Religion in FSU

[mdante99]

I think AM should know about the satus of religious folowings by RW.
As WmGO has pointed out, they claim to be Orthodox, but there is nothing orthodox about them. In my experience few if any woman had any interest in any religion. Most of the ones I knew were in late twenties and thy grew up under communism when religious practices were banned. None of them have any desire to go to church... any church. Feelings against religion instilled by communists are so pervasive that at least this generation will not be able to shake it off.
My wife says that the next generation will be different but for this generation if someone does not believe in something, it is futile to try to convince them of it.

For some AM religion may be important, for some not; just a word of caution.

Mark

P.S. Some may ask, why bother with RW, if they have no religion, and put so much less importance on fidelity; I can only say for me it has been a very happy experience. By the way, my wife was a lawyer in Lithuania, she worked for the governement; she used to put hookers in jail; she says it was just a losing battle.

[Oatmeal]

... in response to Religion in FSU, posted by mdante99 on Dec 12, 2001

Back in the 1800's when prostitues lived and worked in an area of New York.  I cannot remember the exact name of the area but it was something with the word "Hook" or "Hooks".
I believe it was an area or section right on the waterfront by the wharfs in the lower class section of the city.

It was reported that Sexually transmitted diseases were rampant during that time as well.

[MNKenr]

... in response to Re: The term Hooker comes from....., posted by Oatmeal on Dec 13, 2001

I have also studied that the term 'Hookers' started another way. Again in the 1800's there was a successful Army Commander named Hook. (Captain, General, I do not remember the name). I do not remember what war this General Hook was fighting for, however he had many soldiers in his command. Every so often General Hook would approve the use of prostitutes to help reduce the stress and boredom the soldiers felt. The slang term 'Hookers' came up from that. "Oh look, all the 'Hookers' (woman ordered, and arranged by General Hook) are in the camp".

Anyway just wanted to share that tidbit, as that is how I learned of the origination of the work 'hooker'.

[BubbaGump]

... in response to Re: Re: The term Hooker comes from....., posted by MNKenr on Dec 13, 2001

Burnside waited for weeks for the boats while Confederate forces across the river grew substantially. When Burnside finally launched the attack, the Confederate position was almost impregnable, but he counted on General Franklin to use his Grand Division to roll up Lee's right flank while Burnside's main body attacked the entrenched center of Lee's forces defending the high ground. Unfortunately, the less than loyal Franklin failed to even begin the critical flanking attack. The resulting Union losses at Fredericksburg exceeded 12,000 killed and wounded. The defeat at Fredericksburg resulted in Burnside being replaced as commander of the Army of The Potomac by General "Fightin' Joe" Hooker.

General Hooker was no more successful than Burnside, as commander of the Army of The Potomac, but he too left his imprint on the American language. He was notoriously fond of one component of the civilian opportunists who followed the Army wherever it went. The officers referred to them as "Hooker's Ladies", but to the troops they were simply "hookers".

[Charles]

... in response to Religion in FSU, posted by mdante99 on Dec 12, 2001

I have to disagree with your generalization.  I think the percentage of church attendees is substantially greater than your post suggests.  Indeed, during my travel in Ukraine it is amazing that despite the economic problems the churches have been restored to their pre-Soviet grandeur.  For example, in my wife's home town of Simferopol the Soviets converted a church into a truck repair shop.  It has now been beautifully restored.  I do agree with you that Orthodox Russians lack the knowledge about Christianity that many of us learned in Sunday School, but I think it is incorrect to say that as a general proposition they lack any interest in religion.

[James B]

... in response to Religion in FSU, posted by mdante99 on Dec 12, 2001

I have to disagree with you in you evaluation of women no practicing religion in Russia and Ukraine.  My fiancee' is 35 years old and regularly goes to church.  She just began a forty day fast in preparation for the Ukrainian Christmas. Included in her fast is more focus on church and prayer.  When she grew up, her aunt read the bible to her regularly and lived a life the was committed to her Christian faith.  Yes, the form is different than most of ours in the U.S.A., but the expression of many is nonetheless just as fervent.  It's amazing how many of us men are looking for women in the FSU, because they match more closely the Judeo/Christian values we were taught in church as opposed to the women in the U.S.A. who spend so much of their life in church but whose lives don't reflect all those years of Christian teaching.  I do understand your concern that men should consider whether their new spouse will join him/her in their spiritual journey, because for those people who consider this to be very important, will need to do it together.  Thanks for the post, it's some good insight for all who look for their soulmate.  Jim

[RW]

... in response to Religion in FSU, posted by mdante99 on Dec 12, 2001

Mark,

as I said many times before all that depends on the family. My family did not go to the church as we could not during the Soviet times, but we still celebrated all the holidays -Christmas, Easter, etc.
I think it's not so important how often people go to church, but what are their believes. Your statement will hold very true for the majority of Russians, but not all.

[micha1]

... in response to Religion in FSU, posted by mdante99 on Dec 12, 2001

To put hookers in jail, as always been a losing battle.  Hooking is one of the oldest trade in the world, it is right
next to politicians and religions.
But with hookers, you do pay them to screw them.
With the other two, you pay them to screw you.

[mdante99]

... in response to Re: Religion in FSU, posted by micha1 on Dec 12, 2001

Micha: You appear to be from EE.
That is what I said, the people from EE not only have lack of any religion but also an outright disdain of any religion.
In America where 60% or more of population attends a church regularly, religion in choosing a mate can be an important issue.

Mark