A Past Memory

We have all been down this road. We meet someone, we became close and then we are no longer talking.

This post is dedicated to a former pal of mine. A person whom I am so close with that I had even considered him to be my younger brother. But alas our choices in life have brought us apart.

M as I should address him by for privacy sake, was a close friend of mine whom I known since my sec sch days. He was a unique individual and funny in all sort of ways. Everyone gotten along with him pretty well and he was always entertaining to have around.

He and I shared many similar ideals. We enjoy scouting and the adventures that it brought us. In fact, after the times we pursue our scouting passion strongly and became volunteer leaders for the boys. Coming back weekly to the meeting and helping to organise camps and events. The work was never done and like a long difficult trekking path, we enjoyed bashing through this journey.

However back in 1998 he was introduce to a radical Christian belief and succumb to the peer pressure and became a devoted cult member. When I say radical here, it is no more then a mild description I could give. The group (cult) believes and supports polygamy. Stating that many key figures in the bible have multiple wives. In this they define that a great man is entitled to more partners. (yes not even Jesus whom is single could dispute his “belief”)

They even stated that the female population is always higher than the males because God had arranged this for some great men among us. I frankly thought its bullshit and we argue on many occasions. Beside this point, the cult also engaged in some weird matchmaking practice. If any guy has interest in any of their female members, they are to inform their pastor. The pastor would then open his book to note the guy down into the girl’s particulars. He would be informed when a date would be arrange and might have to wait if there is a list. And yes, there would be a list definitely.

Grumbles.

The sad fact is that it almost impossible to debate with my friend. They read and interpret the bible in their way and no matter how absurd the facts are, they would say that the Holy Book says so. I should just stone them.

Anyhow, it came to a point that I made a decision. I could no longer condone his beliefs and chose to cut my ties with him. He was surprised that I no longer call or acknowledge him when we are near. At first he kept his distance but it wasn’t long before he tried to initiate conversation. I kept my replies brief if any. Time soon allow us to drift apart and perhaps its better this way.

He gotten hitched last year and invited me to his ceremony. Despite feeling happy for him, I could no longer face him without feeling disdain. The thought of meeting his fellow church members and pastor gave me the strong desire to burn down their church (a shophouse) while they are all away. I did not reply to him. I did not attend. Despite more sms and prompts from our mutual friends.

Anyway, I have this final thing to say to M. I do hope to never meet you again. I do hope my kids wont be a student of yours. I do hope our paths never have to cross. I do not like to make another decision.