padT - no problems. I was brought up a catholic (I am sure we have had this before) I meant no harm and sure popular myths are often considered truths.. we live and learn

PS - I do not share the same fond memories as you - quite the opposite in fact. I suspect my over enquiring mind and brash nature would have been far better served with your education rather than the beatings I got for simply asking why or how do you know? Even as a child I had a long term memory of an elephant and would recall any contradictions etc and feel the need to point them out. In hindsight probably the most compelling reason for believing in god (for me) is my belief there is no god. Had I been a believer I would have been filled with passion and fire and no doubt become a most uncompromising missionary.. Maybe your god worked that out and saved a lot of grief for all involved :)

JC - yes its amazing isnt it

Mmmm, teenage boy faces up to five years for steeling pair of sandals but prosecutors only want one month for Rp 1 milyar bribe because HE WANTS TO BUILD A MOSQUE! In this festive season it's heartwarming to see an official so devoted to his god, that he's even willing to steal from his own people and their government to support his religion. True sacrifice going on in Batam. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It's the guy that has acted in an utterly despicable manner by dragging islam into the equation. My experience is that Christian officials are just as corrupt. So don't knock the religion, knock the guy

Quote: "The mosque is located in the House members' complex in Cakung, East Java."

I bet like hundreds of mosque I've seen around, this mosque is also built in the residential area.. but there won't be any demonstrants or banners asking to tear down this mosque, even after people know that this mosque is built with (sinful) corruption money.. it's never gonna happen.

Last note, I always thought that these cases would only bring bad name/reputation to Islam, but I seriously doubt myself now because, why then the (majority) Muslims in Indonesia are so quiet..? If this is NOT the true reflection of Islam, they must see this as pure blasphemy to Allah and they should fight/"jihad" to clean the name and reputation of their great religion of peace.. shouldn't they? But why so quiet?! Should we safely assume that your silence means you're actually agreeing that this is the true reflection of Islam?? *gasp*

DrDez, as someone who is always interested in your largely helpful comments based on your obvious experience - and love - for this country, respectfully I must call your attention to your sometimes erroneous views of Catholicism. You mention'popular myths' about Catholicism and take them as valid. Often they are not.

According to catholic theology and practice, for a person to receive absolution the following conditions apply; an honest account of their sins, true contrition, a desire and will to avoid the sin in future, a willingness to do whatever penance is confered, and absolution from a validly ordained priest. That is a far cry from simply saying a few Hail Marys.

If you come from a Catholic background, you have a duty to get things right and locate the truth of the matter, rather than repeat common place and inaccurate popular catch phrases that misrepresnt catholic teachings. Otherwise you may inadvertently,I trust not intentionally,give those who hate the church 'ammo'.