fandomhigh | Interactive Religion [Tuesday, January 8]

Biff was perched on a desk, feet kicking against the wood as the students filed in.

"Hello," he said, the accent to his English barely noticeable. "My name is Levi bar Alphaeus of Nazareth. Please call me Biff. Everyone does. Welcome to Interactive Religion. Today, in a shocking change of pace if I understand the radio correctly, we'll do introductions, and then talk about what you believe the purpose of religion to be."

He leaned forward, resting his hands on his jeans. "And don't believe you have to be all sunshine and light at me. I've seen both sides of religion: the power it has to transform lives and the blithering stupidity people will stoop to in order to preserve what they see as the status quo."

He grinned. "Hey, I still remember Latin. Cool." He pointed to a student at random. "You. Name, nickname if you have one--if not, I'll give you one--and what you think about religion. Oh, and I suppose I should mention this upfront. It seems that my best friend established a pretty major one around here about 2000 years ago: Christianity? But we'll get into that a little later."

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Andrew dropped down to scratch Altra behind his ear. "It was okay. Some of the students definitely seem to have some strong opinions on the subject."

Altra purred and pushed into Andrew's hand, eyes closing in bliss.

"I fear that's an understatement," Karal sighed. "So many of them really do believe religion is a bad thing."

Andrew grimaced, realizing just how personal the issue was to Karal. "Well, they just haven't been exposed to the right religion," he offered lamely. "It's sad, but... well, it's just sad." He figured he probably shouldn't share his negative feelings about religion with Karal at this moment.

Edited 2008-01-08 23:35 (UTC)

"It is," he said quietly, watching Altra who glanced up at him.

With a quick shake of his head, not wanting to burden Andrew, he smiled. "Sorry. Will you tell me what you meant by a cross burning vampires?"

"Vampires can't touch them," he explained. "And it's not just crosses, they're just the most prevalent holy symbol. Most demons shy away from holy symbols, so I guess there has to be some power in them."

"So the Vkandis medal I gave you would work against them?" he asked, then smiled gently. "It's not the symbols that have the power, but the faith of those who believe which imbues them."

Andrew reached up to touch the medal under his shirt. "I feel safer with it on," he replied.

Karal beamed at him, "Good, and see," he pulled the one he was wearing from under his shirt - shinier, obviously newer, but practically the same - "I have another, so you're to keep that one."

"You would have to fight me for it if you wanted it back," Andrew said playfully. "Is it wrong to keep it on in the shower?"

Laughing, he shook his head. "No, it's pure gold, it won't be harmed by water. You can wear it wherever you want."

Edited 2008-01-09 01:01 (UTC)

"Good," he said. "Is this your only class today?"

"It is, which leaves the rest of the day free." Karal still had trouble with all the free time he had here. "Do you have any other classes?"

"I'm done for the day," Andrew said slowly, hoping Karal would suggest something.

"Good! Then I'm bring tea and coming to visit you tonight, and we can work on your Karsite," he said with a grin. "And you can just put up with having a guest."

"I think I can manage," Andrew replied with a grin. He gave Altra a final scratch and stood up. "I should probably go straighten the room some."

"There's no need, but," Karal tilted his head. "I could stay over, if you don't mind."

"Bring your pajamas!" Andrew exclaimed, turning to head out of the class.

"I will!" Karal waved goodbye as Andrew left.

It wasn't until he leaned down to pat Altra that he realised his headache was gone.

Interactive Religion [Tuesday, January 8]

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