Imponderable Irreverence Troubles Me

I

imp

Senior Member
Reverent means respectful, related to any circumstance, person, religious belief, etc. Irreverence, then, is lack of respect. I use it here concerning religious belief. Got acquainted with a really nice guy on a car forum. He lives in Northern Utah, and after exchanging emails several times, I realized what a decent, respectworthy person he is. He did not express religious preference until I asked. He is a Mormon.

He then revealed his suspicion that I might be essentially irreligious. I am. But not an atheist, or even agnostic, I would never stoop to telling anyone their personal belief was not acceptable to me. No matter what they believe.

What I am asking is, does a two-way street exist on this issue? Will I now, given my "revelation", lose my "friends"? I would hope not. Should one care to entertain friendship with another unaccepting of one, regardless of credo or belief?

Appreciate any thoughts along these lines. imp
 

I have been unfriended, in real life, not talking Facebook, by several religious people or at times treated differently, their loss, not mine for sure, as far as I'm concerned. Can't say it didn't bother me in some way, but, it is what it is. There are times and places I keep my views to myself to keep the peace being black and not religious well, that is about the worse thing one can be at most gatherings; I would rather just say all the praise the lords and act like I'm feeling the holy ghost than admit otherwise at any of my families and most friends get togethers these days. :D My close friends know my views and we don't go into it we just let each other be on the matter. When asked, I tell the truth about my views, I've never been one to back down or shy away from expressing how I feel, but, I'm getting more apprehensive in some circles to say anything these days fear some might get a fire going with the way they react out when you say you don't belong to a congregation and no thank you kindly for inviting me to join yours, but I'll pass.
 
I am a Secular Humanist and never attempt to convert anyone to my way of thinking and have friends that accept me without trying to convert me to their belief. Tolerance is the name of the game.
 

It depends on the individual you're dealing with. Some people can't accept another faith or lack thereof and some can. If you're dealing with someone who's objective is to convert you well then probably it's not going to go well. I lean towards Judaism, my hubby is lapsed Catholic, one son practicing Buddhist and one Agnostic. We're covered on all fronts.

That being said I really admire people who are into their faith to make themselves happy. We have a bunch of Christian women at work who do "Praise the Lord's" and sing gospel in the bathroom. More power to them! And these folks simply beaming at seeing the pope, it's beautiful, I envy them. It's what works for the individual and not forcing it on others...yup that's tolerance.
 
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fureverywhere said:
It depends on the individual you're dealing with. Some people can't accept another faith or lack thereof and some can. If you're dealing with someone who's objective is to convert you well then probably it's not going to go well. I lean towards Judaism, my hubby is lapsed Catholic, one son practicing Buddhist and one Agnostic. We're covered on all fronts.

That being said I really admire people who are into their faith to make themselves happy. We have a bunch of Christian women at work who do "Praise the Lord's" and sing gospel in the bathroom. More power to them! And these folks simply beaming at seeing the pope, it's beautiful, I envy them. It's what works for the individual and not forcing it on others...yup that's tolerance.
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I'm not religious and even I enjoyed viewing parts of this particular popes introduction ceremonies, I admire the man, seems like a real stand up person. I'm always interested in hearing what people with good intentions have to say especially when they'remore inclusive as he appears to be. I show respect when I'm in the house of others, so if I am in a religious setting, I do honor the rules of their house without dishonoring my own beliefs.
 
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imp said:
Reverent means respectful, related to any circumstance, person, religious belief, etc. Irreverence, then, is lack of respect. I use it here concerning religious belief. Got acquainted with a really nice guy on a car forum. He lives in Northern Utah, and after exchanging emails several times, I realized what a decent, respectworthy person he is. He did not express religious preference until I asked. He is a Mormon.

What prompted you to ask?

He then revealed his suspicion that I might be essentially irreligious. I am. But not an atheist, or even agnostic, I would never stoop to telling anyone their personal belief was not acceptable to me. No matter what they believe.

Neither would I because it is bad manners but if the other person is agreeable I would enter into a "compare and contrast" dialogue with them. That way we can explore our way to mutual understanding.

What I am asking is, does a two-way street exist on this issue? Will I now, given my "revelation", lose my "friends"? I would hope not. Should one care to entertain friendship with another unaccepting of one, regardless of credo or belief?

I wouldn't be able to talk to most of my family if differences in opinion on matters of religion (or politics) was to be a barrier to relationships.

Appreciate any thoughts along these lines. imp
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I've been an atheist and am now a Christian, although from a nonconformist tradition. I'm the same person I have always been but now I standing on a different mountain looking at a different horizon. I do have some new friends but I lost more friends when I gave up the grog than I have ever lost from attending church.
 
Dame Warrigal said:
I've been an atheist and am now a Christian, although from a nonconformist tradition. I'm the same person I have always been but now I standing on a different mountain looking at a different horizon. I do have some new friends but I lost more friends when I gave up the grog than I have ever lost from attending church.
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Most well-stated, Ma'am! Now, I reveal, my OP was actually aimed at ferreting you out! Nasty Imp! Why? Because I felt it out of context to besmirch some others who, whether deservedly or not, offend others' personal beliefs or policies.

Now, here, I risk all position with you, I am afraid. It is not anyone's place, IMO, to ridicule any others' efforts to: better themselves, better their financial position, impress via advertising, or based on any other public performance, because these folks utilize means which offend one's religious convictions.

I have regarded you, as an individual, from our first meeting, as a unique and most understanding, very educated and understanding person. I chose to avoid confrontation when the issue of some fool inscribing his firearms arose.

I disagreed with your position, then, but think I can appreciate overall, your inner feelings. I should likely not have posted this particular personal stand at all. Ridiculous repercussions may result, but, if I am any judge of "internet character" at all, those will not be penned by you. I believe in you, Ma'am. imp
 
Dame: I just now, after posting above, saw your previous quote, and post. I had not realized that you had addressed my points individually.

I think that changes nothing. If I am wrong, help me "straighten out".

My farthest intent is to become embroiled in a "pissing-match", in which the only net result is overall hard-feelings. imp
 
imp said:
Dame: I just now, after posting above, saw your previous quote, and post. I had not realized that you had addressed my points individually.

I think that changes nothing. If I am wrong, help me "straighten out".

My farthest intent is to become embroiled in a "pissing-match", in which the only net result is overall hard-feelings. imp
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Not sure where you are going. I've expressed my thoughts and you have expressed yours. Are you looking for validation? That is not necessary because people having different feelings, opinions and perspective is not only OK, it is, as Shakespeare would say, devoutly to be wished. Diversity is what makes the world interesting.
 
Lon said:
I am a Secular Humanist and never attempt to convert anyone to my way of thinking and have friends that accept me without trying to convert me to their belief. Tolerance is the name of the game.
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John C said:
Being a thoughtful and honest person will certainly not cost you any friends.
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AprilT said:
I'm not religious and even I enjoyed viewing parts of this particular popes introduction ceremonies, I admire the man, seems like a real stand up person. I'm always interested in hearing what people with good intentions have to say especially when they'remore inclusive as he appears to be. I show respect when I'm in the house of others, so if I am in a religious setting, I do honor the rules of their house without dishonoring my own beliefs.
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1 ditto.gif..I do not respond well to friends/people that try an push their beliefs upon me..What they believe is theirs and what I believe is mine..
 
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I regret having started this thread, and apologize to any I have offended. imp
 
Being tolerant of religious beliefs is one thing, and I am, and never express criticism. BUT, if someone is laying a trip on me and suggesting/saying that their religion/belief is superior to what I believe, I might be tempted to remark on it.
 
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Maybe because you are both expecting discord, going in. I was attempting to make a point tactfully, painlessly, if you will. I sense that process "back-fired". One near the "fringe" of the "fold" can almost feel changes in attitude, as they progress. That "one" is me. Poke, provoke, sometimes comes back to sting the behind. I wondered about that sensation for a day or two now, then the realization formed like the reverse of a dissipating vapor: it materialized from almost nothing. Folks were getting pissed-off at me, blunt before tact. PMs ceased, no email, many went on vacation.

I knew my chore, the quest, was not to be an easy one.

"Imp, what are you talking about? I thought that this thread went along pretty smoothly."

 Smoothly, to me, does not involve taking "pot-shots". I dare not say more here. Tn, just wait until you see my next "over-reach"!

Still, though, appreciate that some understand. imp
 
Take your meds, imp. You seem to be a bit off planet with your observations.
Why would I be expecting discord going in? What was your discord provoking revelation?

I saw none.

All you said was that you are a bit irreligious.
That doesn't make you Robinson Crusoe.

Are you suggesting that I was taking pot shots at you?
I was not. I was engaging in dialogue.
 
imp said:
Maybe because you are both expecting discord, going in. I was attempting to make a point tactfully, painlessly, if you will. I sense that process "back-fired". One near the "fringe" of the "fold" can almost feel changes in attitude, as they progress. That "one" is me. Poke, provoke, sometimes comes back to sting the behind. I wondered about that sensation for a day or two now, then the realization formed like the reverse of a dissipating vapor: it materialized from almost nothing. Folks were getting pissed-off at me, blunt before tact. PMs ceased, no email, many went on vacation.

I knew my chore, the quest, was not to be an easy one.

"Imp, what are you talking about? I thought that this thread went along pretty smoothly."

 Smoothly, to me, does not involve taking "pot-shots". I dare not say more here. Tn, just wait until you see my next "over-reach"!

Still, though, appreciate that some understand. imp
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Well, I'm puzzled but at least you seem to know what's going on with you. g'day.
 
"By the way... what are we talking about??"

Why.....ME, of course. Making a fool of myself! :(

imp
 

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