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| Celtic Radio Community > The Grove > Uncomfortable? Get it out in the open! |
| Posted by: RavenWing 24-Sep-2003, 03:25 PM | ||
Everyone is allowed to have their own belief system. What I have a problem with is proselytizing. |
| Posted by: maryellen 28-Sep-2003, 06:27 PM |
| I would have to agree with Elspeth. I believe Jesus came here to give his life and die for our sins. I think we each have our version of heaven/paradise that we go to when we die. The United States was founded on the New and Old Testament- unlike any other country in the world, and we are the most prosperous. Not always right, but bountiful. I know many others have different beliefs- my friends are Indian, Jewish and Chinese. I respect them and pray for them. I'm just curious- what is the problem with proselytizing? If you do not spread your religion it will die out. I'm not sure where the hinderence lies. |
| Posted by: Shadows 29-Sep-2003, 08:13 AM | ||
Introducing one's religion to others is not a problem, but the constant hounding or force feeding is! I was born right the first time! As adults we all have a free will and the right to choose what we believe, I am as firm in my faith as anyone and no level of propoganda, or evangelizing will change what I believe. I was raised catholic, I studied many religions since then and have reached a comfort level with my god(s) that the validity of does not need questioning by those who think that their way is the only way. The teachings of Jesus were not new to the world only to the part of the world he inhabitied, yes he was a great teacher and philosopher. I shudder to think of all the autrosities performed under the guise of chritianity, the Inqusition, the slaughter of Native Americans that refused to convert, etc. Live and let live, god is a personal thing, not something that any one group controls. Einstien once said "...if god had not created man, then man would have created god..." |
| Posted by: Elspeth 29-Sep-2003, 09:27 AM |
| Why is it when a Christian shares their beliefs on a topic they are percieved as proselytizing or force feeding? I posted my response to a question that was posed. That is all. The Welcome page to this site claims to be open to all beliefs. I don't feel mine are very welcome. If this is a forum for certian beliefs only, just say so. Just say Christians unwanted here. As I said before, it was not my intention to crash your forum. But it is either open or it is not. I have not bashed your religion, but you have bashed mine. That does not feel very open to me. |
| Posted by: RavenWing 29-Sep-2003, 09:50 AM |
| First, I want to clarify that saying I do not want any proselytizing is not the same as accusing someone of proselytizing. My intent was to establish boundaries for what is and is not acceptable in this forum. If anyone has a problem with that, they can contact me through a private message. So far the Chriatians and non-Christians in this forum have been getting along quite well. Why are there problems all of a sudden? |
| Posted by: RavenWing 29-Sep-2003, 09:59 AM | ||||||
Unfortunately, it happens more often than you might realize.
This is a forum run by a person who is pagan. There are many pagans involved with this message board. All faiths are welcome to respond here, because people of different faiths and backgrounds have different perspectives on many issues. This is necessary because it can help solidify ones beliefs, or open someone's mind.
Show me where you have been made to feel unwelcome. |
| Posted by: Elspeth 29-Sep-2003, 10:38 AM | ||
Unfortunately, it happens more often than you might realize. I am sorry for that. But don't confuse the religious with the religion. People are wacko by nature, that is why we all search for something that brings meaing to it all. And unfortunately, how we all hurt each other in the process. My religion is about Love, not condmenation. Show me where you have been made to feel unwelcome. Let's just say there were several things that lead me to that conclusion. I'd rather not enumerate them for I want this all to die down, not become inflamed. And I will also say the writen word, though a wonderful medium of expression, is extemely limited in conversation. So, I could have misunderstood the intent of others words. I do not wish to cause any rift in your forum. Just be understood and excepted for my beliefs. |
| Posted by: RavenWing 29-Sep-2003, 10:44 AM |
| Well, if you are not willing to show where this has happened, then nothing can really be done about it. |
| Posted by: Shadows 29-Sep-2003, 11:17 AM | ||
Where was your religion bashed? People spoke their mind and beliefs, no one "bashed" your beliefs! If it is to hot in the kitchen, then don't come in. It is in the beliefs of the Pagan's ( Wica ) that what you give ( this includes words, actions, gifts, pain, pleasure, etc. ) is returned to you 3 fold! We are very carefull to be pleasant, giving, and loving people due to this belief. |
| Posted by: 3Ravens 29-Sep-2003, 11:37 AM |
| Whew!!!! Having been off line for several days courtesy of Miss Isabel, I just read this cold from start to finish. It just keeps getting hotter and hotter. Ravenwing, Shadows, et al; being an out in the open pagan in Pat Robertson country, I understand where you are coming from. However, I don't get the impression that Elspeth is like that, she's just firm in her own faith. One of the reasons I like this forum is because we don't get flamer wars, so lets not start now. Could we just agree to disagree, put away the soapboxes, and move on? Please? Thanks! |
| Posted by: Shadows 29-Sep-2003, 11:52 AM | ||
Excuse me?!? Soapboxes? Flaming? Opinions are what this forum is about. Flaming? I have seen no flaming! I could have said : "...a certain maturity level is needed to discuss religious beliefs without conflict or inuendo..." But I did not! OH I guess I just did!  No one has assulted or even attempted to put down anyone's beliefs here that I can see. If you want debate then roll with the punches and don't be so soft skinned. We all believe in something, and even in the christian religions there is discontent and debate! |
| Posted by: tartangal 29-Sep-2003, 12:26 PM |
Hesitant as I am to jump in here,  I have to agree that this thread seems to be heading toward a rather illhumoured conclusion.I have been part of this forum for a number of months and what has drawn me back time and again is the warmth and acceptance among the gang here. As 3Ravens says, perhaps it is time to agree to disagree since it seems unlikely that either side is likely to alter the other's opinions or beliefs. Jules(backing carefully out with white flag held high!  |
| Posted by: joy 29-Sep-2003, 12:41 PM |
| I think if discussion is coming up one should discuss...I can understand that there were strong feelings on both sides. Elspeth who is very convinced and firm in her religion and on the other side I see that there is a reason to insist - Elspeth didn't give an evidence for being bashed. I myself grew up with Christianity and got to know values which are still essential for my life. It's a religion of love - and tolerance. I couldn't see where there has been no tolerance for Christianity but - and I'm sorry, Elspeth - nobody wants to read or hear a treatise on Christian religion which is near to proselytizing if it's not welcomed. Your belief itself has been accepted. So calm down, to live and let live - tolerance is the magic word. There's not only black and white - there's also grey and many variations of it. Let's be open-minded! Back to the topic: DEATH Besides growing up with Christianity I have always been open for everything in this universe. I got to know ancient religions and "religions of Nature" (sorry, I don't know the English word for it!). So I think as nature is a neverending circle life is similar. I do believe in life after death . Death is as natural as birth. And it's an end for those who are left behind and a beginning for the person who passed away. I made some expieriences with beloved persons who had died in the way that I think there has to be a possibility for contact from their "side" to ours. But that is what I believe - may sound silly or not, I don't worry. So I'm not afraid of death, maybe how I will have to die but not to enter a new dimension afterwards. I'm sure I will not be bashed  !  I do enjoy this site - it' more than interesting. joy |
| Posted by: Shadows 29-Sep-2003, 01:09 PM | ||
The perceived concept that anyone is trying to sway others to their beliefs is what got this in the direction it has taken! I for one do not give a rats ass what you believe as long as I am content in my beliefs that is all that matters! If you want to try to sway me in your direction, it won't happen; been there, hated it, don't want the tee-shirt. This forum is here for discussion not conversion, let us keep it that way! |
| Posted by: barddas 29-Sep-2003, 02:09 PM |
 I know I have not been in the midst of this little bit of confusion. But, if this happens again. Might I recommend that it be done via personal message. That way the topic is not confusing, or scary to someone new coming in. I know Shadows, and Ravenwing aren't intentionally try to make ANYONE feel uncomfortable, or unwelcome. That unfortunately happens in a written medium. That's why we have all of these lovely emoticoms that Paul set up.... And I do not believe that Elspeth or anyone else is trying to convert anyone. ( to either side) We all know that many paths BASICALLY go in a similar direction in theory. It is just a simple misunderstanding. Thank you and sorry for that momentary bit of seriousness.... Thanks NOw, I have to go back to work....sigh... I'm gonna be here late tonight...  I need  Now back to your reguarly scheduled discussion on death. Brought to you by the letter D and the new do it yourself doornail.... LOL!   |
| Posted by: maryellen 29-Sep-2003, 05:05 PM | ||
Because Christianity is one of the largest religions makes it a very, very large target. Catholic priests are now targeted because Catholicism is one of the largest organized religions that exist. Also, those acts mentioned above are against the ten commandments and Jesus' law and therefore unchristian. Whatever happened to mentioning the Catholics that were persecuted? I guess that is not politically correct. Or the Americans killed in the name of Islam just 2 years ago. Or the slaughter of Jewish, or the thousands of Christians slaughtered because of their faith. Oops! That's not kosher! I believe you shudder much harder on judgement day. We were give free will, it's your choice. |
| Posted by: shycartech 29-Sep-2003, 11:36 PM |
| Well put. And thank you for your consideration of others. That seems rare nowadays. scott |
| Posted by: maryellen 30-Sep-2003, 03:38 PM |
| Now if I could proofread it would sound better! Oy, and I'm an English teacher. (crouch in the corner) So is death on another forum or is this shut down? I'm confused. |
| Posted by: Shadows 30-Sep-2003, 08:00 PM | ||||
See added comments to quote! |
| Posted by: RavenWing 01-Oct-2003, 08:15 AM | ||
Nope, death is still here. I split the posts specifically pertaining to the issue and created another thread. This is for all those who wish to debate or want to get their feelings out in the open. |
| Posted by: Guest 01-Oct-2003, 11:30 AM | ||||||||||
And neither were the ones earlier bashing Judeo-Christian. I didn't want to carry this on-- guess some others do.
In response, perhaps you have not read anything on Christian religion either. The first and foremost rule is to accept Jesus Christ as your savior. If you do not, then you will not enter heaven. So, based on this argument why would I have to "research"? Plus, of course our religion puts us at the top of the chain. We are taught that humans were made in God's image. All I am is just saying what I believe. Not bashing, not converting. I never said anything about devil and you go off on some tangent like I'm trying to bash wica. I never did. I was giving what I believed in addition to other interpretations of death. I have to hand it to everyone but Shadows, this was an interesting forum. We discussed and were informing one another and becoming more aware of other's beliefs. .... till now. |
| Posted by: RavenWing 01-Oct-2003, 11:44 AM | ||
This is still an interesting forum. One of the things this discussion can do is get some preconcieved notions out an in the open. |
