VMK "religions" in signatures

[Maleficent2]

Yes Mal, it has. But amazingly it has remained a civil and thought provoking discussion.

I hope it can remain so.

 

[Loves Disney]

Lovethattink, of course Christians are reminded to share their loyalty to the commandments and get involved with events. In the Catholic religion, it is okay to worship openly with other members of that faith...it is expected to avoid such obvious worship in public places around people of a different faith. That is the reason I brought this particular religion into focus; vmk is a public place filled with people of various faiths.

That is all I meant when I said private prayer, just to clarify things lol.

I think this thread has remained somewhat on topic...I mean, in every post the poster is trying to back up his or her point and opinion when it comes to allowing signatures with faith mentioned. It may not be written in black type, but between the letters I can see that each post has remained on topic. Not only that, but this thread certainly does initiate thinking...

 

[Maleficent2]

Why do people put like, I am goth so deal with it or I believe in JC so you should to. I think it is something that should be cancelled out of the VMK dctionary because I see people get in fights over there religion in a room or something. I see goth clubs and other rooms to do witht his stuff. I think it is begining to be another problem in VMk because everyone is starting to do it and everyone is getting in fights.

What do you think

It is no where near the orginial topic which was people having sigs with their religion in them. Should it be allowed?? your thoughts.....


As long as it stays a civil discussion it may remain.


Mal

 

[lovethattink]

I think it should remain open.

 

[HeDiedxILive]

as far as keeping your faith private... i have a hard time undertanding that. please realize that i am not bashing this way of thinking, but i cannot comprehend how anyone who has the love, joy, and passion of God in their hearts could keep it bottled up inside. i know i can't! He has done so much for me! He deserves to be praised, and raved about!

its hard for me to keep up with this thread, as much as i love it!

in any case,

sigs - yes
friendly discussion - yes
preaching "believe or else!" - no.




i would love some believers as VMK friends, i would not recognize any of you. we should arrange a meeting!

 

[Loves Disney]

as far as keeping your faith private... i have a hard time undertanding that. please realize that i am not bashing this way of thinking, but i cannot comprehend how anyone who has the love, joy, and passion of God in their hearts could keep it bottled up inside. i know i can't! He has done so much for me! He deserves to be praised, and raved about!

I never said it was kept "bottled up". I said that for this religion, the faith can be openly and emotionally expressed in and around that religious group...i.e., mass, social events, charities, etc. I said while in prayer, the followers of this religion are supposed to pray in private. Also, I said that it is believed to NOT go around yelling this faith around in the open public...around people of different religions. I mean, I don't like to walk around hearing people screaming THEIR faith to me when it isn't something I believe. I respect them and what they may believe, but I don't need to hear it because I don't always agree with what they may say.

This is why I think it is fine for the signatures to read their faith, but they do not need to go around VMK singing and preaching it for people of other religions to hear. It is disrespectful, imho. It may also make some feel uncomfortable to hear words being spoken that totally contradict what they believe. Now, I am not saying that typing things that advocate simple prayer for better wellness or dreams is bad. I don't mind reading that. What I do mind is people saying things that would suggest their faith is better. I have seen some people say, "My king dead for us, you must live for him." Some people may find this offensive. Now, I am a Catholic, I won't deny that at all, and yet, things like that still get to me because I know how people of other religions may feel because I know how I would feel if I was not of this religion.

In short, VMK is NOT the place to speak of religion.

 

[lovethattink]

I had a wonderful experience a few weeks ago meeting a VMK Dis family at the Animal Kingdom. We rode Everest, walked around and ate at the Flame Tree BBQ. Before we ate the dh of this family blessed the food. It was very nice to spend some time with fellow VMKer's at AK and pray with them. It made the meet all the more special that we had our belief in common as well! Was prayer called for? Why not? We'd do it at home, why not in public. Did we advertise it? No. Did other's see us? Maybe, but no one came to our table and told us we offended them.

 

[Loves Disney]

I had a wonderful experience a few weeks ago meeting a VMK Dis family at the Animal Kingdom. We rode Everest, walked around and ate at the Flame Tree BBQ. Before we ate the dh of this family blessed the food. It was very nice to spend some time with fellow VMKer's at AK and pray with them. It made the meet all the more special that we had our belief in common as well! Was prayer called for? Why not? We'd do it at home, why not in public. Did we advertise it? No. Did other's see us? Maybe, but no one came to our table and told us we offended them.

Because you kept it to yourselves.

Now, I am not going to debate religion, and the only reason I posted to this thread was because I don't think faith should be screamed out and around in vmk. I am not going to sit here and try to prove my religion as anything better. I am a Christian raised into and by a Christian family, but I am not one to scream, "Halleluiah" if you catch my drift. lol.

I am sensing this thread is starting to travel a more argumentative road, and I simply don't want to take part in that lol. That would contradict all I have said before.

Let me leave from this thread with a few rhetorical questions...

Would you (you, meaning general lol) go to someone and essentially say, "Believe what I believe otherwise you are wrong"? Because that is typically what is happening even though the wording may be different and the situation may not be so direct to it.

Why MUST people know what you believe? If someone doesn't ask you about your faith, why is it important to aware complete strangers that you believe in such-a-such religion? If you were totally secure of your faith, isn't it enough to just accept it instead of impressing it upon people who probably don't care? (I know this could be argued to a large extent, but I mean this in a rhetorical sense).

Now, I am not suggesting my faith in those questions, just throwing it out there for further thought. My time has far gone experation on this thread.

 

[Master Gracy]

im a christian myself but i dont feel the need to express it on vmk.
yesterday I met someone whoses sig said "I heart the sun who died on the cross" and other similer statements.
I mean do you find people pressuring you into their religion in the real disney parks?(also i dislike cheerleaders, way too many of them in vmk )
thets my two cents...andy

 

[lovethattink]

You know, I must not be running into the same Christians in vmk that other's are. The ones I have met have been great. They would never pressure anyone to believe only their way. They would never pick a fight with someone. Some of the DIS Christians I have run into in vmk and are wonderful are littlebelle, pinkgirlygirl, palmnut, bluemanlyguy, surfcruiser, missypooh, etc. I don't think our signatures reflect our religion. I know our names sure don't. But by being friends and chatting we discovered Jesus as our commonality. I don't think a single one of us shouted from the mountain top. It just came out in the course of discussion at some some point in the friendship.

 

[Master Gracy]

religion brings people together in thet way, but as long as no one pressures you or tries to force their religion upon you its fine.

 

[caribbound]

Isn't also amazing how it's mostly Christians actively trying to convert people and not those of other religions?


And, as stated in One of my fave movies "Dogma"
Serendipity: When are you people going to learn? It's not about who's right or wrong. No denomination's nailed it yet, and they never will because they're all too self-righteous to realize that it doesn't matter what you have faith in, just that you have faith. Your hearts are in the right place, but your brains need to wake up.

and as for broadening your belief and faith from the same film:
Rufus: He still digs humanity, but it bothers Him to see the crap that gets carried out in His name - wars, bigotry, but especially the factioning of all the religions. He said humanity took a good idea and, like always, built a belief structure on it.
Bethany: Having beliefs isn't good?
Rufus: I think it's better to have ideas. You can change an idea. Changing a belief is trickier. Life should malleable and progressive; working from idea to idea permits that. Beliefs anchor you to certain points and limit growth; new ideas can't generate. Life becomes stagnant.

.

The sole basis of Christianity is that there is ONE God, and only ONE ticket to heaven. Different denominations with their own additions, which I was not raised with, for the most part don't disagree on the ONEness of that, with a few exceptions.
We have missionaries and such, because that is what Jesus comissioned beginning with the 11 disciples and Paul is a particularly good example for us to follow. For reference, so nobody thinks these are my ideas, Mark 1:17 and Mark 16:15-16, summarized by Jesus telling the disciples He will make them fishers of men (leaving the boat behind) and just before His ascension to heaven, to go into all the world and preach the good news. Also Matthew 28:16-20.

That doesn't mean someone of a different religion should be less valued any more than someone of a different age or race or hair color. My God loves them and expects us to also.

Regarding the movie, I've not seen it, have heard of it and am now intrigued that on a rainy week I'll have to borrow it from the library. Nonetheless, it is a fiction movie, just as The DaVinci Code is FICTION and proven false by art historians and theologians and such where the author claims to have facts. I've heard it's a good mystery novel, but way off base if people are going to believe the guy knows anything about history.

I mean do you find people pressuring you into their religion in the real disney parks? .

I'm on vacation with my family making sure my kids don't get lost when I'm in the parks so I don't talk to many people there. Plus I'm a quiet person by nature in a group setting, but can write a book. VMK is much more interactive and for some, relationship building. I've not found it so, but I'm new and I guess I've just not found the right friends yet. I still have people mailing for me to join their cute or boot game. Yeah.

Signatures only state who a person is, whether they be sporty, religious, or desperate for taken. It's a way of identifying who you might want to really be friends with, not just adding names to your list. People on stage of Mark Twain taking an extremist form of witnessing, especially if condemning, are giving Christianity the bad rep with negative feelings. I think having a simple witnessing signature and then being helpful with politeness, especially at the mountain maze for quests would have a much bigger impact.

This thread is losing it's original positive vibes and thoughtfulness. Be careful.

(thanks for the warning below on movie. ratedR doesn't bother me, constant swearing especially f--- does. thought I'd add this here rather than a whole new post.btw, I'm Terri also )

 

[cteddiesgirl]

Regarding the movie, I've not seen it, have heard of it and am now intrigued that on a rainy week I'll have to borrow it from the library. Nonetheless, it is a fiction movie, just as The DaVinci Code is FICTION and proven false where the author claims to have facts by art historians and theologians and such. I've heard it's a good mystery novel, but way off base if people are going to believe the guy knows anything about history.

Actually, you might not want to see Dogma. It has been proven that many people find it offensive if taken seriously. It is meant to be kind of an almost black comedy. But it has sexual references, vulgar language (the f word is used very frequently by one of the characters), slight drug use and uses crude humor. So it's rated R. But beyond that, it brings up many points about what has happened with and in the Christian religion.
So if you want to watch it, go ahead. But be warned that you might now care for it. Also, keep in mind that the writer/director/producer/actor of the film was raised as and is Catholic.

 

[BriarRosie]

If anyone wants an example of how annoying unsolicited forced talk about religion can be, allow me to share my experience. I've made no secret about being Jewish, as many know I've put together a Hanukkah themed room. I love the holidays, and I enjoy viewing Christmas decorations as much as the next person. My best friend is Catholic, and when religion has come up, it's been a natural part of conversation. Neither of us get offended by comparative talk about our religions.

So now that I've given my disclaimer, I'll share what does offend me.
Proselytizing by complete strangers. I've seen these folks on the Quad at college, and they were easily avoidable. But recently, I had an experience at my local library.

I happened to run into one of my friends at the library, and we stopped to chat near the exit when some young guy was hovering nearby. He interjected, saying, "Kim?" as if he thought he knew me. It was only an excuse to invade our private conversation, as he then tried to inform us about his faith. It was neither welcomed nor wanted, and what did I do?

Lambasted the poor sucker with my sharp tongue. By the time I was through with him, I hope he realized that he should not interrupt private conversations with forced talk about religion. I told him that he was incredibly rude for assuming that we weren't happy with our own faith, and that people will listen to others on THEIR own terms.

I find it ironic that those who wish to stop me solely to share views about their faith are the least likely to stop and listen if you turned the tables on them and wished to share views about yours.

Yes, it made me angry, and I'm sure it shows in my tirade. But overall, I don't mind if you put your faith in your signature. I find nothing offensive about that. I only find that if you force your faith on others, it's offensive.

Practice your faith in front of me. I don't mind! I would have enjoyed seeing lovethattink say a prayer over the food. There's a prayer in Hebrew for food, but I rarely use it. I tend to trot it out during the Jewish holidays.
I've been to Catholic mass, in support of friends on their special days.

So yes, I do have an appreciation for people of other faiths.
Practice your faith. Live your faith. Just be aware that preaching the faith
to those who have established belief systems of their own may often annoy the heck out of them.

 

[Disney Dreams]

... But overall, I don't mind if you put your faith in your signature. I find nothing offensive about that. I only find that if you force your faith on others, it's offensive....

Exactly.

 

[VMK_Princess_Chloe]

i don't think there is a problem with it in signatures. i am proud of my faith and i am not ashamed to show it.

what i DO disagree with is the arguing.

although mine does say "i know the King of Kings", i have not come across any problems with anyone. the only responses i get are "hey i know the King of Kings, too!" or "i heart your profile!"

it is nice to be able to befriend people who share a same main interest as i.

Amen!! I have commented to many people who have that in their signature.. that I do too. I am a Christian.. while I try to live by example and show others what it's about. I will not force it on anyone. It's not my place to judge anyone.. but it is my job to be a deciple and spread the word.. and if having something like "I know the king of kings" plants a seed in one persons life or sparks one persons interest to know more.. then i've done a good thing. There's nothing wrong with stating what you believe in and being proud of it. Fighting and arguing over it should be delt with and reported.. just as any fighting over anything should be.
But I'm sick of people telling me in a free country where I'm allowed to believe whatever I want.. that I can't freely express myself as a Christian. I will never stop expressing my self as a Christian and I shouldn't be forced to. As far as school use to go.. when I was in it.. I was in it when we could still say the pledge out loud and we were able to say "under God" and I always prayed anyway.. not allowed or in a big group.. but by myself.

 

[KrazyPete]

I just found this over on VMK forums. Apparently a player recieved the following warning in the game.

Here's a link to the original thread:
VMKForums.com

EDIT:
This is not in the VMK values but it is number one under the "House Rules."

"In VMK when it comes to messaging, or chat of any kind, we don't allow obscene, racist, or sexually explicit language, nor do we allow chat or activities that are not consistent with the VMK site. We reserve the right to remove postings and communications that defame or insult anyone, as well as notes that are abusive or hateful. Political or religious statements are not appropriate in VMK. Any harassing comments or messages that might be construed as stalking will be deleted and made available to the proper law-enforcement officials." ~Link

This rule is not new. The last update to the house rules was 04/17/06.

Witnessing Christian, consider thyself muzzled. Everybody else, watch yo'sef

 

[Saxsoon]

I do try to be really respectful of all beliefs, but I get hotheaded and sometimes say things that I usually regret when I see Christianity attacked. But that is not in VMK, it is mostly on the CB. Actually I have gotten several PM's here on the DIS commenting on my sig in a positive light in both DIS and VMK. I have had friends who are Atheists who I have talked with about our beliefs. I have stopped with them as I don't want it to get in between our friendships.

But I am sometimes to be ashamed to be christian because some of the things done in "God's Name." Not in the beliefs, but being stereotyped along with the minority. As someone said in a thread in the CB, you will never hear of the good stuff that churches do like fund raise for those hurt by Katrina and help give food to the homeless. It doesn't make good news. They would rather have news worthy story that says, "Christians Stone a Homosexual Couple" than the other stuff I mentioned.

I am sorry about my rant, if it affends you, I will gladly change it. As long as the fighting doesn't show up, I say the sigs should stay.

 

[Saxsoon]

Some Christians believe that drinking any alcohol is against their beliefs. And yet Jesus drank wine. So for me, there is no religious belief to keep me from drinking (moderately). And yet both I and the teetotaler are both Christians. Just remember that there are many forms of Christianity and many differences in the people within on sect.

Actually it is drunkeness that the Bible says is sinful because you are losing control of your actions which could lead you to do something you will regret. In the Bible body is considered to be the Temple of God and our souls are the caretakers, ( I think that is right, if I am wrong please correct me ) and if we lose control it is like the janitor taking the night off. Sorry that went off topic!

 

[Captain Brain]

Hmm... Maybe they will start cracking down on people for saying: I heart Cheese us!

And front - I could just see you screaming Hallelujah, lol.