1. You told me you weren’t always Christian. What led to your conversion?
I was messing around ,channeling demons and something very real and very evil went through me. I was Satanist in the tradition of Anton Levay. I did not believe in an actual literal devil. I saw him as as a symbol of liberation and freedom. Where as I saw the Christian God as a symbol of repression and ignorance. But that night I became convinced that there were supernatural forces at work and the one I encountered was malicious. I came to a saving knowledge of Christ within two weeks. So, literally, Satan Worship brought me to God (but I don’t recommend that path). It is just proof that God can use anything to draw others to him.
2. What is your favorite biblical verse and why?
Philippians 4:13. Because the very fact I am here today and in my right mind is proof I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I have been faced with schizophrenia, mental, physical and sexual abuse as well as various physical problems, but the strength our savior has given me has allowed me to persevere.
3. Who is your favorite biblical figure besides Jesus?
Ruth- her compassion for and loyalty towards Naomi really inspires me.
4. I know that you and I are both wrestling fans. What would you say to someone who says Christians shouldn’t endorse wrestling?
Some stuff in Wrestling is problematic, some is very positive (the good guy tends to win in the end and the bad guy gets his just deserts etc)
You treat wrestling like you would a piece of chicken. You eat the meat (the positive stuff) and spit out the bone (the negative stuff)
5. You’ve told me you used to help out at Dragon Con. What was that like?
A lot of work and a lot of fun. I got to meet some interesting people (regular and celebrity) and contribute to something I am passionate about. Dragoncon itself is 4 days of sensory overload.If you can’t find something completely cool to do you are doing something wrong.
7. You told me you are diagnosed with a mental disorder. Can you tell me about it. How do you cope with it as a Christian?
When I was 18, I was diagnosed with paranoid type schizophrenia. Later I was also diagnosed as bipolar. I battle with moderate to extreme paranoia, voices, concentration/cognitive problems and the mood swings that come with bipolar. I try real hard to praise od in my infirmities. I truly believe that his strength is made perfect in my weakness and I try to trust him as much as possible.
8. Adding to my previous question, what advice would you give to someone who is also dealing with this problem?
Lean on God, but realize that science and medicine can be as much God’s way of helping you as a “miraculous cessation of symptoms. Work with your psychiatrist, take your meds etc.
Aspie Catholic 