i say live and let believe 
Have We Gone Too Far?
Have We Gone Too Far?
i don't feel i have the right to say anything about anyone's beliefs , i'm not even sure of my own any more 
i say live and let believe
i say live and let believe 
Have We Gone Too Far?
I don't understand why certain people get so upset, if people have ever tried to 'push' their religion onto me, i've just said i'm not interested and that has been the end of it. Everyone has their own beliefs but i'm confident in mine and don't feel the need to get nasty with them or their beliefs.
I am nobody..nobody is perfect...therefore I must be Perfect!
Have We Gone Too Far?
This is a self moderated forum. If a post upsets a member there is a report function on the bottom left corner. That is what you do if something offends you. ("You" here means anyone who is upset by a post)
The old saying goes: never talk politics or religion at the dinner table.
Those two topics are rife with disagreement that runs passionate. How a person uses this forum is up to the user. If you wander into a thread you have the option of leaving it without comment or engaging.
I think that one of the recurring problems is that members think by making themselves part of the topic, ie) "I am of that religion" or "I have had an abortion" etc. will somehow accomplish one of two things. 1)Bring the topic to a screeching halt or 2) make their opinion infallible. Neither assumption is correct. When a person enters their personal experience into a thread they become part of the subject and the argument WILL continue.
My advice to those who are easily upset is to not offer themselves as a victim. Most of the members try to be sensitive and tactful but you should be ready for the worst.
The old saying goes: never talk politics or religion at the dinner table.
Those two topics are rife with disagreement that runs passionate. How a person uses this forum is up to the user. If you wander into a thread you have the option of leaving it without comment or engaging.
I think that one of the recurring problems is that members think by making themselves part of the topic, ie) "I am of that religion" or "I have had an abortion" etc. will somehow accomplish one of two things. 1)Bring the topic to a screeching halt or 2) make their opinion infallible. Neither assumption is correct. When a person enters their personal experience into a thread they become part of the subject and the argument WILL continue.
My advice to those who are easily upset is to not offer themselves as a victim. Most of the members try to be sensitive and tactful but you should be ready for the worst.
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RedGlitter
- Posts: 15777
- Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am
Have We Gone Too Far?
I feel it's an open forum and anything is up for discussion. Some things are plain truth and should not be sugarcoated to make everyone happy all the time. I've seen some snarky remarks about my faith on here but I've not left or gotten up in arms about it. If someone had personally pointed to someone and said "YOU succk because you have a bogus religion" or whatever, then I would say that's going too far and making things personal. To say a religion is a cult and keep it objective, in my opinion, is not. As far as Magenta, she could dish it out but wasn't very good at taking it I guess.
I am offended by the remarks made by a well known poster about animal activists of which I am one, but rather than get huffy and leave, I just tell her why shes got it wrong.
I am offended by the remarks made by a well known poster about animal activists of which I am one, but rather than get huffy and leave, I just tell her why shes got it wrong.
Have We Gone Too Far?
koan;549627 wrote: This is a self moderated forum. If a post upsets a member there is a report function on the bottom left corner. That is what you do if something offends you. ("You" here means anyone who is upset by a post)
The old saying goes: never talk politics or religion at the dinner table.
Those two topics are rife with disagreement that runs passionate. How a person uses this forum is up to the user. If you wander into a thread you have the option of leaving it without comment or engaging.
I think that one of the recurring problems is that members think by making themselves part of the topic, ie) "I am of that religion" or "I have had an abortion" etc. will somehow accomplish one of two things. 1)Bring the topic to a screeching halt or 2) make their opinion infallible. Neither assumption is correct. When a person enters their personal experience into a thread they become part of the subject and the argument WILL continue.
My advice to those who are easily upset is to not offer themselves as a victim. Most of the members try to be sensitive and tactful but you should be ready for the worst.
Do you think people tend to let rip more hiding behind the computer? I have read some of these 'flame' threads and often wondered if people would say half of what they write in RL
The old saying goes: never talk politics or religion at the dinner table.
Those two topics are rife with disagreement that runs passionate. How a person uses this forum is up to the user. If you wander into a thread you have the option of leaving it without comment or engaging.
I think that one of the recurring problems is that members think by making themselves part of the topic, ie) "I am of that religion" or "I have had an abortion" etc. will somehow accomplish one of two things. 1)Bring the topic to a screeching halt or 2) make their opinion infallible. Neither assumption is correct. When a person enters their personal experience into a thread they become part of the subject and the argument WILL continue.
My advice to those who are easily upset is to not offer themselves as a victim. Most of the members try to be sensitive and tactful but you should be ready for the worst.
Do you think people tend to let rip more hiding behind the computer? I have read some of these 'flame' threads and often wondered if people would say half of what they write in RL
I am nobody..nobody is perfect...therefore I must be Perfect!
Have We Gone Too Far?
helefra;549631 wrote: Thank you Ko for that input, an excellent post. Another good post from RG too. Jimbo and Suzy, thanks for your own expressions too.
Gosh, I thought mine deserved an 'excellent' too :-5
Gosh, I thought mine deserved an 'excellent' too :-5
I am nobody..nobody is perfect...therefore I must be Perfect!
Have We Gone Too Far?
helefra;549634 wrote: Very well then madam, it was an excellent post. 
THANKYOU :-4 (Think thats a first)
THANKYOU
:-4 (Think thats a first)I am nobody..nobody is perfect...therefore I must be Perfect!
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RedGlitter
- Posts: 15777
- Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am
Have We Gone Too Far?
SuzyB;549630 wrote: Do you think people tend to let rip more hiding behind the computer?
Absolutely I do! I've done it myself. Gone further when normally I would hold back to avoid hurting someone or upsetting them. In my case it's not hiding but rather getting so into it that I forget there's another real person on the other side of this thing. I think that's too easy to do.
Absolutely I do! I've done it myself. Gone further when normally I would hold back to avoid hurting someone or upsetting them. In my case it's not hiding but rather getting so into it that I forget there's another real person on the other side of this thing. I think that's too easy to do.
Have We Gone Too Far?
RedGlitter;549637 wrote: Absolutely I do! I've done it myself. Gone further when normally I would hold back to avoid hurting someone or upsetting them. In my case it's not hiding but rather getting so into it that I forget there's another real person on the other side of this thing. I think that's too easy to do.
At least your honest RG :wah: :wah:
At least your honest RG :wah: :wah:
I am nobody..nobody is perfect...therefore I must be Perfect!
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RedGlitter
- Posts: 15777
- Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am
Have We Gone Too Far?
SuzyB;549638 wrote: At least your honest RG :wah: :wah:
You know, I hear that a lot.... :-3
:wah:
You know, I hear that a lot.... :-3
:wah:
Have We Gone Too Far?
SuzyB;549630 wrote: Do you think people tend to let rip more hiding behind the computer? I have read some of these 'flame' threads and often wondered if people would say half of what they write in RL
I think a lot of people are bolder online because face to face there is a physical tension that can be felt and, depending who you are talking to, a little self preservation is sometimes required.
Unfortunately I'm always like this.
I'm probably worse in person for the one liners and sarcastic jabs, but my sense of humour is more obvious. My intentions are written on my face and there is no mistaking when I'm mad from when I'm having fun from when I'm seriously concerned. I find my intentions are often considered twice as important as what I'm saying when I'm online which is not a problem I have in real life. At least I've got no problem expressing my frustration about it.
I think a lot of people are bolder online because face to face there is a physical tension that can be felt and, depending who you are talking to, a little self preservation is sometimes required.
Unfortunately I'm always like this.
I'm probably worse in person for the one liners and sarcastic jabs, but my sense of humour is more obvious. My intentions are written on my face and there is no mistaking when I'm mad from when I'm having fun from when I'm seriously concerned. I find my intentions are often considered twice as important as what I'm saying when I'm online which is not a problem I have in real life. At least I've got no problem expressing my frustration about it.
Have We Gone Too Far?
koan;549696 wrote: I think a lot of people are bolder online because face to face there is a physical tension that can be felt and, depending who you are talking to, a little self preservation is sometimes required.
Unfortunately I'm always like this.
I'm probably worse in person for the one liners and sarcastic jabs, but my sense of humour is more obvious. My intentions are written on my face and there is no mistaking when I'm mad from when I'm having fun from when I'm seriously concerned. I find my intentions are often considered twice as important as what I'm saying when I'm online which is not a problem I have in real life. At least I've got no problem expressing my frustration about it.
and she does kung fu :yh_nailbi :yh_nailbi :yh_nailbi
Unfortunately I'm always like this.
I'm probably worse in person for the one liners and sarcastic jabs, but my sense of humour is more obvious. My intentions are written on my face and there is no mistaking when I'm mad from when I'm having fun from when I'm seriously concerned. I find my intentions are often considered twice as important as what I'm saying when I'm online which is not a problem I have in real life. At least I've got no problem expressing my frustration about it.
and she does kung fu :yh_nailbi :yh_nailbi :yh_nailbi
Have We Gone Too Far?
jimbo;549699 wrote: and she does kung fu :yh_nailbi :yh_nailbi :yh_nailbi
That's backup for when expressing my frustration doesn't go as planned.
That's backup for when expressing my frustration doesn't go as planned.
Have We Gone Too Far?
helefra;549748 wrote: Thanks for that post Kathy, I'm glad we both think alike on this. Whilst some of us may sit behind a computer and start to rant and rave on a post, there are some of us who sit back and think. I believe you gain more friends by being kind than by being nasty. Even if the person's belief can be so daft that you feel like hitting your head against a brick wall, at least you can acknowledge it and let it go.
Why get into arguments? All it does is cause upset and it doesn't get anyone anywhere.
the thing is my friend , not every one is the same some people just want to joke:) others want to have in depth conversations , others want to just idle chit chat and gossip ,:) the trouble is if i want to joke and no one is joking , i might just be tempted to joke with a in depth conversation person no harm done they ignore me, i get bored i go away ,but if i come across one of the people on here that likes to argue then thats when it goes wrong for jimbo i joke they get mad i think thats funny ,they get madder i think thats even funnier i joke more they get their friends involved it gets outa hand , but if one of the nasty guys that want to fight comes across some one like you then it goes wrong for you nice people , they want to fight you try be nice they get madder want to fight more you back off more they be more nasty nice guy leaves forum , what we need is for every body to tell more jokes problem solved nasty people get angry they leave forum :wah: i am of course joking there are no nasty people on f g :rolleyes:
Why get into arguments? All it does is cause upset and it doesn't get anyone anywhere.
the thing is my friend , not every one is the same some people just want to joke:) others want to have in depth conversations , others want to just idle chit chat and gossip ,:) the trouble is if i want to joke and no one is joking , i might just be tempted to joke with a in depth conversation person no harm done they ignore me, i get bored i go away ,but if i come across one of the people on here that likes to argue then thats when it goes wrong for jimbo i joke they get mad i think thats funny ,they get madder i think thats even funnier i joke more they get their friends involved it gets outa hand , but if one of the nasty guys that want to fight comes across some one like you then it goes wrong for you nice people , they want to fight you try be nice they get madder want to fight more you back off more they be more nasty nice guy leaves forum , what we need is for every body to tell more jokes problem solved nasty people get angry they leave forum :wah: i am of course joking there are no nasty people on f g :rolleyes:
Have We Gone Too Far?
You know, this is a good thread.
People are people. And when people get together and discuss different issues, be they religious or political, there will always be a good debate. It's interesting to argue what you believe against someone who believes different. It's like playing chess or stratego. The trouble starts when folks forget that other people have a right to their own counsel. We need to remember that just because we think we are right, it doesnt make the other party wrong.
People are people. And when people get together and discuss different issues, be they religious or political, there will always be a good debate. It's interesting to argue what you believe against someone who believes different. It's like playing chess or stratego. The trouble starts when folks forget that other people have a right to their own counsel. We need to remember that just because we think we are right, it doesnt make the other party wrong.
~Quoth the Raven, Nevermore!~
Have We Gone Too Far?
OK, for what it's worth - religion is a touchy subject (very) and it will lead to intense discussion.
That's fine as long as it remains focused on the religion itself, its tenets, scriptures, history, etc. Where it stops being acceptable is when it moves into personnal attacks on the members of that religion or the stereotyping of all members.
I also feel that talk of getting the guns out or getting the boys together to beat the sh!t out of them is out of order.
That's fine as long as it remains focused on the religion itself, its tenets, scriptures, history, etc. Where it stops being acceptable is when it moves into personnal attacks on the members of that religion or the stereotyping of all members.
I also feel that talk of getting the guns out or getting the boys together to beat the sh!t out of them is out of order.
Have We Gone Too Far?
Bryn Mawr;549826 wrote: OK, for what it's worth - religion is a touchy subject (very) and it will lead to intense discussion.
That's fine as long as it remains focused on the religion itself, its tenets, scriptures, history, etc. Where it stops being acceptable is when it moves into personnal attacks on the members of that religion or the stereotyping of all members.
I also feel that talk of getting the guns out or getting the boys together to beat the sh!t out of them is out of order.
Are you SERIOUS!!?? Pardon me for my absense, but has that actually happened here??? If so, I agree! Thats WAY out of order! It's just a public forum for crying out loud! Not a thug gathering!
That's fine as long as it remains focused on the religion itself, its tenets, scriptures, history, etc. Where it stops being acceptable is when it moves into personnal attacks on the members of that religion or the stereotyping of all members.
I also feel that talk of getting the guns out or getting the boys together to beat the sh!t out of them is out of order.
Are you SERIOUS!!?? Pardon me for my absense, but has that actually happened here??? If so, I agree! Thats WAY out of order! It's just a public forum for crying out loud! Not a thug gathering!
~Quoth the Raven, Nevermore!~
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WonderWendy3
- Posts: 12412
- Joined: Thu Nov 09, 2006 7:44 am
Have We Gone Too Far?
Yes Raven, unfortunately Bryan is almost quoting a poster.
I HATE confrontation, with a passion. I try my hardest not to offend anyone.
I understand debating and good conversation, as said, this is a forum. But there is no need to get ugly/nasty...
I HATE confrontation, with a passion. I try my hardest not to offend anyone.
I understand debating and good conversation, as said, this is a forum. But there is no need to get ugly/nasty...
Have We Gone Too Far?
WonderWendy3;549846 wrote: Yes Raven, unfortunately Bryan is almost quoting a poster.
I HATE confrontation, with a passion. I try my hardest not to offend anyone.
I understand debating and good conversation, as said, this is a forum. But there is no need to get ugly/nasty...
No there isnt. I never understood the motivation behind trying to bully someone about their opinion. Thats just not on. But it's reassuring to know that the folks still here have withstood the storm. I love the company and intellect to be found here. (even if sometimes I forget to bring mine!) LOL!
I HATE confrontation, with a passion. I try my hardest not to offend anyone.
I understand debating and good conversation, as said, this is a forum. But there is no need to get ugly/nasty...
No there isnt. I never understood the motivation behind trying to bully someone about their opinion. Thats just not on. But it's reassuring to know that the folks still here have withstood the storm. I love the company and intellect to be found here. (even if sometimes I forget to bring mine!) LOL!
~Quoth the Raven, Nevermore!~
Have We Gone Too Far?
The problem I have is when ppl Misunderstand the religion they are griping about. Discussing religious beliefs is one thing, but putting down the Person FOR those beliefs digs under my skin.
As for the JW thread I've been reading lately, I know MUCH about that religion, and it is one of THE most misunderstood. The opinions being thrown around in that thead are also, wrong. I know... opinions are never wrong. But the ppl who are making statements about the JW's are under the wrong impression.
So I don't think ppl should judge other's unless they know what they're talking about. Discuss the religion, Not the ppl IN that religion, who you can only speculate about at best.
As for the JW thread I've been reading lately, I know MUCH about that religion, and it is one of THE most misunderstood. The opinions being thrown around in that thead are also, wrong. I know... opinions are never wrong. But the ppl who are making statements about the JW's are under the wrong impression.
So I don't think ppl should judge other's unless they know what they're talking about. Discuss the religion, Not the ppl IN that religion, who you can only speculate about at best.
Have We Gone Too Far?
Rain;549877 wrote: The problem I have is when ppl Misunderstand the religion they are griping about. Discussing religious beliefs is one thing, but putting down the Person FOR those beliefs digs under my skin.
As for the JW thread I've been reading lately, I know MUCH about that religion, and it is one of THE most misunderstood. The opinions being thrown around in that thead are also, wrong. I know... opinions are never wrong. But the ppl who are making statements about the JW's are under the wrong impression.
So I don't think ppl should judge other's unless they know what they're talking about. Discuss the religion, Not the ppl IN that religion, who you can only speculate about at best.
We are not here to judge. We are here to talk to one another. And enjoy the conversation and company. And in that spirit, there is much to learn from one anothers experiences and life knowledge. But thats just my opinion! LOL!
As for the JW thread I've been reading lately, I know MUCH about that religion, and it is one of THE most misunderstood. The opinions being thrown around in that thead are also, wrong. I know... opinions are never wrong. But the ppl who are making statements about the JW's are under the wrong impression.
So I don't think ppl should judge other's unless they know what they're talking about. Discuss the religion, Not the ppl IN that religion, who you can only speculate about at best.
We are not here to judge. We are here to talk to one another. And enjoy the conversation and company. And in that spirit, there is much to learn from one anothers experiences and life knowledge. But thats just my opinion! LOL!
~Quoth the Raven, Nevermore!~
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WonderWendy3
- Posts: 12412
- Joined: Thu Nov 09, 2006 7:44 am
Have We Gone Too Far?
Raven;549885 wrote: We are not here to judge. We are here to talk to one another. And enjoy the conversation and company. And in that spirit, there is much to learn from one anothers experiences and life knowledge. But thats just my opinion! LOL!
Very nicely put Raven, thank you.
Very nicely put Raven, thank you.
Have We Gone Too Far?
Kathy Ellen;549907 wrote: Raven, Your postings are so sweet and kind. Thank you for your intelligence. Big hugs to you:-4
Kathy Ellen
:yh_hugsBig hugs right back! Hugs are waaaay better than thugs dont you think? :yh_bigsmi
Kathy Ellen
:yh_hugsBig hugs right back! Hugs are waaaay better than thugs dont you think? :yh_bigsmi
~Quoth the Raven, Nevermore!~
Have We Gone Too Far?
WonderWendy3;549914 wrote: Very nicely put Raven, thank you.
You're welcome!
Honestly though, why are any of us here? I am a sincere believer in the good will of the friends I have made here. To me, this just isnt any forum. It's the place where my mates are. And I have actually met more than a few! These are good people here. Confrontation and poop slinging have always upset me. And I actually get horrified if I think I have offended someone by something I have posted. Because that is never my intent. But that is the challenge of the printed word. We can put emphasis on words where emphasis isnt meant. LOL! I saw a bumper sticker in the states that said 'mean people suck!' How true is that!!?? :yh_laugh
You're welcome!
Honestly though, why are any of us here? I am a sincere believer in the good will of the friends I have made here. To me, this just isnt any forum. It's the place where my mates are. And I have actually met more than a few! These are good people here. Confrontation and poop slinging have always upset me. And I actually get horrified if I think I have offended someone by something I have posted. Because that is never my intent. But that is the challenge of the printed word. We can put emphasis on words where emphasis isnt meant. LOL! I saw a bumper sticker in the states that said 'mean people suck!' How true is that!!?? :yh_laugh
~Quoth the Raven, Nevermore!~
Have We Gone Too Far?
helefra;550215 wrote: Wow Rain, what an excellent response to this topic. You are absolutely right, the person should not be looked at against the religion their with and yes, we should all know what we're talking about when it comes to a particular religion and not go by others' assumptions. :yh_clap
Thank you also to Bryn, Raven and Wendy - more excellent posts to add to the list.
tell you what carter what a really good thread this has been, i have not joined in much its a bit serious for jimbo, but i really enjoyed it none the less ,helefra you are one of fg's real stars just a quite one
Thank you also to Bryn, Raven and Wendy - more excellent posts to add to the list.
tell you what carter what a really good thread this has been, i have not joined in much its a bit serious for jimbo, but i really enjoyed it none the less ,helefra you are one of fg's real stars
just a quite one 
Have We Gone Too Far?
Though I rarely practice my own religion, I am very interested in talking to those of different religeons..to learn more about thier beliefs. But I am more comfortable if I am allowed to approach them with questions, than having them come to me and assume I want to kn ow things.
Have We Gone Too Far?
jimbo;550222 wrote: tell you what carter what a really good thread this has been, i have not joined in much its a bit serious for jimbo, but i really enjoyed it none the less ,helefra you are one of fg's real stars just a quite one
she's like the FG cheerleader! :wah:
just a quite one she's like the FG cheerleader! :wah:
Have We Gone Too Far?
I'm like koan. I speak what I know and have experienced. I can play the devil's advocate but on this topic I have not done so. Nor have I attacked anyone personally.
Shalom
Ted:-6
Shalom
Ted:-6
Have We Gone Too Far?
I cant stand religion of any kind but i dont participate in any of the religious threads due to that, i believe in me.
I havent seen the thread your on about but i am surprised Magenta left because of it, whatever was said. Not at all like her.
Ive seen her have very forceful opinions & confrontations on many threads
If we were to stop posting contriversial subjects we wouldent have a forum, members have to decide when they enter a thread (do i have enough knowledge of the subject & if i dont or if ive to debate it heavily can i handle that)
p.s - if i had any religious questions, i'd ask Ted, always found him to be a fair & knowledgable man where all faiths are concerned.
I havent seen the thread your on about but i am surprised Magenta left because of it, whatever was said. Not at all like her.
Ive seen her have very forceful opinions & confrontations on many threads
If we were to stop posting contriversial subjects we wouldent have a forum, members have to decide when they enter a thread (do i have enough knowledge of the subject & if i dont or if ive to debate it heavily can i handle that)
p.s - if i had any religious questions, i'd ask Ted, always found him to be a fair & knowledgable man where all faiths are concerned.
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clearmind69
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 4:31 pm
Have We Gone Too Far?
I personally feel all religions or religious people need adopt a tolerant mind to one another. No one religion should be deemed better or worse.
If we had a little more tolerance and acceptance in our hearts, our minds would not demand we go head on and create conflict when ever someone elses view does not meet our notions.
If tolerance were practised more in this world there would be more forgiveness and patience with one another and each one could live side by side without the conflicts we see today.
If whatever religion is practised is worth its weight in gold, it would cherish and respect the others.
Although today some religions do seem to be straying from their original course. I guess when the true origin of these great practises are altered, the power and strength diminish, such is the state of many we can see..as too with the people.
:-6 :-6 :-6 :-6
If we had a little more tolerance and acceptance in our hearts, our minds would not demand we go head on and create conflict when ever someone elses view does not meet our notions.
If tolerance were practised more in this world there would be more forgiveness and patience with one another and each one could live side by side without the conflicts we see today.
If whatever religion is practised is worth its weight in gold, it would cherish and respect the others.
Although today some religions do seem to be straying from their original course. I guess when the true origin of these great practises are altered, the power and strength diminish, such is the state of many we can see..as too with the people.
:-6 :-6 :-6 :-6
Have We Gone Too Far?
I've been thinking about this and realised that perhaps FG isn't obnoxious enough. All forums thrive on controversy. Otherwise we are like the 50s housewife who wears a dress every day, packs her kids lunches in paper bags and waves goodbye to her husband from the living room window every morning. Or the husband who says "Honey, I'm home," every time he walks through the front door. Sure, it's the utopia but it is vacuous.
What we really need are elected house trolls.
It's a tough job but someone has to do it. We can rotate every week. A minimum of three good quality trolls will be needed. We can send them to troll school if required and to save time, they can start an educational thread for the next self sacrificing do-no-gooders. This should be in a private forum area so that the rest of us aren't privy to their tactics, lest they become ineffective.
It's a bonus if the recruits are selected at random and by a secret party so no one knows who they are and will have to suss them out anew every week.
What we really need are elected house trolls.
It's a tough job but someone has to do it. We can rotate every week. A minimum of three good quality trolls will be needed. We can send them to troll school if required and to save time, they can start an educational thread for the next self sacrificing do-no-gooders. This should be in a private forum area so that the rest of us aren't privy to their tactics, lest they become ineffective.
It's a bonus if the recruits are selected at random and by a secret party so no one knows who they are and will have to suss them out anew every week.
Have We Gone Too Far?
helefra;549631 wrote: Thank you Ko for that input, an excellent post. Another good post from RG too. Jimbo and Suzy, thanks for your own expressions too.
I would have said something really brilliant but all the good thoughts were used up already. Some people can be so selfish !
I would have said something really brilliant but all the good thoughts were used up already. Some people can be so selfish !
I AM AWESOME MAN
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Accountable
- Posts: 24818
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am
Have We Gone Too Far?
When a couple of people who disagree go head to head, it's interesting & even enjoyable. I often learn alot, whether participating or just reading.
When several of a like mind start posting at once, they start feeding on each other's energy. It's really easy - too easy - to go overboard in such situations. That's what I've seen in such situations. That's what I saw in the JW thread. It turned into a feeding frenzy.
When several of a like mind start posting at once, they start feeding on each other's energy. It's really easy - too easy - to go overboard in such situations. That's what I've seen in such situations. That's what I saw in the JW thread. It turned into a feeding frenzy.
Have We Gone Too Far?
I can agree with much of what clearminded posted.
I do respect all of the world's great faiths and have no problem if one wants to be a member of the Jehovah Witnesses. However, when it comes to abuse of families and children I do get very concerned.
Lest anyone think I pick on the Jehovah Witnesses I also criticize Christians, my own church, fundamentalist/literalists, and extremists in any faith including Islam for which I have a great deal of respect. Extremism is the problem. It is not the faith itself but those who would use it to hurt others or advance their own agenda that I see as the problem.
Shalom
Ted:-6
I do respect all of the world's great faiths and have no problem if one wants to be a member of the Jehovah Witnesses. However, when it comes to abuse of families and children I do get very concerned.
Lest anyone think I pick on the Jehovah Witnesses I also criticize Christians, my own church, fundamentalist/literalists, and extremists in any faith including Islam for which I have a great deal of respect. Extremism is the problem. It is not the faith itself but those who would use it to hurt others or advance their own agenda that I see as the problem.
Shalom
Ted:-6
Have We Gone Too Far?
I don't think that the post itself, was going too far, however when I read it, there were a couple of posts indicating violence towards people of a certain belief. I thought that was going too far. Violence over religion leads to war, and is unacceptable in any circumstances.
However..... how people use the information in the posts, depends on what kind of person they were. The post was full of people's 'feelings' about a particular religion, and would have been very interesting to me, if I was of that persuasion. I know that JWs are asked to convert people, and that post could have proved some very useful insight into how this might be done.
I do like learning about different people's religion and so would probably ask them inside to tell me all about it. However, I'm a very questioning person, and they'd probably be trying to leave after a couple of hours. I'm also quite knowledgable on the the subject of spirituality and religion, so would be pretty challenging over the many discrepencies I see. In a polite way, of course.
If someone was upset with any of the posts, they had two options. Try to put their point forward, and learn from it, OR stay out of it and hit the report button
However..... how people use the information in the posts, depends on what kind of person they were. The post was full of people's 'feelings' about a particular religion, and would have been very interesting to me, if I was of that persuasion. I know that JWs are asked to convert people, and that post could have proved some very useful insight into how this might be done.
I do like learning about different people's religion and so would probably ask them inside to tell me all about it. However, I'm a very questioning person, and they'd probably be trying to leave after a couple of hours. I'm also quite knowledgable on the the subject of spirituality and religion, so would be pretty challenging over the many discrepencies I see. In a polite way, of course.
If someone was upset with any of the posts, they had two options. Try to put their point forward, and learn from it, OR stay out of it and hit the report button
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clearmind69
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 4:31 pm
Have We Gone Too Far?
I would just like to share some things about myself and then perhaps connect that to the things we are taught and the things which are unfolding in our world today. Of course, this is just one perspective and will never reach the ultimate level- truth of my practise,its just my level of understanding.
I practise in the Buddhist school of Falun Gong. It originated in China and has the principles of Truthfulness,Compassion,Tolerance. It has many similarities to Buddha Shakyamunis teachings.
In this practise it emphasises not changing or altering any upright Law or Fa. If people do change it,there could be no bigger sin. To alter the enlightened ones preaching is like trying to add your own influence to Heavens way. As soon as this occurs the correctness and purity goes astray.
We can see in society how some are creating this so called Holy war in the name of their prophet. Even though there are still many good people in these religions, after the acts of these select few, the religion becomes tainted.
We believe that the reputation of our practise is the responsibilty of everyone who practises. It is our duty to see it is disseminated along a true path,not altered or preached as our own.
Human minds can often be led astray due to a self righteous pursuit. Seeking something for oneself or to call it ones own. This dilutes any upright practise straight away.
Religion becomes there weapon in the wrong hands and can manipulate and lead astray those less fortunate with proper understanding.
But even worse their religion falls to the ground just because of a few bad apples in the cart.
Some religious people are like the politicians. They seek control,power,money. But for me, there is no need for such things if one is truly trying to improve from the inside out. Like our teacher says, Pursuit is an attachment and attachments need to be relinquished.
For what other reason than to self serve would some so called religious people want such worldly gain.
In this world money is the doer of all things,yet money cannot take you to Heaven. Yet it will cause people to blaspheme God. That saying, money is the root of all evil. This has some truth to it. If religion and money are mixed, it doesnt take very long for humans to impose their things, their control,their manipulation. Then the religion heads in a downward spirral.
I guess when religion is altered, we become the society we are today..aetheist. Many are non-believers of God or Buddha and science takes its place. Trying to prove that God does not exist,or spirit or after life. Yet in ancient cultures great thinkers tried to seek the truth. The truth of the mind, the universe and its creator.
In FG we are taught, for every action there is a reaction. Do good deeds and good things happen.Do bad things and bad things happen. Buddha called it karmic retribution.
So in this context, society is creating its own down hill descent. We cant complain too much of others, as we too have added to this.
To change our present situations we face, we need to make the changes inside. I think only then will we see a reversal of the goings on we see today.
Truthfulness,Compassion and Tolerance are a good place to start and they have allowed me to see, from one level of understanding, how it is things evolve,change and create.
I am now very careful with my thoughts, my words and my acts.
Its easy to get confused and caught up in things.
:-6 :-6 :-6 :-6
I practise in the Buddhist school of Falun Gong. It originated in China and has the principles of Truthfulness,Compassion,Tolerance. It has many similarities to Buddha Shakyamunis teachings.
In this practise it emphasises not changing or altering any upright Law or Fa. If people do change it,there could be no bigger sin. To alter the enlightened ones preaching is like trying to add your own influence to Heavens way. As soon as this occurs the correctness and purity goes astray.
We can see in society how some are creating this so called Holy war in the name of their prophet. Even though there are still many good people in these religions, after the acts of these select few, the religion becomes tainted.
We believe that the reputation of our practise is the responsibilty of everyone who practises. It is our duty to see it is disseminated along a true path,not altered or preached as our own.
Human minds can often be led astray due to a self righteous pursuit. Seeking something for oneself or to call it ones own. This dilutes any upright practise straight away.
Religion becomes there weapon in the wrong hands and can manipulate and lead astray those less fortunate with proper understanding.
But even worse their religion falls to the ground just because of a few bad apples in the cart.
Some religious people are like the politicians. They seek control,power,money. But for me, there is no need for such things if one is truly trying to improve from the inside out. Like our teacher says, Pursuit is an attachment and attachments need to be relinquished.
For what other reason than to self serve would some so called religious people want such worldly gain.
In this world money is the doer of all things,yet money cannot take you to Heaven. Yet it will cause people to blaspheme God. That saying, money is the root of all evil. This has some truth to it. If religion and money are mixed, it doesnt take very long for humans to impose their things, their control,their manipulation. Then the religion heads in a downward spirral.
I guess when religion is altered, we become the society we are today..aetheist. Many are non-believers of God or Buddha and science takes its place. Trying to prove that God does not exist,or spirit or after life. Yet in ancient cultures great thinkers tried to seek the truth. The truth of the mind, the universe and its creator.
In FG we are taught, for every action there is a reaction. Do good deeds and good things happen.Do bad things and bad things happen. Buddha called it karmic retribution.
So in this context, society is creating its own down hill descent. We cant complain too much of others, as we too have added to this.
To change our present situations we face, we need to make the changes inside. I think only then will we see a reversal of the goings on we see today.
Truthfulness,Compassion and Tolerance are a good place to start and they have allowed me to see, from one level of understanding, how it is things evolve,change and create.
I am now very careful with my thoughts, my words and my acts.
Its easy to get confused and caught up in things.
:-6 :-6 :-6 :-6