Christians And Easter
- Thread starter Ruthanne
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fuzzybuddy
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I think Capt Lightning's comment is the crux of why religion is such a divisive subject. He treats Christianity as Christians treat Shintoism. Christians are offended by that, as are Shintoists with Christians. It doesn't matter how deeply felt ones' religious ideation is; it is no excuse to impose those beliefs on another. While it is difficult to admit, ones religious ideation is just as valid as anyone else's. I don't think this is the correct forum for anyone to express their own person religious beliefs, as I don't think this is the correct forum to discuss that Shinto is the True Way Of the Gods. Nor do I believe this is the correct forum to restore Christianity to greatness. I think Cdestoyer is 100% correct. The comments like," I think this approach is a bit dismissive of the depth of the account of what happened in Jerusalem during Jesus' last days on earth." is a bit dismissive to every non Christian's beliefs.
I was raised as a Christian, but I still do not understand the true meaning of Easter. Jesus died and rose again from the dead. There was no body in the tomb, so presumably he either didn't really die, or his body was actually resurrected. Lazurus was also said to have been brought back to life after having died and been buried. What exactly does this prove? To me, having eternal life means that our spirits live on after death, while the body dies and is discarded. Jesus was quoted as telling Mary not to touch him as, 'I have not yet risen to my father'. What on earth did he mean by that?
( Can people please show some respect for those who do have Christian belief. You may not believe but do not mock those who do.)
( Can people please show some respect for those who do have Christian belief. You may not believe but do not mock those who do.)
Capt Lightning
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First of all, sincere apologies to anyone offended by my sometimes frivolous style. Now, I am happy to believe that there was a historical figure whom we call Jesus, and that he was a great preacher who has given us wise guidance as to how we should live. I see no reason not to believe that he became such an annoyance to those in power that he was executed.
However, as I don't believe in a God, I cannot logically believe that Jesus was the 'Son of God'. I also thing that many of the stories and writings originated sometime after his death, and just as today, were written to tell people what they wanted to hear, or perhaps to conform to the prevalent political views.
I cannot argue with peoples' faith and I respect their right to worship as they please - even if I fundamentally disagree with it.
So, I wish you all a happy Easter. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it's time to Skype my daughters. Have a great day everyone.
However, as I don't believe in a God, I cannot logically believe that Jesus was the 'Son of God'. I also thing that many of the stories and writings originated sometime after his death, and just as today, were written to tell people what they wanted to hear, or perhaps to conform to the prevalent political views.
I cannot argue with peoples' faith and I respect their right to worship as they please - even if I fundamentally disagree with it.
So, I wish you all a happy Easter. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it's time to Skype my daughters. Have a great day everyone.
fuzzybuddy
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I'm sorry I just don't think a discussion on the personal beliefs of Christians belongs in a secular forum as this one. To do so is an affront to those with other religious ideation.
Butterfly
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Thank you, Gary. I agree.
Butterfly
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I do not see any reason why one should be affronted or offended by another person's statement of their personal beliefs, one way or the other, unless one of them is mocking the other's beliefs or trying to force them down the other's throat. We each have the right to our own beliefs, and to state them as our own personal beliefs.
I am not offended by your atheism, why should my Christianity offend you?
Butterfly
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I didn't see any condemnation here -- only statements of personal belief.
Butterfly
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I do not see any Christians condemning Shintoism, or any other religion, in this thread; nor do I consider a simple statement of one's Christian faith to be dismissive of anyone else's beliefs. You have an absolute right to believe what you will, as do I.
fuzzybuddy
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The affront is that ANYONE is discussing personal religious beliefs in this secular forum. I don't think this forum exists to affirm ones Christian beliefs or anyone's religious beliefs.
Aunt Bea
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If this forum doesn’t allow political discussions since it so easily causes conflict amongst others then shouldn’t threads that could cause conflict amongst members about religious beliefs also be discouraged?
The rules state that we have members and visitors from all walks of life , various ages, and ethnic backgrounds. It is asked that all members be respectful of each and other and considerate of those who maybe reading their posts.
The opening posts start off by stating that they are Catholic and recall the Easter Story.
Anyone else feel like clarifying? The OP still believes in Easter.
Then the OP asks if we remember the Easter story and states that she hoped so and everyone living in the western world ‘should!.’
Then went on to state her personal view about how there is an attempt to remove Christianity from ‘our’ culture. ‘We’ must not let that happen.
When posters share their beliefs that don’t match up the OP then states if those that are easily offended should simply avoid the subjects which offend them.
Is this not a controversial way to start a thread?
It starts by stating a religious preference, remembering the Easter story and whether we remember it.
That in itself is causing a division amongst us.
It’s suggesting that ‘everyone’ in the western world ‘should’ know about this and believe it; if not then don’t say anything.
Stating that there’s an attempt to remove Christianity from our culture?
Whose culture? Isn’t this just a personal religious opinion that disrespects the opinions and beliefs of other members?
It starts off by making a religious segregation moves on to making a debatable accusation and then suggests that if we don’t believe the same then it must be that we are just easily offended.
Does this not walk all over the rules of respecting others beliefs?
The rules state that we have members and visitors from all walks of life , various ages, and ethnic backgrounds. It is asked that all members be respectful of each and other and considerate of those who maybe reading their posts.
The opening posts start off by stating that they are Catholic and recall the Easter Story.
Anyone else feel like clarifying? The OP still believes in Easter.
Then the OP asks if we remember the Easter story and states that she hoped so and everyone living in the western world ‘should!.’
Then went on to state her personal view about how there is an attempt to remove Christianity from ‘our’ culture. ‘We’ must not let that happen.
When posters share their beliefs that don’t match up the OP then states if those that are easily offended should simply avoid the subjects which offend them.
Is this not a controversial way to start a thread?
It starts by stating a religious preference, remembering the Easter story and whether we remember it.
That in itself is causing a division amongst us.
It’s suggesting that ‘everyone’ in the western world ‘should’ know about this and believe it; if not then don’t say anything.
Stating that there’s an attempt to remove Christianity from our culture?
Whose culture? Isn’t this just a personal religious opinion that disrespects the opinions and beliefs of other members?
It starts off by making a religious segregation moves on to making a debatable accusation and then suggests that if we don’t believe the same then it must be that we are just easily offended.
Does this not walk all over the rules of respecting others beliefs?
I'm a Christian and I was not offended by Capt Lightning's statement, nor am I offended by Shintoism, Hinduism, Buddhism, which I admire in many ways, nor any other religion that does not harm or oppress others. A statement of belief is not an attempt to impose that belief on others. I've stated here that I drive a Neon but I certainly wasn't trying to say everyone should have them.
The only thing on this thread that has offended me a little bit is that one person should decide what is, or is not, the correct forum to discuss certain things. I haven't been here long, but for me this is one of the most interesting threads I've run across. I understand why the board has forbidden politics, but, sad to say, these days our political beliefs don't seem to be half as strongly held as our religious beliefs.
It’s my personal belief that there isn’t an attempt to remove Christianity but rather that the world is becoming more ‘inclusive’ of other religions.
Its not a right or wrong statement ; only an opinion that’s open to debate and what this forum is trying to discourage
Its not a right or wrong statement ; only an opinion that’s open to debate and what this forum is trying to discourage
Keesha, let's just clarify...this thread was started by Ruthanne, who stated that she is a Catholic...the other comments you quoted were made by me, Rosemarie, not Ruthanne. If we are going to discuss Christianity in general, it might be better to start a new thread. This one is supposed to be about Easter. However, it's obvious that it will cause a lot of unpleasantness so perhaps we should leave the subject alone. A great pity that people can't discuss something like religion and accept each other's viewpoints without things turning nasty.
Warrigal
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How so? To say that the core story of Christianity has depth and is many layered does not say anything about other faith traditions. I have almost zero understanding of the core stories of other faiths and I do not comment on, let alone dismiss them.
Take our Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. For the indigenous people of Australia these stories have been passed from generation to generation using story telling, art and dance. To understand the stories one would need to go walkabout and visit the sacred sites. I have not done this and I do not pretend to understand Aboriginal spirituality. I am not an initiate or a member of any skin group or totem.
I do understand Christian scripture, not completely, but as I continue to read the texts, the commentaries and participate in the rituals, I am learning more about this faith. I can, with a modicum of integrity, observe that there is more in the Easter story of the Passion than mere imitation of more ancient myths and legends.
I agree Geezerette.
Rosemarie, you mention an attempt to remove Christianity from "our culture." I see that you are from England. Is there indeed such a movement? Who is leading it, and hat leads you to this conclusion? If this is happening in England, it hasn't reached the American media.
Anyway, to one and all, happy Passover/Easter/vernal equinox, and any other celebration I've left out!
My mistake. I do think people can discuss all viewpoints about their religion but if ‘you’ post a controversial statement like there is an attempt to remove Christianity then it’s no longer just a happy Easter thread especially if you then add if others disagree then ‘they’ are just easily offended. I respect everyone’s right to believe in whatever religion they are. No comments were made about anyone’s belief. I didn’t find anything nasty about my questions.
This isn’t a happy Easter thread for all but happy Easter all the same.
Given that the title of the thread is "Christians and Easter" I assumed it would be a discussion about, well, Christians and Easter. If those types of discussion offend you, why did you open up the thread? Asking for a friend
Nice Photos
in any event
It was a spectacular rise this morn
HAPPY EASTER EVERBOD!!!
Yes, it does make you wonder if some people just enjoy being mean-spirited and spoiling things for others. This could have been a pleasant little discussion about the meaning of the Christian Easter (as opposed to the pagan tradition, which is about new life). Instead it has been high-jacked as so often happens with these subjects.
You’re right. Being politically correct isn’t needed at any point in time, especially not at Easter so it did seem mean spirited for which I apologize. Easter does mean many things to different people but this thread was specifically for those of certain religious beliefs which was my mistake.
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