What do you think about this statement?

[glitterkittyy]

Listen, some of these message board folks think I have 3 heads, doesn't
bother me, my real life friends have seen how I can spin my head like Linda Blair.

And it really is true, I do have lots of believin' friends, mostly Christian who aren't
offended at all by the things I say, I guess they like me regardless.

And I like them back coz I do see the good in them even tho they're Christians, bein' Christian ain't a bad thang to me.

I have seen a big difference after moving 1100 miles. Here, people are more interested in discussing my lack of belief and they aren't offended by how I describe it. Back home, they were.

And yeah, I'm with ya...being religious isn't a deal breaker with me either.

 

[ols386]

Listen, some of these message board folks think I have 3 heads, doesn't
bother me, my real life friends have seen how I can spin my head like Linda Blair.

And it really is true, I do have lots of believin' friends, mostly Christian who aren't
offended at all by the things I say, I guess they like me regardless.

And I like them back coz I do see the good in them even tho they're Christians, bein' Christian ain't a bad thang to me.

Whew! Glad to know you don't have three heads. I was wondering.

 

[glitterkittyy]

And I think you're going to hell for saying that

No, just kidd'in. I understand what you are saying.

You wouldn't be the first to condemn me to there.

 

[luvsJack]

I am a he. Oh, and I'm religious. You may have missed that point earlier. I thought you referred to me as a "he" in another post. And I did respond, I think it got lost in another post. I wasn't talking to you on that point. I know that you do attend church and I know you are religious.

I make you the same offer: You do not have the right to categorize every statement that contradicts what you believe as an insult. You must allow for someone to disagree with what you contend, with words that forcefully communicates that person's disagreement, and have just as much impact as what you contend. 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.

I am not saying that a statement that contradicts what I believe is an insult. You can say all day long that God does not exist and it will not insult me. You can say that Jesus was just a nice man; and it will not insult me. If that is what you believe---go for it.

Your beliefs do not insult me.

When you use the words fairy tale or myth it gives the feeling of being talked down to or that I am not as intelligent as those who don't believe.

From dictionary.com:

Main Entry: fairy tale
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: children's imaginative story with magical characters

The above difinition would explain why the term is insulting.

"I do not belive God is real" or "I do not believe God exists" or "God is not real" or "I believe the Bible to be only stories written by men"--all say the same thing, all do not use the words fairy tale or myth. I mean, how much more effective does your point have to be? "He does not exist" pretty much tells me you really do not believe.

 

[glitterkittyy]

I am not saying that a statement that contradicts what I believe is an insult. You can say all day long that God does not exist and it will not insult me. You can say that Jesus was just a nice man; and it will not insult me. If that is what you believe---go for it.

Your beliefs do not insult me.

When you use the words fairy tale or myth it gives the feeling of being talked down to or that I am not as intelligent as those who don't believe.

From dictionary.com:

Main Entry: fairy tale
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: children's imaginative story with magical characters

The above difinition would explain why the term is insulting.

"I do not belive God is real" or "I do not believe God exists" or "God is not real" or "I believe the Bible to be only stories written by men"--all say the same thing, all do not use the words fairy tale or myth. I mean, how much more effective does your point have to be? "He does not exist" pretty much tells me you really do not believe.

But you're talking about how it makes you feel...not about how the person saying it is intending it to mean. It goes back to your choosing to give those words power over how you feel. Only you can control that.

I think we'll likely end up having to agree to disagree and letting it go, or we'll all still be here in 30 years saying the same things over and over. lol

 

[Uncle Remus]

I am not saying that a statement that contradicts what I believe is an insult. You can say all day long that God does not exist and it will not insult me. You can say that Jesus was just a nice man; and it will not insult me. If that is what you believe---go for it.

Your beliefs do not insult me.

When you use the words fairy tale or myth it gives the feeling of being talked down to or that I am not as intelligent as those who don't believe.

From dictionary.com:

Main Entry: fairy tale
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: children's imaginative story with magical characters

The above difinition would explain why the term is insulting.

"I do not belive God is real" or "I do not believe God exists" or "God is not real" or "I believe the Bible to be only stories written by men"--all say the same thing, all do not use the words fairy tale or myth. I mean, how much more effective does your point have to be? "He does not exist" pretty much tells me you really do not believe.

But you're talking about how it makes you feel...not about how the person saying it is intending it to mean. It goes back to your choosing to give those words power over how you feel. Only you can control that.

I think we'll likely end up having to agree to disagree and letting it go, or we'll all still be here in 30 years saying the same things over and over. lol

Exactly!!!!

Whew! Glad to know you don't have three heads. I was wondering.

Uh oh, I failed to mention the trick I do with the other 2 while I spin the one.

 

[luvsJack]

But you're talking about how it makes you feel...not about how the person saying it is intending it to mean. It goes back to your choosing to give those words power over how you feel. Only you can control that.

I think we'll likely end up having to agree to disagree and letting it go, or we'll all still be here in 30 years saying the same things over and over. lol

LOL, yes I do believe you are correct. And, please, don't think I am someone who goes around with a chip on her shoulder looking for ways to be insulted --I am probably the easiest going person I know. I actually don't remember the last time I took offense to something said to me in person.

 

[glitterkittyy]

LOL, yes I do believe you are correct. And, please, don't think I am someone who goes around with a chip on her shoulder looking for ways to be insulted --I am probably the easiest going person I know. I actually don't remember the last time I took offense to something said to me in person.

Well you're okay in my book if for no other reason than that picture of Johnny Depp in your avatar.

 

[Uncle Remus]

I have seen a big difference after moving 1100 miles. Here, people are more interested in discussing my lack of belief and they aren't offended by how I describe it. Back home, they were.

And yeah, I'm with ya...being religious isn't a deal breaker with me either.

Hey, I think I might be offended 'bout what you're sayin' 'bout the BuckEye State, I was born there.
Wait, Gloria Steinem was born there too and we all know she's a Satanist or was that feminist, yikes, I'm gettin' confused here.

 

[bicker]

When you use the words fairy tale or myth it gives the feeling of being talked down to or that I am not as intelligent as those who don't believe.

I agree with you regarding the term "fairy tale". I disagree with you regarding the word "myth".

"I do not belive God is real"
or "I do not believe God exists"
or "God is not real"
or "I believe the Bible to be only stories written by men"
​

--all say the same thing, all do not use the words fairy tale or myth.

No they don't. The first three are incorrect, according to my beliefs, while the last is correct, according to my beliefs, so right-off-the-bat they're not saying the same thing. Meanwhile, the last is much wordier than "myth" -- and actually, the term "myth" actually means something closer to what you believe than the last statement you proposed:

"myth - a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation"​

(Note the highlighted word.)

Beyond that, myth is one word -- accurate (in its description of what the person believes), but also concise. That fosters understanding of the point made. One of the most common "complaints" I get about my writing is that it is rather wordy -- that I take more words ("only stories written by men") than necessary ("myths") to make the point, and as a result people have trouble understanding what I write. As long as the terms is accurate, then "myth" is a perfect term to use in this context, because there is no juvenile connotation.

I mean, how much more effective does your point have to be?

Your suggested alternative is not defensible, IMHO, if it reduces the effectiveness of the communication that you object to.

"He does not exist" pretty much tells me you really do not believe.

Again, that phrase is incorrect, according to my beliefs, but moreover, does not mean the same thing, and therefore ineligible AFAIC.

 

[glitterkittyy]

Hey, I think I might be offended 'bout what you're sayin' 'bout the BuckEye State, I was born there.
Wait, Gloria Steinem was born there too and we all know she's a Satanist or was that feminist, yikes, I'm gettin' confused here.

Nah, not about the entire state....just my village of idiots. lol

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

Now here's the difficulty with the whole 'don't use phrases that insult' thing.

Ols said

To be perfectly honest, the term myth doesn't really bother me, it's the term fairy tale that bothers me.

Whereas luvsjack said

When you use the words fairy tale or myth it gives the feeling of being talked down to or that I am not as intelligent as those who don't believe.

So the problem is how to know which phrases to use on a thread like this when different people have different feelings about different words.

The same applies to athiests though - I know that many people were like this.. when President Obama mentioned 'non-believers' in his inaugral speech but others were offended by his use of that phrase as it indicated that they were somehow inferior to beleivers and would have preferred the word 'atheist' to be used. Me I was just pleased to get mentioned at all!

So I think I will continue to assert that God is a myth/fairy tale as this is my deep held and honest belief. This is NOT meant to insult anyone but is a completely accurate choice of words...IMHO naturally!

 

[Uncle Remus]

Nah, not about the entire state....just my village of idiots. lol

I'm 20 miles from Crawford, TX, course, there's good folks in Crawford.

 

[ols386]

Now here's the difficulty with the whole 'don't use phrases that insult' thing.

Ols said


Whereas luvsjack said


So the problem is how to know which phrases to use on a thread like this when different people have different feelings about different words.

The same applies to athiests though - I know that many people were like this.. when President Obama mentioned 'non-believers' in his inaugral speech but others were offended by his use of that phrase as it indicated that they were somehow inferior to beleivers and would have preferred the word 'atheist' to be used. Me I was just pleased to get mentioned at all!

So I think I will continue to assert that God is a myth/fairy tale as this is my deep held and honest belief. This is NOT meant to insult anyone but is a completely accurate choice of words...IMHO naturally!

In reality, that's all you can really do, is state what you honestly believe, and if I take exception to something you might say, I'll tell ya about it, just like I would expect you to tell me.

 

[ols386]

I agree with you regarding the term "fairy tale". I disagree with you regarding the word "myth".

No they don't. The first three are incorrect, according to my beliefs, while the last is correct, according to my beliefs, so right-off-the-bat they're not saying the same thing. Meanwhile, the last is much wordier than "myth" -- and actually, the term "myth" actually means something closer to what you believe than the last statement you proposed:

"myth - a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation"​

(Note the highlighted word.)

Beyond that, myth is one word -- accurate (in its description of what the person believes), but also concise. That fosters understanding of the point made. One of the most common "complaints" I get about my writing is that it is rather wordy -- that I take more words ("only stories written by men") than necessary ("myths") to make the point, and as a result people have trouble understanding what I write. As long as the terms is accurate, then "myth" is a perfect term to use in this context, because there is no juvenile connotation.

Your suggested alternative is not defensible, IMHO, if it reduces the effectiveness of the communication that you object to.

Again, that phrase is incorrect, according to my beliefs, but moreover, does not mean the same thing, and therefore ineligible AFAIC.

So are you saying that you think using the word fairy tale (as you state in the very first line of post #310) implies being talked down to or not being as intelligent for being a believer? Not trying to be smart, but it seems like this is opposite of what you had said before.

You wordy??? Nah, I don't believe that.

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

In reality, that's all you can really do, is state what you honestly believe, and if I take exception to something you might say, I'll tell ya about it, just like I would expect you to tell me.

That's fair enough...just don't offer to pray for me eh?

 

[ols386]

That's fair enough...just don't offer to pray for me eh?

Hey, I'm prayin for ya now

Just kiddin. If you don't want me to pray for you, then I won't.

 

[bicker]

So are you saying that you think using the word fairy tale (as you state in the very first line of post #310) implies being talked down to or not being as intelligent for being a believer? Not trying to be smart, but it seems like this is opposite of what you had said before.

You're clearly mistaking me for some other poster. Way back in #146 we even had this exchange:

Well, for me personally, I don't exactly appreciate it if someone tells me my religious beliefs are fairy tales.

I can appreciate that.

I haven't put forward any special defense for the term "fairy tale" specifically. I have noted what Eleanor said about condescension (no one can make you feel inferior without your consent) and that still applies.

Remember that I do support the word "myth".

And since post #258, I've been trying to get someone to propose a different, single word that as effectively communicates their intended point, i.e., an objection to the assertion that your personal belief in God is reality. I'm still waiting, but it sure is looking like "myth" is the winner.

 

[ols386]

You're clearly mistaking me for some other poster. Way back in #146 we even had this exchange:I haven't put forward any special defense for the term "fairy tale" specifically. I have noted what Eleanor said about condescension (no one can make you feel inferior without your consent) and that still applies.

Remember that I do support the word "myth".

And since post #258, I've been trying to get someone to propose a different, single word that as effectively communicates their intended point, i.e., an objection to the assertion that your personal belief in God is reality. I'm still waiting, but it sure is looking like "myth" is the winner.

I was referring to post #310 where you replied to luvsjack. The very first line of your post. If you don't want to reply, that's ok, I was just curious about your statement when you responded to luvsjack.

As I said in another post, myth doesn't really bother....it's that term fairy tale that bothered me.

If the situation were reversed and I were a non-believer talking with a believer, I think I could get my point across without using the term fairy tale. Maybe I could say something like.....I know you believe in God, and that's fine, but I don't believe in God. I don't even know why I would use the word fairy tale, or myth, for that matter.

And as for providing you with a single word to replace fairy tale or myth, I don't even understand why there should be another replacement word. Either one of those two terms doesn't even need to be used to make a point. All you would have to say is, I don't believe in God.

If someone is talking with me and they feel that fairy tale is the word that describes what I believe, then so be it. It's sure not the end of the world for me. Life will go on.

Have a nice day

 

[bicker]

I was referring to post #310 where you replied to luvsjack. The very first line of your post.

The very first line of my post just talked about "myth". The post makes that very clear: I didn't say anything in support of "fairy tale", at all.

You will see that I have been fastidious about that throughout this thread, and as I pointed out, way back in #145 I made my position clear.

If you don't want to reply, that's ok, I was just curious about your statement when you responded to luvsjack.

I'm sorry you were confused by the reply. I hope that what I've said here in this message cleared it up for you.

And as for providing you with a single word to replace ... myth, I don't even understand why there should be another replacement word. .... doesn't even need to be used to make a point.

That is incorrect, because:

All you would have to say is, I don't believe in God.

I do believe in God.