Thanks for the clarification, Oscar.  That was what I was after, though perhaps wasn't expecting something quite as comprehensive! 

I agree that the term "Christianity" is a very complicated term to define. People have taken it into so many different directions. I wanted to point out something about the people that I have been boating with - they are freaking amazing and very deep individuals. Most of the time while paddling the conversation usually sticks to whitewater and will trail off into kayaking stories, or kayaking gear like a Kokatat drysuit or Werner paddle. But, I typically listen intently and I pick up on things people say that points to the fact that they are deep thinkers with intense ideas and thoughts running through their minds. Every kayaker that I have met has a life outside of paddling that is rich and complicated.

Back to why paddling. I agree that the number one reason I do it is because it's fun. I remember living in Twin Falls Idaho and leaving early from work to go surf Chris's hole on the Snake River. We were pretty much small town young adults shredding! I mean ripping it up on a thrashy surf wave for hours then casually heading home for a quite dinner like nothing ever happened. We would always be absolutely amazed at how much fun we were having feeling totally blessed. And for some reason it was always only a few of us doing it and we never really got that. Sometimes I feel the same way about whitewater here. There's not really a ton of us ya know. I think this sport contributes to a very high quality of living.