I'm bringing Xanga back - drop a comment if you're with me!

So, according to The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination by Bernard E. Whitley Jr. and Mary E. Kite:

"...Aho found that 55 percent of hate group members he interviewed had been recruited by friends or family members, 17 percent by other personal acquaintances such as coworkers, and 18 percent by people encountered at political meetings.  Only 10 percent sought membership after reading literature produced by a group" (334).

Contrary to popular stereotypes, hate group members aren't just poor or unintelligent--some are "middle-class and reasonably well educated" (331-332).  How is it that hate groups can recruit these middle-class and fairly intelligent people and transform them into violent and bigoted zealots, yet it's so hard for Christians to bring non-Christians to Christ?  I mean, Christian beliefs are for the most part in accord with universal moral standards and are nowhere near as repugnant as hate groups, right? 

And since more than half of hate group members were recruited by friends or family, I think that's all the more reason why Christians should step out of their circles and make genuine friendships with non-Christians.  I feel like a lot of times, I'm trapped in the AAIV bubble (or rather, choose to be trapped?) and have a hard time branching out.  Even then, it's not enough just to befriend them... hate group members took the initiative to actually recruit their friends.  How many times have I actually invited what few non-Christian friends I have to Refocus, or any other outreach events?

I'm sure if hate groups can do it, though, I can too.

So everyone knows how gorgeous Japan is during springtime with all the sakura/cherry blossoms and everything... but let me tell you, autumn in Japan is also very impressive.  I love how Kyoto's surrounded by mountains--makes for a damn nice view.




Kamigamo Shrine




Same shrine




Some magical garden at Sanzenin

 
Kacchin and I in front of the go-cart park


Ijou desu (that's all)!