 |
Business Directory |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coupons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Classifieds |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| | Author | Messages | |
Trogdor!
Posts:294
 | | | GilaGuy
Posts:789
| | 10/03/2007 12:00 PM |
 Alert | Posted By Trogdor! on 10/03/2007 11:08 AM
Eventually, a conversation will wander into "So what church do you go to?" territory. It's at this point that things spiral down into the preaching. It's even worse when you see these people on a regular basis and they make it their mission to "save" you. It's even worse if/when I reveal to them that I'm agnostic!
I am not religious. I do not attend church. Having said that, it has never bothered me in the least when someone asks what religion I am, or what church I go to.
Why? Because I am confident enough in my beliefs to smile at others and explain how I feel when asked. I am not bothered by the curiosity of others, nor am I troubled if they try and convert me. The problem here is not that other people are curious by their nature, it is that you are finding offense in their kindness.
If you want to moan and complain about how awful people are when they try and share their religion with you, that's fine. But the adult reaction would be to kindly and firmly explain that you're happy with your own beliefs, and leave it at that.
There are folks like this on all sides of the spectrum. I've had the vegetarian speech, the abortion speech, the feminist speech, the climate change speech, the religious speech, so on and so forth. This is not a conservative-liberal thing. This is not a religious-agnostic thing. It's a human thing. Folks who are committed like to bring more people to their side. If you can't hack it, tell 'em so. Without baiting or whining.
| | | |
|
| | Copa Conscious
Posts:379
| | 10/03/2007 12:15 PM |
Alert | Posted By GilaGuy on 10/03/2007 12:00 PM Posted By Trogdor! on 10/03/2007 11:08 AM
Eventually, a conversation will wander into "So what church do you go to?" territory. It's at this point that things spiral down into the preaching. It's even worse when you see these people on a regular basis and they make it their mission to "save" you. It's even worse if/when I reveal to them that I'm agnostic! I am not religious. I do not attend church. Having said that, it has never bothered me in the least when someone asks what religion I am, or what church I go to.
Asking personal questions about someones religion is like asking me if my wife likes to wear a collar and bark like a dog when we are 'doing it'.
| | | |
|
| | Trogdor!
Posts:294
| | 10/03/2007 12:17 PM |
Alert | I am confident enough in my beliefs to smile at others and explain how I feel when asked. I am not bothered by the curiosity of others, nor am I troubled if they try and convert me. The problem here is not that other people are curious by their nature, it is that you are finding offense in their kindness.
The asking is not the problem, it's the making it a point to say "I'll pray for you" when I'm clearly not interested. It's that self righteousness. If you want to pray, go ahead; if you want to study the bible, go ahead; just don't act like you're doing me any favors by praying for me or act like you pity me because I'm missing out on believing in your god.
There are folks like this on all sides of the spectrum. I've had the vegetarian speech, the abortion speech, the feminist speech, the climate change speech, the religious speech, so on and so forth.
I've heard those speeches too, but the religious ones are by far the worst. At least the Vegans are telling me that they'll eat more tofu or save a cow to make up for me; or the anti/pro-abortion people aren't performing more abortions or having more babies for me; or the climate change people aren't planting more trees or buying an H2 for me.
I'm more than open to discussion, but there were just some recent posts that finally got me thinking, "Am I the only one that gets annoyed by this?" or "Do these people realize how much others hate being preached to?" | |
 | |
|
| | JillyBean
Posts:375
| | 10/03/2007 12:18 PM |
Alert | Posted By GilaGuy on 10/03/2007 12:00 PM Posted By Trogdor! on 10/03/2007 11:08 AM
Eventually, a conversation will wander into "So what church do you go to?" territory. It's at this point that things spiral down into the preaching. It's even worse when you see these people on a regular basis and they make it their mission to "save" you. It's even worse if/when I reveal to them that I'm agnostic! If you want to moan and complain about how awful people are when they try and share their religion with you, that's fine. But the adult reaction would be to kindly and firmly explain that you're happy with your own beliefs, and leave it at that.
Tried that.. many times.. never works..
| |
Tens of THOUSANDS of pure-bred dogs are killed in shelters in the Us EVERY YEAR!
Do your part
~Spay or Neuter your pets
~DON'T buy animals from irresponsible breeders..
~There is an adoption group for every breed of dog.. | |
|
| | Trogdor!
Posts:294
| |  | Copa Conscious
Posts:379
| | 10/03/2007 12:21 PM |
Alert | Posted By Trogdor! on 10/03/2007 12:19 PM Asking personal questions about someones religion is like asking me if my wife likes to wear a collar and bark like a dog when we are 'doing it'. Since you brought it up... does she??? 
Yes. But you didn't hear it from me. | | | |
|
| | GilaGuy
Posts:789
| | 10/03/2007 12:25 PM |
Alert | Posted By Copa Conscious on 10/03/2007 12:15 PM Posted By GilaGuy on 10/03/2007 12:00 PM Posted By Trogdor! on 10/03/2007 11:08 AM
Eventually, a conversation will wander into "So what church do you go to?" territory. It's at this point that things spiral down into the preaching. It's even worse when you see these people on a regular basis and they make it their mission to "save" you. It's even worse if/when I reveal to them that I'm agnostic! I am not religious. I do not attend church. Having said that, it has never bothered me in the least when someone asks what religion I am, or what church I go to. Asking personal questions about someones religion is like asking me if my wife likes to wear a collar and bark like a dog when we are 'doing it'.
And you'd be free to give the same answers. A succint "that's personal," if you like, or a more verbose explanation of what sorts of things you do or do not prefer. There are plenty of grownup ways to get out of such a conversation. | | | |
|
| | GilaGuy
Posts:789
| | 10/03/2007 12:29 PM |
Alert | Posted By Trogdor! on 10/03/2007 12:17 PM
The asking is not the problem, it's the making it a point to say "I'll pray for you" when I'm clearly not interested. It's that self righteousness. If you want to pray, go ahead; if you want to study the bible, go ahead; just don't act like you're doing me any favors by praying for me or act like you pity me because I'm missing out on believing in your god.
...
I'm more than open to discussion, but there were just some recent posts that finally got me thinking, "Am I the only one that gets annoyed by this?" or "Do these people realize how much others hate being preached to?"
So someone wants to pray for you? So what?! Honestly, I'm not religious by any stretch, but who cares if someone wants to pray for you? Why should any of that bother you? It just seems to me that you're looking for offense, that you're more satisfied with your feelings of personal affront than you'd be in just accepting the kindness (however misguided you feel it may be) of a stranger. If someone wants to pray for you, why worry? It's not as though it is doing you any harm, and you can let them go with their self-satisfaction while you go on about your business. I really, truly, wholly, think you're making way more out of this than there actually is.
Regarding your last comment, I think your earlier belief that preaching is either solely or more heavily relegated to the conservative/republican/christian sectors of society shows that you're less open to debate than you may think. That's a rather closed-minded view that I've yet to see you acknowledge. | | | |
|
| | Jason
Posts:3378
| | 10/03/2007 12:42 PM |
Alert | The asking is not the problem, it's the making it a point to say "I'll pray for you" when I'm clearly not interested. It's that self righteousness.
So is your smarter-than-thou attitude you, JillyBean, BeerLeague and so many other atheists are projecting. | |
Joined: Jul 2005 | |
|
| | Jason
Posts:3378
| | 10/03/2007 12:44 PM |
Alert | Posted By Trogdor! on 10/03/2007 11:59 AM Posted By Jason on 10/03/2007 11:35 AM True. Maybe Christians should start tossing blood, nails and wood at people who insult Christianity?  Or they can bomb abortion clinics and spread hate-speech during funerals. 
Those are a minority of Christians and they do not follow what Jesus said. | |
Joined: Jul 2005 | |
|
| | JAG
Posts:477
| | 10/03/2007 12:46 PM |
Alert | Jag,
It's not just on this forum, but in person as well. Yes, some have answered my questions without being preachy, but others try to inject "God" into everything that they post.
True, I'm not being forced to read this forum, and that's why I don't open up all of those prayer request threads. I believe that if there's a TV show/radio program/magazine/etc. that you find objectionable, then don't watch/listen/read it.
Your describing a human trait. I have had athiests preach to me why I should be a athiest.
My issue with some athiests is they want to constently push their lifestyle and agendas on me. Yes this happens with some Christians as well. But its a person, not the faith. The Faith has produced alot more good then you may think. Look in this country alone, sports, education, medical facilities, charities. They are all founded on former religous activities and I love the fact that they have gone beyond faith and moved into the secular world.
Troggie: I'll have the steak.
Vegan: I'll have the tofu.
T: Tofu?
V: Yeah, I don't eat meat.
T: Not even chicken or fish?
V: Nope.
T: Oh, okay, that's cool.
V: Yeah.
If they were a Vegan who was a member of PETA, you could be very wrong. | | | |
|
| | NEZv69.69
Posts:0
| | 10/03/2007 12:50 PM |
Alert | | I could do without Volleyball and Basketball. Thanks anyways. | | | |
|
| | Trogdor!
Posts:294
| | 10/03/2007 12:54 PM |
Alert | So someone wants to pray for you? So what?! Honestly, I'm not religious by any stretch, but who cares if someone wants to pray for you? Why should any of that bother you?
Because is freakishly annoying! It's like a backhanded compliment. As if there's something wrong with me for not believing in their god. Or the pity me for not having enough faith to believe in "God".
If someone wants to pray for you, why worry? It's not as though it is doing you any harm, and you can let them go with their self-satisfaction while you go on about your business.
I never said that I didn't want them to pray. They can pray until the cows come home... I don't care! Just don't tell me as if you're doing me a favor.
Regarding your last comment, I think your earlier belief that preaching is either solely or more heavily relegated to the conservative/republican/christian sectors of society shows that you're less open to debate than you may think.
Not true. I even agreed with Grilladawg when he said, "I think there is problems on both sides I suppose." Even so, this thread was specifically addressing the religious type, so I don't know why you're dragging conservative/republican into this.
I understand that you think I'm making a big deal out of this and you can just shrug things off and get on with your life. You know what? So can I... 99.99% of the time. I just roll my eyes and move on. But like I said in my previous post, "Am I the only one that gets annoyed by this?" or "Do these people realize how much others hate being preached to?" | |
| |
|
| | JAG
Posts:477
| | 10/03/2007 12:56 PM |
Alert | Posted By JillyBean on 10/03/2007 12:18 PM
Tried that.. many times.. never works..
Sorry I have to call you on that. I have only had 1 time where they did not stop when I told them too.
Are you really telling me that you constently get witnessed to and they would not stop?
| | | |
|
| | JAG
Posts:477
| | 10/03/2007 1:01 PM |
Alert | Posted By Trogdor! on 10/03/2007 11:59 AM Posted By Jason on 10/03/2007 11:35 AM True. Maybe Christians should start tossing blood, nails and wood at people who insult Christianity? Or they can bomb abortion clinics and spread hate-speech during funerals.
Are you attempting to insinuate that those are common actions of Christians? People who have done these things have been condemned by the Whole Christian community, even Farewell condemed Phelps.
Although insteresting Gee Whiz. "rev" Phelps is a registered Democrat who even has run for office in Kansas as a Dem nominee.
| | | |
|
| | Jason
Posts:3378
| | 10/03/2007 1:09 PM |
Alert | Posted By Trogdor! on 10/03/2007 12:54 PM So someone wants to pray for you? So what?! Honestly, I'm not religious by any stretch, but who cares if someone wants to pray for you? Why should any of that bother you? Because is freakishly annoying! It's like a backhanded compliment. As if there's something wrong with me for not believing in their god. Or the pity me for not having enough faith to believe in "God".
So is saying that you don't believe in God because you have common-sense. You're not really in a position to be pointing out something that Christians are doing wrong when you unabashedly do it yourself.
I never said that I didn't want them to pray. They can pray until the cows come home... I don't care! Just don't tell me as if you're doing me a favor.
Actually, you did say not to pray for you. | |
Joined: Jul 2005 | |
|
| | Trogdor!
Posts:294
| | 10/03/2007 1:15 PM |
Alert | Jason,
So is your smarter-than-thou attitude you, JillyBean, BeerLeague and so many other atheists are projecting.
As if you've never come across like this as well? Perhaps I should only use one syllable words for now on. Would I not have a "smarter-than-thou" attitude then?
Jag,
Your describing a human trait. I have had athiests preach to me why I should be a athiest.
None of the non-theists that I know (and I have known many) would/have ever done that. The reason being that we don't have some sort of belief system that compels us to go recruit for our cause. I would say that the majority of non-theists DO NOT CARE what you believe as long as you don't involve them.
The Faith has produced alot more good then you may think. Look in this country alone, sports, education, medical facilities, charities.
- Sports? It must be because every winning team thanks "God". "God" must really like the Saints... except for what he did to New Orleans.
- Education? I can't wait to go to the Creation Museum! I didn't know that people used to ride on dinosaurs!
- Medical facilities? Through donations, maybe. Research, not so much. How's that stem cell research coming along?
- Charities? I think Bill Gates has done more.
If they were a Vegan who was a member of PETA, you could be very wrong.
Except they WERE members of PETA! Not everyone in PETA dumps red paint on fur coats. Besides, can you really complain when some of their protests involve naked chicks in cages?
| |
| |
|
| | Jason
Posts:3378
| | 10/03/2007 1:19 PM |
Alert | Posted By Trogdor! on 10/03/2007 1:15 PM Jason, So is your smarter-than-thou attitude you, JillyBean, BeerLeague and so many other atheists are projecting. As if you've never come across like this as well? Perhaps I should only use one syllable words for now on. Would I not have a "smarter-than-thou" attitude then?
But, get this...I'm not the one making a big deal out of it! I'm not the one who started this thread. | |
Joined: Jul 2005 | |
|
| | JasonY
Posts:1974
| | 10/03/2007 1:22 PM |
Alert | Posted By Copa Conscious on 10/03/2007 11:43 AM Posted By Jason on 10/03/2007 11:35 AM I think there is problems on both sides I suppose...but from what i've seen...it's usually the pestering left which includes gay rights in your face, vegetarians/vegans, PETA people etc. True. Maybe Christians should start tossing blood, nails and wood at people who insult Christianity? And the Catholics can have their priests grope your kids. They like that sort of thing there.
Do you always stereotype groups of people? Do you believe all Muslims are evil because of terrorists? Do you believe all Mexicans are illegal citizens? | |
"Your village called.........they're missing their idiot" | |
|
| |
| | You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
| |
ActiveForums 3.6 |
|
|
|