Any Christian familys at DW IN May

[DMRick]

While I enjoy good company regardless of religion (as long as its not Duke fans), I am always excited to meet up with other Christians, especially those who are from other parts of the world. I appreciate the diversity in the Church. I certainly would meet up with RickinNYC and his partner, as well as the OP's family from Scotland. I only wish I were going to be in Disney at those times I am guessing that if our conversation turned to religion they could share faith perspectives that would be somewhat different from my own. When Christians meet other Christians, as diverse as they may be, one common denominator they always have is a love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

You have it in a nutshell!

 

[Karibeth19]

I agree with others who stated this thread would have never been considered offensive if he asked about any rednecks from Oklahoma (sorry Okies )

OK, NOW I'm offended!!!!!!! Just kidding. (Well, kind of.)

 

[GEM]

Hey. Just wanted to make it absolutely clear that I have no problem with Christians. As I said way earlier in this thread, many of my family and close friends are Christians. It doesn't seem to make any difference to our friendship.

In fact, my little guy (the one in the picture) goes to Mother's Day Out two mornings a week at our local Baptist Church. We aren't church members (obviously) but I send him there because they have an amazing facility (great playground, arts and craft room, library, etc.) The people there are really nice and he has a great time. I know they do sing some Bible songs and they say a prayer before lunch. I certainly don't mind him being exposed to that, even though it isn't what we belive in. Thankfully, the Mother's Day Out program is open to anyone - regardless of chuch membership or religious belief. They don't only take children from "Christian" families.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that in case anyone had gotten the mistaken impression that I have a problem with Christians in general. That's not the case. It just makes me sad to see people missing out on meeting wonderful families because they don't have the same religion.

 

[txgirl]

OK. But if you were headed to Disney World, would it occur to you to post a thread asking to meet other "meat eaters"? Of course not. You wouldn't care if the people you met up with for a few hours of Disney fun were vegetarians or total carnivores. Why would it matter to you? I see the religion issue the same way.

The point is, I wouldn't be offended if the vegetarians wanted to meet. I am not offended when any group wants to gather together and get to know each other.

The truth is if you were my neighbor or if our boys attended preschool together we would probably be friends. It would not offend me for you to gather with another group of women who enjoyed scrapbooking or invited friends over who studied buddism. These are personal choices.

Anytime I see that Christianity gets an exclusive rap, I hate to sit by and say nothing. The root of our faith is unconditional love .

I did not mean to speak for other Christians in my previous post. I get it-

What makes me confused is how anyone, anywhere in this country would be offended when someone wants to meet people who share their beliefs?

 

[tc]

There is a big difference between "meat eaters" and my view of my Christian beliefs. I agree with txgirl:

"Good point, because before children there were many things I DID NOT understand about parenting . You know, like "I am never gonna do that with my kid" or "my kid will never act like that" or even the overwhelming love that enters your heart the moment you hold that tiny newborn in your arms. No one can explain that "feeling". I do not understand how people don't eat meat. I don't understand, because I've never tried to. I am not interested in being a vegeterian. I am not knockin' it-it's just not for me; therefore I don't understand that way of life. To say, you don't get it makes complete sense. Christianity is not part of your life. For those of us who are, it is the most important part of who we are."

Meat eating (or veggie eating, for that matter) is what I do to stay alive and healthy, but it's not what defines me, being involved in drama and plays is a hobby, but it doesn't define me, taking trips to WDW is a vacation, and even that doesn't define me. However, my Christian beliefs define who I am. It's a part of my character. It's not just something I do on Sunday. My life revolves around my Maker and Saviour, and that's way more than what I eat, or my hobbies or how many children I have (or don't have), or where I vacation. I also understand how you don't understand. As txgirl said, "No one can explain that "feeling"."

I am so sad that this thread became such a hot bed of controversy, and there's really no way to resolve it. We all simply must agree to disagree.

BTW: I have met many Disers at WDW, both Christian and non, and have had a wonderful time. However, the Christian Disers that I've met, I have a deeper relationship with. We connected on a different level than the non-Christians. Not to say I did not like or enjoy my time with non-Christian Disers, or that I would not meet with them, or any others, but there is just another level to a relationship when it's based on something eternal.

 

[GEM]

What makes me confused is how anyone, anywhere in this country would be offended when someone wants to meet people who share their beliefs?

I would totally understand a person hosting a Christian gathering in their home, or looking for other Christians to study the Bible with them on Tuesday nights (or whatever), or looking for other Christians to attend a weekly potluck and prayer meeting, etc. I can even understand looking for other Christians who are at Disney the same time you are to get together for a Bible reading one night or something.

I can't understand why you would care about the religion (or non-religion) of the family you meet up with to ride Splash Mountain.

I am so sad that this thread became such a hot bed of controversy, and there's really no way to resolve it. We all simply must agree to disagree.

That, I agree with. So, I won't be back to discuss (or argue) any more. I promise.

I've been a member of this community for years and I've attended (and organized) many, many DIS meets - both at Disney World and elsewhere. I can honestly say I don't think I've ever even know the religion of any of the people I've met. We've just shared our love of Disney and had a great time together, and that's been enough.

I honestly hope you all have a great time on your trips.

 

[PratersloveDW]

I think this whole thread has become very disappointing. The OP is new to these boards and asked a simple question and gets so much negativity in reply. I wouldn't blame this person for not wanting to come back. Whether we are Christians or Non Christians, black or white, from Mars or Venus, we all share a common interest - Disney World. Thus, we need to support each other and come together with our similarities, not our differences. However, with that said, we do need to accept that we are different - that's what makes us...US. And this OP simply asked if any Christians would be at DW on specific dates. They weren't belittling non Christians or even those who wouldn't be at DW on those dates.

If you felt that the OP was being demeaning in any way towards non Christians, then it is all in how you read it. That is the unfortunate thing with being online and reading someone else's thoughts - rather than hearing them. It is very easy to take things in a way that they weren't meant. I feel that it is all of us who have posted replies that have taken this into a Christian vs. Non Christian debate - not the OP. I think the OP's original post was harmless.

Furthermore, if you read a post and it doesn't apply to you, move on! For instance, I am from Texas and have spoken with many other Texans on these boards. I have seen posts and even been apart of Texans wanting to meet up at a local restaurant for lunch. Well, if you aren't a Texan or don't live in the near by vicinity where this lunch is being held, then you most likely would move on to the next post that interests you. It would be silly for someone to post a hasty comment about local Texans getting together for lunch just because DISer's in other parts of the world couldn't attend. Same goes for this post – if it doesn’t apply to you, move on.

And just for the record, I am a Christian. I have friends from all different backgrounds and religions. I enjoy hanging out with them all and love them all so dearly. However, just because there are times that I invite only Christian friends out - to have dinner, go to a movie, etc. - doesn't mean I don't love my other friends just the same. It just happens there are nights I may want to devote to Christians and enjoy conversations of our beliefs (even on vacation). Just as there are nights I devote solely to my girl friends – no boys allowed, not even my DH!

I truly hope that I didn’t offend anyone. That wasn’t by intention at all. I thoroughly enjoy talking with every Disney fanatic. I just do not feel that it is fare to make this new DISer feel so unwelcome.

And to the OP: I am a Christian (Fellowship Church, Grapevine, Texas - non-denominational). I will be arriving in DW on May 19! I would love to meet up sometime. God Bless!

 

[welovedis]

OK. But if you were headed to Disney World, would it occur to you to post a thread asking to meet other "meat eaters"? Of course not. You wouldn't care if the people you met up with for a few hours of Disney fun were vegetarians or total carnivores. Why would it matter to you? I see the religion issue the same way.

Eating meat is a way to feed my earthly body, so no, I wouldn't care about meeting up with fellow meat-eaters anywhere in the world. Are there groups of people who do that? Sure!

My Christian values and beliefs matter more to me than anything else, if you don't have such a strong belief or faith that it would not make sense to you. The same would hold true if you didn't have a child with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) then you wouldn't want to meet up with others going through the same thing.

We've traveled overseas and taken our DS to many different countries, experienced many different cultures and situations. We made sure to seek out families/couples/single people with our same faith because we live by faith in God first, everything else follows. We enjoy our friendships with everyone we meet and often speak of our faith to many who are non-Christian.

That is my way of life and while I don't ask you to understand it, I appreciate your respect for me to live my life the way I choose and I'll show you the same respect for the way you choose to live your yours.

Agreeing to disagree seems to be the best course of action for this thread. I do hope the OP comes back to see what a nice group of people we all are on the DIS regardless of faith or other differences.

 

[chobie]

Furthermore, if you read a post and it doesn't apply to you, move on! For instance, I am from Texas and have spoken with many other Texans on these boards. I have seen posts and even been apart of Texans wanting to meet up at a local restaurant for lunch. Well, if you aren't a Texan or don't live in the near by vicinity where this lunch is being held, then you most likely would move on to the next post that interests you. It would be silly for someone to post a hasty comment about local Texans getting together for lunch just because DISer's in other parts of the world couldn't attend. Same goes for this post – if it doesn’t apply to you, move on.

Sorry, but this is a public board and anyone can post on any thread as long as it fits within the rules of this board, Furthermore the OP does not "own" the thread and has no control over where it goes once it is posted. If you can't deal with those rules, then you do not have to post on this thread or any thread, you may move on as well.

 

[tc]

The OP has started another thread about setting up a Dismeet while in WDW. I hope all who want to attend at Dismeet in late May will go view 50bear's post.

 

[Matt'sMom]

I assume nobody will have any problems or complaints when they see me post askinging to meet other white families or other families who have completed higher levels of education. Oh, and no handicapped people, please. And, we're in good shape, so no fat people to slow us down. Afterall, we all want to be with people like ourselves - and that's a totally natural and good thing, right?

Hope you will take this in the spirit intended, which is an attempt to be helpful and hopefully to promote understanding.

The difference between the OP seeking to meet up with fellow Christian families, and what is quoted above, is that people can choose to embrace and follow a belief system such as Christianity. It is a free and willing choice. And I see nothing wrong with a family reaching out to meet new friends who share choices and beliefs similar to their own.

Being handicapped, or hailing from a specific ethnic background/race is not a 'choice'... and being overweight or slow moving likewise may not be something a person voluntarily chooses either (such physical conditions can be related to medical issues). You are 'comparing apples and oranges', IMHO.

Some of us do genuinely enjoy meeting & chatting with people that are likely to share interests & belief systems that are similar to our own (regardless of what that subject of interest may be). That is clearly quite different from discriminating against a specific group of people because of their ethnic background or physical condition. Would there have been as strong a reaction had the OP stated that they are a family who hold membership in their local zoological park, and were interested in meeting at DAK with other families who shared their specific interest in animals? Perhaps the animal rights activists who frequent the forums would have chosen to be offended, since they were not personally invited to join in the gathering also?

Personally, I've never had any problem with threads on public forums regarding home schoolers, or people who love to pin trade, or whatever, seeking to get together while at WDW... despite the fact that I don't necesarily fit within those groups. Just because I am not 'included' doesn't mean that they should be denied the opportunity to make contact and arrange to get together and have a great time (without me). If I am not included, it is because I choose not to be--as oppossed to anyone having deliberately set out to exclude me.

I do wish the OP, and everyone else here on the Dis forums, a magical Disney vacation (regardless of whom you choose to share it with).

 

[PratersloveDW]

Sorry, but this is a public board and anyone can post on any thread as long as it fits within the rules of this board, Furthermore the OP does not "own" the thread and has no control over where it goes once it is posted. If you can't deal with those rules, then you do not have to post on this thread or any thread, you may move on as well.

WOW! I am sorry that I offended you so much. I was simply stating that I wish everyone could get along on these boards and enjoy the one thing that brings us all together - Disney World. In saying that someone should move on if a board doesn't pertain to them was only my way of saying move on rather than argue. I don't see 'fighting' as fitting in with the rules. I think it is silly for anyone to want to argue on these boards. These boards should be the fun and 'happy,' considering they are about the happiest place on Earth!

Hope you have a Disney day!

 

[chobie]

Same goes for this post – if it doesn’t apply to you, move on.

That did not offend me, I was merely pointing out that moving on or not moving on is one's choice. The first of the non-Christan's to answer this post were not "fighting" or "attacking" the OP. In fact they were wishing them a good trip, while pointing out that they would be there at the same time, but alas were not Christian. There's nothing wrong with that.

 

[Lisa AF]

If DISers are meeting for a drink and I don't drink should I be offended and feel excluded?

 

[Puffy2]

Originally Posted by Zippa D Doodah
While I enjoy good company regardless of religion (as long as its not Duke fans), I am always excited to meet up with other Christians, especially those who are from other parts of the world. I appreciate the diversity in the Church. I certainly would meet up with RickinNYC and his partner, as well as the OP's family from Scotland. I only wish I were going to be in Disney at those times I am guessing that if our conversation turned to religion they could share faith perspectives that would be somewhat different from my own. When Christians meet other Christians, as diverse as they may be, one common denominator they always have is a love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Persoanlly I don't care one way or another if strangers want to meet up with each other based on a single commonality, so I'm not debating this thread or the OP or anything, but I must say, I do find it very odd that some of you desire to take time out of your vacation to meet and spend time with total strangers just because you both claim to be Christian...or Hindu....or bikers...or Chinese...or fans of Frank McCourt...whatever. It just seems really odd.
Perhaps the OP has very few Christians in their own country? That might explain it....whatever. Carry on...

 

[GEM]

Persoanlly I don't care one way or another if strangers want to meet up with each other based on a single commonality, so I'm not debating this thread or the OP or anything, but I must say, I do find it very odd that some of you desire to take time out of your vacation to meet and spend time with total strangers just because you both claim to be Christian...or Hindu....or bikers...or Chinese...or fans of Frank McCourt...whatever. It just seems really odd.
Perhaps the OP has very few Christians in their own country? That might explain it....whatever. Carry on...

Personally, I'd love to find someone with whom I could have a good discussion of "Agela's Ashes" while waiting in line for Dumbo. I'm a multi-tasker . . .

 

[DMRick]

I do find it very odd that some of you desire to take time out of your vacation to meet and spend time with total strangers just because you both claim to be Christian...or Hindu....or bikers...or Chinese...or fans of Frank McCourt...whatever.

Heck, we even meet up with strangers, just because they post on the Dis board LOL!

 

[Puffy2]

I can't understand why you would care about the religion (or non-religion) of the family you meet up with to ride Splash Mountain.

GEM that cracked me up. I'm not sure why , but it did - thanks. And I LOVED Angelia's Ashes - probably one of the very best books I've ever read. The man is a genius.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Sorry. This thread has really degraded.

To the original poster: Please feel free to re-post your request on the DIS meets board.

I'm sorry that this got the type of responses that it did.