Only Odo can be squished neatly into a bucket.

I agree that no one ever considers themselves 'one thing.' And it seems really easy to think of others as less complex than they are. In a way, it's normal human nature to try to figure the world out by categorizing things.

It's when we mistake the map for the reality that we get into trouble.

I have to disagree. I think labels are necessary to understanding someone. Words have meaning. When applied to contexts, the meaning changes, but the word itself does not. I am an Atheist, because I do not follow theism. I may be an agnostic in certain contexts, or a Christian in other contexts, or a Buddhist even! But in the usually understood manner, I am an atheist. To use another label would be to clearly mislead someone.

Is Obama black? Maybe. =P I actually don't know, haven't cared to really, not my business. My hubby always says that he's not the first black president though, Clinton was. Ha! (Think about it, you'll get it. Coming from my hubby who in no way follows stereotypes, I thought it was hilarious.)

But that's a joke. Obviously, Clinton is not.

Maybe "cooking-cutter" a human being seems extremely restrictive, but everyone has labels that fit. I'm a female, in my 20's, married, some college education, white, NYer... they don't restrict me, just define me. Labels that don't fit, restrict because they're just not right. I'm not a male, not a nun, not a high-school drop out.

I think that the problem with labels occurs when they are misunderstood or misapplied. And that happens a lot, I think.

Also, we seldom completely identify the particular niche we occupy within a label. Saying "I am a man" or "I am a woman" - for example - leaves a lot to assumption or generalization.

And if it is not a cause on which we intend to concentrate our energies, then we limit the specifics to those we choose to trust to discuss with intelligence and respect.

So... to get back into my college I had to sign a form saying that "I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and savior" and that I would obstain from "drinking, smoking, and dancing."

Dancing? Now that's an odd one..

Steve shook his head at me, but I rationalized the former by saying they could have a "once saved, always saved" doctrine and I could be in. Because.. I have (past tense) accepted him, just.. chose to move on! I hope I'm not being deceptive... but in a way, the question should've been asked better? I'm glad it wasn't though, cause I want to finish!

No drinking, smoking, or dancing, huh? I wonder if any extra credit is allowed for not swearing and not gossiping? Or not judging?

Reminds me of a Jewish joke.

young Orthodox couple gets married. The Rabbi tells them all the rules, including no dancing.

The couple is bewildered and asks about other prohibitions -
can we eat together? Yes.
can we walk together? Yes.
can we hold hands? Yes.
can we have sex in bed? Yes - sex is a beautiful thing.
can we have sex in the kitchen? Yes
can we have sex standing up? NO! Might lead to dancing.

Niki - you really need to find a different school and leave Jesus land for good.

But sex does need to be in the dark, also, right? One might get an urge to dance, otherwise.

Sometimes when I've driven for a while, and it's a ways until the next rest stop, my foot gets to dancing.

Hilarious. =P

But yeah, I love the school mbas. Besides the overabundance of Christian ethics and fundamentalism, the professors are the best, studied under many of the best Bible scholars there are. Sound unbelievable for a little Christian college few have heard of, but there really are phenomenal teachers in this college.

Plus, I'm only 2-3 semesters from graduating. It would be a little foolish not to finish the degree at this point.

The seminary I graduated from was across the street from a college of the same name. The college had a swimming pool built years ago from a bequeath from an alumnus. The bequeath had a stipulation, however - the males & females could not swim at the same time (mustn't see each other in skimpy attire).

And in my last year at the seminary, my wife & I went to a welcoming at our church's national headquarters in a mid-western city. My wife was nursing our new baby. It had been suggested that she not come, and since she did come anyway, there were some who were mortified because she nursed the baby (as discreetly as possible).

Amazing how easily these staunchly "devout" church people can be "tempted" by "evil," huh? Little wonder that while they are putting so much energy into resisting things that are really NOT evil, things can grab them which ARE - in my opinion, of course.