Articles written by Neal Banks - Page 2

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About me - Neal Banks

I read, I write, I eat, I cook, I draw, I paint, and I love my wife.

I suppose I should elaborate somewhat (I will keep it pithy). After abandoning my ambitions of becoming an astronaut while watching the Challenger explode prior to reaching orbit, I pursued

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Hobbies & Games > Role Playing & War Games The appeal and addiction of role playing games: 5 of 11
I believe this to be true: that there is absolutely nothing wrong with fantasy or with role-playing in and of themselves. I believe that having an imaginative, creative mind is a gift. Fantasy is simply an extension of imagination, and is often used in an allegorical way to convey deep moral and ethical truths. C.S. Lewis' w... More..
Hobbies & Games > Role Playing & War Games Which is better: Online roleplaying games or tabletop roleplaying games?: 16 of 32
While not a man of a great many words, my father did speak on occasion. His words resonated much more profoundly since they were much harder to come by. He spoke succinctly and was always pithy. He was also a speaker of great truth and wisdom, and his words still ring with timeless authority. One thing he told me was, "If it... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religion & Spirituality (Other) Is Humanism a religion?: 13 of 24
Is Humanism a religion? No. That would be giving it far too much credit. Most would classify it as philosophy, or even a fundamental sociological belief system. It could be argued that it is a religion in the sense that its tenets and precept are rather organized and adherents are often quite zealous in their belief. I could... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Doctrine & Issues Is there room in Christianity for other beliefs?: 30 of 52
When addressing Christianity there seems to be a difference of opinion on whether or not it is simply just another religion. Religion is defined by Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary as: (1): the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2): commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance (3): a personal set or ... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christianity (Other) Overcoming supernatural strongholds: 3 of 5
The office was small, over-lit by fluorescent bulbs. It was at the end of a short hallway, lined with linoleum tiles that were stained yellow with age and use. The only thing that was significant about the hallway was that it was behind a pair of wooden doors, which seemed in stark contrast to the rest of the antique mall. T... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christianity (Other) Are homosexual acts natural or sinful?: 38 of 56
My father was from a different era. He was born only three years before the Great Depression. He enlisted into the US Navy during the latter years of WW2 and saw combat over the Pacific many times. He grew up with June and Ward Cleaver and Howdy Doody. Business deals were solidified with nothing more than a firm handshake, T... More..
Food & Drink > Restaurant Reviews Are the most expensive restaurants in the world worth their price tags?: 22 of 22
You always get what you pay for. I might call that a pearl of wisdom, or a truism perhaps. I might even go so far as to say that the statement is undeniable fact. Nonetheless, I think it holds true in virtually every aspect of our lives, since everything we get we inevitably pay for (in one fashion or another). This is certa... More..