It is and will always be a matter of choice ...

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   Precious Pearlposted 14 years ago

   I have been deeply burdened by some of the forums here that deal with real questions and concerns regarding Christianity.  Inevitably, as I have read some of the questions asked and the answers given I have found that it leads to a lot of harsh words being exchanged and name calling on both sides.  It is deeply grieving to say the least.  I believe in a healthy debate and I even enjoy giving my opinion but I don't enjoy being personally attacked.  I don't enjoy being told that I am an idiot or that because I believe in Jesus that I am delusional and live in a fantasy.  Nor, I am sure do non-believers enjoy being told that they are destined for Hell and that they are heathens.  I believe the Bible and it clearly says that not everyone will come to Him and not everyone will believe.  I can only hope that whatever choice you make ... you made it with a full understanding of what that choice entails.  That goes for Believers and Non-believers alike.  So, whatever it is that you choose to believe ... be sure ... be absolutely sure.  And then, when you are questioned or asked to give an account ... give it with confidence knowing that the truth will be revealed.  Do it with respect for the other person.  Do it without being rude.  You have a choice in how you respond with what you believe.  Whether or not your truth is true or mine is true ...  Well, that remains to be seen ...

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   rmcrayneposted 14 years ago

   Pearl I appreciate your comments and you trying to respect the other side of the religious perspective.  Afraid these topics will always make emotions and tempers flair however.

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   Lady_Eposted 14 years ago

   Amen to that Precious Pearl but rmcrayne has hit the nail on the head - it will always be that way. It's just best to avoid such Threads.
   
   (what you don't read won't hurt you)

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   lrohnerposted 14 years ago

   Trust me, Pearl. The name calling and personal attacks aren't limited to religious threads. Politics is also hotly debated, sometimes crossing the line. And from personal experience I can tell you, don't even bring up the subject of pit bulls!

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   Precious Pearlposted 14 years ago

   Hello, thank you so much for your responses.  It is greatly appreciated ... as is your advice.  I tend to stay out of the more cut throat debates.  I see no need to get involved in that type of thread.  At some point it just gets to be a bit over the top ... and is anyone really hearing the other person.

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   Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

   I do read the religion forums, not all but some threads.  The one thing I have come to learn, is I better understand my SIL who is an atheist.

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   Valerie Fposted 14 years ago

   I agree, and I think everyone should see this thread, not that I'm interested in shoving threads down anyone's throats, of course.
   
   We're not going to get anywhere with:
   
   "You're irrational and a liar!"
   "Prove it!"
   "You believe in a magic pixie in the sky who will torture me for eternity for not believing!!!"
   
   "I DO NOT! I believe in a loving God who won't force you to go anywhere you don't want to go!"
   
   "You're irrational. Why would anyone want to hang out in an boring old imaginary place with an imaginary megalomaniacal magic sky pixie who burns people for eternity?"
   
   "Read the Bible. It says God doesn't want people to burn! And please stop with the name-calling."
   
   "Too hot for you in here? Your Bible started it. It calls me a fool for not believing in that figment of your imagination!"
   
   "WELL MAYBE YOU'RE ACTING LIKE ONE!"
   
   "THAT PROVES IT! YOU'RE IRRATIONAL!"
   
   Once the name-calling gets rolling, it's more annoying than the Song that Doesn't End.
   
   But I do enjoy hot-topic discussions that don't degenerate like that.
   
   (Disclaimer: any resemblance to any posts especially by someone going by Valerie F is exaggerated for humorous effect, but intentional. No offense is intended.)

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