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rjc36 · 56-60, M
We all have opinions that we try to structure our lives with. Sometimes when someone points out an alternative we hold true to what we already believe in so it doesn't change the believes we have and render our choices based on them invalid. Just my opinion
SW-User Best Comment
It seems to be an appeal of belief for some that they have access to an exclusive truth that others do not. It's part of why they believe, i.e. I know the truth, I am saved, I am blessed, you are not, you are confused, mistaken, misguided, and destined for eternal punishment and I will be rewarded and that makes me feel good about myself. I've never understood this approach to belief.
I've always been open-minded and part of it may be my long-time interest in various religions and cultures and the fact that I have traveled around the world (to the extent that I've been able to in 20 years of life) and seen the value and beauty and power in traditions that aren't my own. So the idea that there needs to be one true belief and every other belief is false and everyone who lives a pious life in that belief is screwed for doing so has never appealed to me (nor ever seemed true to me).
As an example, Muslims believe Mohammed is the one path to God; Christians belief Jesus is the one path. Well, they can't both be right. Yet they are both pretty adamant about their correctness. I don't think spirituality is as simple as membership in a group. I don't think God is limited by religious doctrine and dogma. And no matter what I believe, I have never insisted that those who believe differently are misguided fools. I may not share their belief, but calling other beliefs false doesn't augment me in any way.
I've always been open-minded and part of it may be my long-time interest in various religions and cultures and the fact that I have traveled around the world (to the extent that I've been able to in 20 years of life) and seen the value and beauty and power in traditions that aren't my own. So the idea that there needs to be one true belief and every other belief is false and everyone who lives a pious life in that belief is screwed for doing so has never appealed to me (nor ever seemed true to me).
As an example, Muslims believe Mohammed is the one path to God; Christians belief Jesus is the one path. Well, they can't both be right. Yet they are both pretty adamant about their correctness. I don't think spirituality is as simple as membership in a group. I don't think God is limited by religious doctrine and dogma. And no matter what I believe, I have never insisted that those who believe differently are misguided fools. I may not share their belief, but calling other beliefs false doesn't augment me in any way.
SW-User
@SW-User These are excellent points backed up by logic. Irony is that no amount of logic is sufficient enough to convince the believers of " I am right, my belief is right, my God is true God".
If they believe that way, no issues. There is no problems.
However knowingly or unknowingly they cross the dangerous line. There are not limited to their own beliefs. They want to force that belief on others. They go around and tell others about their religion, their God...They convince others to follow what they believe. Upto this point all fine.
However ego is still not satisfied. Once someone is drawn into listening their theory, the gears are shifted. Now starts digging other persons culture. Telling the other person that their culture is wrong. Their practices are wrong. It is not just wrong however practicing it is a punishable offence. That leads to hell. The God whom they worship, their parents worship are all fake. Then why do they worship that way ? Answer is simple. Along with God, devil also exists. Devil tricks people into believing the God they believe. Now aren't too the other person supposed to loose cool? No.. because there is only one God. He sets the standard.
Everyone values their culture, their family.. People will respect other cultures if others respect theirs too. But strangely this category doesn't respect others but demands respect for theirs. That's in other words extremism.
For most of the violence in today's world, the root cause is the belief that I am right, you are wrong. My belief is right you believe what you believe because devil tricks you to believe that way. We name different extremist organisations responsible for terrorism. But infact we fail to look into the core issue.
Once the entire world gets converted to religion A, still problem is going to persist. People will find ways to create sub relogions A1,A2...
You are absolutely right. There is joy in knowing and experiencing different cultures. Different cultures teach us new things. It provides us with the opportunity to take good aspects of different cultures. Celebrating others culture brings them joy and their joy brings us happiness.same goes the other way round. Instead if we follow I am right... We not only restrict our freedom of choice but also create chaos in the minds of people.
If they believe that way, no issues. There is no problems.
However knowingly or unknowingly they cross the dangerous line. There are not limited to their own beliefs. They want to force that belief on others. They go around and tell others about their religion, their God...They convince others to follow what they believe. Upto this point all fine.
However ego is still not satisfied. Once someone is drawn into listening their theory, the gears are shifted. Now starts digging other persons culture. Telling the other person that their culture is wrong. Their practices are wrong. It is not just wrong however practicing it is a punishable offence. That leads to hell. The God whom they worship, their parents worship are all fake. Then why do they worship that way ? Answer is simple. Along with God, devil also exists. Devil tricks people into believing the God they believe. Now aren't too the other person supposed to loose cool? No.. because there is only one God. He sets the standard.
Everyone values their culture, their family.. People will respect other cultures if others respect theirs too. But strangely this category doesn't respect others but demands respect for theirs. That's in other words extremism.
For most of the violence in today's world, the root cause is the belief that I am right, you are wrong. My belief is right you believe what you believe because devil tricks you to believe that way. We name different extremist organisations responsible for terrorism. But infact we fail to look into the core issue.
Once the entire world gets converted to religion A, still problem is going to persist. People will find ways to create sub relogions A1,A2...
You are absolutely right. There is joy in knowing and experiencing different cultures. Different cultures teach us new things. It provides us with the opportunity to take good aspects of different cultures. Celebrating others culture brings them joy and their joy brings us happiness.same goes the other way round. Instead if we follow I am right... We not only restrict our freedom of choice but also create chaos in the minds of people.
This message was deleted by its author.
Speaking in general, any time we have something to decide, every aspect of it should be explored, if we're to make an informed decision, and it's immature to judge anyone for their personal decision, really, as we cannot assume we know all the facts that lead to their decision and/or beliefs. I think that would be disrespectful, along with degrading them. Like, assuming they were indoctrinated, don't accept others, are brainwashed, or forcing others to believe as they do. No one can force anyone to do anything they don't wish to do.
SW-User
@LadyGrace
[quote]I see what you're saying now, but we do have the ability to not allow others to force us on anything. Unless by gunpoint, or threat of life. But even then, we can decide which point of action we can take... not must take. That all depends on us...not chance or fate. We're either in control, or not. There's no in between.[/quote]
I partly agree with you. That's why I said I wish all people have the wisdom and ability to make informed decisions that they do not allow anyone to force their belief or opinion on them. However mostly it is not the case. People are often made to feel vulnerable. The mentioned control doesn't operate necessarily in binary. Coming to the aspect of forcing ones opiniion I would say in the present world manipulation is as destructive as a gunpoint or threat of life.
[quote]I see what you're saying now, but we do have the ability to not allow others to force us on anything. Unless by gunpoint, or threat of life. But even then, we can decide which point of action we can take... not must take. That all depends on us...not chance or fate. We're either in control, or not. There's no in between.[/quote]
I partly agree with you. That's why I said I wish all people have the wisdom and ability to make informed decisions that they do not allow anyone to force their belief or opinion on them. However mostly it is not the case. People are often made to feel vulnerable. The mentioned control doesn't operate necessarily in binary. Coming to the aspect of forcing ones opiniion I would say in the present world manipulation is as destructive as a gunpoint or threat of life.
@SW-User Threat is perception and can be wrongly taken. Let's just spell it out, shall we? It is clear you think I force my beliefs on others. I do feel sorry for those who read my posts, yet claim they still can't make up their own minds as to whether they wish to click on them, continue reading them, or ignore them. Such is the option for all readers for [i]any[/i] post.
SW-User
@LadyGrace
[quote]Threat is perception and can be wrongly taken.[/quote]
The understanding of this statement is simple and complex.
1.Let us tackle the simple case. Answer is No. If we consider this world as real, It is not a perception. If someone perceive something bad can happen it is a flag to be alert. Better be alert than be regretful.
2. Complex case : The whole life is an illusion. Our very existence is an illusion. If you believe in that theory I do agree with you that threat is a perception.
[quote]Let's just spell it out, shall we? It is clear you think I force my beliefs on others.[/quote]
I think there is a misunderstanding. Most probably you had such interactions with some other user. We both never had any prior interactions with respect to belief. I do remember where I wished your relative a speedy recovery on one of your posts where you were asking for a prayer request. I responded in best interest. We never had any disrespectful communication. May be interactions with another user confused you.
But yes, I had a not so enjoyable conversation with another lady here. That exactly motivated me to write this post. Both hers and your view point on spiritual faith were similar. However you are far knowledgeable and mature than her. Though I do not necessarily agree with your position I appreciate the effort you put behind writing the replies. I understand and I appreciate that beacuse I put similar efforts on my reply. In the other case, the person forcing her belief hardly put any effort and was doing a copy/paste of some contents without herself not understanding the meaning. Forget about the humility part.
However I am happy that you brought this point up. This is a classic example to discuss belief and faith. Your perception of what I thought about you is a belief. And irrespective of what I say you may still continue to believe what you believe about what I think. That strengthened belief is nothing but faith. Now your belief and faith are true to your perception, however to convince me that your belief and faith is true and mine is false, you need to understand me. Same goes with God and spirituality. Sadly people tell others that their belief is true and others belief is false without even listening or understanding what other persons belief is and how significant their belief is. Based on such a belief that one consider is the only belief no one can ever take an informed decision and if at all one does, it's sheer stupidly.
[quote] I do feel sorry for those who read my posts, yet claim they still can't make up their own minds as to whether they wish to click on them, continue reading them, or ignore them. Such is the option for all readers for any post.
[/quote]
I agree with you and I too feel sorry for them. You may ignore them because thinking about them won't add any value to you.
Please note: I still have to reply to your comment on another thread. I will do soon.
[quote]Threat is perception and can be wrongly taken.[/quote]
The understanding of this statement is simple and complex.
1.Let us tackle the simple case. Answer is No. If we consider this world as real, It is not a perception. If someone perceive something bad can happen it is a flag to be alert. Better be alert than be regretful.
2. Complex case : The whole life is an illusion. Our very existence is an illusion. If you believe in that theory I do agree with you that threat is a perception.
[quote]Let's just spell it out, shall we? It is clear you think I force my beliefs on others.[/quote]
I think there is a misunderstanding. Most probably you had such interactions with some other user. We both never had any prior interactions with respect to belief. I do remember where I wished your relative a speedy recovery on one of your posts where you were asking for a prayer request. I responded in best interest. We never had any disrespectful communication. May be interactions with another user confused you.
But yes, I had a not so enjoyable conversation with another lady here. That exactly motivated me to write this post. Both hers and your view point on spiritual faith were similar. However you are far knowledgeable and mature than her. Though I do not necessarily agree with your position I appreciate the effort you put behind writing the replies. I understand and I appreciate that beacuse I put similar efforts on my reply. In the other case, the person forcing her belief hardly put any effort and was doing a copy/paste of some contents without herself not understanding the meaning. Forget about the humility part.
However I am happy that you brought this point up. This is a classic example to discuss belief and faith. Your perception of what I thought about you is a belief. And irrespective of what I say you may still continue to believe what you believe about what I think. That strengthened belief is nothing but faith. Now your belief and faith are true to your perception, however to convince me that your belief and faith is true and mine is false, you need to understand me. Same goes with God and spirituality. Sadly people tell others that their belief is true and others belief is false without even listening or understanding what other persons belief is and how significant their belief is. Based on such a belief that one consider is the only belief no one can ever take an informed decision and if at all one does, it's sheer stupidly.
[quote] I do feel sorry for those who read my posts, yet claim they still can't make up their own minds as to whether they wish to click on them, continue reading them, or ignore them. Such is the option for all readers for any post.
[/quote]
I agree with you and I too feel sorry for them. You may ignore them because thinking about them won't add any value to you.
Please note: I still have to reply to your comment on another thread. I will do soon.
Pretzel · 61-69, M
great question!
best answer I heard for that is that if you have a belief system that says that believing in a gawd will bring you everlasting life - well you'd better pick the right one.
conflicting beliefs can't both be correct. One must be right, one must be wrong (unless they are both wrong but let's assume somebody is right).
the disrespect only comes in when people become judgemental or abuse someone else for having a different belief.
best answer I heard for that is that if you have a belief system that says that believing in a gawd will bring you everlasting life - well you'd better pick the right one.
conflicting beliefs can't both be correct. One must be right, one must be wrong (unless they are both wrong but let's assume somebody is right).
the disrespect only comes in when people become judgemental or abuse someone else for having a different belief.
SW-User
@LadyGrace
[quote] It is about freedom of speech and expression and you don't have a right to set regulations or boundaries on that, nor determine over God, what constitutes a miracle.[/quote]
Sorry Grace, Freedom of speech doesn't mean that you tell others their faith is wrong and feel bad when some body factfully shows you the different possibilities. That is abusing the freedom of speech and expression. Freedom of expression is not one way. If you think no one has the right to have an opinion about what constitute a miracle, then who gives you the right tell others that God doesn't exist ?
And who told you I don't believe in God? Please don't manipulate things. Sorry to say, I find you extremely dishonest and manipulative. The fact that I don't follow Jesus doesn't mean I don't believe in God. To simply put it I do believe in God and he is not Jesus. I respect him however I am from our from a different culture who consides God other than Jesus.
As I told you I appreciate conversations within a respectable boundary. Since I feel you are crossing the lits and trying to run your propaganda I do not wish to have further discussions with you. Please stay away. Either way you do not have anything logical to be add to be the conversation.
[quote] It is about freedom of speech and expression and you don't have a right to set regulations or boundaries on that, nor determine over God, what constitutes a miracle.[/quote]
Sorry Grace, Freedom of speech doesn't mean that you tell others their faith is wrong and feel bad when some body factfully shows you the different possibilities. That is abusing the freedom of speech and expression. Freedom of expression is not one way. If you think no one has the right to have an opinion about what constitute a miracle, then who gives you the right tell others that God doesn't exist ?
And who told you I don't believe in God? Please don't manipulate things. Sorry to say, I find you extremely dishonest and manipulative. The fact that I don't follow Jesus doesn't mean I don't believe in God. To simply put it I do believe in God and he is not Jesus. I respect him however I am from our from a different culture who consides God other than Jesus.
As I told you I appreciate conversations within a respectable boundary. Since I feel you are crossing the lits and trying to run your propaganda I do not wish to have further discussions with you. Please stay away. Either way you do not have anything logical to be add to be the conversation.
SW-User
@SW-User Thank you Gloria. Yes we have to make every one feel inclusive. There is no point in arguing I am right, you are wrong. We all should practice our own respective faiths and give respect to the faiths of others. I am glad that you are one of them.
This message was deleted by the author of the main post.
@JonathanSJ But I emphasize it is not my truth that counts, though I share it. Not everyone feels the same. For me, it is not about my truth, but what Jesus says is truth. And just as others can emphasis their belief in Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, or any other, all are free to do so, with no problem. I have no qualms about that. None should be bashed, like Christians on here, are. I have always said, what others believe is up to them. But let EACH have their voice without immature accusations and hateful attitudes. Nothing says I must believe them or practice them, but I do respect them and their choices. I love all people and we are to love all, not just some, or only those who believe as we do. Unfair accusations are of the devil and very unloving.
SW-User
@JonathanSJ Everyone can see what @LadyGrace has written all over in this post. She was accusing and abusing everyone whoever challenged her with logical reasoning. Any ways thanks for jumping in between and whitewashing her and giving testimony.
For your certificate
[quote]
What @LadyGrace says, i appreciate it and i know it is truth because probably she is mature enough to sail through all the religions like Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism[/quote]
Ok so this maturity gives her the right to abuse other faith?
I wish that lady need not be expert in every religion, atleast it would be great if she knows about her own christian religion.
Now here she was not able to answer a single logical question, got frustrated and started accusing people. Now you are telling @iamelijah about the greatness of that lady.
Here is what ladygrace wrote to her
[quote] Hardly. You already spoke yourself into that assumption. Can't back out now. Unless you erase what you said. No one's denying or debating that. You know exactly what you said and when pointed out, you got offended, not me. I wouldn't want to be in your clique, as if cliques are special. I didn't assume anything. You said you know other's lives, not me. But you've done this many times, that I've seen in the past. Start trolling, then try to pass the blame onto others. It don't and won't work. I even know what you'll say next, as it is your usual reply. You're very predictable. Won't do you any good, so just act insulted and the whole bit. It's old. Means not one thing. Goodbye[/quote] I don't see any trace of respect. All I see is ladygrace being manipulative.
Finally you both are complementing each other finishing with her love
and respect for other religions. Really ? What dishonesty. Her comments in this post itself reveals her sickness. All she did in her whole life is to abuse faith and God. Nice attempt to cover up all the sins and covering up shamelessly.
For your certificate
[quote]
What @LadyGrace says, i appreciate it and i know it is truth because probably she is mature enough to sail through all the religions like Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism[/quote]
Ok so this maturity gives her the right to abuse other faith?
I wish that lady need not be expert in every religion, atleast it would be great if she knows about her own christian religion.
Now here she was not able to answer a single logical question, got frustrated and started accusing people. Now you are telling @iamelijah about the greatness of that lady.
Here is what ladygrace wrote to her
[quote] Hardly. You already spoke yourself into that assumption. Can't back out now. Unless you erase what you said. No one's denying or debating that. You know exactly what you said and when pointed out, you got offended, not me. I wouldn't want to be in your clique, as if cliques are special. I didn't assume anything. You said you know other's lives, not me. But you've done this many times, that I've seen in the past. Start trolling, then try to pass the blame onto others. It don't and won't work. I even know what you'll say next, as it is your usual reply. You're very predictable. Won't do you any good, so just act insulted and the whole bit. It's old. Means not one thing. Goodbye[/quote] I don't see any trace of respect. All I see is ladygrace being manipulative.
Finally you both are complementing each other finishing with her love
and respect for other religions. Really ? What dishonesty. Her comments in this post itself reveals her sickness. All she did in her whole life is to abuse faith and God. Nice attempt to cover up all the sins and covering up shamelessly.
DocSavage · M
Because some truths can now actually be proven to be false.
Creationist have become more aggressive, because education is improving with the help of the internet. Christian student who go to universities are faced with factual evidence that biblical stories aren’t true. This weakens their faith, and some abandon it altogether. Creationist are trying to force that faith back on people with fallacies and false science. Real science fights back. It comes down to fact. Both can’t be right. It has to be one or the other in the end. Respect isn’t an option.
Creationist have become more aggressive, because education is improving with the help of the internet. Christian student who go to universities are faced with factual evidence that biblical stories aren’t true. This weakens their faith, and some abandon it altogether. Creationist are trying to force that faith back on people with fallacies and false science. Real science fights back. It comes down to fact. Both can’t be right. It has to be one or the other in the end. Respect isn’t an option.
@newjaninev2 I agree entirely
@newjaninev2 do you know if Islamic creation is like Christian creation?
As in everything happened the same way or happened only a short while ago or something?
As in everything happened the same way or happened only a short while ago or something?
newjaninev2 · 56-60, F
@Babylon They accept an ‘old’ Earth, but I don’t know if they agree with 4.5 billion years. They certainly aren’t fixated on a seven day schedule. They reject evolution by Natural Selection (gasp! surprise!)
BlueSkyKing · M
@BlueSkyKing Don't assume. And all the goodness in the world, doesn't hold merit when it comes to salvation, nor get one eternal life in heaven. Jesus said so:
EPHESIANS 2:8 "For by [b]grace[/b] are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
You can't, and don't, earn a gift. It is freely given. The very word "grace" means [i]UN-earned favor from God.[/i] Meaning, not one thing, can one do, to earn their own salvation. Jesus said so. You can't set the standard. And religion has nothing to do with salvation. Your individual choice does. Not denomination or anything else. Religion is nothing but man-made philosophy. Religion didn't die on the cross for our sins. Jesus did. That makes it a personal relationship; not futile, unstable religion.
EPHESIANS 2:8 "For by [b]grace[/b] are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
You can't, and don't, earn a gift. It is freely given. The very word "grace" means [i]UN-earned favor from God.[/i] Meaning, not one thing, can one do, to earn their own salvation. Jesus said so. You can't set the standard. And religion has nothing to do with salvation. Your individual choice does. Not denomination or anything else. Religion is nothing but man-made philosophy. Religion didn't die on the cross for our sins. Jesus did. That makes it a personal relationship; not futile, unstable religion.
BlueSkyKing · M
@LadyGrace [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svkgOsr7pUc]
@BlueSkyKing Assume like you? See, you never have a legitimate answer to what I say, so you always divert to accusations and criticisms. Give it up.
JonathanSJ · 36-40, M
Isn't insist a foul word?
You are living in a free country (in case you don't live in Afghanistan or Myanmar)
A 6 year old boy, if he plays with fire and his parents stop him, would he treat it as disrespectful?
Since when telling the truth is being disrespectful? People don't insist. They are just there to save your time. You will sail through the oceans of religion and come back to the LORD like me or you will keep him in your heart forever.
A sane person like @LadyGrace and a few more may help you not to take the longer route but a short one
And that is what are the sane people are for. They are torch bearers. So, if they disrespect you if they tell their way, then i would want you to take the longer route and not feel disrespected but i will wait for you to be back because i have done what you are doing now.
You are living in a free country (in case you don't live in Afghanistan or Myanmar)
A 6 year old boy, if he plays with fire and his parents stop him, would he treat it as disrespectful?
Since when telling the truth is being disrespectful? People don't insist. They are just there to save your time. You will sail through the oceans of religion and come back to the LORD like me or you will keep him in your heart forever.
A sane person like @LadyGrace and a few more may help you not to take the longer route but a short one
And that is what are the sane people are for. They are torch bearers. So, if they disrespect you if they tell their way, then i would want you to take the longer route and not feel disrespected but i will wait for you to be back because i have done what you are doing now.
SW-User
@JonathanSJ [quote]A 6 year old boy, if he plays with fire and his parents stop him, would he treat it as disrespectful?
Since when telling the truth is being disrespectful? People don't insist. They are just there to save your time. You will sail through the oceans of religion and come back to the LORD like me or you will keep him in your heart forever.[/quote]
First please understand the difference between the risk of a child playing with fire and someone practicing their faith.
That you live in the illusion of getting saved from eternal hell, doesn't mean that others follow the same illusion. And it is as disrespectful to tell a person that the God who he/ she believes is false or he is a fool for not following God as telling someone that the lord character you believe is a myth or he is a product of Satan( another fictional figure in your myth).
Since when telling the truth is being disrespectful? People don't insist. They are just there to save your time. You will sail through the oceans of religion and come back to the LORD like me or you will keep him in your heart forever.[/quote]
First please understand the difference between the risk of a child playing with fire and someone practicing their faith.
That you live in the illusion of getting saved from eternal hell, doesn't mean that others follow the same illusion. And it is as disrespectful to tell a person that the God who he/ she believes is false or he is a fool for not following God as telling someone that the lord character you believe is a myth or he is a product of Satan( another fictional figure in your myth).
SW-User
@LadyGrace
[quote]Love, peace, joy, harmony, is all good and should be practiced,yes, and sounds so good, but Jesus said without Him, none shall see God, so what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, has all these wonderful things, yet loses his own soul? [/quote]
I don't know if you really know the value of love, peace and joy. These are positive emotions that connects people. Value of God is not measured by how much profitable it is for man.
There is better way how we Christians can practice our faith. I don't have to prove to anyone about my faith in Jesus. All these statements about what Jesus said pictures him as a mean and selfish God. Jesus is above that. Those statements are not told by Jesus. It is man fooling innocents in the name of Jesus for his own political gains. Real followers are above these politics and would embrace the love of Jesus without insulting the God whom other people believe.
[quote]Love, peace, joy, harmony, is all good and should be practiced,yes, and sounds so good, but Jesus said without Him, none shall see God, so what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, has all these wonderful things, yet loses his own soul? [/quote]
I don't know if you really know the value of love, peace and joy. These are positive emotions that connects people. Value of God is not measured by how much profitable it is for man.
There is better way how we Christians can practice our faith. I don't have to prove to anyone about my faith in Jesus. All these statements about what Jesus said pictures him as a mean and selfish God. Jesus is above that. Those statements are not told by Jesus. It is man fooling innocents in the name of Jesus for his own political gains. Real followers are above these politics and would embrace the love of Jesus without insulting the God whom other people believe.
@SW-User Denying all these things Jesus said to do, and twisting them into something ugly and wrong, accusing others of doing what they have not done, is what is deceitful and unloving. Your reasoning is spiritually blind and twisted to not see what is going on here. So think as you wish. Your accusations are ugly. You don't know me.
SW-User
@LadyGrace You don't know me as well. Please learn to love Jesus. And not downplay others in the name of Jesus. If you want please do but don't quote Jesus or Bible. If someone gives a logical explanation, try to respectfully counter it. Jesus won't appreciate what you are doing. That's not live for God.
Beliefs and religion are good indicators of morality. They are often so complex they have conflicting parts. But that is what makes it such a useful tool. Evil people will insist on emphasizing the evil parts, (kill gays and disobedient children, etc...) a good person will emphasize the good parts (love each other, forgiveness, etc...)
So when someone insists on their own beliefs being true at the exclusion of all others its a red flag they are actually the bad guys.
Of course the good guys can insist they are right as well. But in that case they are right. It depends on what they have chosen to emphasize.
So when someone insists on their own beliefs being true at the exclusion of all others its a red flag they are actually the bad guys.
Of course the good guys can insist they are right as well. But in that case they are right. It depends on what they have chosen to emphasize.
SW-User
@canusernamebemyusername You are right. I can't agree more.
thewindupbirdchronicles · 46-50, M
@canusernamebemyusername What happens in your theory when you remove the idea of evil people?
HakunaMatata · 51-55, M
SW-User
@HakunaMatata Love that.
@HakunaMatata Belief may be cheap for some, but it didn't come cheap for Jesus. It cost Jesus his very life. In fact, He volunteered to lay down His life, to ensure we'd have eternal life in heaven when we die.
Man is no higher than His ego, thinking he knows better and is smarter than God. It is his fall. But you're right. Jesus said He is the Truth, and His truths did not come cheap. Those who follow Him, have not lost one thing nor regretted one thing. But if you think so, we are honored and happy to do so, for One who has given us everything and His best. Jesus said not one of us can get to heaven by doing good, or trying to earn our way to heaven. I'll follow Him, over finite man, any day.
Man is no higher than His ego, thinking he knows better and is smarter than God. It is his fall. But you're right. Jesus said He is the Truth, and His truths did not come cheap. Those who follow Him, have not lost one thing nor regretted one thing. But if you think so, we are honored and happy to do so, for One who has given us everything and His best. Jesus said not one of us can get to heaven by doing good, or trying to earn our way to heaven. I'll follow Him, over finite man, any day.
SW-User
@in10RjFox That's rightly said and that sort of thinking and claims are really pathetic as well as destructive.
in10RjFox · M
@SW-User but such characters help us think and develop rationale for our own thinking. I have met many such characters in life, who have helped me develop logical questions and I start testing their sincerity towards their own belief. Such characters invariably forget what they say first and later .. making it easy for us to trap them by thier own logic.
SW-User
@in10RjFox That's very well said. We shouldn't get offended. If there is a genuine argument, we can think of countering it in a graceful mannner if we can. Good arguments always enhanc we our thinking.
ImperialAerosolKidFromEP · 46-50, M
SW-User
@ImperialAerosolKidFromEP Yes, it is very important to eliminate this disrespect. To set it straight, any religious truth crossing the religious boundaries and being labelled as universal truth, which is disrespectful for other religions is dangerous for humanity. Doesn't matter it is from A to B, B to C, A to C or vice-versa. World is far better without a universal true God, a universal true belief.
ImperialAerosolKidFromEP · 46-50, M
@SW-User just to be clear, I'm not addressing the situation where someone believes he has a universal truth. You might think that's weak, but then how much weaker is criticizing those who believe they have universal truth, when they themselves claim to have universal truth; the pot calling the kettle black
SW-User
@ImperialAerosolKidFromEP I'm referring to all those who are holding that universal truth(multiple groups), which only they have access to and others have to simply believe. That truth which is quite controversial and lacks proper evidence.The truth which they are not satisfied believing themselves but also want others to believe.
SW-User
@SW-User Thats perfect.
SW-User
@GJOFJ3 You are spot on.
Carissimi · 70-79, F
Beliefs become ingrained in one’s personality, if they are strong beliefs. Giving up a belief, even if presented with evidence, is a hard thing to do, and many can’t let go because it’s like giving up a part of themselves. So, if you have strong beliefs, you are likely to defend them when put against opposite beliefs. It can feel like you are defending your life, and your survival, and all you’ve ever known is at stake.
SW-User
@SW-User I love this comment so much. "The only truth." ✌️
Makes me think of this great quote:
[i]"This is my truth, tell me yours." [/i]-Aneurin Bevan
Thank You Kindly. 😊
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Makes me think of this great quote:
[i]"This is my truth, tell me yours." [/i]-Aneurin Bevan
Thank You Kindly. 😊
@SW-User We absolutely do and are not ashamed of God nor to admit that, because [b]Jesus[/b] said He is the only truth. Not us. We follow Jesus, not each other as the truth. If you don't believe that, then don't claim to be a follower of Christ or make fun of His followers. That's what's disrespectful. The way others criticize Christians just because we're Christians, then act like they're better. That's totally disrespectful. There's no love in THAT. We don't set the standard for truth and salvation...God did, and does.
BlueMetalChick · 26-30, F
butterfly1013 · 26-30, F
ABCDEF7 · M
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu7_iFVAaJU]
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SW-User
@SW-User I understand. Even I tend to do that. You had rightly mentioned about the needs to carefully listen to others. Yes indeed it is an important aspect in knowing others and even ourselves. One thing is sure, people who don't value listening to others have no right to teach others what is right or wrong or what they believe is right or wrong.
Believing someone who declares others wrong without even trying to know what they believe is real stupidity. Sadly many people don't even realize that and fall prey to the narrow minded trap of enforced belief.
Believing someone who declares others wrong without even trying to know what they believe is real stupidity. Sadly many people don't even realize that and fall prey to the narrow minded trap of enforced belief.
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SW-User
@FullMetalFatPig Also, it helps if you got Soul - like James Brown.
PCP optional. Also, hold off on the domestic abuse aspect for optimum Soul levels. 👍
PCP optional. Also, hold off on the domestic abuse aspect for optimum Soul levels. 👍
SW-User
@FullMetalFatPig There's an interesting novel by John Updike about this very subject, in which a young evangelical grad student and a professor of theology clash in their approach to religion: the professor's theology is entirely spiritual, while the grad student thinks he can prove the existence of God using technology.
I've always felt that those who are arguing religion on the basis of science and history are not seeing the forest for the trees.
I've always felt that those who are arguing religion on the basis of science and history are not seeing the forest for the trees.
SW-User
@FullMetalFatPig Absolutely right. Interfaith dialogues and exploration of spiritual path should be encouraged. With the current mindset there is no near visibility of such a thing happening soon. Spirituality is there for a purpose. It is there to elevate our thinking, however we use spirituality to narrow the scope our thinking abilities.