Fear of Different Views

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   Muldanianmanposted 12 years ago

   I have just commented on a hub, which suggested that President Obama is the incarnation of the devil.  I did not agree, and said so, and needless to say my comment has not been approved.  I do wonder why Christian fundamentalits are so fearful of those who do not share their beliefs.  Why are they not even willing to allow for different views to their own?  This must provide for a very limiting view of life.

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      Beelzedadposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Religious indoctrination. They've accepted without question or scrutiny the myths and superstitions with which they were raised by their parents and peers
      
      Their brains no longer function such that would allow any different views.
      
      Powerful and dangerous stuff.

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      Apostle Jackposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Even those that do not believe have a view.But the thing of it is that everyone think thank their view is almighty one.I say to each their own.That is why there is a heaven and hell and a judgment day.

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         earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         No, that is why there is NO heaven, hell or judgement day!

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            Apostle Jackposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I guest you know when you are out of your league in knowledge.None of your books can tell you about it,and scientist have not discovered it yet,but it is here.

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         heavenbound5511posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Apostle Jack-
         
         Sharing again-John 6:40-- For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
         
         Jude 1:21-
         Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
         
         1 Thessalonians 5:14--Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
         2 Timothy 2:24 --And the servant of the Lord must not strive ; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

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            Apostle Jackposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            You pick some good scriptures,I am very much inspired by them.Ahead there are many challenges to use the power of God against to still the mouth of the gain-sayers and to present God as the great authority.

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               earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Which god is that again?
               By some strange twist of the odds, that would be your god I suppose?

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                  Apostle Jackposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  The one that is personal in proof and spiritual existence.The one that don't need scientist  to OK how we exist.

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                     Evolution Guyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     Are you now ready to do what I tell you the Invisible Pink Unicorn tells me to tell you?

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                        Apostle Jackposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        I see.

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                           Evolution Guyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           Well? I have proof and this is Truth you cannot deny. Will you do what IPU says or will you suffer the consequences?

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                              Apostle Jackposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              I can see your dilemma ,but you waited too late.You came in too late and a dollar short..

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                                 Evolution Guyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                 Will you do as IPU tells you or not? This is VITAL to your well being.

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      Baileybearposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I don't bother posting on religious hubs any more because of that. I am polite but disagree & they won't publish

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      dutchman1951posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Muld, most of the Churches here in nashville. teach that if a person does not think about God like you do then do not fellowship with them????
      
      it is a pure defensive move based on brainwashing to keep the flock in-tact. You know dont entertain anything else except for what I tell you, kind of thing.
      
      no advancement or learning is possible except the verson of life that particular church wants you to have. 
      
      and it keeps those folks from having to discuss thier beliefs and ideas with outsiders. It is a closed minded shop.
      
      No personal growth possible like that. I suspect it is same all over the US and other Countries as well I am afraid.

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      lizzieBooposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      This is why I started a thread asking if America had ruined religion for everyone else. I have known such alot of people now who got onto charismatic/fundementalist christianity, (who used to be known as 'Ranters' during the Puritan period)  and who came out the other end, angry and dissillusioned and far less tolerant of every religion. I think it's such a shame.

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   Emile Rposted 12 years ago

   I had the same experience as you with a fundamentalist denying the comments after having a discussion on his hub. I agree with you. It does appear they are afraid of alternative ideas.

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   DoubleScorpionposted 12 years ago

   My personal opinion on this subject is that: They are not so much afraid of the differing opinion...as much as they are afraid that everything they have faith in and built their lives around is a lie. This is why, I think, that they are opposed to anything that challenges they belief system. Those who have complete faith and certainy in their beliefs have not trouble learning new points of view. Nor do they feel threatened by these differing opinions and can have educated discussion concerning the topics at hand in a friendly debate format.

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      earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree, it would be a lot easier if we could discuss religion from the outside and provide different views that get debated. goddunit just doesn't cut it for me.
      Here is a link to a different point of view than the usual pro or anti religious ones.
      http://paradise-engineering.com/heaven.htm

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         dutchman1951posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         It the Old story Earnest, if they do not believe like you, then refuse them friendship and do not fellow with them. It is taught in the churches here.
         
         a close minded shop, so to speak. No real discussion possible.

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            earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, well said. It is noticeable here also with all the hallelujah brother, amen sister etc.

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   knolyourselfposted 12 years ago

   "Their brains no longer function such that would allow any different views." I would say the same for politics.

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      Julie2posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I'd rather not follow either one

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   Motown2Chitownposted 12 years ago

   Welcome to HubPages, my friend.  Frankly, I was unprepared for the number of very fundamental Christians I've encountered on this site for writers, but I think they feel that it is indeed a mission field for them.  Their mission, of course, being to convert the world to Christ.  Personally, I see it as a writing site, so they don't like me much.
   
   Enjoy writing about whatever you like, but be warned that the forums get nasty between the fundy Christians and the fundy atheists.  Everyone is convinced their way is the only way and will fight to the death in the forums to prove it.  It's fun to watch, but if you choose to participate, you'll want to be sure you have a thick skin.

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      Muldanianmanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes I agree there are fundamentalists on both sides.  Somehow, I manage to sit on both sides of the fence.  I would describe myself as an atheist, yet I do pray to God.  I don't believe in life after death, yet am a member of a Spiritualist church.  I don't believe in psychic experiences, even though I have had several myself, including once seeing a ghost.  So, I tend to side with most points of view, especially if I think someone is getting a bad deal.  I will always approve any comments to my hubs, even if I strongly disagree with them.

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         Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I do the same with comments, though I rarely get any I disagree with...lol  I'm a firm believer that a human being has complete freedom to choose belief or to follow whatever leads them to disbelief without being mocked, made fun of, or beaten into my belief system.  It will be sorted out when necessary, that's just what I think.  I also tend to come down on both sides of the fence sometimes, and everyone who has the ability to reason sometimes says something reasonable.

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         Baileybearposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I've only received a couple of nasty comments from the christian extremists - I left them there so people could read how loving they are

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            earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I used the same tactic, let em hang themselves with their own words I say!

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      Baileybearposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      is there such thing as a fundamental atheist?

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         Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Maybe militant would have been a better descriptive, but I was actually trying not to offend.  But, in the grand scheme of things, yes, I believe there is.  An atheist does indeed have fundamental beliefs, even if one of them is not in God, therefore, they fight to have their fundamental beliefs heard.
         
         Good morning, btw, baileybear.

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            Evolution Guyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            That is interesting. What are these fundamental beliefs us atheists hold because A-Theism is a lack of belief?
            
            Do all atheists believe the same things?

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               Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               A-theism last time I checked was a lack of belief in a god or gods, not a lack of belief in absolutely everything.  That said, troll on.  I think I shan't bite this morning.  Peace!

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                  Evolution Guyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  So - what are these fundamental beliefs that atheists hold in that case?
                  
                  You are the one that said atheists have fundamental beliefs that they fight to get heard.
                  
                  What are they?

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                     Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     Actually, I don't know.  I'm not an atheist.  Maybe you all truly "believe" in nothing. 
                     
                     I'm not learned enough to speak on that I suppose.

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                        Evolution Guyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        So why did you state that atheists have fundamental beliefs that they fight to get heard?
                        
                        You did speak on it - now you say you are not learned enough to do so?
                        
                        I am confused. Atheism is the lack of belief in a god. There are no fundamental beliefs that come with that lack of belief. Any more than you share all your fundamental beliefs with other people who believe in a god.
                        
                        I am sure atheists do have beliefs they want to get heard, but I am also sure that will vary from individual to individual. I personally think every child has the right to a decent education. I also believe that murder is wrong, and we should attempt to treat each other as well as possible. Do you find these beliefs "fundamental" ?

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            Beelzedadposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, just like aunicornists and aleprechaunists.

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               Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Do you ever come up with something new?

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                  Beelzedadposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  You didn't, you just provided the same tired old remarks that have been refuted time and again. If you learned something new, you might offer something new.

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                     Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     You're right.  I haven't learned anything new in years.  It's appalling really that I can even speak my language properly.  I apologize for regurgitating tired old remarks that have been already been addressed.  Please continue.  Perhaps I will learn something.

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      deblippposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree that this site doesn't make a lot of room for polite debate, even on such a diverse site, people seem to prefer the echo chamber.

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         Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Unfortunately, you're absolutely right.  The saddest part of it is that this site is full of very literate and articulate people.  The second they come into this forum, they turn into mean, mean folks who just want to look superior to whomever has whatever to say.  They may actually agree with something you've said, but rather than acknowledge that, they'll fight tooth and nail to come out on top.  Sad, imo.

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            deblippposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I think there are very few people who are mean, but they dominate conversations. I also think it's important not to state your view over and over and over, because then, less willful people will become frustrated and walk away.

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   psycheskinnerposted 12 years ago

   I would not expect any kind of rational response from a person seriously suggesting Obama might be Satan.  I mean that's a clue, right there.

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      SueShepardposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      HAHA! True!

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   earnestshubposted 12 years ago

   Yes, I get that this god is The one that is personal in proof and spiritual existence to you and what you believe.
   
   How much more valuable is that than any other claims made for a god by all the other religionists?

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   Muldanianmanposted 12 years ago

   Even though I find it hard to believe in a god, because for me there is just no evidence for him/her,  I have always respected the right of the religious believer to believe what they want or need to.  Living in a democracy allows everyone the right to worship whoever they wish to.  However, having recently read some quite disturbing things on here written by Christian fundamentalists, I am finding my patience wearing thin.  The broad agreement that those with mental illness are possessed by the devil, as has been suggested in a question on here has made me realise how nasty and outrageous are some of the views of these believers.  I am now finding myself less willing to allow such primitivism to go unchallenged.  Perhaps such distasteful views should now be as unacceptable as racism.  The fundamentalist respects no one, who does not share their beliefs, so why should I respect theirs.  Such disgusting fundamentalism has now made me maybe unfairly view Christians as primitive discriminatory bigots.

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   Jeramiposted 12 years ago

   dutchman1951 wrote:
   It the Old story Earnest, if they do not believe like you, then refuse them friendship and do not fellow with them. It is taught in the churches here.
   
   a close minded shop, so to speak. No real discussion possible.
   = - = - = - = -
   Yes, well said. It is noticeable here also with all the hallelujah brother, amen sister etc.
   = - = - = - =
   
   then refuse them friendship is true only to a degree.
   
   I have had neighbors (J.W.)that were kinda like friends. We each did friendly things to each other, but we never really did what you would call fellowship. But they were ancient and I was pushing 40, maybe that had something to do with it too.??
   
     But what Yawl said is sorta (90%) correct.
     But the same can be said in all catagories of humanity.
   
     When I was running the bars and hustling on the pool tables probably about half of my friends had intrest in playing pool.
   
     People hang out with likeminded people for the most part.
     We hang out with people that don't rock our boat.

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    earnestshubposted 12 years ago

    I don't think they just hang out with "like folk"
    If you go to a football game, the "like folk" have all sorts of ideas about life, they don't wear a belief system on their sleeve, they support their side, but accept the final score as the outcome then go back to being in their real life.

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       Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       earnest, I think this is very true.  With a couple of exceptions, I've developed very civil relationships with some folks on these forums that are not "like folk" for me.  We disagree on many issues, but have respect for one another's ideas and enough love in our hearts to allow the differences to go unaddressed if need be, or be civilly discussed.
       
       I think you stated this very well. 

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          earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you. I think that I have been guilty of making statements that would offend the beliefs of some others. In fact I am certain of it.
          
          The same is true, when one of my religious friends oppose my view of life by stating absolutes, I respond in kind.
          
          If on the other hand someone tells me that I am a lesser human with less rights because I do not follow one of 30,000 religions, I just think they have lost the plot, and should never take up any other form of gambling.

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             Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             That's pretty sound advice about the gambling...lol
             
             And absolutes are the problem.  I throw one at you, you're going to feel moved to throw one back, just like you said. 
             
             I prefer to love as best I can and be civil.  Usually that works.  Sometimes...well...sometimes it doesn't. 

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                earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                I try to be civil also, but don't always succeed of course, what with being human and all.

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          Beelzedadposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Oh, I see, you considered that when you said this?
          
          "Do you ever come up with something new?"

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       Jeramiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Yep!  You are absolutely correct. 
       Everyone watching the game are like minded for the duration of the game.
       
         All sorts of people with different beliefs enjoying the day together.
       
         And then they all go somplace else where they canfind like minded people.
       
         And ater that they go to be someplace else to be with like minded people.
       
         Believers as well as non believers tend to share that human trait.

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    cindi hposted 12 years ago

    I try not to defend my beliefs because , after all, they are only MY beliefs. I only defend my humanity:)

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