Feeling scared to post

[seastorm]

Well the ole cat is out of the bag I see.

So what if I don't like scriptures quoted very much because the language is mostly inaccessible to me.

So what if my memories of my raving grandmother quoting scriptures and promising that I would burn in hell are not pleasant

So what if I say what I think

So what if some people have studied the scriptures and I haven't

So what if we disagree

So what if there is a difference in values.

So what if people go off in paroxysms of self righteous indignation

So what if I am insulted or feel hurt and judged

So what if you feel insulted, hurt and judged.

It is all inevitable if there is communication in a group

The important thing is to address the conflict respectfully.

I can understand more why people quote scriptures. Since a lot of them don't make sense to me, it  would be helpful if they were clarified in plain English a bit.

I am a very spiritual person and I pray every day. In my own way. I really tune out when people use language that is incomprehensible to me.  This is not an attack on Jesus that is for sure.

Please feel free to express yourself in the way that you want to.

Sea storm

[FS]

Whoever wants to quote the bible, quote away.  I said that I find that there's a lot of bible quoting and to me it can feel like a bible class.  That's not censoring, that's opinion. 

fs

[seastorm]

FS

It seems that Bible Class feels really good to some people. It doesn't to me. Especially, if i am feeling vulnerable.
No wonder the Christians and Muslims and the rest of em had so many wars. Live and let live.

[WRITE]

I think there's a difference in quoting a piece of 'universal wisdom' and using any quote to push someone to believe what I do.

I am really commited to Interfaith- I am a Christian by culture and by choice but I truly believe all people are called by G_d ( whatever that is- and we all perceive it differently ) to their religious or spiritual path and there is truth and wisdom and something to learn from all people and all faiths.

Too many people have been taught that their way is the only correct way and there's a loss of perspective in that on many levels.

But I love quotations from all sources- some of my favourites are like mantras to me and have the power to turn my day around!

[reallyME]

WRITE: I am really commited to Interfaith- I am a Christian by culture and by choice but I truly believe all people are called by G_d ( whatever that is- and we all perceive it differently ) to their religious or spiritual path and there is truth and wisdom and something to learn from all people and all faiths.

I am not committed to interfaith at all.  I follow Jesus and although I have been considered "ecclectic" by many, I still believe that what I stand on is the only truth, period.  I guess some would call me somewhat intolerant, but only in where I stand, not in how I treat others who don't stand with me in it.  Other people are free to believe what they want; that does not mean I believe we will end up in the same place in eternity.

One thing that is rather different in me, vs many other followers of Jesus, is that I do enjoy reading books or having some experiences that involve other types of belief system.  For instance, I enjoy DeePak Chopra and Wayne Dyer and Anthony Robins, as well as some blatantly "Christian" authors.  Now, in most of the circles I've been part of, I'd be labeled a heretic, a pagan or demonic.  Has that stopped me from being open-minded to believe that other people, though they may not end up where I do in eternity, might have something valuable to share with me while we both dwell on the same earth?  nope.  So, before I'm looped in with "all the others" I just wanted to share that, I do consider each person valuable to others as far as being a human being goes.

~Laura

[Hopalong]

only in where I stand, not in how I treat others who don't stand with me in it.

I believe you, Laura.

I always feel good about you because I know that there couldn't be any two types of faith much farther apart on paper and in human words than ours, but I always know that if I were in your restaurant one day, and I was weeping in my coffee, you'd not only make the coffee on the house but you'd sit down in the booth and throw your arm around me while you handed me a napkin.

Have I got your number, or what?   

(((((RM)))))

Hops

[reallyME]

Hops, RIGHT ON!  YOU NAILED ME!  hehe...are you psychic or something? lol

[mudpuppy]

Seastorm,

I can only speak for myself, but I do not quote scriptures to exclude anyone or because I feel 'so what' about other's feelings. I quote them to other Christians because they are what have helped me through the darkest times in my life. When I see someone struggling with worry or anxiety or fear I feel obliged to let them know what has helped me when I have been similarly effected. They bring me great comfort and wisdom. For me (and I suspect for a few others here) they may be said to have literally saved my life when I was in the deepest well of despair brought on by the betrayal and the character assassination in my FOO. So I do not use them lightly. To ask me to use them a little less often when speaking to another Christian is somewhat like asking me to breathe a little less often.
Can they be over used and used inappropriately? Sure. Have they been so used here? In my opinion they have on several occasions and I have pointed this out through PMs when I have thought so. But please understand that for some of us they are about all that we have had to cling to when our lives have been turned upside down. They are our assurance that eventually there is justice and that no matter what comes our way we have someone on our side who will not desert us as our families have.
 And on many occasions I and others have continued conversations through PMs that we felt might become too 'spiritual' or 'religious' or whatever term you prefer, for the board. Since I've been here there has always been an effort by most not to offend or make people uncomfortable. If it doesn't always work, I'm afraid that is the nature of life. There is no place on this earth where we will ever be totally comfortable or totally at ease. As you say, as long as we're respectful, I'm not sure we can ask for or expect much more from people, every one of us whom is profoundly flawed.

mud

PS. If you are ever unsure of a quotation and truly wish to have it clarified then for heaven's sake just ask the person. I'm sure they will be happy to let you know what it means to them or why they felt it important enough to quote.

[gratitude28]

((((((((((((((((((((((mud))))))))))))))))))

What a nice explanation!!!! It helps me with understanding too! You truly are blessed with being able to clarify ideas... You should teach... Do you???

Love, Beth

[mudpuppy]

You should teach... Do you???

I've taught a couple of dogs to fetch. Does that count?

mud

[gratitude28]

Did you say you wanted me to send you my bad Henry so you could teach him to fetch? OK, just send me an address.
LOL Beth

[Hopalong]

Mud,
You are a dear dear heart.

Hops