CB's Catchall Religous Thread...

[Conveyor Belt]

Music: Christian Rock and Worship.. everything from Mercy Me to Underoath
Movie: Passion of the Christ and Facing the Giants
Book: The Holy Bible

Have you ever been inspired by anything that wasn't blatantly Christian in nature?

And to be fair, I have been inspired by some passages in the Bible, just not on the top of my list...

[TheKing]

that was kind of an ass thing to say there CB

[timforjesus]

Have you ever been inspired by anything that wasn't blatantly Christian in nature?

And to be fair, I have been inspired by some passages in the Bible, just not on the top of my list...

Jesus is kinda my life man... it happens.. I am an Intercessory Missionary in Hattiesburg basically a full time prayer warrior and I am called to preach... so to answer you question... no, not really

[Conveyor Belt]

that was kind of an ass thing to say there CB

No, I could have said it like a real ass, but I thought I worded it in a respectful way... People who immerse themselves in just one type of thing worry me... kinda scare me... I like diversity. I was just asking if he'd been influenced by something that wasn't blatantly Christian in nature. I don't know how else to ask that... It's a question I have, and I'm not being an ass when I ask it... I'm completely serious.

[hbm]

AMEN to that.

[Conveyor Belt]

Jesus is kinda my life man... it happens.. I am an Intercessory Missionary in Hattiesburg basically a full time prayer warrior and I am called to preach... so to answer you question... no, not really

see, TheKing... there ya go...

[timforjesus]

see, TheKing... there ya go...


Psa 27:4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.

welcome to my life

[threekidspa]

Geez, CB. You asked the question. Now you've got your panties in a wad because the guy had the courage to give you a straight up answer?

[dream member]

CB- you asked a question and he answered; what did he do wrong? :(

As far as my answers to those questions- I have no idea...I'll have to get back to that one! :)

[Conveyor Belt]

CB- you asked a question and he answered; what did he do wrong? :(

As far as my answers to those questions- I have no idea...I'll have to get back to that one! :)

He didn't do anything wrong... I just asked a followup question and I got an answer... no harm, no foul.

[Conveyor Belt]

Geez, CB. You asked the question. Now you've got your panties in a wad because the guy had the courage to give you a straight up answer?

would you kindly point me to the post where my panties are in a wad? I just wanted to know if he was influenced by anything that was non christian... I think that's a fair followup question...

Like if someone answered:

art: sculpture of britney spears
music: Hit me Baby, one more time
print: Life and times of Brittney spears
movie: Hit me Baby one more time video...

I'd question that, and you might too... I don't think there's anything wrong with asking questions...

[Conveyor Belt]

But to answer the question:
1. Music - salted with all kinds but rap, but heavy on Jimmy Buffet, Pink Floyd and the Eagles.
2. Books - sci-fi/fantasy, adventure, and most importantly the Bible.
3. Education - Heavy doses of physics to try and see how God put the universe together.

Hey, brent, can you be a bit more specific? One specific song, book, etc?

[dream member]

see, TheKing... there ya go...

I understand questions, but why that response?

[threekidspa]

would you kindly point me to the post where my panties are in a wad? I just wanted to know if he was influenced by anything that was non christian... I think that's a fair followup question...

Like if someone answered:

art: sculpture of britney spears
music: Hit me Baby, one more time
print: Life and times of Brittney spears
movie: Hit me Baby one more time video...

I'd question that, and you might too... I don't think there's anything wrong with asking questions...

Sorry, but I'm not buying the innocent act. You take passive aggressive shots at religion every chance you get, such as your "blatantly Christian" comment, and your responses when somone asked for information on local baptist churches. Just more of the same, IMHO.

[Conveyor Belt]

I understand questions, but why that response?

theKing thought I was being an ass, but timforjesus answered my question without any offense... meaning that tim didn't perceive me as being an ass by asking the question...

[Conveyor Belt]

Until that moment when the baby actually comes out and cries, you can't "get" parenthood. I can't explain it, but for anyone that's a parent, you know what I'm talking about.

Yeah, I had that experience. The kid's in the belly, swimming around. And it's just this 'thing'. Sure, you call it a person, but you really don't grasp it. Not until it's pulled out, covered in mucus and blood, mouth opened, eyes clamped shut, crying... and then it hits you like a ton of bricks... Holy SH!T... we can't put it back in... our lives are forever changed... Oh, the joy of innocence of parenthood!

[jmb]

Yeah, I had that experience. The kid's in the belly, swimming around. And it's just this 'thing'. Sure, you call it a person, but you really don't grasp it. Not until it's pulled out, covered in mucus and blood, mouth opened, eyes clamped shut, crying... and then it hits you like a ton of bricks... Holy SH!T... we can't put it back in... our lives are forever changed... Oh, the joy of innocence of parenthood!

Yep, and that's just the beginning. Then there are those two big eyse looking up at you, thinking you're the smartest, bravest, bestest everything in the world, that look of adoration. The first words, first steps. Before you know it, this creature that changed lives is graduating from college. And we again beam. :)

[dollfus46]

Have you ever been inspired by anything that wasn't blatantly Christian in nature?

And to be fair, I have been inspired by some passages in the Bible, just not on the top of my list...

That makes him less of a person than you? Not as bright? What, CP? You're talking down to him and you're out of line. Who the hell are you to question what motivates or has changed his life? The word "blatenly" itself is an offesive term and it's shows your disdain for Christians. I don't understand your belief in whateverthehell blue fog you believe in, so I keep my mouth shut and let you believe whatever you want, in peace. I don't challenge you on your "spiritual journey" that some Chinese rope smoker sent you on. You need to be more respectful of others' beliefs. They belong to them, and are as legitimate as yours, and every bit as palatable .

[dollfus46]

No, I could have said it like a real ass, but I thought I worded it in a respectful way... People who immerse themselves in just one type of thing worry me... kinda scare me... I like diversity. I was just asking if he'd been influenced by something that wasn't blatantly Christian in nature. I don't know how else to ask that... It's a question I have, and I'm not being an ass when I ask it... I'm completely serious.
No you didn't word it in a respectful way. Blatenly Christian? You were enough of an ass to light me up and apparently TheKing too. Maybe you could have done a better job.

[Conveyor Belt]

WTF is wrong with you people? You wear your Christianity on your sleeve. If you took offense to that statement and question, well that's just your tough luck. I had a simple question. I asked it. I got a simple answer. I made no implications of caste in the question. I thought no such thoughts. Get over yourselves and quit playing the Christian victim.

[dollfus46]

see, TheKing... there ya go...

He's a better Christian than I is all that points too. He can walk the walk. I swerve into the ditch sometimes.

[Conveyor Belt]

definition of blatant:

S: (adj) blatant, blazing, conspicuous (without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious)

[Conveyor Belt]

He's a better Christian than I is all that points too. He can walk the walk. I swerve into the ditch sometimes.

You think he's a better Christian just because he's out there preaching it? Lest we forget those great Christians who, in the end, were no where near as Christian as you...

[dollfus46]

theKing thought I was being an ass, but timforjesus answered my question without any offense... meaning that tim didn't perceive me as being an ass by asking the question...
Shows your total misunderstand of Christianity, and the kind of Christian that really makes you uncomfortable. One who walks the walk. One you can't play "gottcha"! Stick to your spiritual journey.

[dream member]

CB the wording of your question came off as mean- I'm a Catholic and I can't get into the throwdown with any of these guys because I'm sure most people on here know a lot more about it that I do- which means I'm not being a very good Catholic right now.

But I've seen tim getting attacked all day...he's been told to shut up and told that he's too stubborn. He took his thoughts to another thread and was yet attacked again. But why? Why can't he devote his life to God- I think I need to do a little more of that because I'm a meanie!

[Conveyor Belt]

Shows your total misunderstand of Christianity, and the kind of Christian that really makes you uncomfortable. One who walks the walk. One you can't play "gottcha"! Stick to your spiritual journey.

you don't know what you're talking about... tim makes me uncomfortable the same way a neo nazi or a klan member makes me uncomfortable. The immerse themselves in one thing, and everything in life is about that one thing, and that's just creepy. They don't come off sounding Chrisitan... they come off sounding brainwashed.

I understand Christianity perfectly, I just don't buy into it.

But back on topic, do you have any specific pieces of media that influenced your life?

[Conveyor Belt]

CB the wording of your question came off as mean- I'm a Catholic and I can't get into the throwdown with any of these guys because I'm sure most people on here know a lot more about it that I do- which means I'm not being a very good Catholic right now.

But I've seen tim getting attacked all day...he's been told to shut up and told that he's too stubborn. He took his thoughts to another thread and was yet attacked again. But why? Why can't he devote his life to God- I think I need to do a little more of that because I'm a meanie!

How should I have worded the question? I wanted to know if he was influenced by anything that wasn't soaked in Christianity... how else can I refer to something that is blatantly Christian without you people getting offended?

I never attacked tim... I really just wanted to know...

[dream member]

How should I have worded the question? I wanted to know if he was influenced by anything that wasn't soaked in Christianity... how else can I refer to something that is blatantly Christian without you people getting offended?

I never attacked tim... I really just wanted to know...

Ya did it again :(

I'm not sure how to ask that question without coming off as offensive. But with regards to something that changes your life, I think his answer was pretty good. I need to be a little more like him. :)

[jmb]

Timforjesus hasn't had any trouble expressing his feelings. I would think if he had been offended, he would have said something.

[dollfus46]

definition of blatant:

S: (adj) blatant, blazing, conspicuous (without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious)

Thanks, but I didn't have to look it up. I know what it means, but you are leaving out some important words. From the American Heritage College Dictionary: BLATENT 1. Unpleasantly loud and noisy. 2. Totally or offenisvely conspicious or obtrusive.
OBTRUSIVE: Thrusting out. Protruding. Tending to push self assertively forward. Brash.Undesirably noticable.
Know the definitions of the words you use. They are powerful.

[SoMissTV]

This picture always stirs my emotions:

http://www.fromtheheartpostcards.com/ICQ/wall_reflect.jpg

More of a painting, really.

[Conveyor Belt]

More of a painting, really.

Excessive/repeated trolling. Failure to maintain overall good fellowship/camaraderie, AND/OR if you are consistently unpleasant to other members, AND/OR constant negativity.

[dollfus46]

You think he's a better Christian just because he's out there preaching it? Lest we forget those great Christians who, in the end, were no where near as Christian as you...

I was referring specifically to the fact that had I been walking the walk I wouldn't have fired off like I did. He, on the other hand responded to the question: What would Jesus do? as a good Christian should. You're a far cry from an informed Christian. I'd leave it and be concentrating on the spiritual trip your guru sent you on. My apologies to our guru on MH.:smt118

[SoMissTV]

not negativity, merely suggestive clarification.

[dollfus46]

Timforjesus hasn't had any trouble expressing his feelings. I would think if he had been offended, he would have said something.

Maybe you're wrong. Besides, as a Christian it offended me by the very definition of "blatently Christian". CB doesn't have to direct his remarks to me for me to be offended. Besides, this is more than just this one incident. If he's so innocent, and he has a complete understanding of Christianity as he claims, why'd he even have to ask the question, unless it was a backhanded slap? CB has a history of sneering at Christians. I don't sneer at his spiritual journey. He has a problem with Christians. It bothers him for a Christian to wear his religion "on his sleeve." Too bad. Free country. Free Speech. Ignore it like I ignore him and a guru, named Michael Chang. I made my last remark about my opinion of other relligions/beliefs. "We'll see, won't we?"

[dollfus46]

How should I have worded the question? I wanted to know if he was influenced by anything that wasn't soaked in Christianity... how else can I refer to something that is blatantly Christian without you people getting offended?

I never attacked tim... I really just wanted to know...

Now, that's a good question and an honest one. I don't have the answer. I wouldn't have asked it to begin with, because he already answered your question. Perhaps, "I realize your faith is strong, but have you ever been influenced by something that wasn't directly related to Christianity?" Soaked and blatently are negative terms

[dream member]

Now, that's a good question and an honest one. I don't have the answer. I wouldn't have asked it to begin with, because he already answered your question. Perhaps, "I realize your faith is strong, but have you ever been influenced by something that wasn't directly related to Christianity?" Soaked and blatently are negative terms

You came up with a good one. It's important treat all questions about someone's religion with delicacy...I probably would have sent the question in a pm as well, instead of in public.

[threekidspa]

you don't know what you're talking about... tim makes me uncomfortable the same way a neo nazi or a klan member makes me uncomfortable.

Hmmm....this comparison, which you've made before, is old, and is just as offensive as if I were to compare your version of spirituality to goat worshiping and membership in NAMBLA. I'm not actually making that comparison, mind you, just trying to find a way for you to realize how you might be offending some of us.

[jessi_s]

Wow, it's getting heated in here!

[Conveyor Belt]

Hmmm....this comparison, which you've made before, is old, and is just as offensive as if I were to compare your version of spirituality to goat worshiping and membership in NAMBLA. I'm not actually making that comparison, mind you, just trying to find a way for you to realize how you might be offending some of us.

That wouldn't offend me. (I have a hard time believing ANY of you accept my belief system. You may say okay, and that's cool, but most of you are criticizing me in the back of your mind and 'praying' for me) And I didn't compare the religion to Nazi-ism. Some of you are just looking to be offended and a chance to point a finger and go, "see, RIGHT THERE, right there is the persecution the Bible warned us about!" I'm comparing frame of minds. My wife really doesn't agree with me either on the being wary of people who's lives revolve around one thing in everything they do, so I may be the only one who's a little weirded out by it.

As I've said before, if his answers would have had everything to do with Brittney Spears, or dogs, etc, I'd have asked the same question and inserted Brittney Spears or dogs in place of Christianity.

[Conveyor Belt]

I'm going to ask the mods to move all off topic religious posts to this thread...

[XC9]

CB, as a christian I am in no position to judge you. Judging people you do not actually know is not fair. I will be honest and agree that people should be able to converse on all subjects without annoying others. Christianity is not your "thing" as with many others it is. You have every right to voice your opinion as you please. We obviously do not agree on this issue but as my Christian upbringing leads me, I will not judge you by these posts. I feel that after a while of some of the same post over and over again others will begin to question the thoughts of some of the posters. I wish everyone would have talked about what was posted to begin with and not taken a side track of the post as it was written. I am off topic myself with this post but instead of pm'n you I thought it would be the adult thing to do to post this for all to see. When you judge others-you also will be judged. If we try to stay on topic things seem to run smoother. No hard feelings from me to you or Tim but we do have a site for religious discussions in the future and it is obvious that is where y'alls discussion should have taken place.

[Guru]

Have you ever been inspired by anything that wasn't blatantly Christian in nature?

And to be fair, I have been inspired by some passages in the Bible, just not on the top of my list...

* But for him, it IS his top shelf.

[Guru]

How should I have worded the question? I wanted to know if he was influenced by anything that wasn't soaked in Christianity... how else can I refer to something that is blatantly Christian without you people getting offended?

I never attacked tim... I really just wanted to know...

* Know what? It's very difficult to make the written word come out sometimes the way you actually meant it. But since you are asking the question I will tell you exactly the way me myself felt when I read it. I got a wide screen picture of a guy standing over another person with his face red, his veins popping out, looking down the end of his nose and speaking down to him. I'm a fall of the wagon Christian most times but I sure felt a slap in the face on that one.
Maybe that ain't you, maybe you are somebody else. Maybe we will all learn that some day. Today however, that is the way I read it.

[Guru]

[quote=Conveyor Belt;286963]you don't know what you're talking about... tim makes me uncomfortable the same way a neo nazi or a klan member makes me uncomfortable. The immerse themselves in one thing, and everything in life is about that one thing, and that's just creepy. They don't come off sounding Chrisitan... they come off sounding brainwashed.

I understand Christianity perfectly, I just don't buy into it.

* I just want to say this one last thing and I really wish you would think about it.
You don't understand Christianity at all, if you did you would buy into it. None of the Do Unto Others things in life fell out of a tree. They came from a feeling of a higher power of good nature. Something more powerful than ourselves that we hope to find all the good things in life from. Feel Goods did not come from sectarian atheists, they didn't come up with doctrine or faith. I'm not beating you up, just want you to think about it before you say it.

[timforjesus]

theKing thought I was being an ass, but timforjesus answered my question without any offense... meaning that tim didn't perceive me as being an ass by asking the question...

not at all i kinda like it when someone calls my faith into question...

[dollfus46]

Wow, it's getting heated in here!

Yeah. I try to behave, but every once in awhile I need to tweek my meds.:smt118

[threekidspa]

Yeah. I try to behave, but every once in awhile I need to tweek my meds.:smt118

I don't what my problem's been either. Normally I'll let this kind of stuff roll off. Maybe I need to get some meds. What kind do you recommend? :)

[dollfus46]

That wouldn't offend me. (I have a hard time believing ANY of you accept my belief system. You may say okay, and that's cool, but most of you are criticizing me in the back of your mind and 'praying' for me) .
I'm not about to try to speak for "any of you" but I can look you dead in the eye and say, "To each his own" and mean it. I think every religion, spiritual journey or whatever, is based on faith. None of us has ever been to the other side and come back with the facts. Maybe there is a different place for each. Maybe Heaven is for Christians, Bali is for some others. I'm not a student of religion. I only am concerned about my salvation, not yours. I'd never tell you you were wrong nor make fun of what you take seriously. Conversely, don't do it to me either.

[Guru]

not at all i kinda like it when someone calls my faith into question...

* That's because you are a warrior Tim. Plain and simple you are the guy we wish we really were.

[timforjesus]

* That's because you are a warrior Tim. Plain and simple you are the guy we wish we really were.

you're too kind man... i'm nobody really

[Guru]

you're too kind man... i'm nobody really

* That's what all heroes say ...

[XC9]

Anyway, to get back on point.......I can't think of any media that influenced me. I am who I am because of my parents and my religion. Now if you want to talk about favorite paintings, books, movies, CD's, that's a different subject for a different thread. I believe the post you groaned me on was quite the same as this post-trying to get people back on the topic at hand. Thanks alot! I guess the part about judging people past by you. I in no way said I agreed with someone not being a Christian-it is up to each individual what he/she may believe in. I was trying to get through that judging CB or TimforJesus is not proper for any HUMAN to do. Sorry if you don't like my belief in this but it IS preached in most churches. Enough on the subject since most people decided to ignore the topic altogether. :smt022 Thanks again for the groan :smt022. I also was taught to forgive others-so I will not groan you back. God bless you!

[dream member]

I believe the post you groaned me on was quite the same as this post-trying to get people back on the topic at hand. Thanks alot! I guess the part about judging people past by you. I in no way said I agreed with someone not being a Christian-it is up to each individual what he/she may believe in. I was trying to get through that judging CB or TimforJesus is not proper for any HUMAN to do. Sorry if you don't like my belief in this but it IS preached in most churches. Enough on the subject since most people decided to ignore the topic altogether. :smt022 Thanks again for the groan :smt022. I also was taught to forgive others-so I will not groan you back. God bless you!

Had CB not asked his question, in such a disrespectul manner, to tim...this discussion wouldn't be happening though.

[EricStratton]

What's going on here? Didn't we have this thread yesterday? Am I crazy? Nevermind....don't answer that last question.

[dream member]

What's going on here? Didn't we have this thread yesterday? Am I crazy? Nevermind....don't answer that last question.

It was moved from the media influence thread to here.

[mac]

This is the first time I've ever seen a pissing contest AND a circle jerk both going on in the same place at the same time!!!

[mac]

Dream, You've groaned me a lot lately, and I never understand why. It never makes sense. Want to fill me in?

[dream member]

Dream, You've groaned me a lot lately, and I never understand why. It never makes sense. Want to fill me in?

I think the comment you made before this one was unuseful. I also think that you were rather harsh in the other thread to timforjesus. He did go off topic in there, but you told him to shut up... :(

[mac]

Dream, You've groaned me a lot lately, and I never understand why. It never makes sense. Want to fill me in?

Nevermind. As soon as I asked the question, I realized I didn't care.

[dream member]

Nevermind. As soon as I asked the question, I realized I didn't care.

You're maturity is admirable. You asked and I answered truthfully; I've agreed with things you've said too. Sorry if you can't handle it...

You said something about a pissing contest- what would you call what you're starting with me right now? I'm not going to take the bait mac. I'm not going to fight with you- you win.

[mac]

You're maturity is admirable. You asked and I answered truthfully; I've agreed with things you've said too. Sorry if you can't handle it...
:smt022

[kevin]

CB your a good guy and I know that you have no belief in Christ but your belief in Paganism hasn't been denounced or attacked in anyway here? Faith is a choice and you have yours which I respect as well most others apparently.Why bring up such questions?

[Elle May]

:argue: Can't we respect that each of us has our own opinions? I really see no need for persecuting each other because we believe differently, just agree to disagree and let it go.

BTW, the only part of Mac's statement that I didn't agree with was that this isn't the first time I've seen it. :-D

[Conveyor Belt]

This is so funny!

I'm inciting discourse? How? By asking a question? I already asked how I could have worded the question differently, and most people said they didn't know. I haven't attacked any Chrisitians, or said you were wrong for believing what you believe. I haven't said you were stupid or dumb or ignorant, other than calling dollfus for saying that I didn't know what I was talking about. If anything I'M the one being persecuted. I'm constantly told I'm wrong, don't know what I'm talking about, cause if I did, I'd believe in Jesus.

If you can't discuss religion with me, stay out of the thread. There are some who can, it seems there are many who can't.

If this is against the rules, then this whole site is lost. I asked a question. A QUESTION. I did it in the most respectful way I could at the time. I will always ask questions when I have them.

There are just too many people looking to play victim in this.

[Conveyor Belt]

CB your a good guy and I know that you have no belief in Christ but your belief in Paganism hasn't been denounced or attacked in anyway here? Faith is a choice and you have yours which I respect as well most others apparently.Why bring up such questions?

I donno, Kevin. I haven't told any Christian, lately, that if they'd just read what was really in the Bible, they'd understand that it's not written for them. I haven't told them they are wrong for believing what they believe and if theyd just take the time to cultivate their dafa, they'd understand that THAT is the way, and not Christ. Yet, I've been told these things, over and over again. Nobody gets mad when someone tells me these things...

I'm constantly told that I'll be 'prayed for so Jesus will get in my heart', like some sort of religious virus. I've never told anyone I'd try to do something to change their beliefs.

I bring up questions because I have them. I'm not afraid of questions, or asking them. I want to KNOW, so I ask. I'll ask the questions others are thinking but are afraid to ask. I'll ask the hard questions. Sometimes people take them the wrong way. Seriously, I had NO idea I was being inflamatory in my question, and I still don't see it.

[fuzzis]

I've never quite understood what's so threatening about someone who believes differently than you do--whether that be religiously or politically or personally or whatever.

And I've also never understood people with the arrogance to think that they know another person's heart and mind better than they do. I am deeply offended when I'm told that the decision I've made with regard to faith is *wrong*...that if I just read the Bible, I'd come to a different conclusion (and you know what, Christians--that's not the way to win converts. FYI). I've carefully considered the path I walk, just as I assume that Christians have carefully considered the path they walk. My decision is obviously wrong for *you*, but it's NOT wrong for *me*.

We came to different decisions--and last time I checked that was OK.

[dollfus46]

* That's because you are a warrior Tim. Plain and simple you are the guy we wish we really were.

You deserve +9 for that but it says I have to spread it around. I really hate that phrase.:smt118

[dollfus46]

I believe the post you groaned me on was quite the same as this post-trying to get people back on the topic at hand. Thanks alot! I guess the part about judging people past by you. I in no way said I agreed with someone not being a Christian-it is up to each individual what he/she may believe in. I was trying to get through that judging CB or TimforJesus is not proper for any HUMAN to do. Sorry if you don't like my belief in this but it IS preached in most churches. Enough on the subject since most people decided to ignore the topic altogether. :smt022 Thanks again for the groan :smt022. I also was taught to forgive others-so I will not groan you back. God bless you!

Sorry I removed the groan and put the thanks that should have been there. Musta hit the wrong button in the heat of battle. I apologize. Nothing to groan in your post.

[dollfus46]

:argue: Can't we respect that each of us has our own opinions? I really see no need for persecuting each other because we believe differently, just agree to disagree and let it go.

That's precisely what we are asking CB. I find it odd that he's thanking you for this post since he's the one who is, by his own admission, uncomfortable with Christians. No one has put his belief in question here. Not once. There are many non-Christians here that walk their walk by respecting everyone's opinion and beliefs. They're the ones who haven't taken sides on this thread. They have my respect.

[Guru]

Tower of Babel ...

[dollfus46]

This is so funny!

I'm inciting discourse? How? By asking a question? I already asked how I could have worded the question differently, and most people said they didn't know. I haven't attacked any Chrisitians, or said you were wrong for believing what you believe. I haven't said you were stupid or dumb or ignorant, other than calling dollfus for saying that I didn't know what I was talking about. If anything I'M the one being persecuted. I'm constantly told I'm wrong, don't know what I'm talking about, cause if I did, I'd believe in Jesus.

If you can't discuss religion with me, stay out of the thread. There are some who can, it seems there are many who can't.

If this is against the rules, then this whole site is lost. I asked a question. A QUESTION. I did it in the most respectful way I could at the time. I will always ask questions when I have them.

There are just too many people looking to play victim in this.
The thread wasn't about religion until you made it so. I didn't want to talk about it. I wanted to talk about books, paintings, and music. You made a completely unnecessary remark, twice, about someone's belief. Anytime I inadvertently offend someone, I apologize as soon as I realize it. You offended many and continue to defend yourself.
And while I'm on that, I'm going to stop using the Groan button. It has too many negative connotations. I think of it as opposite of I agree. I disagree. But everyone is offended when they get groaned, moreso than when they get neg repped. If I don't groan, and simply post, "I disagree" with your opinion, would anyone find that to be offensive or calling them stupid or anything? I just don't like GROAN. No post is unnecessary nor unuseful to everyone, if it's what you think. You should be allowd to voice it here. Just my thoughts on it.

[timforjesus]

CB... i appreciate it all... just as i don't like to be ganged up on let's not do the same thing here to CB... he has his beliefs and has just a right to be as radical or as laid back about them as anybody else in here... I understand that in the last few days i've ruffled more than a few feathers in here and that doesn't surprise me in the least... i'm a Molotov cocktail sometimes and it's not the first time i've generated alot of controversy and i'm not at all insulted by the attacks... it encourages me... besides if everybody liked me... i would have to worry about where i stood as a Christian... when it came to Christ... there was no middle ground... they either loved him or hated him... and those who were in the middle didn't spend that much time with him... not to say i love it... but i am encouraged by it too... not sure how that's going to sit with you guys... but lay off of CB... he's cool

[dollfus46]

I donno, Kevin. I haven't told any Christian, lately, that if they'd just read what was really in the Bible, they'd understand that it's not written for them. I haven't told them they are wrong for believing what they believe and if theyd just take the time to cultivate their dafa, they'd understand that THAT is the way, and not Christ. Yet, I've been told these things, over and over again. Nobody gets mad when someone tells me these things...

I'm constantly told that I'll be 'prayed for so Jesus will get in my heart', like some sort of religious virus. I've never told anyone I'd try to do something to change their beliefs.

I bring up questions because I have them. I'm not afraid of questions, or asking them. I want to KNOW, so I ask. I'll ask the questions others are thinking but are afraid to ask. I'll ask the hard questions. Sometimes people take them the wrong way. Seriously, I had NO idea I was being inflamatory in my question, and I still don't see it.

Your post is not unuseful, I simply disagree with it, realizing you have a right to your opinion. :-D I would never try to "convert" you. It'll happen or it won't.

[dollfus46]

I've never quite understood what's so threatening about someone who believes differently than you do--whether that be religiously or politically or personally or whatever.

And I've also never understood people with the arrogance to think that they know another person's heart and mind better than they do. I am deeply offended when I'm told that the decision I've made with regard to faith is *wrong*...that if I just read the Bible, I'd come to a different conclusion (and you know what, Christians--that's not the way to win converts. FYI). I've carefully considered the path I walk, just as I assume that Christians have carefully considered the path they walk. My decision is obviously wrong for *you*, but it's NOT wrong for *me*.

We came to different decisions--and last time I checked that was OK.

I'm as uncomfortable with a Christian doing that to you as you are. I find it intrusive and disrespectful, and doing more damage if you aren't receptive. Technically, you're supposed to be able to see Christ thru me. I shouldn't have to preach to you about it. I'm not preaching here to CB. I'm saying leave us be and give me the respect I give you.
I could have asked, "Tell me, what does a crackhead like Michael Chang know? I thought he was a flash in the pan tennis player." But I read CB's post and kept my mouth shut. Or I might have said, "I've never heard of Michael Chang. Tell me about him." Huge difference. That's all I ever complained about CB's question. He has a right to be influenced by Chang and I respected that.

[dollfus46]

Tower of Babel ...

:confused: Over my simple head. heh heh heh.

[just-Wynn]

Dark Matter??? :police:

[Fish-Bait]

Man, these religious/spirituality threads are sumthin' ain't they?

True life story.
I took a cousin of mine fishin' out in the Pascagoula River one day. He had asked and asked to go with me one mornin' on several occasions so I gave in and took him along. In all the times we talked about goin' we talked about fishin', strictly fishin'. He and I met at the boat ramp that sultry summer mornin'. First words out of his mouth were "Man the good Lord give us a hot one today." I said "Yep, sure did, maybe he'll bless us with some big fish, now hold the rope while I back in the boat."
No harm so far.
After a short run to one of my home made reefs, he eased over the anchor and we settled in position. I was then witnessed to for the next 2 hours. All I heard was Jesus this, Jesus that, how I was livin' my life wrong if I drank beer, girls shouldn't wear pants, girls shouldn't walk down the beach, girls shouldn't cut their hair, guys shouldn't wear shorts and on and on and on.

Enough was enough. I asked him pretty blatantly, "I thought we were fishin' here?" His reply "We are." My reply was "This ain't Sunday mornin' and it seems that everything I have done so far in my life you have pointed out that it's not Gods will, I have a problem with that. If you think that baiting me up to go fishin' just so you could give me the word is a good thing then you have another thing comeing. Now pull up the anchor, this trip is over."

We speak, even talk about fishin' every now and then, but not one single iota or word has been brought up about what actually took place that mornin'.

Thank You for readin'
Fish-Bait

[timforjesus]

I agree with Dollfus and others. Herein lies a huge problem with this discussion - this thread originally began as an innocent - tell us what may have made an impact on your life that has 'changed you forever.' It was in the off-topic section. When CB began the thread he HAD to have known that many Christians would list 'the Bible,' or 'sacred music,' etc. And that's exactly what happened. And as soon as it did, CB immediately jumped in to make a post that questioned Tim - WHY? Do you always have to have God in everything????

Tim answered the question and it wasn't enough for CB - he kept on and on attacking his answers solely because they were based on religion.
Then to further add insult to this discussion which was not religious in nature to begin with - he asked Aaron to move the thread to the religious section which only gave him more ammunition to attack expression of Christian belief.

• I believe CB has baited this discussion and we've all taken the bait.
• I believe CB has flamed the discussion and we've allowed him to do it - we should be reporting these posts, in addition to neg repping them
• I believe CB has trolled in this instance - because he has baited, flamed and persisted in purposefully inciting a group of individuals on this board - Christians

The last I looked, you cannot attack someone for their religious beliefs - or lack thereof. CB has attacked repeatedly in this instance and Christians have come to the defense. This is not about difference of opinion - it is about attacking the Christian faith solely to be argumentative.

so what if he attacks it... he as every right to attack us as we do to defend it and stand our ground... this is not the response we need to be having toward him... we are just using the world's tactics against the world's attack and that never works...

no one deserves to be ganged up on and CB is no different.. so what if he "attacked" me and my beliefs... we talk about loving our enemies and praying for those who mock you but do we actually do it? for God's sake Christians please stop... if he want's to rant and rave then let him do it this has gone too far.... this is not of God and there is no fruit that could possible come out of this so if you call yourself Christian you have no place in your heart to hold offense against anybody for any reason... don't open your mouth... a pig squeals as he is being killed... a lamb is silent

[Guru]

This is not a productive thread and I'm through with it. And what I'm going to say is not PC and I don't much care for what happens after it. It started out innocently enough on the first post and then blew slap up. It has erupted into the Tower of Babel, Satan (not CB) slid his pry bar into the mix which is what he does and now it's turned into a slug-fest without anything productive to come of it. Everything worked out just like the Under-Lord (not CB) planned it.
Wipes his feet, walks off ...

[Conveyor Belt]

Dollfus, Dr. Michael Chang is a guy who wrote a book. I don't hold him or the book he wrote in high regard. In fact, as I've grown to learn more, I side less with things he laid out in the book. But, the book did open my eyes and help me make the step away from Christianity.

Guru, are you serious? You think Satan took over the thread? Did Satan have anything to do with the splitting of the church at Temple? You think Satan is so powerful he's allowed to work his plan and not God's?

Just for everyone's information, I asked aaron to move everything that was religious from the media thread to here. I am intersted in what media has influenced people's life. I think it's a fun question to ask. It's a fun question to think about. I think the question 'why' is a good one to ask as a followup.

In the thread, timforjesus didn't get specific, but blanketed each topic with something Christian, save for the movie section, which he put on as Passion of the Christ or the Giant movie. I certainly did expect people to answer 'the bible' as the book... I almost put it in the OP 'any book other than the bible', but didn't because I didn't want some of you to go in an uproar about how great the bible is/was in your life, and that should be your answer.

Wrapping yourself and your life in religion isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I do worry about those who use it like a shield from the world. meaning, they ONLY participate in things that have an overtly religious tone or message. IMO, there's something wrong with that, but, that's JMO, and you will differ.

I haven't attacked anyone's beliefs. A question is not an attack.

[timforjesus]

Dollfus, Dr. Michael Chang is a guy who wrote a book. I don't hold him or the book he wrote in high regard. In fact, as I've grown to learn more, I side less with things he laid out in the book. But, the book did open my eyes and help me make the step away from Christianity.

Guru, are you serious? You think Satan took over the thread? Did Satan have anything to do with the splitting of the church at Temple? You think Satan is so powerful he's allowed to work his plan and not God's?

Just for everyone's information, I asked aaron to move everything that was religious from the media thread to here. I am intersted in what media has influenced people's life. I think it's a fun question to ask. It's a fun question to think about. I think the question 'why' is a good one to ask as a followup.

In the thread, timforjesus didn't get specific, but blanketed each topic with something Christian, save for the movie section, which he put on as Passion of the Christ or the Giant movie. I certainly did expect people to answer 'the bible' as the book... I almost put it in the OP 'any book other than the bible', but didn't because I didn't want some of you to go in an uproar about how great the bible is/was in your life, and that should be your answer.

Wrapping yourself and your life in religion isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I do worry about those who use it like a shield from the world. meaning, they ONLY participate in things that have an overtly religious tone or message. IMO, there's something wrong with that, but, that's JMO, and you will differ.

I haven't attacked anyone's beliefs. A question is not an attack.

hey when i said that Jesus was the best thing that happened to me... i meant it...

[fuzzis]

:clap:

Exactly what I was talking about. Thanks.

[timforjesus]

Though I said I was staying out of this thread, I cannot let this completely inaccurate statement go. You say you have read the Bible, and yet you post statements like this that show that you really haven't or, if you did, you did not comprehend most of it. Perhaps you read it with the same antagonism toward Christianity that you continue to show here.

We get it fez...you're not a Christian. That's fine. That's your choice. But why do you continue to aggressively attack the faith many of us on here claim? You seem to have a pretty big chip on your shoulder in this area.

our job is not to expose his motives... our job is to not strive with him... if he want's to do it.... who are we to question anybody's motives... in questioning a person's motives we are almost immediately exposing ulterior motives in our own hearts...

Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? But he that has clean hands and a pure heart. Psalm 24:3-4

[amanda]

theKing thought I was being an ass, but timforjesus answered my question without any offense... meaning that tim didn't perceive me as being an ass by asking the question...


Tim doesn't know you like some of the rest of us. :-D You know you poses these types of questions for a reaction. And you get just the kind of reaction you expect.

[fuzzis]

For folks who claim to not have faith, you, fez, and some other sure view, post, thank, and groan in this subforum quite a bit.

Sorry. Didn't know that "Religion/Spirituality" was the exclusive domain of Christians...

[timforjesus]

by all means... do so

[fuzzis]

Its not. But the forum says, "discuss your faith here." You have consistently said that you do not have faith in anything. Are you hear to discuss your faith in not having faith?

You are mistaken. I have never said that I "do not have faith in anything" because that is not the truth. I just do not have faith in god. There is a rather substantial difference in the two statements.

I have not discussed what my faith actually is because, quite frankly, I see what happens to those who fall outside of the norm here...and I have no wish to be told, yet again, that I am wrong.

[timforjesus]

if you don't want to be told you're wrong.. don't speak... at least one person is going to think you're wrong..

[fuzzis]

I thought you claimed to be an atheist a while back. If I am mistaken, then I offer a heartfelt apology.

I do not recall claiming to be an atheist, but again...not believing in god does not mean that one does not believe in *something*.

[Conveyor Belt]

Tim doesn't know you like some of the rest of us. :-D You know you poses these types of questions for a reaction. And you get just the kind of reaction you expect.

I don't know how I can be any clearer on this. NO I DON'T. I do not pose these question to get a rise out of people. I pose the questions because they are questions I have. Should I just wonder what the answer would be? Everyone wants to think I have this little plan to setup threads to get everyone riled up and I am so smart as to be able to know what kind of reaction posts are going to get.

Lemme tell you... I just state my mind. My mind has questions, my mouth(or fingers) ask them. That's about as far as the thought process goes.

I'm not expecting any reaction. I'm hoping one day, people will engage in a dialoge with me as opposed to just saying 'If you REALLY read the bible, You'd get it'... answer my questions... I've got one for Doc I'm going to ask, and I'm not sure he'll answer it, but I'm going to do it anyhow...

[Conveyor Belt]

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the "Nation of Israel" is used in many different ways, primarily two: as an ethinic disticntion - i.e., the actual Hebrew people, and as a spiritual distinction - i.e., God's true chosen race. God's "true" circumcision, as eluded to throughout the Bible, are those people who have been circumcised in the heart, i.e., have accepted the free grace offered through faith in Jesus Christ.


I'm going to leave the 'circumcison of the heart' alone right now... That's a WHOLE other issue... but I do have one question... How do you know what Jesus was referring to in what passage? Is there a key to let you know he meant spiritual as opposed to ethnic?

[EricStratton]

"That's me in the corner....that's me in the spot....light....losing my RELIGION...."

[Conveyor Belt]

Oh, No... you've said too much...

[EricStratton]

I haven't said enough....

[EricStratton]

Do you read the Bible, CB? Well....there's this little passage I got memorized that kind of fits the occasion:

<DD>Ezekiel 25:17: The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the Valley of Darkness; for he is truly his brother's keeper, and the finder of lost children. And, I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers! And, you will know my name is The Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee!</DD>

BANG BANG BANG BANG!!!!

[SoMissTV]

http://www.drizzle.com/%7Elostboy/images/SJackson.gif

[EricStratton]

http://www.drizzle.com/%7Elostboy/images/SJackson.gif

This is what I like to call "Cross Threading"....keeps the board interesting....playing movie quotes in the catch-all religious thread.....this isn't against the rules is it?

[Mr Bagel]

http://www.drizzle.com/%7Elostboy/images/SJackson.gif
That's the guy who shot the hole thru the middle of me. Arrest that man!!!!

[SoMissTV]

playing movie quotes in the catch-all religious thread.....this isn't against the rules is it?

If this is wrong, I don't wanna be right.