Same here. I came to the same conclusion, Pheonix, when I realized defending my beliefs was more self preservation than being right. I was afraid to hear the other side for fear of being wrong and I needed to be right at that time.
Growth can really suck.
Hey, Phoenix. I only participate when I have something to say, which isn't very often.<smile>
I agree, however, that the rancor has become deafening.
I think you are wrong that "we have to be right" all the time is the issue here. There are some fundamental questions about separation of church and state and the persuit of science being hampered by the fundamentalists that makes it not just a personal fight, but one affecting the future of humanity. It's fine and good to be friends if possible, but being overly solicitous of the ones you oppose is not just boring, but can cause us to want to gloss over the issues too much.
Phoenix32890 wrote:
Years ago, I was in the same place that you were. I felt that it was necessary to defend my beliefs. And I defended them, much to the annoyance of the people around me.
After a time, I realized that no defense was needed. I felt comfortable enough, in "my own skin", that it really did not have to matter about what other people thought of my beliefs.
Oh Phoenix ....... if there were a prize for the most valuable statement on this forum - You would have just won it.
Thank you
If we can't discuss these topics here, why have a forum at all?
Phoenix - Thank you for understanding exactly what I meant and stating it clearly.
I think it is that fear that is driving much of the heated debate at this time. Might be wrong, but I'm recognizing some similarities with certain poster(s).
Gotta be gentle when this is happening, so I'm avoiding jumping in past what I have a right to say.
I think intolerance is driving the Spirituality threads.
I don't think "Jesus likes porn" is "discussion of the topic."
nothing of interest to add to this thread but an applause at your always well stated comments Phoenix. ;-)
the very reason I stay out of those forums, is smeared all over a2k - anger, judgement, and force.
( all of wich I have been guilty of as well)
squinney wrote:Same here. I came to the same conclusion, Pheonix, when I realized defending my beliefs was more self preservation than being right. I was afraid to hear the other side for fear of being wrong and I needed to be right at that time.
Growth can really suck.
Growth is always a decision against Christianity?
Here we go with the personal on this thread too.
Everything said is personal.
Phoenix, well-stated. as for me, i try to ignore the bickering, mostly, and resist the temptation to intervene & add more fuel to the fire, but i reserve the option to throw in the towel and abandon the religion threads.
Lash - No. Not what I said at all. Just that I personally was afraid to hear the other side for fear of having to accept I might be wrong.
You and I happen to agree on many areas of this arena according to what you have written on other threads.
I happen to prefer tolerance and allowing people to grow at their own rate in whichever direction they choose. And, I recognize the current fever pitch as that of certain member(s) being faced with having to personally deal with questioning their own beliefs and the discomfort they may be feeling due to it.
Phoenix
People advocating certain religious and political doctrines which facilitate great harm is when I draw the line. As long as their beliefs are personal and harmless, they can do and say what they want.
When they hurt me, those I care about, and my country, my tolerance goes out the window. I used to be the most religiously tolerant person you could imagine. But no more, religious radicals have lost their right to my respect.
Perhaps they should take the physician's oath: First, do no harm.
BBB
