Obviously I skipped over the on this forum part. While there are some on here who occasionally mock Christianity, as far as I can tell the majority simply have a difference in opinion. Not believing is not the same as mocking. If you told me that you didn't believe in unicorns and you found the belief in unicorns absurd, I wouldn't take that as mocking. I'd take that as you having a different opinion. We are allowed to have different opinions ya know.
Like I said, Geoff, I could really care less. They're welcome to damn me to all the fictional places they want. My point was that it's funny to me that they'd be so quick to see me in eternal torment for simply disagreeing with them. My entire family, aside from me, are Christians. I love them very much and they love me very much. I am happy for them that they've found something they can believe in that gives them hope. I can't and won't believe on faith alone. It's not a point of contention between us, we accept our differences and go on about our lives. We've had some pretty passionate debates, but what's the point in believing in something if you aren't passionate about it.
I would also like to point out, that if I speak negatively of one religion (I try not to, but i admit it does happen), it in no way constitutes an endorsement of another.
Not sure what fence you think I'm straddling. Was simply pointing out that there's intolerance on each side. I would like to point you to the forums on Fox's website if you seriously think conservatives are blameless in the mockery/ name calling game. Perhaps you're referring solely to the Pilot's website, in which case I'd point you to spocksbrain (though I'm sure you have no desire to claim him).
Neither the left or right have cornered the market on intolerance. It's ridiculous to think otherwise. You'd be hard pressed (as in won't happen) to find anyone from either side who can honestly make a claim of being completely tolerant.
Geoff, I agree that Islam seems to get a pass from a good number of people on the left. Although it seems to me that a majority of those claim to be Christian. I, personally, haven't met an atheist who favors one religion over another. I believe that if you spoke to most real atheists, they would tell you exactly how disgusting they find the actions of Islamic "martyrs" or anyone else who would use their religion as an excuse to hurt others.
I use the term absurd in the sense that religious beliefs seems, TO ME, to fly in the face of common sense and logic. It's strange to me that people who claim to be Christian have no problem telling me I'm going to burn in hell for eternity (most seem excited or giddy about the idea) but get horribly offended if I say something negative about their chosen religion. Seems that damning me to eternal torment is a lot worse than anything I could ever say about Christianity.
My 2 cents here, and as i've discussed with Geoff before: We live in a majority Christian country. Therefor, when discussions on religion come up, most of the time these discussions are going to revolve around Christianity. I find all religions equally absurd, and won't hesitate to let a Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, etc. know it. Personally I don't know any Muslims, maybe 2 of the Jewish faith, and a whooooole lotta Christians. It only makes sense that when I discuss the topic, the focus will be on Christianity. I am all for people believing whatever they want. Doesn't mean I won't debate/ argue with you and point out what I find to be ridiculous, much as you have the right to do with me (and i welcome the debate wholeheartedly).
Hembloche 4 days, 9 hours ago
Persecuting Christians
Obviously I skipped over the on this forum part. While there are some on here who occasionally mock Christianity, as far as I can tell the majority simply have a difference in opinion. Not believing is not the same as mocking. If you told me that you didn't believe in unicorns and you found the belief in unicorns absurd, I wouldn't take that as mocking. I'd take that as you having a different opinion. We are allowed to have different opinions ya know.
Hembloche 4 days, 11 hours ago
Persecuting Christians
Also, I never made any claims of universal tolerance. If anything I pointed out that everyone is intolerant in their own ways...
Hembloche 4 days, 11 hours ago
Persecuting Christians
Like I said, Geoff, I could really care less. They're welcome to damn me to all the fictional places they want. My point was that it's funny to me that they'd be so quick to see me in eternal torment for simply disagreeing with them. My entire family, aside from me, are Christians. I love them very much and they love me very much. I am happy for them that they've found something they can believe in that gives them hope. I can't and won't believe on faith alone. It's not a point of contention between us, we accept our differences and go on about our lives. We've had some pretty passionate debates, but what's the point in believing in something if you aren't passionate about it. I would also like to point out, that if I speak negatively of one religion (I try not to, but i admit it does happen), it in no way constitutes an endorsement of another.
Hembloche 4 days, 13 hours ago
Persecuting Christians
Also, what JimRussell said.
Hembloche 4 days, 13 hours ago
Persecuting Christians
Not sure what fence you think I'm straddling. Was simply pointing out that there's intolerance on each side. I would like to point you to the forums on Fox's website if you seriously think conservatives are blameless in the mockery/ name calling game. Perhaps you're referring solely to the Pilot's website, in which case I'd point you to spocksbrain (though I'm sure you have no desire to claim him).
Hembloche 4 days, 13 hours ago
Persecuting Christians
Thanks Thatcher. I wasn't particularly offended. Has happened several times.
Hembloche 4 days, 14 hours ago
Persecuting Christians
Neither the left or right have cornered the market on intolerance. It's ridiculous to think otherwise. You'd be hard pressed (as in won't happen) to find anyone from either side who can honestly make a claim of being completely tolerant.
Hembloche 4 days, 14 hours ago
Persecuting Christians
Geoff, I agree that Islam seems to get a pass from a good number of people on the left. Although it seems to me that a majority of those claim to be Christian. I, personally, haven't met an atheist who favors one religion over another. I believe that if you spoke to most real atheists, they would tell you exactly how disgusting they find the actions of Islamic "martyrs" or anyone else who would use their religion as an excuse to hurt others.
I use the term absurd in the sense that religious beliefs seems, TO ME, to fly in the face of common sense and logic. It's strange to me that people who claim to be Christian have no problem telling me I'm going to burn in hell for eternity (most seem excited or giddy about the idea) but get horribly offended if I say something negative about their chosen religion. Seems that damning me to eternal torment is a lot worse than anything I could ever say about Christianity.
Hembloche 4 days, 15 hours ago
Persecuting Christians
Ah, didn't read that right. Though it is an example of how it interferes with others liberty.
Hembloche 4 days, 16 hours ago
Persecuting Christians
My 2 cents here, and as i've discussed with Geoff before: We live in a majority Christian country. Therefor, when discussions on religion come up, most of the time these discussions are going to revolve around Christianity. I find all religions equally absurd, and won't hesitate to let a Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, etc. know it. Personally I don't know any Muslims, maybe 2 of the Jewish faith, and a whooooole lotta Christians. It only makes sense that when I discuss the topic, the focus will be on Christianity. I am all for people believing whatever they want. Doesn't mean I won't debate/ argue with you and point out what I find to be ridiculous, much as you have the right to do with me (and i welcome the debate wholeheartedly).