I find the phrase "duking it out" a bit peculiar. To me there is no fight. We are all independent people with different views. As has been pointed out, even amongst co-religionists, there are wide difference of opinion on the subject.
Momma- You appear to be looking for "compromise". I find that word misleading. I don't think that there can be a compromise when it comes to religion. What I would say, it that we are all seeking for areas of agreement, pieces of thought to which we can all agree. I think that all people of peace strive for areas of which they can agree with others.
Phoenix32890 wrote:. . . Momma- You appear to be looking for "compromise". I find that word misleading. I don't think that there can be a compromise when it comes to religion. What I would say, it that we are all seeking for areas of agreement, pieces of thought to which we can all agree. I think that all people of peace strive for areas of which they can agree with others.
Here is the place where my signature agrees with your signature.
When the conclusions differ, check the premises. If the premises are identical, check the logic.
Merry Andrew wrote:You're right, Set. Now that you mention it, I don't think I've ever seen you actually come out and say, in so many words, "There is no God." My apologies. What I was trying to refer to, however, was the militancy that both you and Frank display in countering any religious-based argument. (Maybe I'm misreading that, too; in which case, apologies in advance.) You and I agree on at least one thing, however -- that any organized religious movement is to be feared, not supported. You'll notice that my post referred only to individual personal beliefs, not the organization of people with similar beliefs into congregations. A congregation, like any other mob, is susceptible to being misled by a charismatic leader. e.g., say the Kool-aid swilling Rev. Jones.
I do indeed despise organized religion. But i also despise the individual fanatics of this world, and that includes fanatical atheists. I am atheist in the simplest meaning of the word--in that i am without god. It is a definition placed on me, however, by others, because it is meaningless for me and my view of the universe. You are not wrong that i vehemently condemn organized religion
and individual religious fanatics--online. In real life, the subject just doesn't come up. I have one very good friend who is very conservative, and supports George Bush almost without question, despite his (Bush's) penchant for wrapping himself in a fundy flag. This friend is the only source for religious discussion in real life, and that is because he rails against religion and priests, to the point that he becomes incoherent with rage. Then he laughs at himself, we change the subject and we go on with life and our friendship.
Setanta wrote: I have one very good friend who is very conservative, and supports George Bush almost without question, despite his (Bush's) penchant for wrapping himself in a fundy flag. This friend is the only source for religious discussion in real life, and that is because he rails against religion and priests, to the point that he becomes incoherent with rage. Then he laughs at himself, we change the subject and we go on with life and our friendship.
Joe says you may bring along your friend anytime.
In real life I have only religious friends. No atheists. Most are either conservative politically, or politically ignorant. Some know of my atheism, but most do not. They all know of my liberalism; we usually keep an uneasy truce. I don't lie to any of them, but I do humor most. The one that considers himself one of God's prophets is allowed unrestricted ranting rights. I rarely comment, but do listen to every word. He considers me a father figure, despite the fact I told him early on, "I don't want to talk about religion," and, "I don't look at these things the same way you do."
The boss is from New York. I have more in common with her than anyone I know. She usually sees political points the same as me, but believes in Christianity.
My wife is a Christian, but never attends church. I often tell her she is free to believe what she wants and I have no objection if she goes to church. She is no liberal, but she often sees my point if we discuss issues.
My kids were allowed to form their own opinions. Of the four, just one goes to church, another appears to believe in a god, the third may or may not, the fourth sees it the way I do.
So, if I am a fanatic, it is in my own mind. No one around here knows.
I have a real problem with Evangelical Christians , they are devoid of any morality.
The way they can hok up wth blood thirsty neo-cons is a disgrace.
The single most obvious reason why people have takn a dislike to christianity and by extension God, is the hypocrisy of the evangelical Christians in the US.
I agree with other peeps, these people have nothng I mean nothing absoultey nothing to do with the spirit and personality of Christ as found described in the Gosepls.
jesus was with the poor and the meek and the oppressed, he challenged tyrnanny and hypocrisy and elitizm and said its more diffcult for a camel to go through the eye of camel than a rich man to enter heaven.
And I tell you what else hate those losers on TV the tele-evangelist.........if you cant see that these guys are the hypocritical spawn of satan than you deserved to be suckered into lsoing hundreds of dollars to fund them living in mansions and drving limos!!!
Although I do not like the politics of the fundamentalist Christians, my rejection of religion and gods predates any knowledge I have of them.
edgar,
I must correct one statement you have made. I would NEVER break a beer bottle over Merry Andrew! I think you might find that Merry Andrew and I would be standing off to the side watching others do the battle, as we both don't think people should beat each other up because of religion. I can't think of a good reason to beat anyone for anything.
Phoenix,
The term Duke It Out here was a bit of a giggle for me. My interpretation of it for this thread is using words and thoughts to duke it out and not violence.
Glad to see you hear, lady. I was hoping you would come by.
The only time a compromise cannot be reached is when one side absolutely refuses to give any more. Once someone has to be right and the other wrong, there is no compromise.
We'll let Merry Andrew decide.
Phoenix,
I mean glad to see you "here" lady. I just got up from a nap!
edgarblythe wrote:We'll let Merry Andrew decide.
How'd I get this bump and gash on my head anyway?
Merry Andrew,
I promise you! It wasn't me! Ask Edgar, he's the one with the scenario.
Merry Andrew wrote:edgarblythe wrote:We'll let Merry Andrew decide.
How'd I get this bump and gash on my head anyway?
Be thankful you weren't shot.
Momma Angel wrote:eThe only time a compromise cannot be reached is when one side absolutely refuses to give any more. Once someone has to be right and the other wrong, there is no compromise.
You ought to know, you're never willing to compromise on any issue, you just set out your demands, and then accuse others of being unwilling to compromise if they don't take what you offer.
Good afternoon, Setanta. How are you doing today? I hope you are enjoying this day and your weather is good.
NEWS FLASH!!!
Hidden Camera reveals the truth!
We've been had, kids - this feud between Set and Momma A is all a put-on, as shown by this photo of the two of them, snagged when they thought they were unobserved:
Timber,
If I can get myself up off the floor from laughing, I might be able to comment. Thank you so much for this! You have just made my whole day!
Oh Christ . . . here we go with the hearts again . . .
