mako
Aug 19 2005, 01:44 PM
Today, I am going to discuss some things that have bothered me for a while. We, that do not accept the belief structure known as Christianity, often complain that the Christian members of this board are constantly shoving their beliefs and their god in our faces. This is a charge that they vehemently deny. Yet if you check the various threads and postings, the large majority of non-Christian posters never mention their personal beliefs and religions until Christians start with their constant witnessing/bible quotations/charges against the “unchurched”/Pushing Christian agendas (such as creationism)/Actual verbal attacks on other belief systems. Not all of our resident Christians do all of these, (101, PA, Lightbeyondthedark and Somethinglikelaughter come to mind), but even they are not above an occasional witnessing. We have quite a few Christian members that go so far as condemn us to hell (doesn’t happen too often anymore, thanks to our mods), call those who do not ascribe to the beliefs and practices of Christianity things such as Satanists, poke fun at the belief systems of those that accept the revived versions of the more ancient religions (I am sure SilverCougar can give you plenty of examples of this) and in general make life unpleasant to non-Christian members. They need to remember that even though they accept the validity of their belief system, it is only a personal opinion, an opinion that is not shared by a large part of the board membership. That there is no more evidence for their particular belief system than for any other (no matter what their holy book says).
My second peeve is the title assigned non-Christians by the Christian board members, that of NB or non-believer. Stop and think, in a way this is an insult. It implies that we hold no belief in a God/Goddess/Creator at all. A large portion of the non-Christian membership hold strong religious beliefs; I personally believe in the Deist Creator, and this is without dogma, scriptures or a congregation or church. SilverCougar is (as I remember) a Wiccan (lovely religion, have many British friends that practice it), Sherri Berri practices what seems to be a New Age religion, Consummate Deist – well what can I say, his name says it all, Beowulf, whom I work with, is another Deist. You other religions, I am not denying you, but I can’t think of members of them. Even our Atheist friends believe in something (rather, they disbelieve in something – which is cool and valid). So in the future, let’s not bandy the NB term around, let’s use the term Non-Christian or NC, if we have a need to use any descriptive term at all. Let’s all try to be a little more accepting of other’s beliefs (I am bad about not doing that, but then I am a cranky old man with war injuries that hurt constantly – no excuse, just a reason) and let’s be more loving to each other. We are family in many ways here and we squabble like brothers and sisters. Yesterday, I inadvertently insulted 101’s belief. I have apologized and she has accepted. I will make an effort to not do this again, and have given her permission to slap me if I do. So please folks, let’s get along and try to consider how others feel and believe….Mako
EmpressV
Aug 19 2005, 02:10 PM
I totally agree!
I think it's rude and shows a total lack of respect. I have learned a lot more tollerance since I've come to these forums. I hope I don't affend anyone when I give my opinion. I have learned of so many different ways of thinking and believing that I can appreciate our diversities.
The biggest issue I have with many of the christian believers is that they tend to quote too much scripture. I don't think this solves anything, it just takes up too much space. If they would like to use it for a point of reference then use 1 or 2 but don't try to fit half of the book into your post.
I have noticed that recently that those who post on a regular basis tend to be more respectful (not always) of each other. It's the newer posters that have a lot to learn in regards to respecting others opinions.
Thanx maco for posting this important message
101
Aug 19 2005, 02:29 PM
Hi Mako, I understand where your coming from. I also hear people call us christians xians but I prefer Christians. But I will try and use the term non-christian also because it is what some of you practice. But I first heard the term nb from a atheist.(zandore) So I guess it just stuck. But I will no longer call a believer of another religion a nb. Just so we have respect for another.
JMPD1
Aug 19 2005, 02:31 PM
Beautiful sentiments Mako.
And, if I can add one or two items:
Quite frankly, I am rather tired of people assuming that since I do not follow their faith that I "hate god", or am a sinful, evil person, or that I am going to "hell" or be punished for my beliefs.
It may be that they do not realize what they are implying, but it shows an extreme prejudice towards those of the "wrong" beliefs.
As I have said many, many, many times before: If your faith and belief brings you comfort, then it is right for YOU. However, what is right for YOU is not necessarily right for ME.
Good journey
Paranoid Android
Aug 19 2005, 03:14 PM
I share the sentiments of all concerned. While it is true I disagree with many of the beliefs you share, I guess the same could be said from your perspective too.
I agree with Curiosity's statment. Quote a Bible passage if you really need to (or any other religious text/scientific book/Where's Wally chart), but don't just put in huge ten page chunks of text. I for one, usually skip over most of those posts anyway and just read the commentary the poster has made on that quote.....
To play devil's advocate though, the nb's (I use this to refer to newb's (this is what I thought it meant first time I saw it in use
)) are simply excited that they get to share their beliefs with so many people. I'm sure we were all like that at one stage of our posting life - young, brash, eager and I guess a little naive.
Regards, PA
mako
Aug 19 2005, 03:20 PM
QUOTE
Where's Wally chart
LOL, good one
Paranoid Android
Aug 19 2005, 03:21 PM
Thanks. Any time
101
Aug 19 2005, 03:25 PM
Hey guys!
I guess I always think when people refer to my God as blood thristy and a killer that they hate him. But maybe it is not true. The fact may be that you all dislike or disaprove of what he did. Which I can understand to a point.
Just my apologys because I have once asked a member why he hated my God ( actually a couple of people)
Sorry,
101
?truth?
Aug 19 2005, 03:53 PM
im a new poster and i started posting because i saw all the christians beeing attacked. i try not to come on to strong but when some one who does not follow my beliefes talks negatively about my God and my bible then i have to say something.
mako
Aug 19 2005, 03:59 PM
Welcome ?truth?, don't let my "harshness" fool you, basically I hang out here because I like the people. I ask no quarter and give none in our debates and discussions, but hold no grudges because of them. As you have guessed, I have no belief in your religion, having researched it and it's history in depth, but I have no problem with most of its adherents. Basically most Christians are "good people", just like most everyone is "good people". So if it seems that I am yelling at you or belittling your religion, just know it is done as fairly as I can do it and it is not really aimed at you.....Mako (the very cranky old coot)
?truth?
Aug 19 2005, 04:42 PM
while you believe we are mostly "good"
i beleive we are all sinners, so in expesing that it is not a negative statment toward you. but a statment of my belief.
i hope you will at least if not accept the same "truth" that i do. you will realize that it is not with feelings of superiority, judgement that expess my belief, but that because of the implications of my beliefs (if they are the "truth") i share them with great longing that you don't suffer for eternity the way I believe you will.
p.s. dont take this the wrong way im not condiming you to hell
Tangerine Sheri
Aug 19 2005, 04:55 PM
Mako lovely post!
What I notice is the christians are not intereted in any one elses beleifs its rare with the excetion of Truth that a christian actually cares about you as a person? i for one ask lots of questions to get to know them whether I like them or not, I have mentioned this before and was told I was not interesting enough.
The whole point of these forums is to get to know each other and be bridges to each other that will go along way in making a better world.
Again we should try and careand LOVE each other and get to know each other instead of only being preached to if someone doesn't even ask about me I know they are preaching and I am saying no thankyou in a million ways and not be honored I have my truth and I would like the freedom to express it without being constantly preached to Namaste sheri
Great Big Sea
Aug 19 2005, 04:58 PM
Thanks for sharing, mako! I was wondering if I was the only one? Anyway it's kinda tiring when you have to defend your beliefs over and over again like the Energizer Bunny.
The other thing that bothers me is that so many people are starting up the same old topics again and again.
Interesting last post ?turth? when it comes to sinners and sinning and repenting I just don't believe it. And I don't want this to become a debate I just giving mako my thumbs up.
Tangerine Sheri
Aug 19 2005, 05:02 PM
QUOTE(?truth? @ Aug 19 2005, 09:42 AM)
while you believe we are mostly "good"
i beleive we are all sinners, so in expesing that it is not a negative statment toward you. but a statment of my belief.
i hope you will at least if not accept the same "truth" that i do. you will realize that it is not with feelings of superiority, judgement that expess my belief, but that because of the implications of my beliefs (if they are the "truth") i share them with great longing that you don't suffer for eternity the way I believe you will.
p.s. dont take this the wrong way im not condiming you to hell
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This is exactly what I'm referring to, Truth you live your life and let the rest of us live ours, Can you try and do that Thankyou Sheri
Mako I apologize for getting off topic please except my humble apologys.
101
Aug 19 2005, 05:08 PM
Sherri, do not take it to heart why I haven't asked about what you believe. I just tend to gravitate towards men.
Beastmode
Aug 19 2005, 05:13 PM
Mako, i def agree with what you are saying, no person regardless of religion should be attacking some one b/c of their beliefs. And tolerance of other peoples beliefs is very key to any group, community, culture and even nation. As a Christian i try and keep that in mind, ive live among people who teach the Turn or burn method and i cant stand it. I am currently standing up against a pastore who open teached and Post signs outside his church stating that Islam teaches Murder, and that all muslims need to be sent out of the USA. I cany stand that Kinda hatred. The Truth is ( what i believe) is that God loved every person the same, regardless of race, creed , religion or culture. As for the chirstians who bash and judge other, they need to read the Bible, and understand that Jesus taught love and humility not hatred and condemnation. And if i have insulted anyone, i apologize, i dint mean to. But on the flip side, some people do try and bash Christians, not mnay but a few. And just liek anyone else i will defend myself.
?truth?
Aug 19 2005, 05:19 PM
sherri you can live your life how ever you want part of that apparently wants to post on here and share you beliefs and find out about others,
this is somthing that i also chose to do but if my beliefs span out past myself. and you dont like them is there a reason i shouldn't post , i think ive been very tolerent of every one posting what they believe
to get back on topic of pet peeves mine ... even though they have a right to post what ever they believe.. is those who say they believe how i do but seem to try hard to ailienate every one. it makes people think diferently about me. (maybe... maybe it's just i give off a bad vibe.)
mako
Aug 19 2005, 05:20 PM
?truth?, the difference in your outlook and mine is that you seem to buy into the Hobbean (Thomas Hobbes, 16th century philosopher) belief and the Scottish Calvinist belief that man is basically bad and only restrained from evil by the state (Hobbs) or God (Calvinists). I on the other hand admire the philosophy of Francis Hutcheson, who believed man is basically good and that the most pleasure that mankind can get is through kindness to others, a God-given gift from the Creator. Which is right, I don't know, but I would think that a loving Creator would go hand-in-hand with a basically good mankind and the gift of being pleasured by doing good to others.
Faeden
Aug 19 2005, 05:21 PM
I do not have a problem with people preaching to me, as I am sure we all do it from time to time. I think I can come across as if I am preaching at times, but the difference with me and some Christians (and other believers, or non believers, as in sceptics of the after life) is I do not think someone is evil or in league with the devil or stupid if they do not share my beliefs if there beliefs do not harm others.
Although I do not mind anyone preaching to me or telling me what they believe is right, I do however resent being called evil, or a devil worshiper, or that I am going to hell just because I do not share there beliefs. Some might think that me asking uncomfortable and hard to answer questions as an attack on ones beliefs, but I disagree, this is the religious part of the forums after all, and think asking thought provoking questions is acceptable, its not to offend anyone, just to spark interesting debate. I think sometimes people become offended when someone questions there belief, and makes them question it, and then take it as a attack on there religion.
All the best
Faeden
mako
Aug 19 2005, 05:24 PM
Beastemode, good on you mate...prejudice should be fought no matter who perpetrates it. Keep up the good fight man and your god (or my Creator) will stand by you and reward your efforts!
Beastmode
Aug 19 2005, 05:29 PM
Yea, thanks, i try to do what i can. That PAstor i sticking everyone off! Both Christian, and Non Christians. It really sucks cause He is giving Baptist a Bad Name. He was actually kicjed out of the Southern Baptist Convention for what he has been doing.
mako
Aug 19 2005, 05:38 PM
Goes to show that the Baptist understand about discrimination...good for them too
QUOTE
I think I can come across as if I am preaching at times
Not really, Faeden, I find your posting informative and thought provoking
?truth?
Aug 19 2005, 06:03 PM
fadden i believe that those who accept Gods plan through faith. will have eternal life with Him. the alternative ...exactly what the is and when it will be and for how long, i'm not sure... but i believe there is an alternative. my bible speeks of it in many ways. and i believe those how reject God ( my God and i only believe in one) has the alternative in store, do i believe you are included in that group i don't know and would never presume to say. but like you said this is a religious debate and missing out on one religion, it would but lacking
----by religion i include spiritual states of mind or anything anyone believes---
in this statment
Faeden
Aug 19 2005, 06:26 PM
Hi ?truth?
I am a little perplexed as to what you meant by that last post, but I assuming you believe I might be going to go to some form of hell for a period of time, and that your not sure about whether I am or not when I die, and that some definitely are?
You do not have to ask for my forgiveness ?truth?, I all ready forgive you, being I know how it is you got to have the beliefs you do, and understand it was not because of your free will
I could quote you the bible where is states judging and condemning others is a sin, but I am sure you all ready know it.....
QUOTE
fadden i believe that those who accept Gods plan through faith. will have eternal life with Him.
I have faith in Gods plan, God knows better than me, so I have faith in God.
All the best
Faeden
?truth?
Aug 19 2005, 06:40 PM
i was trying to be general in terms of hell, as not to start a discusion on what hell is. i was not meaning your not going to hell just that i can not know your heat, just like i don't know the heart of 101, or beast mode (and would make know judge ments about their eternity.
and i don't judge only state what I beleive.
just like when people state that only fools beleive in the bible, thats not a judgement but a state ment of belief. while i will disagree i do not feel i am being called a fool.
Faeden
Aug 19 2005, 07:03 PM
Hi ?truth?
QUOTE
and i don't judge only state what I beleive.
If what you believe involves the belief that some are going to hell, and then you state them beliefs then that is a judgement. Have you ever hoped that someone will go to hell? That is condemning.
All the best
Faeden
?truth?
Aug 19 2005, 07:17 PM
i beleive God will judge, just like i beleive that if you murder and get caught, that you wil go to court and be judged, but in nether case do i judge anyone.
and i have never hoped someone would go to hell and your right that is condemning
Faeden
Aug 19 2005, 07:24 PM
QUOTE(?truth? @ Aug 19 2005, 08:17 PM)
i beleive God will judge, just like i beleive that if you murder and get caught, that you wil go to court and be judged, but in nether case do i judge anyone.
and i have never hoped someone would go to hell and your right that is condemning
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If you do not judge anyone, then you should not believe that anyone goes to hell. If you believed that even one human being has gone to hell, or will go to hell, then you made a judgement.
All the best
Faeden
maryjo1975
Aug 19 2005, 07:25 PM
I had to weigh in here.
Yes, I am a Christian.
Why? I don't know.
There. I said it. I admit it. I grew up in the church and religion. But in the last few years I have come to realize that I am a Christian who doesn't doesn't in religion. I believe in God and Jesus and heaven and hell. And I go to a non-denominational church. But I am not sure right now what I can believe in regards to "religion".
That being said, I don't judge anyone on their religious or non religious beliefs. I rarely judge anyone without first giving them a chance in any case. I don't care what your beliefs are so long as you are a respectful person.
I must admit, it hurts and upset to come to this website to see threads like "God doesn't exist that should upset more than just Christians since we aren't aren't the only ones who believe in a god. And those times when I see something like that I think "how can someone really believe that?" But hey, who am I to judge. I don't force my beliefs on anyone and I don't appreciate anyone else forcing theirs on me. However, where I would never force my ideas on anyone, I do enjoy learning from others and I always keep an open mind.
I actually found this website when I saw on Montel about that bear in the ultrasound. LOL! I Googled it and found the link to the thread on UM. Since then I have been really glad to have found this website. Even if it was through something so insane as a teddy bear in an ultrasound. LOL!!
But since coming here I have learned so much. I am amazed at all the different points of view, beliefs and theories expressed here. I love it. I love to learn about different religions, cultures, and such. It has made me question many things I believe and things I have been taught my whole life.
I can completely understand why so many people don't believe the views expressed in most religions of Christianity. I will admit...most are very far fetched.
But while I don't want to start anything, I think the respect goes two ways. I would NEVER start a post saying that if you don't believe exactly what I do then you are going to die a miserable death and burn in hell for all eternity!!! And I kind of expect the same in return. Don't accost me with threads saying there is no God and posts questioning the intelligence of people who DO choose to believe in some form of organized religion.
I think this is a GREAT thread and appreciate all views expressed. I will continue on my merry way of learning and sharing and fine tuning my own beliefs. I don't know exactly what I believe right now. I am not sure I can believe everything in the bible. But I know there are some things that do put me at ease and give me peace. But how I feel about God and the afterlife have no bearing on my belief of the bible and vise versa.
So, I guess that is the whole of it. LOL! I hope I didn't offend anyone.
Truthfully, MY biggest pet peeve.......people who cant spell to save their life, even post an apology for it....yet never use the SPELL CHECK BUTTON!!!!!
JMPD1
Aug 19 2005, 07:28 PM
nice post maryjo.
and, thankfilly, i'v nevar kneaded speelchec!
101
Aug 19 2005, 07:29 PM
Hi Truth I also am a christian and i state my beliefs but I usually like to say in my opinion. Then it is not as harshly said. Those on here that know me they know me as a Christian with concrete faith. You just have to be more open to understanding others. If we cannot see the plank in our own eyes who are we to take the speck out of our brothers eye?
101
Baldwin
Aug 19 2005, 07:41 PM
My biggest pet peeve is god damn local celebrities. You know, those people who aren't really anything but think their the shiznit because they can like sing or kick a ball far or something and act like they are to be worshipped by us lower beings. I have nothing against someone who has a skill or is good at something, but the cheesed out morons who obviously haven't heard of the word modesty piss me off by just their sight. But it is kinda funny when someone thinks hes the coolest guy in the world just because he can keep a soccer ball in the air for five minutes and gets offended because you never bowed down in amazement.
?truth?
Aug 19 2005, 07:53 PM
faeden
i beleive the bible teaches that people will not accept God and suffer for eternity. iso i can beleive the bible judge noone and yet beleive the bible that, not every one will be in heaven.
stating that any who don't accept Christ will go to hell is not a judgement
stating that you do not accept Christ there for you will go to hell is a judgement
stating "If you believed that even one human being has gone to hell, or will go to hell, then you made a judgement." is not a judgement
stating -you believe that even one human being has gone to hell, or will go to hell, so you made a judgement. - is an judgement
(the second is not a quote from faeden i modified it to make a point)
if you murder you go to jail ---no judgement
you murdered you will go to jail ---judgement
people have murdered and have gone to jail ---no judgement
OJ did murder and should have gone to jail ---judgement
OJ did not murder and should not have gone to jail ---judgement
thats what i beleive
maryjo1975
Aug 19 2005, 08:09 PM
QUOTE(?truth? @ Aug 19 2005, 03:53 PM)
faeden
i beleive the bible teaches that people will not accept God and suffer for eternity. iso i can beleive the bible judge noone and yet beleive the bible that, not every one will be in heaven.
stating that any who don't accept Christ will go to hell is not a judgement
stating that you do not accept Christ there for you will go to hell is a judgement
stating "If you believed that even one human being has gone to hell, or will go to hell, then you made a judgement." is not a judgement
stating -you believe that even one human being has gone to hell, or will go to hell, so you made a judgement. - is an judgement
(the second is not a quote from faeden i modified it to make a point)
if you murder you go to jail ---no judgement
you murdered you will go to jail ---judgement
people have murdered and have gone to jail ---no judgement
OJ did murder and should have gone to jail ---judgement
OJ did not murder and should not have gone to jail ---judgement
thats what i beleive
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Can you explain that again?
But basically...."Me thinks thou doest protest too much!"
Faeden
Aug 19 2005, 08:10 PM
Hi ?truth?
QUOTE
stating that any who don't accept Christ will go to hell is not a judgement
stating that you do not accept Christ there for you will go to hell is a judgement
There is a difference....?
On the jail thing, you have to judge someone to deem them worthy of prison in the first place, but that judgement is not based on the bible, its based on human common sense.
Murdering someone is evil, you do not need the bible to teach you that, its obvious. Not believing in someone as God and being sent to hell for it, is nothing like murdering someone, the two can not be compared. I am not saying I do not judge those who murder as evil, but I do not judge those of another faith as evil or bad because they believe God to be different, but that is the point I am trying to make.
All the best
Faeden
?truth?
Aug 19 2005, 08:21 PM
your beleifs difer from mine i under stand i was explaining my perseption of judgement
if i say murder is wrong, stealing is wong, claping you hands is wrong and are punishible by ****, thats one thing. you can call it making laws or stating laws
but to say "you" murdered, or stole, or claped your hands, and you deserve the punishment of ****, now that judgement.
EmpressV
Aug 19 2005, 08:29 PM
I think I can relate to this arguement. When I first made it definite to my family that I didn't believe in gods and worship them or men you would have thought the whole world stopped. My one sister took a long time to understand I was as firm in my beliefs as she was. She was overwhelmingly concerned with my "eternal soul" and that I wouldn't get into this magical place she calls heaven. The only person she needed to worry about was herself. I didn't change, she did. I had believed the way I did for many years before I kept it to myself. Self preservation. Your worrying about where other peoples souls are going is doing nothing for them but it is changing who you are and that can be very unhealthy. I know from experience. Actually now she has reexamined her point of view on the whole subject and looked into a few things. She is much more comfortable with reality now.
Faeden
Aug 19 2005, 08:32 PM
Hi ?truth?
I do not want to sound mean, but you are just trying to justify your judgement of people, because it clearly states that judging is a sin in the bible. I do not mean to bring it up on this thread as a weapon, but you judged me as being in league with the devil because of my pagan beliefs on another thread.
I am simply saying that I think that judging people on there religious beliefs if they are respectable ones is a bad thing, and that its wrong. I do not think that all judging is evil, as its natural for us to judge others to some extent, but judging someone as evil because of there faith is wrong however you look at it. If you want proof of that ?truth? look around the world at all the wars, most of them are because of one group judging another.
All the best
Faeden
SilverCougar
Aug 19 2005, 08:57 PM
I can't take large blocks of texts (SPACES PEOPLE!!)
netspeak (This is a message board people! you can take the time to spell you out)
Being told that if I don't worship christ, I'm going to hell. (flaw is... If I don't believe in Christ.. why the hell would I believe in hell?
)
People who try to bash evolution/physics/earth sciences/biology when they don't have an OUNCE of understanding what it is... (when did they stop teaching these things in high school??)
My spelling skill (good ol' redneck edjemacation)
People who can't take some jokes (or understanding the word "some")
People name Faeden. (Nothin' but love baby!)
And finaly...
People who make lists for what their pet peeves are (oh wai....)
Faeden
Aug 19 2005, 09:04 PM
Hi SilverCougar
QUOTE
People name Faeden. (Nothin' but love baby!)
I’m one of your pet peeves ?
SilverCougar
Aug 19 2005, 09:11 PM
QUOTE(Faeden @ Aug 19 2005, 09:04 PM)
Hi SilverCougar
QUOTE
People name Faeden. (Nothin' but love baby!)
I’m one of your pet peeves ?
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psst Fae.. read the one above you'res
*fuzzles Fae and hands him some cookies and a margarita*
Faeden
Aug 19 2005, 09:31 PM
SilverCougar
Aug 19 2005, 09:33 PM
QUOTE(Faeden @ Aug 19 2005, 09:31 PM)
Yeah... I can see there's another generation gap going on here... X)
*pats Fae on the back*
Apparition
Aug 19 2005, 09:49 PM
I honestly hold the same feelings with religion that i do with everything else: I do my thing and you do yours. I do not do anything to shove my beliefs in religion or anything else in anyones face. And heck im not talking about christians or any religion in particular because i have seen plenty of people throwing their religion out there, not just the christians. Thing most people dont realize i guess is christianity is pretty big and they just outnumber everyone else. They arent the problem, the numbers of them is. Too much of anything is a bad thing.
Like gays, if your gay thats just fine with me. I dont swing that way so i really just dont care what someone else does. Same with religion, who the hell cares what someone elses religion is or what they believe? Not me. I do my thing and let others do their thing.
I also totally agree that anyone in any walk of life who believe something shoving it in other peoples faces or expressing their beliefs constantly is just plain annoying and ignorant. That applies to any belief in my book. Live and let live.
~App
Faeden
Aug 19 2005, 10:07 PM
QUOTE
Yeah... I can see there's another generation gap going on here... X)
Are you personally trying to confuse me
what do you mean? I am not on the ball today, so your have to bear with me
All the best
Faeden
starlitkate
Aug 20 2005, 01:16 AM
QUOTE(mako @ Aug 19 2005, 08:44 AM)
Today, I am going to discuss some things that have bothered me for a while. We, that do not accept the belief structure known as Christianity, often complain that the Christian members of this board are constantly shoving their beliefs and their god in our faces. This is a charge that they vehemently deny. Yet if you check the various threads and postings, the large majority of non-Christian posters never mention their personal beliefs and religions until Christians start with their constant witnessing/bible quotations/charges against the “unchurched”/Pushing Christian agendas (such as creationism)/Actual verbal attacks on other belief systems. Not all of our resident Christians do all of these, (101, PA, Lightbeyondthedark and Somethinglikelaughter come to mind), but even they are not above an occasional witnessing. We have quite a few Christian members that go so far as condemn us to hell (doesn’t happen too often anymore, thanks to our mods), call those who do not ascribe to the beliefs and practices of Christianity things such as Satanists, poke fun at the belief systems of those that accept the revived versions of the more ancient religions (I am sure SilverCougar can give you plenty of examples of this) and in general make life unpleasant to non-Christian members. They need to remember that even though they accept the validity of their belief system, it is only a personal opinion, an opinion that is not shared by a large part of the board membership. That there is no more evidence for their particular belief system than for any other (no matter what their holy book says).
My second peeve is the title assigned non-Christians by the Christian board members, that of NB or non-believer. Stop and think, in a way this is an insult. It implies that we hold no belief in a God/Goddess/Creator at all. A large portion of the non-Christian membership hold strong religious beliefs; I personally believe in the Deist Creator, and this is without dogma, scriptures or a congregation or church. SilverCougar is (as I remember) a Wiccan (lovely religion, have many British friends that practice it), Sherri Berri practices what seems to be a New Age religion, Consummate Deist – well what can I say, his name says it all, Beowulf, whom I work with, is another Deist. You other religions, I am not denying you, but I can’t think of members of them. Even our Atheist friends believe in something (rather, they disbelieve in something – which is cool and valid). So in the future, let’s not bandy the NB term around, let’s use the term Non-Christian or NC, if we have a need to use any descriptive term at all. Let’s all try to be a little more accepting of other’s beliefs (I am bad about not doing that, but then I am a cranky old man with war injuries that hurt constantly – no excuse, just a reason) and let’s be more loving to each other. We are family in many ways here and we squabble like brothers and sisters. Yesterday, I inadvertently insulted 101’s belief. I have apologized and she has accepted. I will make an effort to not do this again, and have given her permission to slap me if I do. So please folks, let’s get along and try to consider how others feel and believe….Mako
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Christianity is the international religion and is a big religion to fuss and bicker over. Get over it.!!
You wanna know why we talk about our religion so much?? Because others like you make posts saying God is fake and questioning the Bible's exsistence and everything in it. I don't see too many non beleivers like you making posts saying paganism or others are fake. I don't see that too much. I see more non christian beleiver posts than actual beleiver posts. And all of ya'lls posts are making rude comments or questioning to get a uprising or to see who can get a better response. That is rude and childish. I think you need to grow up and look at both sides of the river before being judgemental.
QUOTE(curiousity @ Aug 19 2005, 09:10 AM)
I totally agree!
I think it's rude and shows a total lack of respect. I have learned a lot more tollerance since I've come to these forums. I hope I don't affend anyone when I give my opinion. I have learned of so many different ways of thinking and believing that I can appreciate our diversities.
The biggest issue I have with many of the christian believers is that they tend to quote too much scripture. I don't think this solves anything, it just takes up too much space. If they would like to use it for a point of reference then use 1 or 2 but don't try to fit half of the book into your post.
I have noticed that recently that those who post on a regular basis tend to be more respectful (not always) of each other. It's the newer posters that have a lot to learn in regards to respecting others opinions.
Thanx maco for posting this important message
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We wouldn't have to quote so much if others like you wouldn't make posts questioning our God and beleifs. And I see other nonbeleivers that have made quotes. Look before speaking!!
QUOTE(?truth? @ Aug 19 2005, 10:53 AM)
im a new poster and i started posting because i saw all the christians beeing attacked. i try not to come on to strong but when some one who does not follow my beliefes talks negatively about my God and my bible then i have to say something.
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I agree, maybe if they didn't question and make so many posts bashing our God and beleifs, then maybe we wouldn't have to retaliate at them. If they question the problems for which they cause, they will not get anywhere.
QUOTE(Faeden @ Aug 19 2005, 12:21 PM)
I do not think someone is evil or in league with the devil or stupid if they do not share my beliefs if there beliefs do not harm others.
All the best
Faeden
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I off all people know better than that. You compared me to Nazi's and said I was a monster and said I was evil among a many other things just because I said I beleive the BIble beleive of suicide and hell.
You could had stated your opinion and made it low key but you were brutal to me when I was very sincere in what I said, but you chose to attack me when so many other people stated same beleifs as me which is in the Bible. But you don't beleive in Bible
yet you somehow only attacked me for not having same beleif as you. You crack me up sometimes!!
morpheas
Aug 20 2005, 01:36 AM
-Post removed-
Faeden
Aug 20 2005, 01:37 AM
Kate
I am not trying to start a war but you said.....
QUOTE
You wanna know why we talk about our religion so much??
Then on another post just now you said.....
QUOTE
I was a Christian and backslid cuz I beleive I was scared into it, even though I did confess my sins and was forgiven, still I never went back to that church. I'am still not a Christian
I am confused are you a Christian or not?
Remember I think the original intention of this thread was about people that insult other people of the non Christian faiths, by calling them non believers, or telling others they are evil for being different to them, they did not start this thread to bash Christians, they stated it at anyone that puts another faith down because of there beliefs, and that applied to anyone of any faith.
All the best
Faeden
JMPD1
Aug 20 2005, 02:26 AM
Unfortunately, StarlitKate is only interested in freedom of religion, when it concerns her beliefs.
She also believes that any non-believer (in her faith) hasn't the right to discuss anything relating to her god or religion. And any time a "non-believer" talks about her religion, she considers it 'bashing'
However, that doesn't stop her from trying to stifle the voices of others.......
Funny how she responded to THIS thread, which is trying to stress tolerance.
And I'm sure that she will be back to "put me in my place" for daring to speak out about her.
joc
Aug 20 2005, 02:28 AM
Today another motorcycle maniac shot in front of me at the last second...I followed him for about 2 miles....really made him paranoid....
that soooooooo pisses me off
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