Being that this is a debate fourm I am wondering what do you hope to get from this experence? Do you think you'll learn anything from being here?
Or do you just hope to convence someone else that they are wrong & to see things your way?

Today my grans priest came to see her as he does every first friday of the month. Orthodox Roman Catholic. Yet as he was leaving and I was with him on the porch I was discussing a point off one of these boards with him. He knows I'm no longer a christian.

the point was about respect for other beliefs . And this is why I like the man. He said " all beliefs are but windows to God. it's how we see God . but we all look at the same one." you have to imagine this with a very think Ukranian accent ! to him it's not how , what or who you worship but that you worship as you understand and believe.

very insightful and liberal for a priest. there is really a calm about him. a genuine caring . always smiling. My cat adores him ( which is odd , he likes dogs and loves our Daisy ) so I trust her judgment as well.

I would hope more people were like him.

as too learning anything here or teaching so to speak ? I would think , hope at least ... it's a bit of both.

I like learning why others believe the things that they do. People can have all sorts of beliefs, but the 'what' is not as interesting in most cases as the 'why'. It makes me examine why I believe what I do. Are many of my beliefs unfounded or built on shaky premises?

I think humans naturally like to try and convince others that they are correct. Forcing yourself to articulate what you believe can really lead you to rid yourself of nebulous, half baked, contradictory ideas in some ways.

Do I think I could convince someone that I am right? No probably not. But then again I have learnt a lot from others here and that has shaped/influenced the way I view things.

I want to learn about others. I want to learn about their experiences mostly. I want to know what is going on in the world that the media does not cover. Besides that if there is anything I could teach anyone it would be that everyone's view should be valued, everyone's faith should be respected, and that it is always wrong to tell someone only you are right and they are wrong if they disagree. Most importantly that we should strive to understand others even if we disagree so at least we know why we disagree.

I relate to this point. I have always said that if you cannot articulate the ideas and beliefs you hold, you don't actually hold them. Forums like this are great sounding and exercising (of the mind) boards.

jmo
ns

I agree with that NS..

Hmm there are things we experience even as adults but might not be able to fully explain.

How many do you think will admit to that ?

On the contrary, I don't think this particular board is for debate? Or is it? I like this board much more than the spirituality vs. skepticism. Though it is always nice to see how someone views other faiths. On this board, however, I hope to learn more about the beliefs and practices of other religions. And I have for the most part. Always something interesting to read.

I'm here because I can only discuss spooky stuff with a few close friends. Not comfortable discussing with most of family (and no co-workers!).

Also the people who read this site come from many nations, religions, ages, etc. It's a good source of information, from many points of view.

Sadness snackfood. Usually the first thing I bring up among new co-workers is the paranormal. Our family has always discussed it.

i exist to learn

all data is connected
maybe you just dont know enough if you dont understand that.

my aspergers creates problems when befreinding people. studying you allows me to compensate my program to understand if a bridge can be created or if you may be a threat and must be avoided [or in cases destroyed].

aspergers is like being a vulcan minus the acceptance.

I hope to give my two cents, to either teach others, or to simply give a second opinion. And to equally, learn from other people's ideas and views.

Well when I first joined UM I came to convince others to become closer with God. I had no idea some people did not even believe God existed, I know that sounds really weird to some but it is true. I also had no idea some religions and beliefs existed much less understand them. So I have learned a great deal here and continue to learn, Darkwind and JMPD ( and many others here too ) have have alot of patience in teaching me their beliefs and helping me to understand them and showing me that my beliefs are not the only ones that do exist and to learn about others beliefs. I came with the belief that there is only one God and everyone should worship God and while I still believe that I do have respect for others beliefs at the same time and realize that that my beliefs are not the only ones that do exist and there always more to learn. I used to think learning about other beliefs was disrespectful to my beliefs and therefore to God. I have come a long way since I first joined and will continue to work on learning more. It has been really great and I can't tell you how much my friends here mean to me. I have Had fights with some here only to turn around and become good friends so you never know what will happen here but I will say its always fun!


Always a pleasure

Very nice post Lt Ripley! I think I would really like this priest of your Grandma's, Too bad your soooo far away! I believe thats the simplest, most true statement concerning the question that I have ever heard. Thank you for sharing that with us.


Just a note here, I was saying that many have taught me alot here and you Lt Ripley even though we got off on a rough start have taught me alot. The most important thing you taught me is that while my beliefs are great for me they will not agree with everyone and Just because I believe its true or fact does not make it so.
Always a pleasure

That is pretty sweet man. I mean it with great respect. Most people with aspergers have a special talent especially in math or music. Some can memorize many things because they associate one thing for another, like numbers to scents or images.



You are the new face of Christianity. No one is forcing us to be this way. No one is telling us go out and be this way. The Spirit is working through us and just allowing us to accept everyone for who they are and what they believe. Christianity had many bad apples in the past who did it all wrong who went out and put fear in others and said you have to do this or you are wrong but they forgot all about the greatest commandment: to love which means to accept. Many are going to be surprised in the next few years as more and more of us come onto the scene of this small tiny planet we call Earth.

I agree that all data is connected.

My cousin has aspergers so I understand a little where you are coming from. I am glad that you are here on UM and that it helps you understand people.

All data is connected indeed. It transcends space and time.

What I hope is that I live a long and fulfilling life , and our children grow up happy and healthy and well
rounded . I wish nothinbut the best for family and friends. I want to hit my goal weight this year, over
1/2 way now. I also , hope my life and future plans all pan out and come true sooner than later.

I like to share My experiences with other bros and sisters and hear their experiences,

So Iguess Hearing others experiences is learning from them, but it does not matter if anyone believes My experience, Because It is mine, and I just want to share, if some one finds value in them, Keep it, if not, It is understandable.

Love Omnaka

I like discussing different points of religion with people.
I love reading about the Protestant Reformation, and about how Catholics, like Sir Thomas More willing to die for their beliefs.
And because I'm part Indian, I like learning about what they believe also.
I just hope for a day, when religion doesn't divide people, but brings them together, no matter what we may call the God that we worship.
"As long as there has been one God there has been killing in his name." -- I think this is really sad, because thru out history this has happened, and it's really sad.




I totally agree.

My friend list is not yet filled. Everyone, you can become my friend on this forum by simply clicking on my name, lol. Seriously, that is why I am here....I've devoted much of my life to studying religions and the paranormal, and I love to talk to people who are interested in the same things, regardless of what they believe about them. In the real world, I don't know too many people who share these interests, and as a result I rarely ever get the opportuninity to talk about it, so its nice to meet and talk to people on here. I really do want to fill up my friends list and keep the debates raging on.

I am here mostly to learn and teach others about my beliefs not to convert, but so they understand we Pagans are not evil. We are just folks like everybody else.

I am here to learn as much as possible from everyone about eachs' beleifs and experiences etc.... Its a learning process for enlightenment I seek.

To convince someone of something????? That would be tolerance of each others individual and perhaps differnt views.

Just love one another and the rest will follow...

I dont want or need ego, so Other than Love, I dont need to convince anyone of anything.

Blessings

I don't hope for anything here, nor do I expect it.
These days I simply leave my thoughts in suitable topics, to have something to do when I'm bored.