Why so angry?

1. 60

   bBereanposted 11 years ago

   I keep observing a phenomenon I don’t understand.  If a person does not believe in God, does not believe in the bible as His word, does not even believe in an afterlife, why do they care so passionately if someone else does?  I am not talking about the perception often espoused here, that somehow something will be imposed on someone else, as that concern goes both ways.  I am curious about the angry responses to people simply expressing their personal beliefs.  I frequently see folks who are not imposing anything or even asking anyone to believe as they do, just stating their particular view or perhaps answering a question posed directly to them, yet they are met with the very intolerance and hatred that they inevitably are then accused of.  I realize I will most likely get some of those same responses, from the usual actors in the forum who seem to have this as their calling, but I am genuinely trying to understand.  If someone says they are worried about me because if I don’t believe in their imagined deity and am in danger of an eternity banished to a broken, unlit elevator with 24x7 Muzak blaring loudly over a crackly speaker, I will kindly thank them for their warning and concern.  I don’t need them to retract or denounce their view.  I am secure in my own beliefs so I won’t lose any sleep knowing there is someone out there convinced there is an elevator with my name on it in my post death future.  I don’t need anyone to validate or acquiesce to my view, and certainly honor their right to have their own, even if they consider mine foolish and vice versa.  So, why all the anger?

   replyreport
   1. 59

      A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      They don't care. It's when the person that believes in God and the organization they support shoves those beliefs down everyone's throat. If those beliefs were kept behind closed doors, there would be a lot fewer problems.
      
      
      
      That's not really true, they are usually met with laughter and ridicule from those who find their beliefs to be silly and childish and are free to state such, just as the believer is free to state their irrational beliefs.

      replyreport
      1. 59

         A Troubled Womanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Well said.

         replyreport
2. 0

   ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

   I believe the anger shows a deeper manifestation , guilt perhaps ?, a personal inability to aquire spiritual happiness  hense the need to lash out , and even  some form of personal  envy , I will tell you this , I believe it has absolutely NOTHING to do with "stuffing religion down our throats" so often touted  by non- believers !  The only time i get involved  in the debate is when I see an unfair attack on a believer  born out of this immaturity !

   replyreport
   1. 61

      Viral Intellectposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Deleted
      1. 60

         nightwork4posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         it could be because those who don't believe have seen to many horrible things done in the name of god. it could be because they have had religion shoved in their faces their whole lives and are sick of it. it could be because they realize what a hoax religion is and it angers them to see people being drawn into this hoax. it could be many things , so there is no real answer to this question.

         replyreport
3. 80

   psycheskinnerposted 11 years ago

   It is probably an equal and opposite reaction to Evangalism, and a result of how religious beliefs are curtailing our secular freedoms.

   replyreport
   1. 60

      Repairguy47posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Like what?

      replyreport
      1. 80

         psycheskinnerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Rights of same sex partners (marriage, insurance, end of life decisions, inheritance, family immigration), access to birth control and abortion,  etc.

         replyreport
         1. 60

            Repairguy47posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Your atheists still have the right to sue, and they do every chance they get. You should be happy.

            replyreport
            1. 80

               psycheskinnerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               I have no idea what you mean.  Everyone has an equal right to sue.
               
               I will be happy when we all have an equal right to marry and received medical treatments regardless of gender and sexual orientation.

               replyreport
4. 48

   Ericdierkerposted 11 years ago

   Wonderful question that I hope has many responses. I  like the replies so far and I hope we have more personal ones. But I am afraid that will not happen. Several times here and many times in face to face, I have asked "what is with the anger?". On a couple of instances something is related to a past experience. But overwhelmingly the answer is "I am not mad or angry". This changes everything. If they are so out of touch with their feelings as to deny when they are obviously angry. Then they either do not know their feelings and how they make them act or they are in denial. Interesting because most who go down this road are denying faith and spirit because obviously they could no more feel and understand that, than they can anger. For anyone with a heightened sense of empathy, these folks should be avoided. Interestingly it is ultimately that anger that prohibits them from progressing into the world of emotions and feelings. Just my two cents after a lot of personal research.

   replyreport
   1. 58

      Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Completely wrong also. You do seem very out of touch with reality. I am not angry when I point out that your religion causes conflicts.  I am not denying faith either.

      replyreport
      1. 60

         Repairguy47posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         So when cheerleaders put Biblical sayings on a banner the football players run through thats causing conflict? If so how so?

         replyreport
         1. 58

            Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            As you approach a town to attack it, first offer its people terms for peace.  If they accept your terms and open the gates to you, then all the people inside will serve you in forced labor.  But if they refuse to make peace and prepare to fight, you must attack the town.  When the LORD your God hands it over to you, kill every man in the town.  But you may keep for yourselves all the women, children, livestock, and other plunder.  You may enjoy the spoils of your enemies that the LORD your God has given you.
            
            Yay! Go Footballers!

            replyreport
            1. 48

               Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               I gather your focus is on  Jews? Certainly there were no Christians around until several 100 years later. Hey and do not forget Tebow. And my favorite are the potheads that hold up scripture at the end zone. lol

               replyreport
               1. 58

                  Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Just a random biblical quote. Don't watch football myself. Nor have I ever met a real Christian.

                  replyreport
                  1. 60

                     bBereanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                     Okay, so you are not a Christian, but you are an expert on what one is and know you have never met one.  Mind sharing your criteria so we can all know?

                     replyreport
                     1. 58

                        Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        If you have to ask - you wouldn't understand.

                        replyreport
                        1. 60

                           bBereanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                           So your  answer then is the reason I see no clothes on your emperor is that I'm a fool?  Classic

                           replyreport
                           1. 58

                              Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                              Never said that  Mz Troll. You are not asking because you want an answer.

                              replyreport
                              1. 60

                                 bBereanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                 Thank you for keeping me feeling young!  Your exchange feels like being in 7th grade again.  You snipe in on the thread I started, then call ME a troll when you can't answer a question on a subject you infer  you are versed in and finish the performance by arrogantly purporting clairvoyance. Not the depth I hoped for, but I do appreciate the entertainment value.  For what it's worth I sincerely was curious what you thought a Christian was, that's all.  I figured that answer from anyone so certain of themselves that they claim to know they have never met one would genuinely be interesting.  Nothing nefarious, just curious.

                                 replyreport
5. 74

   austinhealyposted 11 years ago

   I can only speak for myself. Non Chrisitian people are usually not the ones starting hubs and questions about religion, unless they want to point out some inconsistencies, or be enlightened on a specific subject. I used the word usually because I also know there are a few bullies out there on both sides of the aisle. There is a very simple concept that seems very difficult to grasp by believers in general and it is that non Christians usually don't care what you believe or not. It has no bearing on their life. You can believe in flying saucers, to a non Christian, it makes no difference. There is no need or reason for anger. Anger or disagreement kick in when a Christian begins to preach and try to convert a non Christian, who, by essence, doesn't give a hoot about religion, and unfortunately, that happens all the time. I went to church with a Christian friend recently and as we were leaving the parking lot of the church, I spotted a sign that said :"You are now entering the mission field". And there you have it. Christians are on a mission to convert everybody who is not a Christian. Whether we like it or not. And we don't like it. What are we ? So stupid that we can't make up our own mind. I was a Christian for a number of years and I no longer am. I have my reasons and nobody should ever question my choice. What if I'm wrong ? Well, I'll live with the consequences, whatever they are.
   But nobody is capable to establish that I am wrong. You believe I might be, but that where it stops.
   And I don't want to know if you're right or wrong because honestly, I don't care. You choose to believe, it's your deal and I respect that. Just respect my choice as well, that's all I'm asking

   replyreport
   1. 48

      Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I need to go get my receptor checked. Or maybe not. The above comment sure sounded angry to me. I must be too sensitive. It looks angry and then repeats, I do not care. And I like Austin, follow him and read his work, which I find enlightening.
      I do not preach religion, I preach love. So why do I feel like I am in trouble with the principal.

      replyreport
      1. 74

         austinhealyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I'm sure your receptor is all right, but you might be confusing passion and anger. Angry I have no reason to be and I actually clearly stated it. And I know you preach love, I have read many of your contributions to HP. But the topic of this particular one was anger and I didn't start it. And if you're in trouble with the principal, he may not know why but you do. Thank you for commenting on my work

         replyreport
      2. 74

         austinhealyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I'm sure your receptor is all right, but you might be confusing passion and anger. Angry I have no reason to be and I actually clearly stated it. And I know you preach love, I have read many of your contributions to HP. But the topic of this particular one was anger and I didn't start it. And if you're in trouble with the principal, he may not know why but you do. Thank you for commenting on my work

         replyreport
   2. 81

      Don Wposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      "Anger or disagreement kick in when a Christian begins to preach and try to convert a non Christian, who, by essence, doesn't give a hoot about religion."
      
      When someone is passionate about a cause, they try to persuade others to join it. Indeed that's often what demonstrates they are passionate about it. So why shouldn't Christians who are passionate about their cause, try to persuade people to join that cause, just like the political parties, charities, businesses, environmentalists,  advertisers and anyone else with something to promote?

      replyreport
6. 83

   Renee Abbottposted 11 years ago

   Some people like to banter or debate and express their opinion in an aggressive tone verses assertive. When reading a remark some people take an assertive tone as aggressive. Other people must be right, so they charge forward with "I" have the truth. Then there are those who have had beliefs shoved down their throat for so long that they fight back.
   
   In my reality either group that needs to aggressively attack another's belief do so because they do not know any other way. Those who attack different religions, spiritual beliefs and/or atheist do so because they cannot understand why or how someone can believe or not. People attack the unknown due to fear. What would happen if their beliefs were wrong? They best defend them, for to have to withdraw inwards and question your beliefs is stepping deep into the void.
   
   Does it matter that people get angry? Most will argue for their limitations. It does not need to become a limitation to you. I use to enjoy bantering with Christians, than one day it occurred to me that I was doing the same thing they have done to me the majority of my life. I stopped immediately, for this is not who I wanted to become. I now walk with peaceful steps, and pay little attention to the muffle sounds of arguing.

   replyreport
   1. 74

      austinhealyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Very well put, Renee

      replyreport
      1. 83

         Renee Abbottposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you austinhealy. I do admit there is a rare moment when I miss arguing, but then I just gently tell myself get your ego out of it..I do and let go. I have no one to convert thank the Goddess for that..grin

         replyreport
7. 0

   ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

   Perhaps thats it after all ! Anger , ego , some pent up need for expression on both sides  . I still state this though , no one has ever "stuffed spirituality down my throat " , thats a fact ! To use this in arguments is absolutely rediculous!   To blame wars ,rape , violence , hatred  and other habits  of simple terrible  human nature  ....on religion only is shortsighted and immature !

   replyreport
   1. 58

      Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Odd - we have proof that religion causes all these conflicts. Why - you yourself have started threads attacking unbelievers because of your ridiculous beliefs in order to try and stuff said ridiculous beliefs down people's throats. LOL that you are spiritual now when in fact you are a religionist.
      
      This thread is another example - started to attack those who don't believe and cause an argument.
      
      Denying the facts is what is shortsighted and immature.

      replyreport
      1. 0

         ahorsebackposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         You sir are a sad but perfect case of an angry non- believer ,  And many like you are always  the ones lined up  to offer your rose  tinted opinions about the lowly believers , yet do you attack all faiths , no ! Not the muslims , the  budists the sikks  ,   only those who "stuff you so full of god",  that your just gonna burst ! ....poor babies ! Must be hard to keep from falling into christianity !

         replyreport
8. 60

   bBereanposted 11 years ago

   It really is nice to have you weighing in on this thread Mark, as you epitomize the point of the thread.

   replyreport
   1. 58

      Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I understand. Anyone who does not think Christianity is true is angry - gotcha. Thank goodness you can no longer jail us or burn us huh?

      replyreport
      1. 48

         Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         OMG. That is so correct.. I think you can give some insight on how to change that. What can I do to make it a palatable discussion?

         replyreport
         1. 60

            bBereanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I must say I am not sure what to make of your last post Eric, but I will be interested in seeing the fruits of that collaberatory effort.

            replyreport
            1. 48

               Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               We must not forsake human events, because they run counter to scripture. The brilliant looking glass we are given is one of love.  If you see condemnation, you lose charity which is love.
               Scripture reading is for understanding not condemning.

               replyreport
         2. 58

            Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            It is a palatable discussion with you. How can you change the attitude that started this thread? No idea. These people will not listen to reason and are driven to alienate anyone who does not believe as they do, because the bible tells you that anyone who does not believe as you do is an adversary.
            
            "If you are not with me, you are against me," says Jesus. They are being true to the bible. You are not. You have been fed a line that this religion is something that it is not. This one line:
            
            "If you are not with me, you are against me," is the root of Christianity's disdain for others and need to convert - forcibly if necessary. Just think about what this means.

            replyreport
            1. 60

               bBereanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Mark, the "attitude that started this thread" was simply trying to understand the anger by atheists directed at folks expressing their beliefs in a religious forum. 
               
               Alienation? Disdain?  Forcible conversion?  Very dramatic, don't you think?  I seriously doubt you are genuinely experiencing any of these simply because you don't believe.  Jesus taught none of them, so if you are you can't legitimately put it on Jesus and His teachings. 
               
               
               I don't pretend to know what all of your experiences have been, but I do know from everything I have seen in these forums you have set the tone for the majority, (if not all), negative interactions you've encountered.  Sure, I suppose it takes two to tango, but it makes no sense to blame any religion for you reaping what you sow.

               replyreport
               1. 58

                  Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  "If you are not with me, you are against me." - Jesus.

                  replyreport
                  1. 60

                     bBereanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                     Is the word "against" what you are taking offense to?  If you don't support a view, you oppose it.  Even if you are apathetic or indifferent to it, by not supporting it you are opposing it.  Do you find that concept controversial?

                     replyreport
                     1. 58

                        Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        I am not taking offense to anything. Simply pointing out that this attitude is what causes the conflict.
                        
                        Sorry you don't understand. Support a view? Oppose a view? It says no such thing. "me" is not a "view."
                        
                        Try reading it again.

                        replyreport
   2. 83

      Renee Abbottposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Christianity was stuff down my throat when I was a child by people wanting to save my soul. People begging me to believe. It did leave a sour taste in my mouth for a long time. I have had people walk away because I did not believe. Christianity was shoved down my throat by the schools.
      
      I find it interesting that one has forgotten history. Even our own USA history has Christianity being shoved down Native Americans mouth. Where they not killed because they did not believe. I know there were other reasons too, but they were forced to become Christians, as well as the natives of Hawaii.
      Women were burnt at the stake for being witches. Yes I know in the bible it okays that..sigh.
      How can one preach love thy neighbor, yet mean it only to the Christians? Never figured that out.
      
      Why is it when someone shares true experiences that does not put Christians in a good ligh we are called an angry mob. That makes no sense to me either. It is a discussion, but again as I mentioned in another post, sometimes the written word might sound aggressive when actually it is just a statement. I write none of this in anger. I have released my anger of what happen to me ages ago.
      
      Wars, rapes, forceful converting were all done in the name of Christianity. One can try to rewrite history, heck there are some who say the concentration camps of WWll never happen. I dont believe them either.

      replyreport
9. 60

   bBereanposted 11 years ago

   Renee,  I certainly understand your perspective, and even Mark's to a degree.  Much evil has been done in the name of religion, and some of that in the name of Christianity.  From the outside looking in why wouldn't any observer who has no way to know the difference, not identify people and groups as who they claim to be?  Proportionately, the majority of what claims to be Christian today is far from it.  All the ammunition fueling any valid arguments about the things done in the name of "Christianity" or the behavior of those claiming to be "Christian," stems from that.  I asked Mark what he thought a Christian was, because there is much misunderstanding regarding this.  I was looking for some direction on where I should start in writing hubs and it looks like this would be a good place to start.  It will take some time as this is not a topic that can be properly explained or understood without some foundational material first.  That being said, the point of the thread is still valid and Mark's comments throughout the forums really do tend to showcase it.  He may have some points here and there that would be worth discussing, but the attitude and demeanor he exhibits tends to overshadow them and give a pretty clear impression he really just wants to take shots.  No matter.  This thread has provided some good insight for me on things I would like to address and although I don't know that everyone's intention was to be helpful, they have been.

   replyreport
   1. 48

      Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I also learned a lot on this forum. But, other than children, I do not get the notion of "shoved down throats".  I have had Jehovahs witnesses and Mormons try pretty hard I guess. But nothing a glass of tea and some shade did not cure on a hot day. But I do not see that escalation of shoving in a voluntary forum. Horpefully I can learn not to shove, My little son does not shove, maybe he can teach me.

      replyreport
10. 83

    Renee Abbottposted 11 years ago

    I am not going to enter into a conversation about this person name Mark. It is not why I wrote my last reply. My reply was mostly towards the comments someone else made regarding the issues I did bring up-shoving down ones throat, war, rape and etc.

    replyreport
11. 0

    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    Stuffed  down my throat , Please !  I've had them show up at my door too and you know what , they're not all that bad ! Hell I even offered burgers and fries to a couple of LDS' boys ,  Yeeea ! Stuffed down my throat allright !    And here's another thing more wars are started by those  NON faithful !

    replyreport
12. 69

    Joy56posted 11 years ago

    some people just like to rant............  Religion a good topic to rant about ............ so many have varied opinions.    Cant even muster  up energy to be angry....... Live and let live.

    replyreport
    1. 48

       Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Guess I have to start a new question to be specific. thanks dberean

       replyreport
13. 60

    bBereanposted 11 years ago

    I do find all the "forced down the throat" talk interesting considering a staple of the atheist religion's platform is Evolution and Darwinism which couldn't be further from the truth.  Both are daily "shoved down the throat's" of our children as a fact in schools at public expense.  Where is the outcry there?  Nothing from the atheists since it is their doctrines being promoted.

    replyreport
14. 0

    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    Here here !

    replyreport
15. 60

    JoAnne Culleyposted 11 years ago

    I believe in God, however I will not force people to believe in the way I do.. i am not God therefore I can not judge and those who get angry about such acts, are not christians.. they are in cults that are manifested with small  minded, judgemental people... thats one of the reasons why I dont go to church.. God knows that i love him and worship him.. Just because you may say that you dont believ in him does not mean that u will be damned it just main tha you need God to reveal himself to you more than others and he will do that... have any of you guys whon dont believe in God, see things that occured in ya life that wouldnt normally occur like a pay rise, or something.. thats God reveling himself to you... you will not be damned because of your misbelief... he will show you and bless you like he does with believers... we are all his children..
    
    I happen to know some non believers who have a better heart than those who are quote on quote devoted christian church goers,... so does that mean that the person who goes gto church with hidden skelatons in their closet goes to heaven before the non believer... absolutely not..

    replyreport
    1. 48

       Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       This angst must be addressed. I surely do know some non believers that believe, just not in Church. Hallelujah. My bro Christ cursed the churches. Am I to do less? Personally I love Church. And I teach some doctrines. But I preach, happiness, communion, love and acceptance, not verse2 chapter 5.
       We have to teach both sides to accept. No more shoving.

       replyreport
       1. 60

          bBereanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Eric, not everyone will follow me on this, but you will.  "Every jot and tittle", "luke warm", "itching ears". You know where I am coming from, it just shows the difference in our perspectives and my comments above explain mine, in my humble opinion.  I always enjoy your posts.

          replyreport
          1. 48

             Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             Sometimes I just feel like Paul battling with Peter until Peters's epiphany. How can we do right when we alienate and exclude?
             My position will not drive much traffic.

             replyreport
             1. 60

                bBereanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Excellent reference Eric, but you are a bit confused on the application.  Far from being Paul, correcting Peter in that the law serves only to condemn men and that justification is through Jesus alone, you are referring to the encounter as though Paul was encouraging worldliness, compromise and a path to salvation other than Christ.  As a refresher let's look at a quote from Paul in the instance you cite:
                
                "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
                
                As Paul later states to Timothy: "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
                
                Eric, if you know this to be true, yet encourage others in false beliefs as though they too lead to salvation, how is that love?  If you don't know this to be true but believe yourself there are many paths to God, how is that Christian?  I don't understand where you are coming from on this.

                replyreport
                1. 48

                   Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                   Sorry I missed the question you asked here. No doubt about the path to heaven. I was referring to the paths to Christ in the world. They are as many and varied as there are people.

                   replyreport
                   1. 60

                      bBereanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      Eric,  I agree there are some fascinating accounts of how folks get there.  Personally, unable to muster the blind faith required to be an Atheist, I rejected my childhood indoctrination by the public school system and became a sort of "academic Christian".  By that I mean, I wasn't saved, but recognized the Bible as the only available explanation that made sense and squared with all quantifiable data, so there I was.  When I finally was saved, a great many years later, I realized how foolish it was to have the knowledge, but not even recognize I had never actually accepted Christ's offer.  I fear many people reside there, as I did.  You will come to see, as a result, I now have quite a passion for discernment.

                      replyreport
    2. 58

       Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       What silliness. God does not reveal himself in pay rises and cancer in children.
       
       And your majik book definitely tells you unbelievers get the lake of fire along with all the other evil people. I wonder if you guys actually read this book?

       replyreport
       1. 48

          Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Mark, I think your first line is right to you.

          replyreport
          1. 58

             Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             No - it is just right. Sorry. Odd - you think god reveals himself by inflicting cancer on children?

             replyreport
             1. 48

                Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                You first said cancer in children -- then you change it to inflicting cancer. Right  on the first. In tragedy and cure and dealing with it, God is revealed to me.
                
                I do not know how you can say as a fact that God is not revealed to me and not to you. You, I understand. But as for me, how do you understand?

                replyreport
                1. 58

                   Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                   No. You choose to interpret natural occurrences as evidence of a god. I do not. God is not revealed to you.
                   
                   Cancer in Children is inflicted by god - yes? Just as pay raises are?
                   
                   Odd you see god in the slow agonizing death of a child. I don't. How does this work for you?

                   replyreport
                   1. 48

                      Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                      Your specifics I do not think are genuine. I clearly said what I saw God in. Not in the pain and agony. I clearly said in the dealing with it and cure.
                      Why is it that God cannot be revealed to me in love? Strictly because you deny His existence?

                      replyreport
                      1. 58

                         Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                         Cool. What do you see in the pain and agony?
                         
                         I don't deny anything. It doesn't exist. If it did - it wouldn't need you to argue for it.

                         replyreport
16. 83

    Renee Abbottposted 11 years ago

    Okay, first it did not occur to me that your question was addressed to Atheist . I guess I assumed you meant all who do not follow the Christian religion. I was raised Jewish and in my 20's went towards pagan religions, where I have stayed.
    
    My comments were addressed to my experiences as a non christian. If what I had to say brought distain to anyone's ear, than I am puzzled. What is , is! Most who responded to my statement of having Christianity shoved down, spoke from a Christian view. I have noticed in Christianity you guys cant accept other Christians who believe differently than you. Why would you agree with the experiences of one who is not a Christian.
    
    you speak of anger, I have not seen it in this post. I have seen name calling, ridicule of those who dare to post a different opinion. I have seen finger pointing at one person. He is not angry, hasnt display anger in any comments. Some of you though all replied with hostility. Interesting observation here, and a good reminder to me not all Christians are open to listening to another point of view without going into passive aggressive behavior.

    replyreport
17. 60

    bBereanposted 11 years ago

    Renee, you are  correct  that the question was posed regarding discourse between any differing views.  Atheist's remarks toward Christians elsewhere in the forums prompted the posing of the question, which is why what you see in this thread is but a sampling of dialogue being referenced in some replies.  It was not my intent to narrow the scope of the question by mentioning Atheists.  I am interested in hearing perspectives of folks in relation to the original question even if their experience involves neither Christian or Atheist.  Thank you for your input.

    replyreport
18. 60

    bBereanposted 11 years ago

    I wanted pizza.  My friends wanted burgers.  It was two to one against me.  Your reading far too much into it if you are suggesting it is some sort of call to violence.

    replyreport
    1. 58

       Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Sorry you didn't understand. Perhaps if you actually read this book you might understand?

       replyreport
       1. 60

          bBereanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Based on all the replies I see from you in various forums, petulance is your hallmark and it would seem, your goal.  If so, take pride, as your good at it.  After awhile, however it rings trite.  In an attempt to give folks the benefit of the doubt regarding their sincerity when engaging in discourse concerning Christianity, I am slow to employ the wisdom provided by the book you despise regarding these situations.  You've clearly shown your colors though, so I needn't fear misapplication.  "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."  Enough wasted time.  Good day sir.

          replyreport
          1. 58

             Mark Knowlesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             Right - I am angry, petulant, trite and a swine. Gotcha. Straight at it as well - don't recall you offering any benefit of the doubt given your OP.
             
             If you are not with me, you are against me.
             
             Maybe you are starting to understand why  your religion causes so many conflicts?

             replyreport
19. 0

    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    Burgers and pizza sounds pretty darned good .!

    replyreport
    1. 60

       bBereanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Choose pizza!  That will make it a tie. 

       replyreport
20. 0

    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    Okay pizza it is , breakfast pizza !

    replyreport
    1. 60

       bBereanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I wish we weren't kidding here. It sounds particularly good right about now and I always enjoy good company.

       replyreport