Love and Peace and Religious Wars at OT

[Isla]

Not that it matters, but I want to address these religious wars one more time....

I've seen the damage that it can do. Those of you who are Christians, please hear me:

Live in love and peace. Refrain from judging others. Your daily walk is all you need to do to be a witness.

Those of you who are atheists: Don't let the inhumanity of man or the judgement and the self-righteousness of others turn you off to miraculous possibilities. All I ask is that you remain open to miracles. Nothing more.

~zonker~, you are the only person here that seems to get it. Maybe some others understand, but I haven't seen them yet. Thanks for your comfort. It was very appreciated because what I witnessed here bothered me waaaay more than it should have. Brought up old memories... guess I'm still suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

That said, I'm steering clear of OT. I may pop in on occassion, but both sides seem to do so much hatemonging that it literally upsets my stomach.

Peace, joy, and blessings!

 

[kranky]

Actually, Isla, I think most people here get along pretty well. That particular topic is one that naturally brings out the most heated discussion, though.

 

[Isla]

I'm sure you are right, kranky.

I guess I just experienced what happens under a Full Moon around here.

Everyone has their little quirks and mine is an intense fear of being judged by others for differences in religious beliefs. Guess I've been burned at the stake one too many times.

Obviously, the answer for me is not to read religiously themed posts.

I'll try that next time.

Now, how to get my scanner to do what I want it to do? I'll be busy with that for a while, anyway.

 

[cxim]

Isla,

religion is a troll magnet. most of us have been stuck to that opposite pole here in OT.

what ever your view, there is some vocal antagonist waiting in the dark.

shrug it off... & smile

 

[apoppin]

Don't let it put you off 'off-topic'. Learn to religiously avoid discussions with the words "God", "religion", "atheist", etc..

Self-censorship can really keep you from getting burned up because many people think there is a lot at stake and readily take (and give) offence.

Now what is your scanner reluctant to do? (If it gets too technical, head over to General Hardware).


(BTW, maybe ~zonker~ has mellowed a bit over time . . . I can post some links that will curl your hair.)

 

[~zonker~]

apoppin. I'm sure we all have fallen into the trap of arguing against the person rahter than againt the theme from time to time (nudge, nudge)

 

[UG]

<...Those of you who are atheists: ...All I ask is that you remain open to miracles...>

By definition, that's not going to happen. No self-respecting atheist is going to subscribe to miracles. Nope. ain't gonna happen.

<...Learn to religiously avoid discussions with the words &quot;God&quot;, &quot;religion&quot;, &quot;atheist&quot;, etc.....>

I disagree. Limit your associations to only people who think like you and soon you begin to take your particular world view way too seriously; self-reinforcing group-think, unfettered by contrasting opinion and perspective, may make you emotionally comfortable, but it confines you within your local horizons, and frequently leads to folly and human tragedy.

Don't fear the dialog, fear the lack of dialog. Support debate, don't avoid it.

 

[Yeeny]

I have to agree that ~Zonker~ is one of the nicest people in those threads. But there are also several others who say things the way they see it, with out having to get offensive or crude.

Isla, do not leave OT because of one set of threads that you do not like. You have an interesting point of view, and already I enjoy reading your posts.

 

[Grimhack]

Praise Jebus !!!!

 

[apoppin]

Thanks for proving my point ~Zonker~. (wink, wink)

It's always good to hear from you (even when we disagree).

Yep, we all appear to be human . . .

But don't let our weaknesses put any of us off &quot;off topic&quot;.

As usual UG, you missed my point. It was specifically directed to Isla (not us thicker-skinned individuals).

Come Back and Stay (Paul Young)

 

[~zonker~]

Actually, I think that Anathasius has the most discipline in these discussions/debates. Thanks for your kind words Isla and Girl Friday

apoppin, wow, we agree on something!

I had a thought about a long ago heated debate that might give rise to another topic. Have you ever considered who the &quot;us&quot; implies in (GE 1:26), re: trinitarian/divinity of christ topic.

My theology is always evolving, and this is a good place for that, if you can get past flames, or thorns, as it may be.

 

[ParasiticFly]

fnsaknfksjalndsa??
fi9udpa834??

Damn straight!

 

[apoppin]

Sure ~zonker~, Genesis 1:26 is referring to the Creator and his only begotten Son (Jesus in his pre-human existance). Colossians 1:15-17 calls him &quot;the firstborn of all creation; for in him were all things created.&quot;

Still we have no evidence of equality or of a trinity. Rather of Jesus being first created and subordinate to his Father.

Care to step outside (this thread) and say it again. =D

I'll bet Isla in her wildest imigination never thought HER topic would start ANOTHER religious debate.

 

[JellyBaby]

<< My theology is always evolving >>

Great sentence. This gives me hope humanity will eventually bind science and spiritually into one hearty package.

Isla, as for &quot;Live in love and peace&quot; this may never be achieved so long as we all fight our instincts. These tell us to do battle! Ka-pla!

Spiritual argument is generally healthy. Any search for truth is worthwhile and mind-expanding! The correct outcome of any debate is simply the lesson both sides can co-exist and be equally valid.

 

[Isla]

(((Thanks, Y'all)))

I'll try to keep from freaking next time. It's just that once you have been abused in the name of God.... well, you get a little bit twitchy.

I am not the best one to debate religion with. Let's talk about sex instead.

I have to replace the fan in my PC and then fiddle with my new scanner for a while. It may be a couple of days before I am back, but soon I will have new pictures! I have old pics and will share my family photo album if anyone wants to see. I have MSN messenger (but I hate it) and e-mail at moonbeams3@hotmail.com.

I'll catch up with you wild, wonderful freaks and geeks later.

Love to All
Isla