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Soraya wrote:#3 - Here is where you prove my point and why I feel little good ever comes from religious discussion in a diverse group. You've just said "People can obviously tell by the title of the thread what the subject is, if it is something that you don't believe or don't like you don't have to read it."
Now, to me, and I may be reading this wrong because I am new here, that says, if you don't agree with the Christian view (because it is Christians that believe in the Bible) shut up and don't post.

I am sure that I will be considered a pariah after this....well...it was fun while it lasted.

Soraya.. please listen to me. You're thoughts are so welcome here, and Brad would be the first to say so. He wants you to post your thoughts and feelings. And no one will consider you a pariah - relax and please try to be open to everyone's posts, and we will do the same for you.


As an example... here was Brad's previous thread.

http://www.buffettnews.com/forum/viewto ... ght=church

I've never read the bible.
However I do believe in god and pray....marinate on that

I agree with many here who say that bringing up the subject of how one believes or doesn't believe is a very personal matter and really shouldn't be discussed. What good really comes out of this? This is my opinion, after all I'm entitled to my opinion.

markruble wrote: What good really comes out of this?

Brad being able to understand / learn more how other folks feel/think/interpret what the bible means/doesn't mean to them. PERIOD.

I love that we can discuss *God* things with Brad . . .

We studied the Bible prior to confirmation classes -- at least that's how it was in the 1960's -- in the Methodist Church. I was so fortunate to have a liberal minister who said, "This is the way for me, but you all have to find your own path."

He said the Bible was God's word given to man and that it had gone through many, many versions prior to it ever being written down and then even more versions in translation.

He introduced us to the Koran ... and the teachings of Buddha. He showed us 'other' instruction books to other religions and told us to trust our hearts.

The Bible is a guidebook for me. I take what I need from it. I've taken the same thing in two different ways . . . in two different times in my life.

That's the beauty of a good teacher. They are there when you need them.

SMLCHNG wrote:

markruble wrote: What good really comes out of this?

Brad being able to understand / learn more how other folks feel/think/interpret what the bible means/doesn't mean to them. PERIOD.

I've *always* found something good in Brad's discussions. Maybe if you read the kind and gentle responses, you'd find something, too.

East Texas Parrothead wrote: I've *always* found something good in Brad's discussions. Maybe if you read the kind and gentle responses, you'd find something, too.

As have I. And I'm soooooo not 'religious' in any way whatsoever. I don't claim to be any type of follower to any religion. But Brad doesn't 'offend' me, he just looking to learn.

SMLCHNG wrote:

East Texas Parrothead wrote: I've *always* found something good in Brad's discussions. Maybe if you read the kind and gentle responses, you'd find something, too.

As have I. And I'm soooooo not 'religious' in any way whatsoever. I don't claim to be any type of follower to any religion. But Brad doesn't 'offend' me, he just looking to learn.

I'm a lapsed Methodist. Don't go to church. Don't cut my hair.

markruble wrote:I agree with many here who say that bringing up the subject of how one believes or doesn't believe is a very personal matter and really shouldn't be discussed. What good really comes out of this? This is my opinion, after all I'm entitled to my opinion.

TIME OUT!!!

Easy there. Every time you read a post ask yourself if the MESSAGE is a REFLECTION of the persons' BELIEFS.

East Texas Parrothead wrote:I've *always* found something good in Brad's discussions. Maybe if you read the kind and gentle responses, you'd find something, too.

Actually, it's not really Brad that I would be concerned about.

Maybe I currently have my nerves very close the surface. I moved from pretty liberal, mostly culturally Catholic lake town in Northern Ohio to a town in the South that has a hard-core, right wing Southern Baptist Seminary. (Just north of Raleigh proper for folks in the area).

Quite honestly my blood boils with how they try to control the entire town to there standards (using the bible as justification....but knowing little about it's history) then bad mouth the public schools but yet some send their children there (normally for only short periods of time) to evangelize the other students....while their children are being some of the biggest tattle-tails and bullies around.

That harsh learning experience has taught me, for good or bad, to be very wary of Christianity in general....and certainly of anyone that claims to live by that book.

I apologize it if I assume the worst when it comes to religious discussion...I didn't used to be this way. In fact, I used to hear claims of what went on in the 'Bible belt' and felt sure they were more figments of the person's paranoid imagination. Then I learned otherwise.

Too many people use 'The Bible' as a weapon. It is not the only source of morality.

Perhaps because I am a student at a Divinity School, I don't see any problem with "God talk". At Vanderbilt, there are a wide range of beliefs and that is fine. You don't have to agree with mine and I don't have to agree with yours, but in order for this world to keep spinning, we must regain that ability to discuss sensitive matters in public and at the dinner table and to repect the opinion of others. I have what I believe I don't make any bones about it and I don't suger coat it, but I don't force it on people who don't want to hear it, but if you want to hear it I will tell it with the same love and also with the same passion as Jesus gave it, or at least try to. I will hold to my philosphy that faith, religion, whatever name you want to attach to it is personal, deeply person, but should never be private.

I appreciate you Penny, ETP for you kind words, I deeply appreciate it.

Soraya: If that's the case, then re-discover the enjoyment of discussion without judgment on this thread. It pheels good.

East Texas Parrothead wrote:

SMLCHNG wrote:

East Texas Parrothead wrote: I've *always* found something good in Brad's discussions. Maybe if you read the kind and gentle responses, you'd find something, too.

As have I. And I'm soooooo not 'religious' in any way whatsoever. I don't claim to be any type of follower to any religion. But Brad doesn't 'offend' me, he just looking to learn.

I'm a lapsed Methodist. Don't go to church. Don't cut my hair.

Wear underwear?

Tequila Revenge wrote:

East Texas Parrothead wrote:

SMLCHNG wrote:

East Texas Parrothead wrote: I've *always* found something good in Brad's discussions. Maybe if you read the kind and gentle responses, you'd find something, too.

As have I. And I'm soooooo not 'religious' in any way whatsoever. I don't claim to be any type of follower to any religion. But Brad doesn't 'offend' me, he just looking to learn.

I'm a lapsed Methodist. Don't go to church. Don't cut my hair.

Wear underwear?

Yep. I'm not *that* lapsed.

Soraya wrote: **I know I will live to regret this**

I do not mean to pick a fight..but you've just proven my point.

#1 - Respect is great...no quibble there. However Pagan is capitalized....just like any other religious group.

#2 - No, not everyone feels that all Gods are one God with just a different name. That is quite an insult to a hard polytheist when you basically say, "Oh, you really worship my God...you just use a different name." That is not how they see it.

#3 - Here is where you prove my poin and why I feel little good ever comes from religious discussion in a diverse group. You've just said "People can obviously tell by the title of the thread what the subject is, if it is something that you don't believe or don't like you don't have to read it."
Now, to me, and I may be reading this wrong because I am new here, that says, if you don't agree with the Christian view (because it is Christians that believe in the Bible) shut up and don't post.

I am sure that I will be considered a pariah after this....well...it was fun while it lasted.

Seriously, I've never met Brad and I've never met you, but I have to tell you that he really is just lookin' for feedback - good, bad or indifferent. As others have noted, a previous thread asking about religious faith brought him a variety of responses, but I don't think anyone got too bent out of shape.

I personally don't believe that the god of the Bible exists, although I acknowledge that the universe might have a creator and a purpose.

What do I think about the Bible? Written for the most part by men for men. Being the work of human authors it can still be enlightening and offer inspiration, but I don't think the authors of the Gospels were "inspired", if you know what I mean. I guess this point of view helps me to understand how the many parts of the Bible aren't entirely consistent with each other.

There are some words of wisdom in the Bible, but I don't personally believe they were put there by a god.

Once again, not meaning to offend anyone but just give Brad a straight answer.

Cheers.
PS Hang around Soraya - I think you'll find BNers come in all stripes!

East Texas Parrothead wrote:

SMLCHNG wrote:

markruble wrote: What good really comes out of this?

Brad being able to understand / learn more how other folks feel/think/interpret what the bible means/doesn't mean to them. PERIOD.

I've *always* found something good in Brad's discussions. Maybe if you read the kind and gentle responses, you'd find something, too.

Brad and I may not always see eye to eye.
But I have always known my opinon was respected..










until I get stupid..

. .wow . . every time I go to post my reply . .I find another interesting perspective from someone else. .

sooo . .Ya. . my newfound friend. .

please give this a chance . .

as many have said . . on BN, there are Doctors, lawyers, Police Officers, Pilots, Teachers, rich people , poor people, everyday people, etc. . .

the best thing to me about BN . . is that most of the posters here are " real " people . . .yes, some are plastic, but most are not . .that. . and most are educated and well spoken . .

and I can tell by your wording and how you present yourself, that you are someone whose opinion I would respect . . . .

and that's how and why most discussions usually go so well . . .no one attacks . .no one rants. . many things are brought up . .and I find I learn something new every day . .

it would be like old, comfortable friends talking about things they might not discuss with co-workers . . .or even family . . .

there is a certain comfort zone here for me . . .

maybe it's the fact that I am very openminded when it comes to other's ideas and opinions . .doesn't mean I will change my beliefs. . only that I come to understand different perspectives. . . . .and only recoil when it truly goes against my sense of right and wrong . .

I just feel you are also of that mind-set . .and would have much to offer in discussions like this . .

and any mod will tell you . . .when it gets " ugly " . .they put a stop to it . .

so. . if you want . . just browse . . participate if you choose. .but please know all opinions and thoughts are truly welcome . .even if you feel they don't match the majority . .

it's your honesty that counts the most . .

your friend, BG . .

Brother Brad. . .

my thoughts on this . .

I was raised in a " twice on Sunday, and once in the middle of the week " Southern Baptist family . . . . .

I can recite scripture that I learn in G.A.'s ( Girls Auxillary ) . .when I was 6 years old. .

. .but the first thought that came in my head with your mention of the Bible. . was sitting beside my Mom in church when I was very small . . looking at the pictures in her Bible . .and reading passages she had underlined . . remembering the feeling of calm it brought to this fiesty little girl . . . .

I still have that Bible . . . .and those memories. . .both give me great peace when I'm troubled. .

SchoolGirlHeart wrote:

Soraya wrote:religon only divides.

Only if you let it. Actually, we've had some very enlightening conversations about religion, with widely varying viewpoints. The key is to keep it civil and learn from each other. I'm waiting for the expected posts from a couple of people who will refer to the Bible as a fairy tale. We have long since agreed to amiably disagree, but there's no reason we can't interact and talk about our opposing viewpoints. It's still interesting to me to learn why other people believe what they believe.

ditto to what Jen said...
narrow minded people are the only ones who can start a fight over someone elses opinion...we are all entitled to believe or not believe in God and religion...the trouble starts when people judge or insult someone elses beliefs.
Brad...I find this very interesting to read...thanks for starting it!

Soraya wrote:#3 - Here is where you prove my poin and why I feel little good ever comes from religious discussion in a diverse group. You've just said "People can obviously tell by the title of the thread what the subject is, if it is something that you don't believe or don't like you don't have to read it."
Now, to me, and I may be reading this wrong because I am new here, that says, if you don't agree with the Christian view (because it is Christians that believe in the Bible) shut up and don't post.

I don't see that response as meaning what you think at all. I see it meaning if this isn't the type of discussion you enjoy or that you would find interesting...choose not to read it. As simple as turning teh channel when something that you don't like or don't agree with comes on TV...no where did anyone say "if you don't agree with the Christian view (because it is Christians that believe in the Bible) shut up and don't post."
Sorry you feel so violated by Brad trying to get some useful insight into what people think.