God

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Steve, why is getting along with everyone so important? Respect to bro Dean, but he usually doesn't say much more than "chopfcuk" or "you are right thinking etc etc" so that's a good way to stay on everyone's good side. Also, since he's usually in on the sex jokes in random threads, he's obviously upset people like Stina (whose post I agreed with 100% despite the fact that it was mostly in response to me and my distaste for Christianity, although if people insist on being xtian, I'd like more of them to act like she does).

Intolerance is saying people shouldn't be able to express who they are and their opinions. I never said Christians should be shot. But I don't feel I have to respect beliefs I think are completely nutty. I respect your right to hold them, but I think they're silly. I'm sorry. (No I'm not.)

I think we all know how everyone feels about religion, one way or another and I don't see too many Christians coming on here proclaiming what they believe in and then putting down those who don't agree with them. The few times that it happens, they quickly get scrutinized for coming on here to start trouble. Stina and Cassie don't come on here doing that ...it's usually some noob who doesn't know anybody and is either clueless or callous about other's here, so I wonder where is there this constant need by some 'regulars' to keep professing there views against religion? What purpose does it serve if we already know this is how you feel about it? Nobody's going to get converted to one side or the other when it comes to religion by doing so.

[Jenn! 918]

It does go both ways. If you're not God-fearing, then you're morally depraved. Also, atheism is just chic, like homosexuality apparently.

Often one's religious beliefs come up for argument when someone wants to hit you where it hurts. In moments like those, unfortunately, I don't think a whole lot of thought is given to those with whom one has no beef but happen to hold similar religious beliefs.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

There is no god.

All I know is that people who claim that there's no God suddenly start praying when something bad happens to them...

ditto!

Maybe weak people. That's what religion is for. Filling a gap humans are too weak-minded to fill themselves.

You know, I pretty much keep my mouth shut about my faith and belief in God on this board. You don't see me calling people names or ridiculing them in some form or fashion if they make it clear that they do not share my beliefs. Apparently the same respect can't/won't be given to me and other fellow Christians in return on this board.

This is not a new thing, I've been in VJ for a long long time and realized that this was the case, and I've kept my peace. But between this thread and the gay pride parade, I have reached my limit.

I am not a weak, uneducated, intolerant sheep.

Amen to your post, especially the bolded. Yeah I am getting to a breaking point and am frustrated and don't even want to post here as much anymore. It's not that anything here has changed, it's just I don't know how much more I want to take. It's not worth it, why should I choose to participate so often in a place where my views are in the minority, where I am tired of seeing sexual innuendos constantly, seeing inappropriate pictures in threads where they have no place when my husband is sitting next to me reading wondering what happened to VJ and why are there those kinds of pics on threads that have nothing to do with it, and am treated as stupid b/c of my beliefs. I can't say I'll go away b/c I am addicted but I also like some ppl here and want to keep up with their lives. I know I am ranting but I have never felt so annoyed by VJ before than I have lately. Rant over and people think what you want about my freak out.

I can totally empathize with your's and Cassie's sentiments, but because this is an open board and people post their opinions, sometimes people will get offended and perhaps even outraged. Some of the opinions here in this thread are lacking of tolerance which is kind of ironic coming from some people.

What I see missing lately is the camaraderie that many who've been here awhile have enjoyed. It's like people dig themselves into their ideological trenches and decide that anyone they don't agree with on things must be their enemy...then it becomes a, "I don't give a rats ####### what you think - I'll speak my mind how I like," attitude. I'm not sure what to do but I've always looked up to brother Dean whose been someone everyone here is on friendly terms with. Maybe there's too much expressing opinions here and not enough friendly, non-controversial discussions?

I don't get offended really easily, honestly I don't. But I am getting very tired of of being called intolerant by people being very intolerant themselves.

I probably will never be able to explain my faith to everyone's satisfaction, and that's fine, I understand that. But stop calling me weak, stupid, etc etc because I have a personal relationship with God.

/end rant

I am missing the widespread friendly comraderie as well. I find that once someone gets a label (liberal and conservative being the favourites), it gets constantly brought up in the weirdest places, like "you can't possibly think THIS way, you're a [insert label] here". For example, Marc just made a comment about Alex: "She is so deep in left field all you can hear is a faint echo." Was that really necessary?? maybe I am reading too much into stuff, I don't know. I blame the constant barrage of political threads for this!

What many fail to realize is that many people are a mix of things and can't be fit into a box. I think what makes Brother Dean special is that he may disagree with a person, but manages to let you know that he sees where you may coming from and that is equally legitimate. Does that make sense?

Yep. The personalities here often remind me of Bob Newhart (70's show), and Dean is the Doctor trying to keep us all from killing each other.

[Peikko 1,575]

Steve, atheists aren't trying to convert religious people to atheism. However, some religious people promote intollerant views and site their religion as an infallible reason for holding these views. If you expect me to allow them to do that unchallenged, then quite frankly, you are going to be disappointed.

[Jenn! 918]

Right, otherwise, "because it says so in the Bible" would just be the end to any discussion, wouldn't it?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Can I post my Mohammad cartoon in this thread?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Steve, atheists aren't trying to convert religious people to atheism. However, some religious people promote intollerant views and site their religion as an infallible reason for holding these views. If you expect me to allow them to do that unchallenged, then quite frankly, you are going to be disappointed.

Which intolerant views from religious people in this thread are you challenging?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

[Peikko 1,575]

Don't be facetious Steven, the 'gay' thread was cited, you know that. I didn't see anyone shooting the messenger on this thread either, just the message.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Yeah religious people are cool. God, OTOH, is a ######. Can I say ######?

I guess not.

[Teacher Mark 53]

I'm busy clinging to my gun right now. Ask me about God next week.

I still got it!

For the record I don't own a gun (except the one the Drill Sergeant told me was for fun)!

[*JG* 2]

It is often stated that Augustine, when asked what God was doing before the Creation, answered "Preparing Hell for people who ask questions like that" (or variations). In fact Augustine mentions this joke (Confessions, Book 11, ch. 12) in order to deplore making a laughing-stock of those who ask serious questions. (His own answer to the question is in terms of "before" being meaningless, since time was created with the world.)

Source

Do you agree with Augustine of Hippo? Or do you have another theory about what God may have been busy with before the Creation?

Sure, why not.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

If God exists, then doesn't it stand to reason (insofar as a belief in God can be considered reasonable) that He also created Time, and therefore before Creation there was nothing? Shunya, as the Vedas refer to it. Literal translation: zero.

[almaty 19]

i always like ted and bill...

be excellent to each other...

[Alhamdulillah 0]

There is no god.

All I know is that people who claim that there's no God suddenly start praying when something bad happens to them...