Why is ________ the answer to life's meaning for you?

dont the answer there ' all I know is your here' get on with it guys !!!!
 

Sunny said:
I like Peachy's suggestion. Just ask, "Why is _____" and let everyone fill in their own blank.

Hypo, you are being desparately "cute" with your suggestion that I start a thread about the Wiccan religion. Surely, you couldn't have misunderstood what I was saying to that extent? But in case that was a sincere suggestion, let me assure you that I am not a witch, there are no witches, none with supernatural powers, anyway, and I was using that lunatic fringe cult as an example to make a point.

If you had worded this thread, "Is Christianity the answer to life's meaning for you?" there probably would have been a much more friendly discussion here. Just the word "Why?" at the beginning changed the entire meaning of the question, and assumed that everyone here is a devout Christian. And that's what got so many people riled up.
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Yes, that's a good point. The original thread pre-supposes that everyone on here is Christian, which may not be the case.
As for Wicca...it has one rule..'Do as you wish but harm none'...a good tenet for us all to live by.
 
Again, why is it that some feel the need to interject their personal religious convictions into this forum? We are not talking about a discussion of religion, but ones personal views on Christianity . From the posts, most members seem to feel that is an afront to their own religious beliefs. Clearly this is not a topic most enjoy, so again WHY is it that some have the compulsion to air your personal religious convictions in this setting? The title of the thread is there for all to see and CHOOSE whether to participate. Don't like it? Don't join in!". Some disregard the feelings of others, proselytize about their religion, and then disrespected others, by saying, the hell with you, don't read it. Get lost. Posting ones' personal religious convictions in this type of forum are statements of insensitivity and disrespect to others.
 

hypochondriac said:
100 posts? yeah most of them are mine so I cant get too full of myself. :) There is an interest here whether you like it or not. And a need as well. Perhaps you need a different focus besides minority Christians.
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And a need as well. There you go, there is your proselytizing in a nutshell.

Disappointing thread as I think of you as a very clever, well balanced man with many interests. Sad to see you might be enjoying feeling victimized, "thrown to the lions", defending your beliefs. Also laughable, as if the entire Western culture isn't Christian anyway. In our mutual Western societies, Christians are the majority, not the minority and have no valid reason to feel picked on, unless they're looking to feel that way.

In four months, I'll make sure to wish you a "Merry Christmas" not that hostile "Happy Holidays."
 
Pepper said:
And a need as well. There you go, there is your proselytizing in a nutshell.

Disappointing thread as I think of you as a very clever, well balanced man with many interests. Sad to see you might be enjoying feeling victimized, "thrown to the lions", defending your beliefs. Also laughable, as if the entire Western culture isn't Christian anyway. In our mutual Western societies, Christians are the majority, not the minority and have no valid reason to feel picked on, unless they're looking to feel that way.

In four months, I'll make sure to wish you a "Merry Christmas" not that hostile "Happy Holidays."
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you seem to have strong emotions on the issue. you want me further humiliated?
 
here's a meaning of prosletyse from the net.
convert or attempt to convert (someone) from one religion, belief, or opinion to another.
Now according to some people I have been trying to attract more Christians to the fold.
At worst I was trying to connect with other existing Christians on this forum. But really I was just taking a chance with a Christian themed thread. I start a lot of threads as you know. I was running low on ideas. I was told that I was allowed to start one so I did. Now I am getting static from people who have a beef with Christianity. Which intrigues me. Maybe they had a really hard time when they were a child. I can understand if someone was raised in a "Bible Bashing" family. No one should be force fed something they don't like or understand. The Christians who threaten Hell and Damnation are to be condemned themselves. They do no service to "real" Christians who try to live the Gospel.
I have a psychological question for those who hate Christianity on this forum. What is it in your experience that turned you off it? Why the level of animosity? Do you feel threatened politically by Christians getting more political power in America? is that it? Ok well we haven't quite reached that level in Australia. But we are catching up. it is mainly political power isn't it. You don't want Christians running the country. Fair enough. Separation of Church and State. I get that one. But do we need to transfer that to this forum? With just one thread? Nip it in the bud mentality? Oh ok. I see. Well you will get your way then. As long as I understand where you are coming from.
 
Shalimar said:
“I am not looking for a vengeful Sky Daddy.”
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Our image of God is so important isn't it. If we have that kind of image of God, then it is very hard to be a happy Christian or person for that matter . If God was female I could live with that, if I got used to it. That statement 'vengeful Skydaddy" seems to assume that a male God can be vengeful and a female God can't? Please don't take offence at my assertion. Im just commenting. Im not trying to be incendiary in any way.
 
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Interesting perspective. I had not considered that my comments might be so construed. In my perspective, gender is not a defining figure in a God. I believe such a Being to be far beyond such constraints. Nor did I intend to suggest that anger was reflected in such a fashion. I spoke in

archetypes, using a certain amount of hyperbole to reinforce my point. In a patriarchal culture, the power in religion remains geared more towards men. Stern father requiring appeasement is still

viewed by many as an appropriate representation of God, while a more gentle, loving manifestation is often perceived as wishwashy and feminine. I believe vengeful behaviour has nothing whatsoever to do with gender.
 
I think the reactions to this thread are interesting in themselves. It's obvious that there are people on here who are quite willing to discuss religious matters in a perfectly civilised manner; whereas others have taken the opportunity to cause discord.
It has to be said that there are those who will do the latter whatever the subject.
 
Rosemarie said:
I think the reactions to this thread are interesting in themselves. It's obvious that there are people on here who are quite willing to discuss religious matters in a perfectly civilised manner; whereas others have taken the opportunity to cause discord.
It has to be said that there are those who will do the latter whatever the subject.
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I find your input quite objective Rosemarie.Thanks.
 
StarSong said:
For me it all comes down to this:


“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

― Mahatma Gandhi
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So you hate all Christians?
And love all atheists?
Look I dont like some Christians either. They are flawed human beings after all. We just dont hit it off.
And I really like some Atheists. The polite respectful ones especially.
My best friend is a Muslim by the way. We just have personalities that click.
As someone said the key denominator is respect. Being able to look past the labels in people.
 
Upon reflection, I give over the mysteries enshrined in theology to the scholars. I endeavour to live a life filled with love and compassion. For me it is enough, essential, really. I am also not fond of black and white thinking, difficult to avoid the negativity which so often accompanies it. A more lateral perspective works for this empath. Organised religion has been an obstacle in my search for the Divine. Spirituality has not.
 
Shalimar said:
Upon reflection, I give over the mysteries enshrined in theology to the scholars. I endeavour to live a life filled with love and compassion. For me it is enough, essential, really. I am also not fond of black and white thinking, difficult to avoid the negativity which so often accompanies it. A more lateral perspective works for this empath. Organised religion has been an obstacle in my search for the Divine. Spirituality has not.
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I think Im similar to you. Too much left brain, dualistic thinking might be at the root of some Christian perspectives. But I don't know for sure. There are smart, interesting theologians who can embrace both styles of thinking. Thomas Merton is one I can think of.
 

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