Momma Angel wrote:dlowan,
I sometimes think that you and others are offended strictly by the fact that I am Christian and express those views. In expressing those views, I do not belittle you or what you do or do not believe in, do I?
This is the Spirituality & Religion Forum. This is the place to discuss issues related to spirituality and religion. So, if you are offended that I talk about this topic, dlowan, then wouldn't it be better if you didn't engage in the conversations if you are offended by me just expressing myself? I am not trying to be sarcastic or smart-mouthed, dlowan. But I really do try very hard to make sure I don't use words that will offend others. I do that because I don't think I have license to just offend because I can or that I have differing views. I know I am not perfect so I am sure others do get offended at times. When they tell me I have offended them, I try to work it out with them. That is me. That is the way I am. That is what I believe is right. (Chai Tea, please don't scream!) She hates that statement but it's just a truthful statement. It IS what I believe.
How many times do I have to say you (and others) that have your views and I have mine. That's the way of the world. I can surely agree to disagree and let it go without saying anything derogatory about what you do or do not believe.
Lol...told you you never really read stuff. Spirituality forum indeed.
One of the ways you offend me, MA, though overall I think you perfectly well meaning, and you DO try to work things out, is your blithe belief that you have reality cornered. Every now and then you remember to say "They're my BELIEFS"...but your language always betrays you. I have pointed out a number of times you have been very offensive right on this thread. Go read, and perhpas we can discuss stuff, ok?
Your consistent failure to address the ISSUES raised by others in favour of "you're all just mean to me" is also irksome.
Here is an example.
I have said to you as explicitly as I know how that your beliefs neither trouble me, not do I have a problem with your holding them.
I think them irrational and such, but hey, you think atheism is dumb, too. I WILL argue against your beliefs when you try to make them apply to others in ways that I deeply disagree with.
What I DO have a problem with, as I said as simply as I know how, is your desire to censor the expression of other's point of view.
Do you agree with me that part of living in a reasonably free and open culture is that we offend each other?
If you argue, as you seem to do, that what offends you as a christian ought not to be allowed to be expressed on media...then how do you argue against my counter proposal that, if that is how we are playing, that A2k ought not to be allowing you to express your views, since a number of people find them offensive?
I have argued that media CAN do harm, if it perpetuates a situation of meaningful discrimation against a particular group (like when christian idiots preach hatred and discrimination against gay people, or when racist idiots preach hatred against blacks) but you have not taken any opportunity to argue any situation of harmful discrimination against christians.
I don't think anybody is saying you have no right to be offended....like I said, we all find our beliefs offended in lots of ways constantly.
But you move beyond expression, to a demand for censorship.
Fine, you have a right to do that....but, this isn't a christian or anything else pat on the back and "right on sister..amen" site.
You propose censorship, people are gonna challenge you.
Heck, you propose ANYTHING, people will challenge you. This is the nature of this site. Get over it.
As I keep saying, howsabout addressing some arguments rationally, instead of just moaning?
