#its literally the worst thing you can do!!!!

[entanglingbriars]

Cultural Christianity: Some Thoughts

The question of whether someone can be both an atheist and a Christian is relevant only in some very specific contexts. In theocratically Christian countries (which has been the normative way to Do Government in Christendom for most of its history), apostasy is literally a crime; if you're an atheist in one of those places you're probably going to keep your mouth shut about it and if you do open it you can expect to be repudiated by your former community.

In countries that aren't theocratically Christian, Christianity frequently functions at least in part as an ethnic indicator. In Northern Ireland it makes sense to ask an atheist whether she's a Catholic or a Protestant atheist. In places where Christians are a minority, they are frequently an ethnic minority, and that will be bound up in their culture.

The only places where the question is relevant are some culturally Christian countries that are not theocratic and where for the most part Christian membership is not ethnically marked. In the United States (which is what I'll be focusing on), that means white American Protestants. (And not even all of them. A born-in Jehovah's Witness may be a white American Protestant, but her culture is definitely not the dominant Christian culture in this country.)

One of the weirder things about this debate, to me, is that on tumblr this debate seems to be largely between gentile atheists and Jews. It's not something I see coming from Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, or Sikhs. It's definitely not something that Christians care about.

As far as I can tell, no one is arguing that the United States is not dominated by (white American Protestant) Christian culture or that everyone who lives here is not to some degree affected by that. The debate seems very much to be about whether a specific person can (or should) be called a cultural Christian.

There are, obviously, some atheists who accept the label. Richard Dawkins is the obvious example (and I'd argue that Dawkins' embrace of the label should give people pause in applying it to others). Those atheists are not part of the debate. They have already been convinced that the term can (and should) be applied to them.

Notably missing from the debate is whether members of other religious minorities can (or should) be called cultural Christians. If I'm raised a Reform Jew in a Christian-majority area and go to a public school, I will be almost as exposed to Christian culture as someone raised a Methodist. But no one is arguing that assimilated or partially-assimilated Jews (and I'd argue that almost all non-Haredim are to some extent partially assimilated) should be called cultural Christians.

The atheists have noticed that. And they really don't like it. The implication it carries is that anyone raised (white American Protestant) Christian will remain so, unless they convert to a different religion and atheism doesn't count.

But the fact that it rankles doesn't mean it's not true. However, it does mean that a lot of atheists see the application of the term to themselves as a denial of their atheism and of the significant work it took to leave Christianity. Because in the United States, even now, leaving Christianity is hard. In some cases it's dangerous, but more commonly it "just" means risking the loss of your entire network of friends and family. This is less so today than it was, say, forty years ago, but it's still a thing.

Further, atheists in the US are a minority religious group. One that experiences oppression and suppression by the dominant religious group. Calling an atheist a cultural Christian identifies her with the group that is actively oppressing her. Which is bound to raise some hackles.

I don't really have a conclusion here. My sense is that applying the term "cultural Christian" to people who don't like it is, at best, counterproductive and, at worst, a microaggression. It doesn't seem to be helping anybody to use it in those cases and may be counterproductive to a discussion of the hegemony white American Protestantism has over US culture. Which is a conversation that is more important now than it has been in decades.

[aventurineswife]

To add a little bit more to SAHSR with artist! Reader, imagine they draw a self portrait and it gets displayed in the museum...

How chaotic would it be when everyone sees it?

- 🤡 anon

Oh. Oh no. (Cue of Oh No! playing by MARINA)

For as long as the Museum of Divinity (yes, they named it that.) has existed, it has only ever displayed them. Their triumphs, their tragedies, their fleeting smiles and lingering sorrows. But then—one day, without warning—a new painting appears.

And it’s not of them.

It’s you.

When the museum doors creak open that day, the first person inside freezes.

At first, they think it's a mistake. That maybe the Celestial Painter has simply left behind an unfinished work.

But then they look closer. And they realize.

This is not just another painting. This is you.

Their beloved, unseen Creator.

For the first time ever—you have revealed yourself.

Welt and Himeko's Reaction:

Stares. For a long time.

Then immediately tries to analyze every single detail.

"This is monumental. Their first self-portrait… What does it mean? Why now?" "Is this how they truly look? Or merely a representation?" "What if it’s symbolic? What if they’re trying to tell us something?!"

March 7th: "Guys, it’s literally just a painting."

Them: "It’s NEVER just a painting when it’s from them.”

Blade and Dan Heng's Reaction:

Blade stops breathing for a full five minutes.

Stares at the painting like it's the only thing that exists in the universe.

Dan Heng is equally frozen, but his hands tremble ever so slightly.

This is you. The one who knows their past, their pain. The one who has shaped them without ever being seen.

They have waited so long to know you.

And now they finally can.

Aventurine and Sunday's Reaction:

Aventurine takes one look and whistles. "Well, well, well. About time we got to see our dear artist."

Sunday? Oh, he’s on another level.

"FINALLY! The Celestial Painter unveils their true form! Oh, this is a BLESSING upon the universe!"

Dramatically poses in front of the portrait, as if basking in its presence.

"Ah, the divine hand that has graced us for so long… And what an EXQUISITE form it takes!"

(You regret drawing this already.)

Kafka and Black Swan's Reaction:

Kafka smirks. "So… this is what you see in the mirror, hm?"

Immediately starts analyzing your expression, posture, even the brushstrokes.

"Are you happy in this painting? Are you lonely? What were you thinking when you painted this?"

Black Swan gently traces the painting’s edge.

"To leave behind an image of oneself is to wish to be known… Do you wish for us to see you?"

(You just thought it’d be fun to paint yourself. Now you’re having an existential crisis.)

Luocha and Jing Yuan's Reaction:

Luocha bows slightly before the painting. "At last, the artist steps into their own masterpiece."

Jing Yuan chuckles, arms crossed. "And what a fascinating subject they make."

The two of them exchange theories about why you would suddenly paint yourself.

"Perhaps they grow tired of being unseen?"

"Or perhaps they simply wished to remind us that they are still watching."

March 7th and Sparkle's Reaction:

March gasps so loudly that it echoes through the entire museum.

"GUYS. GUYS, LOOK. LOOK IT’S THEM. IT’S ACTUALLY THEM!!!"

Immediately tries to take a photo of the painting. (Fails. It’s impossible to capture with any device.)

Sparkle is just as dramatic. "Finally, a face to the omnipotent hand that crafts our fates!"

Insists that a festival must be held in your honor immediately.

No one leaves the museum for HOURS.

People start guarding the portrait like it’s a sacred relic.

Characters now visit DAILY, just to look at you.

(Some even talk to the painting when no one’s around.)

The Stellaron Hunters consider stealing it.

Argenti wants to write poetry about it.

Sunday requests a massive, golden frame.

Blade and Dan Heng? Yeah. They don’t let anyone touch it.

And worst of all?

You can never take it down. Because if it ever disappears…?

Oh. Oh, they would lose their minds.

[kingdom-of-sins]

hii how do u think the fourth wing boys would react to finding out your dragons are mated? 👀 (pls pls include aaric?)

(I have only read till half of IF so forgive me if something doesn't align with the characters)

Ridoc: You both are first year and this guy has been flirting with you from the moment he saw you cross the parapet. You were a challenge to him and you enjoyed the game as well. You both made a bet that if both of you survive thrashing and bond with dragons there will be some serious celebration which will not involve any clothes. Imagine Ridoc surprised, happy, horny, confused at the same time. That's how he was when you both found out your dragons are mates, and the celebration certainly happened sooner because both your dragons started "celebrating" as well. Ridoc is especially happy about the connection he has with you now...sending "wild" thoughts in the middle of a series class or the continuous mental fighting. He also pouted an entire day when he realized you successfully learned to shield your mind and used it against him, but luckily for him he knows how to get your shield down. Ridoc is also very grateful that his dragon prefers to stay with his mate all the time.

Liam: Okay for this I have an entire scenario in my head. You as the daughter of the king but you hid your identity well and no one in that death hole war college knows who you really are, except for violet. You and Liam have fought each other during training, obviously Liam always winning and ending up on top of you. The subtle flirting and caring could almost go unnoticed, but still enough to make both your hearts crave something more. But you know you have to stay away from the marked ones and can't develop feelings for any of them, maybe that's why you sometimes act rude towards him just when things start to get a little more than a mere friendship. After the threshing, Liam immediately figured out that both your dragons are mate (Xaden helped him). But you couldn't figure out what's going on, and let's just say your dragon has a mischievous side and is enjoying your confusion and frustration. Liam's has suddenly developed an urge to be with you all the time (not really, he felt this way before but the dragons gave him a good reason now). Because of the bond Liam soon found out your true identity, maybe he read your mind or his dragon told him because your dragon can't keep a single secret from his mate. Out of loyalty Liam told Xaden and it became a whole mess. A big fight happen between you and Liam and at that moment both your dragons thought it would be funny to hook up. So all that emotions let to angry hate sex with you and Liam. A marked one and the princess. The hate sex didn't last long and it soon turned into something more passionate and emotional. The next day Liam happily sat next to his dragon as he watch you scold your dragon for getting horny at the worst time possible. You still have a lot to get used to but you don't regret your time with Liam. Liam thinks its the best thing that has happened to him.

Imagine Liam using his signet to watch you when you are a little bit far away. Imagine his love sick smile and everyone is like "what's he smiling about?"

Bodhi: You being a first year and Bodhi a third year. Bodhi was not expecting you to bond with his dragon's mate, especially when everyone knows your dragon has an attitude and is very picky. Bodhi was literally going "no no no" when he was observing the thrashing and his dragon is like "my mate choose well, she is pretty and strong". Up until then Bodhi never really care about you but now suddenly there is this big twist. Imagine you are one of those people who thinks that rules should always be followed, it certainly doesn't work when Bodhi is literally part of the rebellion. So what does Bodhi do? Get you in trouble first which could get you kicked out or worse, and then tell you that your dragons are mates. It's the only idea he can come up with in short time to protect the rebellion and to make sure you don't do blabbing away, not that you were ever going to because even though you follow rules you know what is wrong and what is right. Your dragon doesn't like Bodhi much but tolerate him because of his mate. Bodhi's dragon however adore you. When your dragon started mating you stay away far away from Bodhi, maybe even seek the comfort of another and lets just say Bodhi has a hard time hiding his jealousy, especially when his own dragon is also jealous on his behalf

Garrick: "I am fucked" That's the words that came out of Garrick's mouth when he realized you bonded with his dragon's mate. And why he reacted that way? Because you two hooked up shortly after you started your first year and he ended things because you caught feelings and he didn't, at least that's what he believe. Now it didn't take you long to move on (that's what he believes) but he is certain that this new change between you two will make everything more complicated. Garrick trying to explain you the enter thing, mated dragons, him and you never going to happen and all that. He was kind of disappointed when you only replied "cool". He can hear his dragon laughing with its mate about the entire situation. The fact that you are so chill about all this made him even more frustrated and he just keeps lying to himself that the frustration is because your dragons are about to "mate" again, and you are like "then why am i not feeling it?" and just walk away. You will be in hell before you let yourself catch feeling again, and Garrick is terribly regretting not giving you his heart when you first confessed. "I am fucked", and his dragon is like "yes you are and me and my mate are enjoying this". The direct mental link is another thing that has disrupted his entire life when you just simply indifferent to him and flirt and hook up with others. And when you learned to shield your mind Garrick was losing it. He can't even imagine not able to have the constant connection with you, but of course he tried his best to hide it

Dain: Yeah this guy felt like he lost all control when you bonded with his dragon's mate. "is that even possible?" he is in complete disbelief. But he immediately, like second later after the thrashing, got extra protective. Maybe you two knew each other from childhood, maybe you two were friends, or maybe you were never able to tolerate him. But now your life is tied to him in the most annoying dramatic way. Instead of trying to teach you to protect yourself and fight Dain is like "maybe you and your dragon should sit this one out", and like hell you are going to listen to him. It's an endless cycle of you getting on Dain's nerve and Dani getting on your nerves while both your dragons are hopelessly cheesy romantic. But like imagine Dain slowly realizing he can't always ask you to step back and not like you ever listen so he trains you. You are not happy but accept his offer. "but if you touch me without gloves i will chop you hands into tiny tiny pieces, fry them in hot oil and feed it to my dragon." Dain just roll his eyes and is like "do you always have to be so violent?"

Aaric: His real identity was revealed to you the day you bonded with your dragon. Aaric was somewhat chill about it but he had to calm you down because you are one of the marked ones and he is the king's son. There may have been some hurtful words from you side but he is just calm and let you work you emotions out. And then came the mind talking thing. "get out of my head" "i didn't even realize i was in...okay okay, i am getting out...i think we are never getting out of this." It's almost unbelievable how fast your friendship developed after this. Sure there is always something more than friendship between you two but you both have mission but Aaric always tell you "I think you will be happier with someone else" and it always confuses you because you have no idea what his signet is

Jack FUCKING Barlowe: Okay but imagine his dragon choose him because you bonded with your dragon first and his dragon is somewhat unhealthily attached to your dragon, just like Jack has an unhealthy infatuation with you. It's not a typical mate thing but there is something and its kind of scary. The type of scary that you always feel in you bones but it send chills but also a strange comfort of knowing he wont hurt you. Jack was grinning like a maniac when he realized his dragon is your dragon's "mate". Since that moment onwards your mind was never safe and you were never alone.

I didn't add Xaden because we already know how he reacts and I don't think i can write something different for him

[pixiedurango]

Hey, so I saw your letter ask post and it's an amazing idea! Your letters look so good 😍!! I was wondering if you would in interested, please, in doing one between Teia and Lucanis where Teia absolutely has picked up on the love/desire/connection between lucanis and Rook and she's trying to subtlety encourage/ get info out of Lucanis because aside from spite, teia is rookanis biggest shipper and no one can convince me otherwise 🤣! Thanks 😊

Yay, you have sent my first ever request for the Antivan Postal Service. Thank you so much.

I went with a f!rook without any other specifications, I hope that is OK. Here we go, I really hope you like it <3

Transcript:

Lucanis,

forgive me, but the day I’ll address you as 1st Talon in a private letter, I might throw myself into the canals from the big bell tower.

I just wanted to check in with you. Sending something else than operation missives, contract matters and reports. Some cozy Antivan hospitality within those lines to give you a glimpse of home. And a taste, see the crate attached - you will find an assortment of the finest delicacies Treviso has to offer.

Ah, she sends gifts… what does she want? I don’t need to see you, to know what you are thinking right now. But can a fellow Crow, a Talon even, of a somewhat alligned House not just look after you to see how you are doing? You’ve been away for so long, even before the… you know what. And upon return, you just stumbled into the worst of literally everything…

Just let me assure you that things are calming down around here and once you will return home, you’ll find your Crows in immaculate shape. We know, that Caterina will take care of that, but not alone, as Vi and I are here to have your back. And that’s not sucking up to my boss, but as I see it the only chance we have is unity if what we seek is stability and a thriving Treviso, a thriving Antiva once this whole ‘killing the old gods and stopping the end of world’ thing is over and dealt with.

How is life at the lighthouse? We really need to drop by soon for a meetup and a tour. I’m dying to see how it is to live in the Fade. Aren’t these crazy times? Casually speaking of visiting friends in the Fade where they live. If I would not be part of this whole story I wouldn’t believe it if someone told me!

Speaking of crazy… How’s Rook doing? She works so hard. And yet she always has a smile and a kind word. I wonder where she got THAT from. Unlikely from Viago. And she got you your smile back, too! You thought I would not notice, right? But its clear to see that you are beaming. More every time we meet.

I’m not saying it’s her (alone) that brought your smile back. Purpose, a contract, some successes along the way, friends… all this does wonders for you.

But from the day, that you begged me to not flirt with your “colleague” I knew there was something between the both of you. You might not even have realized yourself then, but I KNEW. And don’t you shake your head on reading this, I know what I know. Rook is not only a pleasure to look at, but she is also smart, loyal, funny and, you can’t deny it - good for you.

Don’t you worry, I may not have many secrets in front of your nonna, excuse me, Caterina - but this one will stay between me and you (and Rook). Viago of course is as oblivious of social cues as ever, so you don't have to worry on that front, either.

Be assured, you can explore this surely exciting events in your private life without the worry, of becoming the cover story of the Treviso gazettes. Your secret is safe with me. This said, just know that I’d love to hear everything you want to tell me about it, but of course I know I’m talking into the Fade here…. Quite literally.

So, nothing more to say but: Enjoy your gift box, I recommend the bottle of good old red together with some of the tapas in the sealed basket. I’m sure, Rook will love them too.

Always yours - Teia

[spaceycat]

Mike Munroe- thoughts on how he fucks? I think he's a noisey bitch tbh

ts 5am and i have plans today and i havent slept but we persevere!!!!! MICHAEL MUNROE. OH MY GOD.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════ 

✰ mike definitely wants to hear you enjoy yourself, because it proves he's doing shit right so he always likes to hear you moan as loud as you can.

✰ will edge you until you're literally sobbing beneath him and then overstimulates you and mocks you the entire time like "but you wanted to come a minute ago, i'm just helping you out baby.."

✰ calls you princess, angel, baby, beautiful

✰ he is so loud in bed and is not afraid to show it, like if you're fucking in a bathroom or a bedroom w/ people around PEOPLE KNOW. PEOPLE KNOW ITS MIKE.

✰ is more of a dom, doesnt usually sub - and when he does he still is kinda switchy with it. he likes being in control of things.

✰ likes receiving head more than giving, but even when he gives head bro is like a starving man - lapping at your pussy until you're writhing beneath him.

✰ he likes toys to use on you for foreplay but its low-key his enemy because he wants to be in control and to be the one that makes you feel good

✰ 100% got one of em dildo things and made one of his own dick for you to use when he isnt there

✰ this man definitely sends you like photos of his chest, his dick all leaking, his v-line, HIS HAPPY TRAIL. i wanna lick it. and sometimes sends you videos of him jerking off at the WORST TIMES

✰ when he's jerking off he definitely holds his shirt between his teeth tehehehehe

✰ loves it when you send him photos of yourself, videos of you pleasuring yourself and hearing your moans, or send him a video riding that dildo from before - be certain he is on his way home to fuck you bro

✰ facedown doggy he loves omg, but he also loves missionary. he loves any position as long as you are in it.

✰ tits & ass guy, loves to play with your ass and tits during sex and likes to suck on your nipples ALL THE TIME - he is obsessed with them.

✰ bro has such a high stamina and sex-drive, you could go for 4 rounds before he needs a breather then back on it. he is a horn dog bro.

i'm inlove with him

[ganondoodle]

Have you been assesed for adhd?

nope, though im pretty sure i got it ... or its something similar bc although also not officially diagnosed there is no way im not autistic OTL

the only things i have been .. 'diagnosed' with is anxiety and chronic depression, though both of which by a therapist that got arrested for fraud and harassment (hahaha .. ._.) and im not sure how much weight that can hold both bc of .. THAT and bc i honestly have no idea how much a therapist can do (its been many years since then too) and the only meds he ever offered me where like .. drugs ('herbs')

i have been thinking of asking our family doctor about it but im rather afraid of whatever process i gotta go through to get anything that might help since im sure its also not JUST adhd that causing all this (and ... im afraid it could impact how i am treated ... like if they know im autistic are they not gonna take me seriously anymore or stop me from making choices about myself.. welp theres the anxiety ndfjkgndfknvgfdk)

(and a new therapist is pretty impossible bc theres a really big problem of not enough therapists around ESPECIALLY where i live ... also fear bc of the previous one .. haha ._, )

[starry-bi-sky]

on a completely separate note; shizun luo binghe with a disciple shen yuan who fell into the abyss??? *thinks about LBH canonically stealing SQQ's corpse for 5 years* he'd hallucinate i think. like, like visual and audial hallucinations.

Keeps thinking he's seeing SQQ in the corner of his eyes, or wandering between the trees, amongst a group of disciples. Thinks he hears him calling for him, but its just the wind or another disciple.

Gets Xiu Ya reforged but patently fucking refuses to make a sword mound. Because his disciple Is Not Dead :))) There was No Body. He's Not Dead. And If You keep Insisting That He Is, He's Gonna Skewer You :). He's holding onto Xiu Ya so he can return his most favored disciple's sword when he returns. It's on his hip right next to Zheng Yang where it's supposed to be.

Also this motherfucker?? does not sleep btw. He has the image of SQQ, wide eyed and hysterical and standing at the mouth of the abyss burned into his fucking eyelids. Can't use the dreamscape to escape it either because he keeps trying to save him and either he does and it's an incredibly cruel trick to wake up to, or he doesn't and he gets his heart broken in several different pieces again.

There is no convincing this man that Shen Qingqiu is dead. Absolutely nothing at all. He is buried so deep in denial that moles would be jealous of how deep he is. He keeps making tea for two in the bamboo house only to remember that it's just him. SQQ's fans are hiding everywhere, little reminders of his presence. He goes to wake up SQQ on the mornings he sleeps in-- only to find the room empty.

[piplupcola]

I don't have a lot of confidence in my art, but Roosterteeth and Achievement Hunter was one of the few things back in the day that got me to sit down & draw. I'm still really honored to be one of their guest artist for their 18th anniversary. You weren't always the best Roosterteeth, but thanks for inspiring this shy artist to keep drawing.

[oneluckydragon]

Started writing a fic back in early October and had to abandon it for a while due to IRL situations. But I've started working on it again little by little, and I am so excited to eventually share it with my mutuals and followers. I hope you guys enjoy it (I am trying my best to get it done)!

TBH my only motivation anymore is thinking about my friends having a good time reading it when it's finally posted (I love all of you very much). I cannot wait for all of these ideas to be fleshed-out on paper at last.

Over 16,000 words and I am nowhere near satisfied yet. I feel like I can write WAY more. Stay tuned!

[thebirdandhersong]

Lol

[perilegs]

my sweet little baby man is no longer with us

[smoshingatut]

I'm kinda tired of dungeon meshi fans blatantly misinterpreting Kabru's goals, motivations, and character so they can ship him with Laios...like obviously it's awesome if you enjoy Laikabu but can you nooot twist Kabru's intentions for involving himself with the guy who constantly triggers his monster trauma and pisses him off so bad he gets brain damage so that he turns into "the guy who wants to suck Laios's dick" as his entire character? I've even seen people cut off Kabru's words to make it seem like he is admiring Laios because it would disrupt that narrative

[the-harvester]

Hematite Headshots!

[Little note in the tags from the mods <3]

[lollytea]

She was driven mad by the truth (Clover and Emmeline love Hunter to pieces)

[androdragynous]

applying for disability services sucks ass you'll call three different numbers (each located on different pages of the same program of the same site) and sit on hold for hours and then the person who picks up doesn't know what you're talking about. And then you call back a different day to the same number and that person completes the process in ten minutes, cheerfully assures you you'll get a call back soon, and then you Never Fucking Hear From Them Again

[strawberry-cowmilk]

oh no somebody I do not want to know about my online presence might have found this account luckily I didn't find anything suspicious in my follower list but oh my god