Interviews

This issue we have two great interviews by Mrcsupertrain . One is an interview with a few frequent posters in the God vs Atheism debate thread : Lilshu, Mormil, Sam Boyz, Steve and Thebasswizard who each represent either Atheism, Islam or Christianity. They discuss many topics including common misconceptions about their religions and how their opinions on other beliefs have evolved. The other interview is one with Knight Haleth about his real life and RuneScape. He is asked about why he temporarily left Sal's Forum and personal questions. Enjoy the 6th Interview section of Sal's Newspaper.

-Prashanna

Interview With Religious Debaters - By: Mrcsupertrain

The interview you are about to read contains five interviewees: Lilshu / Gedackt, Mormil, Sam Boyz, Steve, and Thebasswizard. This interview is a bit short than the average ones, containing fewer questions but with longer relies. Plus, it is a very interesting read. The subject of this interview is debating in the topic, God Vs. Atheism.

Hello everyone. As you may or may not know, I am Mrcsupertrain and I am your interviewer. Firstly, how is everyone today?

Lilshu / Gedackt : I just came off of a 10-hour workday so I'm a little tired. But hey, the day's over, so that means I can play now. I'm pretty happy.
Mormril : I'm feeling pretty good.
Sam Boyz : I'm doing fine! I just logged on to see how my other famous thread, Noobs Say The Darnest Things , is faring.
Steve : Everyone is doing good.
Thebasswizard : I'm good, thanks for asking.

It looks like everyone is doing well. I am glad to hear that. Now, it's time for the fun part: the start of the interview. Let us start off simple. Initially, I would like everyone to give us a brief statement on what their religion is and of what it consists.

Lilshu / Gedackt : I was raised as a pure Southern Christian, but recently I have strayed away from that, and started towards an Atheist-based religion. That's how I went into this debate - strongly Atheist, and unwilling to believe religion facts presented. Now, after learning about everyone's religion, and even looking into some other religions, I have become a Deist. I believe that there is a divine creator, who through some way or another created the singularity that became the Big Bang. But that's where the religious side stops. From the creation of the Big Bang, I believe that the God figure imposed many natural laws that govern our Universe, so that he can step back and watch. I also believe that God never intervenes with his creation, meaning I do not believe in Holy Scriptures or Prophets.

Mormril : I'm a Christian Seventh-Day-Adventist. If anybody is interested in what that entails, they could find a good site here: CLICK .

Sam Boyz : I am a follower of Islam, a Muslim. The founder and Prophet of Islam was Muhammad, a merchant from Mecca . Us Muslims have a very different way of life than the Western civilization, although many of the things in use today find their beginnings in the Muslim-Arab Civilization. A lot more information about Islam can be found here: CLICK .

Steve : I call myself an atheist. This means that I don't believe in any god or other creator. I don't claim to know how the universe was created, though I do believe in the theory of evolution by natural selection. I don't believe in any god, but I also don't think that we can disprove its existence. The closest that we can come to disproving god is disproving the texts that religions consider holy. Some claim that a god did a certain thing. If someone can prove that a particular thing happened by another way, then the text would be proven at least partially false, removing its credibility. However, that doesn't mean there is no god.

Thebasswizard : I am a Christian. I believe that God sent Jesus Christ to this earth, and that he died on the cross for our sins. I believe that works cannot get us to heaven, and we must accept Christ as our personal savior. I believe that if one does the previously stated, he or she will live forever in heaven.

If none of you mind, what are some myths that people say about your own religions that are false, completely untrue, or a great misunderstanding?

Lilshu / Gedackt : The one thing that annoys me beyond belief is when some one goes and says "Evolution is dumb! It thinks we evolved from monkeys!". Yes, many people have said that exact line. Modern primates and modern humans share a common ancestor, according to the Theory of Evolution. It does not say we came from monkeys.

Mormril : Some people seem to think that because one believes in Christianity they're shutting down their minds. I've actually had somebody inform me that I'm impeding science because I don't think that scientists are always correct about things like, for instance, Macroevolution. Some people seem to think that Christianity is mainly used to for control of the people. The "opiate of the masses", as they say. In a way they're right. Christianity is a message of peace. Unless you were trying to get people to follow you into a message of peace and love, I don't really see how it could benefit the leaders.

Sam Boyz : One word: Terrorism. After the events of 9/11, many Westerners condemned Islam and its followers of being terrorists. There is only one simple truth: Islam does not preach terrorism. In fact, it tells us to be exactly the opposite, peacemakers and peace-lovers. Islam has its roots in the idea of peace and unity.

Steve : The largest misunderstanding about my beliefs that I have seen is people who think that the theory of evolution is monkeys turning into humans. I believe that all primates (monkeys, apes, humans) evolved from a common ancestor relatively recently in the evolutionary time line.

Thebasswizard : I would say that the greatest misunderstanding about my religion is that my religion prevents me from doing such things as listening to metal, and hanging out with certain people. Another misunderstanding is that all Christians hate Muslims, homosexuals, etc. That is not true. Christ told us to love one another. Another that I try to prove false is that Christians feel that we shouldn't learn about any other religion. We should. It keeps us from being ignorant. As some people know, I listen to anyone of any religion. Just because I believe different things, that doesn't mean that I can't talk to other people.

The main topic of the interview is debating in the topic, God Vs. Atheism. Although the title is somewhat self-explanatory, would anyone like to momentarily explain the main topic the topic's author wanted to debate?

Lilshu / Gedackt : The thread was just to serve as a debate over the Big Bang Theory's accuracy. As we went on our path, we started branching out into all reaches of religion; so accordingly, Sam Boyz changed the title to God Vs. Atheism and that is what it has become. Everything from Evolution to the contributions of Muslims to modern society has been discussed. Any debate that is about religion has probably been discussed in this topic.

Mormril : To be honest, I can't even remember what the original purpose was. I seem to recall that Sam Boyz, the author of the topic, was trying to prove that God exists, except that in his case it might be called Allah. It really sort of spanned a wide variety of topics. From arguing about the big bang, to evolution, and all those other arguments sort of came with it. Some people, for instance, thought that Religion was detrimental to society because of the wars.

Sam Boyz : When I first made the debate, I named it "The Big Bang Theory", because that was what the debate was initially about. As things changed, however, I had to change the title too, because things were straying from discussion about the Big Bang theory, to the more bigger topic: God or Atheism.

Steve : No. I wouldn't

Thebasswizard : Well, I am not entirely sure, I sort of just popped in here and there *laughs*. I'll let someone else answer that question.

What inspired you all to start debating in this particular debating? Are you all common debaters, were you interested in the topic, etc?

Lilshu / Gedackt : I've always liked to argue, sometimes not very well, but I have nonetheless. And since I had gone through a previous religious upheaval, I decided to pitch in and share my viewpoint.

Mormril : I was mainly interested in proving all those people that to believe in God isn't as illogical as everybody thinks. I think it is impossible to prove that God exists, but I think it is very plausible to prove that he could exist. I don't really think that anybody can do anything more than that. I'm commonly on the debate forums, though, as well. What can I say? I like to argue.

Sam Boyz : Well, I debated (and still do) in this topic because it was my creation, so I had to keep it alive for as long as possible. It seems that after 96 pages (currently) it still hasn't grown old.

Steve : I'm not completely sure what got me debating here. I think I was already in the debate room a little bit, commenting in lots of different topics, this possibly being one of them. This is one of the few debates I still take part in. One reason is to fix people's misconceptions about my beliefs, particularly evolution. Many people who are uneducated in the subject claim to know lots about it, though what they say turns out to be false.

Thebasswizard : Well, I don't consider myself much of a debater, but when I saw some people making some assumptions about Christianity, I thought I should step in and set the record straight. Another reason was that there were some people making Christianity look very bad. I couldn't let people's minds get filled with wrong thoughts about what Christianity is about. I wasn't in the debate from the start. I didn't post all the time either, I just posted where I thought I would need to.

Before you started debating, what were your views on other particular religions or cultures?

Lilshu / Gedackt : I only developed opinions on two of the main religions prior to this debate: Islam and Christianity. Christianity was simple enough. I had been raised in a particularly poorly organized Church, so I considered it to just be a boring, sophisticated way of making money. Also, I had just read The DaVinci Code, and learned about what early Christians had done to society, and I had become somewhat miffed about what all they had done. Burning the works of philosophers such as Plato, for example. Islam had an even worse reputation. The only thing I knew about it was from my family and 9/11. Neither source had very good things to say. "They're just a bunch of uncivilized people running around with guns," I remember being said to me at the dinner table. After 9/11, I believed that to be completely true, because I had not inclination to find out otherwise.

Mormril : It's been a long time, but I thought that the islamic people were not peaceful and a very real threat to the world. I don't really have too much of an opinion of different cultures. There are to many to mention in this answer. I will say that I find different cultures strange. I think that is true for everybody, though.

Sam Boyz : I used to think that Atheists were a lazy bunch of people who didn't have enough time in their life to spare for God. My views have changed dramatically. I now know that they reject God, because they are using their intellect. Many people I know who are religious, are simply so because their fathers and forefathers had been so. Atheists do not just follow "the trend" blindly, like sheep. They think about these things, and with the best 'scientific' knowledge available, reject a supreme deity.

Steve : Back when I started debating, I think I was much more of a jerk about my beliefs than I am now, especially to Christians. I disliked many people just for being of another religion, and even just stating your beliefs I would see as a conversion attempt. But how can you debate without trying to press your beliefs on the people that you are debating? I also thought that I was completely right on everything I had to say, mostly about evolution. I thought that people who denied the evidence were idiots (or something of the sort). I was of course wrong about that.

Thebasswizard : When I first stepped in, I knew a little bit. I had learned a bit in school, but I learned a lot about several religions. But as far as views, I was always taught to respect other religions, so while people had different beliefs than me, I was ready to have a civilized debate. I came into this debate with an open mind, to put it simply.

If at all, how have your views changed? Was there any post or particular member that changed any of your views?

Lilshu / Gedackt : The most important thing that I began to realize is that not every single person practices the religion the exact same way. Unfortunately for the Muslims, the only kind that ends up on television or in the news is the kinds that go around blowing stuff up. After talking with some of the Muslims on this forum, Sam Boyz and Sultan in particular, I realized that I was seriously stereotyping Islam. Through this thread, and the Ask Questions about Islam thread, I have learned much more about this religion. The same goes for Christianity, a big thanks to people like Thebasswizard, Mormril, and Dissenter for teaching me more about the religion I was raised in. I've learned more from you guys than I have from 10 years of Church.

Mormril : I would have to say that a lot of members have changed my view somewhat. Certain members I have found to be insulting, so I wasn't really too impressed with them. It was mainly when I found people that were polite and got to know me a little better, like 123man for instance, that I started thinking that they might not be as crazy, or at least as much I had originally thought.

Sam Boyz : Lilshu / Gedackt was probably the only person who had a significant impact on me through this debate, and taught me what I answered in the question above. Although nowadays, my religion and I may have fallen into distaste with him because of another debate concerning religion, He, in my opinion, will always remain as my best friend-rival.

Steve :I've actually changed my beliefs a bit. First of all, I've gotten much more respectful about how I debate and show my beliefs. I've also recently had a lot of free time, and during it I sometimes end up thinking about religion. I've also realized that we can't prove that a god does exist or that a god doesn't exist. This respect doesn't always show, though, as when I'm in a bad mood I often get to be a real jerk, especially in debates like this. Its a shame, too, because I'm often in a bad mood.

Thebasswizard : I wouldn't really say that my views changed. If anything, I only gained more understanding. A lot of people really know how to post. I would say that I learned most from evolutionists like Lilshu. I didn't know much about what Evolution was, but I did learn a lot. But I would say that Lilshu helped me become less closed-minded and taught me some maturity.

At the moment, what are your current views on particular cultures and religions?

Lilshu / Gedackt : I still do not believe in all the things that the religions say, but I accept their validity for existing. I realize that for many people, their religion is the only thing they have, and it is an ever-present guiding hand in their life. I disagree with some of the actions of the religions, but I understand why now. And that "why" is essential to being able to coexist with them.

Mormril : It took me a while after 9/11, but I've finally come to the conclusion that Muslims aren't such a violent group of people as I had originally thought. I don't think that certain religions are correct theologically. Certain people think that Islam and Christianity are pretty much the same, but there are definite differences.

Sam Boyz : Although I've learned a lot about Atheism throughout this debate, let's not forget my other major opponent, Christianity. I've learned that not all Christians are hardcore missionary-converters. There are also very nice Christians too. For example, my friend Thebasswizard is probably the nicest Christian I've ever met. He's taught me a lot about his religion, as I'm sure I did to him. Although I made Christian friends, I still have some debater-enemies. One of them is Dissentor.

Steve : I don't think that other religions are right about their views on god. That's about all there is to it. I'm assuming that the other five guys basically have the same views. I also find some people obnoxious about their beliefs, but that's the person I find annoying, not the religion. This goes both for atheists and people who believe in god.

Thebasswizard : I respect all religions/beliefs. While I may not plan on converting anytime soon, I have learned a lot. I would like to thank everyone who posted sensibly in that topic. I learned some very valuable pieces of information.

Overall, what have you learned from debating? How have your perspectives changed?

Lilshu / Gedackt : I've learned so much about everyone and their religions through the debate. I have made some great friends, but most importantly, I am at least beginning to understand their lifestyle. Whereas before, I'd have no idea were to start if I wanted to defend a religion. Now, I know enough basic information that I can shoot down a few arguments lobbed by Atheists. I'm certain this debate has helped my outlook on other people, and will help me later in life. No more, "I am the ignorant Southern Boy who thinks Muslims are evil." I'll leave that title for Chemical Romance Zezima666/777.

Mormril : That it is a lot of work to effectively debate your point. Debating while being mad generally isn't a good idea, either. I wouldn't say that my opinions have changed a lot, but I have found that a lot of the people are pretty cool people. So, if nothing else, I got to know some people on this forum slightly better. It is really pretty much impossible to prove your religion true. People have already made up their minds, and you're probably not going to change it by posting what you deem a pretty good reason. It can be educational to hear different viewpoints, though. For my part, I enjoyed it, and I think some of the other people thought it was fun too.

Sam Boyz : I've learned a lot from this debate, as I'm sure many others have too, and am very happy I created it. I really cannot put into words the knowledge I attained from this. but I'm sure the questions above cover that field quite nicely.

Steve : I've learned a lot about other beliefs, especially Christianity. I couldn't point out any specific things, but I know that I'm much more knowledgeable about their beliefs now than I was a year ago. I've learned that as much as I might think that they are intolerant about my beliefs, they think I am the same back towards them. It goes both ways. We all need to respect each other because these debates really aren't going to convert people from one religion to another.

Thebasswizard : I have learned that there are a lot of different views out there. You can't just refuse to listen to someone. If one wants to truly know what is going on, they can't refuse to learn about a certain belief system. That's just ignorance. You need to be ready to be nice to people. There were times when I said something stupid, and I didn't keep defending myself - I admitted I was wrong. If someone says they are wrong, forgive them. I admit it when I am wrong. If someone says something that seems foolish, don't flame them: talk it out sensibly. That goes for this interview, if I said anything that made you wonder, PM me, we'll chat.

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Interview With Knight Haleth - By: Mrcsupertrain

Hello, Knight Haleth. How does it feel to be interviewed for Sal's Realm Newspaper?
Hi there! It feels a little strange. I've never been interviewed before. It'll be fun to answer those questions.

What is your opinion on Sal's Realm Newspaper?
I like it. It looks very organized, and it's easy to read. There are some very interesting articles, too.

Let's start off with some basic RuneScape questions. How did you come across RuneScape?
A few years ago, I heard people in my school talking about it. I decided to see what it was like, but I didn't play a lot. A little more than a year ago, I heard from it again, and started playing.

Why do you call yourself a Prayer Nub?
I do not call myself a Prayer nub! I just love the Prayer skill, and would really like to achieve level-99 one day. My friends call me a Prayer nub because of my obsession with the skill. However, my level is (not yet) that high.

How do you deal with the necessary money amounts needed for buying bones?
I don't like earning money, nor do I like training skills like Fishing or Woodcutting. If I did, my Prayer would probably be way higher now. I mostly try earning my money using skills I need to level for quests, like training Crafting using flax.

Besides Prayer, what is your favorite skill?
Questing! It isn't a real skill, but I love questing. It's way better than falling asleep while Woodcutting. Quests these days really are fun.

Have you ever thought about a level-99?
The only level-99 I would want would be Prayer. I'm not the person to achieve multiple Capes of Achievement, as I dislike repetitive skills.

I know your password. How do you feel?
Stalked. Time to have a look at my Internet security.

Let's change the topic, shall we? Sal's Realm - How did you discover Sal's Realm?
I found it by Google. I was looking for a Quest guide for the Fremennik Trials, and searched with Google. Sal's Realm was the first site on the list. I discovered the forums half a year later, out of curiosity.

A while ago you left Sal's Realm, the forum, and eventually came back. Can you give us a play-by-play of your feelings and actions during that time period?
It was horrible to be honest. I left for multiple reasons. In real life, I had always known a certain pressure on me. I was bullied in school. I'm not like the others there. I was always forced to do things, like studying very hard. I was sick of all it. Then, due to some forum happenings in which both friends and me were involved, I wanted it to end. I wanted rest. So I left. I do actually regret it. It got me a lot of comments, I think basically because no one knew the actual reasons, and because I made a mess about it. I came back after a month, because there is nothing like Sal's. I missed it.

I've notice you have a skill log. When did you start one and why?
I started it on the eleventh of May 2007. I had a blog before with daily entries, but due to my homework, I was unable to play both RuneScape and write a blog. I then tried making a log, and I liked it.

Do you consider it popular and something important?
Popular? No. It's nothing compared to logs like Stupidnoob92's and Lakerkobe's, for example. Like with all topics, the number of views and replies grow. Maybe once, it will be popular, too. But for the moment, I like it how it is: my friends post in it and from time to time I get some new viewers.

Is there anyone you currently admire, or was there someone you did admire but not anymore? If so, why?
That's a difficult question. Sal's has a lot of kind and interesting members. It would have to be all my friends, and I won't name them all or just someone in particular.

What subforum(s) are you most active in and why?
Quite a lot. I check all forums, but that doesn't mean I post in all of them. I tend to post in the guides sections, however I don't write guides, and in the RuneScape subforums. I try to keep my friends' logs alive. And mine, too.

What subforum(s) are you least active in and why?
Probably the 'Everything Not RuneScape' subforums, and the Media Board. I mainly hang around in the RuneScape forums, as I mentioned before.

Cameron has promoted me to administrator and I am going to ban you. How do you feel?
I would scream, run around in circles, throw something out of the window, and contact Cameron.

Time for some real life questions! You've told me before your father died when you were six years old. How did everyone, including you, handle this?
It's something you have to get over. The first few days, it's hard to think of anything else. After a while, life goes on, and however you still think about him, there's no need to keep crying over it.

What is your life like without a father?
I guess it's normal. Sometimes people ask what my father does. I just say he's unemployed. My mother has a good friend now, and he could be seen as a father.

What are some of your hobbies?
I go to something called 'K.S.A' in Dutch every Saturday. It's something like scouts, but better! I like listening to music, mainly Linkin Park. And off course, playing RuneScape and being on forums.

Do you have any amazing talents or hidden talents no one knows about?
If I do, then indeed no one knows about them, not even me. As far as I know, I don't have any. I tend to be quite sensitive, and I'm not like the others on my school. I have my own opinions and interests and no one can change that.

What are your favorite foods, TV shows, and bands?
Did I hear "pineapple pizza"? Chips and fried chicken tastes great too. I never watch TV. Instead, I listen to music. Linkin Park, Sum 41 and Nightwish are my favourite bands.

Is it true you gave birth to a baby boy named Concha?
No!!! And besides, he isn't named Concha.

If you could learn another language, which language would you choose?
I wouldn't want to learn another language. Dutch, French, English and Latin are more than enough for me.

What is your religion, and how strongly do you believe in it? How strong is your faith to it?
I'm sort of a Christian, but I don't go to the church. I don't like everything that's written in the Bible, either. I believe that help might be there when you need it.

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