a way that makes me think of everyday life. And this is important, especially if you want your congregation to listen to you. Not that other congregations do not listen to their respective pastors, I just felt different from the other times I've been to other churches (no, I am not being brainwashed)

A guy from the convention asked me, when did I join CHC? I told him I am not a Christain, and he looked at me kinda funny. And why do people assume I'm Christain? Just because I speak fluent English? Puh-leez! Do not judge a book by it's cover. I'm fine with going to church, I'm fine with going to the temple, only I'm not fine with people who try to convert me.

I have my own perspective, my own stand, my own beliefs, my own principles. I daresay I know what I want when it concerns religion. I do have people to guide me, people to love me, people who accept me as I am. I read the bible sometimes, I have read certain books on buddhism, I ask people about their religion. I have been blessed by monks, and my fellowship group in Penang. Beat that!

You may ask me to go to church with you, you may ask me to go to the temple with you. I will go, as long as I have the time and interest in that topic.

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And oh, by the way, you are allowed to shoot me as much as you want to. I have expressed myself.