What do you think about this statement?

[ols386]

You claimed you weren't being insistent. No one else did.

If it meant as little to you as you tried to imply, ayup. However, don't worry: It was obvious that you weren't being truthful about that.

Why would you apply your claimed priorities onto me like that?

I'm religious.

Perhaps you'd like to rephrase?

That he was claiming he wasn't insisting on anything. That obviously isn't the case.

Not obvious to me. So was I insisting also?????

 

[Goofyluver]

Instead of using the term fairy tale, they could just simply use the word God.

I'm sorry. I'm trying to understand what you're trying to say. Could you clarify a bit more for me?

 

[bicker]

Not obvious to me. So was I insisting also?????

You never claimed not to be.

Instead of using the term fairy tale, they could just simply use the word God.

That would pervert their statement into the opposite of their meaning.

Please provide an alternative that effectively communicates their intended point, i.e., an objection to the assertion that your personal belief in God is reality.

 

[ols386]

I'm sorry. I'm trying to understand what you're trying to say. Could you clarify a bit more for me?

I'm trying to say that if I'm in a religious conversation with someone, rather than them referring to my God as a "fairy tale", just simply refer to him as "God". I realize that a non-believer does not believe in God (at least not the same God that I believe in), but it IS still a word that could be used.

 

[ols386]

You never claimed not to be.

That would pervert their statement into the opposite of their meaning.

Please provide an alternative that effectively communicates their intended point, i.e., an objection to the assertion that your personal belief in God is reality.

Ok, that's true, I probably was insisting (but that's only because I'm right )

 

[Goofyluver]

I'm trying to say that if I'm in a religious conversation with someone, rather than them referring to my God as a "fairy tale", just simply refer to him as "God". I realize that a non-believer does not believe in God (at least not the same God that I believe in), but it IS still a word that could be used.

So we should stifle the opinions of others and in essence, negate the point they're attempting to make by forcing them to comply with our own ideals? Simply because we may be offended by their words? (whether or not they're intending to insult) Censorship? Really?

 

[ols386]

So we should stifle the opinions of others and in essence, negate the point they're attempting to make by forcing them to comply with our own ideals? Simply because we may be offended by their words? (whether or not they're intending to insult) Censorship? Really?

I guess in my mind, I don't think of it as censorship? I think of it as showing respect for another person.

If I'm in a conversation with you, and I know that a specific term would offend you in some way (I can't even think of a good example right now), then I would refrain from using that term. If I used that term without realizing that it might be offensive, then that's another story.

 

[luvsJack]

You claimed you weren't being insistent. No one else did.

My intention when all this started was to voice my feelings on the words used. I had hoped that common curtesy would dictate that some changed their wording. It was not my intention to insist on anyone doing anything.

If it meant as little to you as you tried to imply, ayup. However, don't worry: It was obvious that you weren't being truthful about that.

It means a lot to me, I don't deny that. I simply meant that I was not trying to force anyone to do or think anything.

Why would you apply your claimed priorities onto me like that?
You posted as though you thought I should not have continue to respond.

I'm religious. At that point in my post I was no longer talking to you. I am well aware that you attend church and are active in that church. COLOR]

Perhaps you'd like to rephrase?

That he was claiming he wasn't insisting on anything. That obviously isn't the case.

I am a she.

Good grief! We are talking about 4 or 5 insulting words being used that are insulting and it is that hard to understand that?

A simple "I can see how that would be insulting to a you" would have sufficed.

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

Instead of using the term fairy tale, they could just simply use the word God.

No that wouldn't work...."I'm an atheist and I beleive that God is a GOD".

See that actually has the opposite meaning to what I'm trying to say... "I'm and athiest and I beleive that God is a myth/fairy tale" - there now THAT's what I mean!

 

[glitterkittyy]

I think it goes beyond implication though. There are conditions by which a reasonable person can be expected to understand that saying "I'll pray for you" is offensive, even if there is no direct intent to insult. And generally, those conditions are the same conditions that prompt people, who are likely to say such a thing, to say such a thing. So effectively, if prayer was not directly solicited by the target of the prayer, I rarely see cases where someone says "I'll pray for you" where it isn't either a direct insult or indirect offense.

There is a big difference though between "I'll pray for you" and what we're talking about int this thread, i.e., the assertion that certain things are myths. In a discussion, different perspectives are expected. So if an assertion is made "X is true because (for example) the Bible says so," then a counter-assertion, "The Bible is not a valid premise for an assertion of fact because it is a myth." How does "I'll pray for you" constitute a substantive support for any assertion? It isn't part of any discussion of issues.

This works both ways, though: Just jumping into a thread and telling someone that their beliefs are myths, without the context of those beliefs being used as justification for actions or foundation for other assertions, is also inappropriate.

Agreed and very good points.

 

[Goofyluver]

I guess in my mind, I don't think of it as censorship? I think of it as showing respect for another person.

If I'm in a conversation with you, and I know that a specific term would offend you in some way (I can't even think of a good example right now), then I would refrain from using that term. If I used that term without realizing that it might be offensive, then that's another story.

And here's my point...

I refuse to censor my beliefs for the benefit of others. I consider that much different than attacking someone personally.

 

[TanyaLovesPooh]

I think the saying is "The greatest accomplishment of the Devil is convincing people he doesn't exist"

Absolutely.

 

[ols386]

And here's my point...

I refuse to censor my beliefs for the benefit of others. I consider that much different than attacking someone personally.

Ok, I understand where you are coming from, and I can accept that.
And I know you well enough to know that YOU would not insult or offend someone deliberately.

 

[glitterkittyy]

Not every christian is offended by the myth/fairy tale thing though. I've had many in-person conversations with folks who are interested in my views, and I am interested to hear theirs. They don't get offended when I compare god to the tooth fairy or santa claus. They get what I mean by it. They just don't agree.

 

[Goofyluver]

Ok, I understand where you are coming from, and I can accept that.
And I know you well enough to know that YOU would not insult or offend someone deliberately.

Thank you darlin'.

 

[ols386]

No that wouldn't work...."I'm an atheist and I beleive that God is a GOD".

See that actually has the opposite meaning to what I'm trying to say... "I'm and athiest and I beleive that God is a myth/fairy tale" - there now THAT's what I mean!

So you do believe in gods...but not A God?

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

So you do believe in gods...but not A God?

You've lost me.................

 

[ols386]

You've lost me.................

You said that you believe God is a GOD, on your pp. What does that mean?

 

[glitterkittyy]

You said that you believe God is a GOD, on your pp. What does that mean?

LOL That was an example of how replacing fairy tale/myth with the word "god" wouldn't work. Now you can see that it for sure wouldn't because it confused you.

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

Thanks Glitterkittyy -

As she (you are a she aren't you GK? ) correctly pointed out I was being a tad pedantic and using the word 'God' in a sentence where I would normally use the word 'myth' or the words 'fairy tale'.

Just in case you are in any doubt - I don't beleive in Gods, God, Allah, Buddha, Zues, Thor, the Theatans or the flying spagetti monster...those are all MYTHS to me!