How to politely decline invitations to church?
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When you are young and impressionable, you just go for what is fashionable and peer pressure. Many do not have the depth of thought, insight, experience nor even knowledge. How could a teenager possibly know more, even if he is very smart! Knowledge comes from relentless reading, tireless research, years of exposure and experience. Plus willingness to be OPEN-MINDED. When you shut your mind - you are already reducing your knowledge!!!
Religion has always been divisive. Its teaching makes you exclusive. You must follow the 'code', custom, norm, practice, prohibitions, and all the red bull....
Most so-called followers just buy what were dished out to them by their friends, peers and so forth. At their age, friends are more important! But if your friends are of the same age, you learn no more from them ..... so just follow lor! -
do this to the fella
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To speak your mind is one thing, to be offensive is another. I'm not saying you're guilty of it yet, but speaking your mind should not be the excuse you use to say whatever you want.Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:Speak your mind is better than being overly concern about ruffling feathers. The beauty of being in a forum like this is that you can do away with pretention and niceties. Unlike face-to-face conversation, you know you don't have to face a black face when you tell it to the face of a person. So please, I want you to be brutally frank! You don't need to say anything to please anyone - I don't. -
I thank you for your mature and respectful approach to this issue.Originally posted by Spnw07:Yes, as I have explained earlier in one of my replies to a comment here, I too was afraid of ruffling feathers if I had posted this topic in a Christian forum.
Afraid as I was and still am, I really don't mind any Christian coming down to share their views and experiences in this thread.
Mutual respect (which means a moderate and balanced point of view) is always valued and appreciated. Not fear of ruffling feathers, which would merely contribute to religious segregation and isolation. Surely that isn't healthy for any country or the world at large, don't you think?
(will be addressing your other query in another post) -
This is my personal suggestion that you should be direct, but not offending. You should be honest and tell the person that what he/she is doing is making you uncomfortable, and would instead only make you dislike Christianity or Christians themselves. Try to let them understand what they are doing with you is causing more harm than good.Originally posted by Spnw07:I have tried the above two responses by jojo and airgrinder, but there was no stopping them from carrying on with their rhetorical and passionate persuasion.
I believe you are mature enough to know the difference in being direct and being offensive/offending towards the other party. Voice out your discomfort at what they are doing.
I'm sorry about the words in red above, but just something I wanted to point out to others as well. I have seen people who cannot see between the two, and it has nothing to do with whether they are Christians or not.
I myself as a Christian have been asked by people I know to join another church. Even though I told them I was already happy in my current church, they were so enthusiastic in getting more church members that they outrightly asked me to change church and in a very serious manner. 'Conversion' in another sense I guess. I told them I appreciate the offer, but I told them outright that the suggestion offended me, and if they persist then as they say in chinese 'peng you bu bi zhuo le'.
edit; you could try a PM or two to one of the other Christians who post in EH, I feel perhaps they might be able to give you a view or two as well. -
Just to give an alternative view,Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:When you are young and impressionable, you just go for what is fashionable and peer pressure. Many do not have the depth of thought, insight, experience nor even knowledge. How could a teenager possibly know more, even if he is very smart! Knowledge comes from relentless reading, tireless research, years of exposure and experience. Plus willingness to be OPEN-MINDED. When you shut your mind - you are already reducing your knowledge!!!
Religion has always been divisive. Its teaching makes you exclusive. You must follow the 'code', custom, norm, practice, prohibitions, and all the red bull....
Most so-called followers just buy what were dished out to them by their friends, peers and so forth. At their age, friends are more important! But if your friends are of the same age, you learn no more from them ..... so just follow lor!
Probably not so much in Singapore but in other countries, religious movements/groups help to keep youth off the streets and doing inappropriate stuff. And I don't necessarily mean Christianity either.
Just be careful not to paint everyone with the same brush (did I get that correct?). -
What I feel is lacking sometimes among younger people today is not just respect towards family but respect in general.Originally posted by hiphop2009:wad i feel is dat, instill respect in the youngs. sure, they can have the freedom to believe and follow whatever religion dey want, but towards the family, which the rest of his or her family may have another belief towards another religion, he or her MUST respect the family's religion and not creating disharmony instead.
They have respect issues with authority, with elders, with religion, with race. And did the younger people develop this kind of mentality overnight? The fault ultimately lies on the seniors, the elders, the older ones not doing the right thing.
If it's right for their seniors to do it, it's ok for them too. And with each batch or each generation, it gets worse. And the people who are guilty of these things are sometimes your well-to-do, supposedly cultured and educated people. Young people who one day will be holding the top jobs in society or in government posts. -
Hello. I am new here and find this topic quite interesting. I am gonna invite you to a church online . Im a progressive christian. I think you would find this a church you could attend perhaps. I dont think I can post a link to it but its 3 c's progressive christian church.. you will find the progressive church to be about inclusiveness, interfaith and also guess what my preacher practices Zen also.
I have a buddha statue and I belive in an Eternal unborn uncreated. For a lack of a better name I call here Great spirit Mother . "similar to the tao" Jesus is the son of man.. we are the sons and daughters of the Eternal NOW>> Spirit is mind.. mind is eternal. ok I quit now. I just wanted to share how a progressive christian thinks.. I was also invited to a methodist church but decided it would not be more then a social visit and I rather not go. I fell bad enough at times to have a preacher tell me that Im a sinner and God says love me or burn in hell. The teachings of the bible have gotten messed up IMHO>. The bible is metaphor,, myth and a history book.. It may contain facts, fiction and stories that teach morals and guidlines but it can not contain all that is the Eternal. Any words are not enough to contain the "all that is"
I belive Buddha did find the true "God" in a sense .. Bible says "God is a spirit" spirit being mind.. No self.. ok now im rambling.. LOL anyways I will see how my post goes.. thank you. Yours in the dharma.
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+1 rhkOriginally posted by Unityspirit:Hello. I am new here and find this topic quite interesting. I am gonna invite you to a church online . Im a progressive christian. I think you would find this a church you could attend perhaps. I dont think I can post a link to it but its 3 c's progressive christian church.. you will find the progressive church to be about inclusiveness, interfaith and also guess what my preacher practices Zen also.
I have a buddha statue and I belive in an Eternal unborn uncreated. For a lack of a better name I call here Great spirit Mother . "similar to the tao" Jesus is the son of man.. we are the sons and daughters of the Eternal NOW>> Spirit is mind.. mind is eternal. ok I quit now. I just wanted to share how a progressive christian thinks.. I was also invited to a methodist church but decided it would not be more then a social visit and I rather not go. I fell bad enough at times to have a preacher tell me that Im a sinner and God says love me or burn in hell. The teachings of the bible have gotten messed up IMHO>. The bible is metaphor,, myth and a history book.. It may contain facts, fiction and stories that teach morals and guidlines but it can not contain all that is the Eternal. Any words are not enough to contain the "all that is"
I belive Buddha did find the true "God" in a sense .. Bible says "God is a spirit" spirit being mind.. No self.. ok now im rambling.. LOL anyways I will see how my post goes.. thank you. Yours in the dharma. -
Pardon me for saying so... but what you described does not sound like mainstream Christianity.Originally posted by Unityspirit:Hello. I am new here and find this topic quite interesting. I am gonna invite you to a church online . Im a progressive christian. I think you would find this a church you could attend perhaps. I dont think I can post a link to it but its 3 c's progressive christian church.. you will find the progressive church to be about inclusiveness, interfaith and also guess what my preacher practices Zen also.
I have a buddha statue and I belive in an Eternal unborn uncreated. For a lack of a better name I call here Great spirit Mother . "similar to the tao" Jesus is the son of man.. we are the sons and daughters of the Eternal NOW>> Spirit is mind.. mind is eternal. ok I quit now. I just wanted to share how a progressive christian thinks.. I was also invited to a methodist church but decided it would not be more then a social visit and I rather not go. I fell bad enough at times to have a preacher tell me that Im a sinner and God says love me or burn in hell. The teachings of the bible have gotten messed up IMHO>. The bible is metaphor,, myth and a history book.. It may contain facts, fiction and stories that teach morals and guidlines but it can not contain all that is the Eternal. Any words are not enough to contain the "all that is"
I belive Buddha did find the true "God" in a sense .. Bible says "God is a spirit" spirit being mind.. No self.. ok now im rambling.. LOL anyways I will see how my post goes.. thank you. Yours in the dharma. -
I think your understanding is much better than many of the Christians out there. May I know what church are you from? If you don't wish to post here you can PM me.. I'm interested to read more.Originally posted by Unityspirit:Hello. I am new here and find this topic quite interesting. I am gonna invite you to a church online . Im a progressive christian. I think you would find this a church you could attend perhaps. I dont think I can post a link to it but its 3 c's progressive christian church.. you will find the progressive church to be about inclusiveness, interfaith and also guess what my preacher practices Zen also.
I have a buddha statue and I belive in an Eternal unborn uncreated. For a lack of a better name I call here Great spirit Mother . "similar to the tao" Jesus is the son of man.. we are the sons and daughters of the Eternal NOW>> Spirit is mind.. mind is eternal. ok I quit now. I just wanted to share how a progressive christian thinks.. I was also invited to a methodist church but decided it would not be more then a social visit and I rather not go. I fell bad enough at times to have a preacher tell me that Im a sinner and God says love me or burn in hell. The teachings of the bible have gotten messed up IMHO>. The bible is metaphor,, myth and a history book.. It may contain facts, fiction and stories that teach morals and guidlines but it can not contain all that is the Eternal. Any words are not enough to contain the "all that is"
I belive Buddha did find the true "God" in a sense .. Bible says "God is a spirit" spirit being mind.. No self.. ok now im rambling.. LOL anyways I will see how my post goes.. thank you. Yours in the dharma. -
oops didn't notice you had stated the church name..Originally posted by Unityspirit:Hello. I am new here and find this topic quite interesting. I am gonna invite you to a church online . Im a progressive christian. I think you would find this a church you could attend perhaps. I dont think I can post a link to it but its 3 c's progressive christian church.. you will find the progressive church to be about inclusiveness, interfaith and also guess what my preacher practices Zen also.
I have a buddha statue and I belive in an Eternal unborn uncreated. For a lack of a better name I call here Great spirit Mother . "similar to the tao" Jesus is the son of man.. we are the sons and daughters of the Eternal NOW>> Spirit is mind.. mind is eternal. ok I quit now. I just wanted to share how a progressive christian thinks.. I was also invited to a methodist church but decided it would not be more then a social visit and I rather not go. I fell bad enough at times to have a preacher tell me that Im a sinner and God says love me or burn in hell. The teachings of the bible have gotten messed up IMHO>. The bible is metaphor,, myth and a history book.. It may contain facts, fiction and stories that teach morals and guidlines but it can not contain all that is the Eternal. Any words are not enough to contain the "all that is"
I belive Buddha did find the true "God" in a sense .. Bible says "God is a spirit" spirit being mind.. No self.. ok now im rambling.. LOL anyways I will see how my post goes.. thank you. Yours in the dharma.
btw are you a Singaporean? -
Being mature is again a subjective point of view for many. On different occasions, being direct can be viewed as offensive by the listener and vice versa. There is simply no easy way to know whether what one considers to be direct and frank will be considered as offensive to another.Originally posted by SumOne:This is my personal suggestion that you should be direct, but not offending. You should be honest and tell the person that what he/she is doing is making you uncomfortable, and would instead only make you dislike Christianity or Christians themselves. Try to let them understand what they are doing with you is causing more harm than good.
I believe you are mature enough to know the difference in being direct and being offensive/offending towards the other party. Voice out your discomfort at what they are doing.
I'm sorry about the words in red above, but just something I wanted to point out to others as well. I have seen people who cannot see between the two, and it has nothing to do with whether they are Christians or not.
I myself as a Christian have been asked by people I know to join another church. Even though I told them I was already happy in my current church, they were so enthusiastic in getting more church members that they outrightly asked me to change church and in a very serious manner. 'Conversion' in another sense I guess. I told them I appreciate the offer, but I told them outright that the suggestion offended me, and if they persist then as they say in chinese 'peng you bu bi zhuo le'.
edit; you could try a PM or two to one of the other Christians who post in EH, I feel perhaps they might be able to give you a view or two as well.
In the first place, be it whether the person you are trying to persuade is a fellow Christian from another church, a free thinker or a member of another religion, what matters really, in my opinion, mutual respect and self-restrain is something that everyone can do, but yet conveniently 'forgets' to do so in the name of trying to get the message across, trying to 'save' him or her from believing in falsehood.
Mutual respect is a basic human value. Need anything more be said about it?
If forum rules allow, I would want to post this topic again in EH for solicit direct views from all Christians.
I could have pm any Christian in EH, but decided against it cos I want the whole discussion to be interactive, to be transparent to all. I have nothing to hide about my religious belief and thoughts, I just have to make sure I don't challenge others on theirs.
Thanks for taking the time to write the above comments and your advice to pm Christians in EH.
Please let me know by pm or whatever when you have started a related post on this topic. -
Thanks for the invitation, but I think it would be better if you could give me weblinks to what is progressive Christianity and maybe your church's website or forum. If not, that's ok with me. No offence, but I have no wish to fend off questions about my current faith, even though you can assure me that it wouldn't happen. As I'm sure, many things do not go as you wish cos one may not be in a position to represent a particular church or an entire community of church members. All are independent in their own views and ways of approaching new faces in the church.Originally posted by Unityspirit:Hello. I am new here and find this topic quite interesting. I am gonna invite you to a church online . Im a progressive christian. I think you would find this a church you could attend perhaps. I dont think I can post a link to it but its 3 c's progressive christian church.. you will find the progressive church to be about inclusiveness, interfaith and also guess what my preacher practices Zen also.
I have a buddha statue and I belive in an Eternal unborn uncreated. For a lack of a better name I call here Great spirit Mother . "similar to the tao" Jesus is the son of man.. we are the sons and daughters of the Eternal NOW>> Spirit is mind.. mind is eternal. ok I quit now. I just wanted to share how a progressive christian thinks.. I was also invited to a methodist church but decided it would not be more then a social visit and I rather not go. I fell bad enough at times to have a preacher tell me that Im a sinner and God says love me or burn in hell. The teachings of the bible have gotten messed up IMHO>. The bible is metaphor,, myth and a history book.. It may contain facts, fiction and stories that teach morals and guidlines but it can not contain all that is the Eternal. Any words are not enough to contain the "all that is"
I belive Buddha did find the true "God" in a sense .. Bible says "God is a spirit" spirit being mind.. No self.. ok now im rambling.. LOL anyways I will see how my post goes.. thank you. Yours in the dharma.
Thanks again for sharing with me about your faith.
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Eh, you are damn cute lah! Haha. When you said about the Great Spirit Mother I was thinking that you may be from Yi Guan Dao (aka Tian Dao). Whether did Buddha find God or not, depends on your understanding and definition of Buddha and God. Both the the words Buddha and God are often misused and abused.Originally posted by Unityspirit:Hello. I am new here and find this topic quite interesting. I am gonna invite you to a church online . Im a progressive christian. I think you would find this a church you could attend perhaps. I dont think I can post a link to it but its 3 c's progressive christian church.. you will find the progressive church to be about inclusiveness, interfaith and also guess what my preacher practices Zen also.
I have a buddha statue and I belive in an Eternal unborn uncreated. For a lack of a better name I call here Great spirit Mother . "similar to the tao" Jesus is the son of man.. we are the sons and daughters of the Eternal NOW>> Spirit is mind.. mind is eternal. ok I quit now. I just wanted to share how a progressive christian thinks.. I was also invited to a methodist church but decided it would not be more then a social visit and I rather not go. I fell bad enough at times to have a preacher tell me that Im a sinner and God says love me or burn in hell. The teachings of the bible have gotten messed up IMHO>. The bible is metaphor,, myth and a history book.. It may contain facts, fiction and stories that teach morals and guidlines but it can not contain all that is the Eternal. Any words are not enough to contain the "all that is"
I belive Buddha did find the true "God" in a sense .. Bible says "God is a spirit" spirit being mind.. No self.. ok now im rambling.. LOL anyways I will see how my post goes.. thank you. Yours in the dharma.
However, I think understand the nature of ourselves is far more important than whatever religion label a person choose to stick it on their foreheads. End of the day, we answer for our own right? =) -
Very interesting.. can also share with me ?Originally posted by Unityspirit:Hello. I am new here and find this topic quite interesting. I am gonna invite you to a church online . Im a progressive christian. I think you would find this a church you could attend perhaps. I dont think I can post a link to it but its 3 c's progressive christian church.. you will find the progressive church to be about inclusiveness, interfaith and also guess what my preacher practices Zen also.
I have a buddha statue and I belive in an Eternal unborn uncreated. For a lack of a better name I call here Great spirit Mother . "similar to the tao" Jesus is the son of man.. we are the sons and daughters of the Eternal NOW>> Spirit is mind.. mind is eternal. ok I quit now. I just wanted to share how a progressive christian thinks.. I was also invited to a methodist church but decided it would not be more then a social visit and I rather not go. I fell bad enough at times to have a preacher tell me that Im a sinner and God says love me or burn in hell. The teachings of the bible have gotten messed up IMHO>. The bible is metaphor,, myth and a history book.. It may contain facts, fiction and stories that teach morals and guidlines but it can not contain all that is the Eternal. Any words are not enough to contain the "all that is"
I belive Buddha did find the true "God" in a sense .. Bible says "God is a spirit" spirit being mind.. No self.. ok now im rambling.. LOL anyways I will see how my post goes.. thank you. Yours in the dharma. -
Originally posted by Spnw07:Being mature is again a subjective point of view for many. On different occasions, being direct can be viewed as offensive by the listener and vice versa. There is simply no easy way to know whether what one considers to be direct and frank will be considered as offensive to another.
Exactly - you put it marvellously for me. I wud have like to say that to SumOne. The maxim: one man's meat is another's poison.
In the first place, be it whether the person you are trying to persuade is a fellow Christian from another church, a free thinker or a member of another religion, what matters really, in my opinion, mutual respect and self-restrain is something that everyone can do, but yet conveniently 'forgets' to do so in the name of trying to get the message across, trying to 'save' him or her from believing in falsehood.
One simple understanding: the Bible commands Christians to 'go forth and multiply'. So, in obeying 'God', they will invite you to church, their home (if got home service), etc.
Mutual respect is a basic human value. Need anything more be said about it?
If forum rules allow, I would want to post this topic again in EH for solicit direct views from all Christians.
Nah, you don't get much views other than what the rule book (bible) says.
I could have pm any Christian in EH, but decided against it cos I want the whole discussion to be interactive, to be transparent to all. I have nothing to hide about my religious belief and thoughts, I just have to make sure I don't challenge others on theirs.
Yes, that shd be the way - this is a public forum, not a bedroom! -
This has gotten beyond what I initially wanted to post, but let me answer what I can briefly.
I think there is probably at least a general understanding somewhere? Even if it varies, sometimes we all know when too much is overboard.Originally posted by Spnw07:Being mature is again a subjective point of view for many. On different occasions, being direct can be viewed as offensive by the listener and vice versa. There is simply no easy way to know whether what one considers to be direct and frank will be considered as offensive to another.
Having seen so many instances of people not excercising mutual respect, I can't quite agree this is a basic human value. There are and already have been examples in sgforums as well. Remember the case of the racist bloggers? Mutual respect is really something that needs to be emphasized from time to time. And not just to one group of people.In the first place, be it whether the person you are trying to persuade is a fellow Christian from another church, a free thinker or a member of another religion, what matters really, in my opinion, mutual respect and self-restrain is something that everyone can do, but yet conveniently 'forgets' to do so in the name of trying to get the message across, trying to 'save' him or her from believing in falsehood.[/quote]
Like you have said, mutual respect and self-restrain goes two ways. But sometimes, people let their impulsiveness get the better of them. If anything, I think this is something that everyone needs to practice.Mutual respect is a basic human value. Need anything more be said about it?
As I am not a moderator of that forum, it is not in my place to suggest whether you should or shouldn't. You could try or enquire with the moderators there. But I must comment that there are certain non-Christians who tend to come in to cause trouble from time to time. Oppurtunists so to speak. Not all the non-Christians who post in EH are like that, but there are a few nicks like that.If forum rules allow, I would want to post this topic again in EH for solicit direct views from all Christians.If you wanted more responses in general not just from Christians, then opening in ~ Buddhism: Wisdom Bliss ~ was the right choice. My suggestion to PM is more of how unpleasant the situation in EH has been of late or rather, the past year.I could have pm any Christian in EH, but decided against it cos I want the whole discussion to be interactive, to be transparent to all. I have nothing to hide about my religious belief and thoughts, I just have to make sure I don't challenge others on theirs.
No problem, although I would have preferred if somebody's suggestion could have addressed your original query.Thanks for taking the time to write the above comments and your advice to pm Christians in EH.[quote]Please let me know by pm or whatever when you have started a related post on this topic.No I have not. -
A lot of your posts clearly reflect your state of mind and your approach to things.
I'm quite sure that's not how they usually use that expression, but anyway, sometimes too much can really be too much. Just be mindful of yourself whether the things you say are more based on raw hate than anything else.Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:Exactly - you put it marvellously for me. I wud have like to say that to SumOne. The maxim: one man's meat is another's poison.
Do not use the excuse of speaking your mind to say whatever you want. I'm not sure if you understand that there's a limit to everything, good grace included.
Be it online or in real person, posts are made real people. Your posts are made by you yourself, as are mine and they are read by real people, so think before you post. IYou might view being online as an excuse not to be civil.One simple understanding: the Bible commands Christians to 'go forth and multiply'. So, in obeying 'God', they will invite you to church, their home (if got home service), etc.[/quote]
I think the issue is more of how it is done as compared to why. Spreading its teachings is not a trait limited to just one religion. You really should see people's posts for what they are saying instead of using it to fit your agenda.Nah, you don't get much views other than what the rule book (bible) says.
Actually, you only notice views that conform to your stereotype.
[quote]Yes, that shd be the way - this is a public forum, not a bedroom!
I hope you would not use being online or speaking your mind as an excuse to shoot one's mouth off. The TS certainly isn't like that, what about you?[/b] -
Agree.Originally posted by SumOne:Do not use the excuse of speaking your mind to say whatever you want. I'm not sure if you understand that there's a limit to everything, good grace included.
I see. Your suggestion by itself is valuable to me, everyone who has commented in this thread, in fact. I was asking for personal views, be it from a Christian or any one of any belief.Originally posted by SumOne:No problem, although I would have preferred if somebody's suggestion could have addressed your original query.
But of course, as my thread title clearly states, it would be helpful if I could get to hear the views of Christians from different walks of life. But my emphasis is not really about numbers, it is about widening my perspective on issues that I'm concerned about by getting as much feedback as possible.
I'm ok with non-Christians or even atheists to comment in any of my future threads. Cos I have stated my stand very clearly, I will listen to and follow ONLY views that are moderate and balanced, not just about religion alone. -
Originally posted by Spnw07:
Having seen your responses in this thread, I'm quite confident you are not the type of person I have previously mentioned. The very fact that you would consider what might be offensive and what isn't already sets you apart.
I see. Your suggestion by itself is valuable to me, everyone who has commented in this thread, in fact. I was asking for personal views, be it from a Christian or any one of any belief.
But of course, as my thread title clearly states, it would be helpful if I could get to hear the views of Christians from different walks of life. But my emphasis is not really about numbers, it is about widening my perspective on issues that I'm concerned about by getting as much feedback as possible.
I'm ok with non-Christians or even atheists to comment in any of my future threads. Cos I have stated my stand very clearly, I will listen to and follow ONLY views that are [b]moderate and balanced, not just about religion alone.
[/b]
Just hope your search for views and perspectives continues to be productive.
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Originally posted by SumOne:
Your posting is too long. But to sum one up is like this:
A lot of your posts clearly reflect your state of mind and your approach to things.
Be it online or in real person, posts are made real people. Your posts are made by you yourself, as are mine and they are read by real people, so think before you post. IYou might view being online as an excuse not to be civil.
I hope you would not use being online or speaking your mind as an excuse to shoot one's mouth off. The TS certainly isn't like that, what about you?[/b]
You have a problem looking at different views when they are brutally frank and blantantly right, and outwardly loud. You have never demolish my statement but instead said such stupidities like: hatred, civil, real people?, excuse not to be civil .......
You want people to be conformist, subservient, docile, speak softly, have no alternative views. You are just like other bigots I mentioned. Be tolerant and not prejudicial! -
Pretty funny considering the length of many of your posts is similar.Originally posted by TheGoodEarth:Your posting is too long.
Nope, please don't twist the meaning of what I'm saying.But to sum one up is like this:
You have a problem looking at different views when they are brutally frank and blantantly right, and outwardly loud. You have never demolish my statement but instead said such stupidities like: hatred, civil, real people?, excuse not to be civil .......[/quote]
Well, your summary is rather inaccurate. Because as usual, you are not seeing people's posts for what they are. I never sought to 'demolish' any statement, but rather just to point out certain things to you. I am not the one aiming to tear down others just because of their choice of religion.
The meaning of my words are very straightforward and simple, others have heard and understood. I don't understand why you are being so difficult.You want people to be conformist, subservient, docile, speak softly, have no alternative views.
(an example of how shooting your mouth off doesn't necessarily mean you're telling the truth)
Anyone who has a different opinion from you is a bigot? Kind of ironic isn't it?You are just like other bigots I mentioned.[quote]Be tolerant and not prejudicial!This coming from the one with sweeping statements and the one jumping at chances to criticise a certain faith.
I'm pretty sure I have not done anything that shows me as being intolerant and prejudicial. Are you confused?
You say those words but you don't seem to know what they mean. Are you intentionally trying to present yourself as a negative example of what you have just said in this line? Are you intentionally displaying the same negative traits you talk about to provide a reflection to others?
Again let me just say this, do not use speaking your mind as an excuse to shoot your mouth off.
Spnw07, sorry to have hijacked your thread. -
I'm no moderator here, so if I find anyone's views to be offending to me or any other forumers in any of my threads, I will simply stop responding to that particular user, particularly his/her comments. But of course, me not responding to some comments cannot be totally interpreted for every situation that anyone whom I have not replied to has offended me. That's impossible and too sensitive of me.Originally posted by SumOne:Spnw07, sorry to have hijacked your thread.
What I'm trying to say is, leave the moderating of offending comments to moderators. We, as part of the community, just need to do what we can, respectfully, in our own threads and that of others.
Reinforce positive behaviour and ignore, at most times, for negative ones. However, do act firmly, timely and decisively against any examples of negative behaviour which are commonly understood to lead to harmful consequences for the community or any one person at any point in time.
I'm no wise person nor someone with very rich life experiences. Hence I put my trust in moderators of any particular forums/topics here to do what they think is necessary to cultivate and maintain healthy discussions in the community.
I hope this will be clearly understood by all as to my intentions and actions towards unpleasant comments.
Thanks for reading. -
Originally posted by SumOne:
A lot of your posts clearly reflect your state of mind and your approach to things.
My approach is simple: say it like it is. I don't have a complicated mind where the state is pretentious.
Be it online or in real person, posts are made real people. Your posts are made by you yourself, as are mine and they are read by real people, so think before you post. IYou might view being online as an excuse not to be civil.
Of course they are real people with the usual human weaknesses, pride and prejudice. Civility doesn't mean you have to be pretentious. Saying like it is in this forum, though it hurts is safer than going to JB.
I hope you would not use being online or speaking your mind as an excuse to shoot one's mouth off. The TS certainly isn't like that, what about you?
Everyone has his style. Ronald Reagan and George Bush also have their own styles. One acts, the other goes round the bush.
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