Christians: Does this insult you?

[Unveiled Artist]

Christians only please.
Wound this insult you if a non-christian gave this to you because of your faith in god?

My co-worker/friend introduced me to this social media thing called Instragram. I'm not really a social media person; but, I downloaded as an app on my phone. It was nice. I can put quotes and things like that. So, I sent this quote to my very very Christian friend thinking she would like the quote itself.

She messaged me on the app unspet saying, "I respect your being an atheist, your buddhism, your ring (pentacle on my pinky). I never talked down to you before." and she went on about how this quote was a mockery to her.

Then I told her I was confused. How can a quote about god be a mockery to a christian?

She also mentioned Emerson was a transentualist (or believe god is everything or something or other). But the quote doesn't even mention about god is in everything. It's just saying that Emerson rather spend time with god before hearing man talk about god.

I can't even talk to her about it. I mean, sometimes I think it's me but this one completely got me. I was in a good mood coming home. Went skating to get the stress off, but now given all other stresses, got to go back into the hospital, neurologist saying everything Im experiencing is all in my head, and stuff.. so much negtivity in the place I live already... talk about death and sickness all the time.

My friend told me a lot of private things about her life and I thought everything is cool.

Anyway, from first glance, Christians, does this insult you or would you take it as an insult if a non-christian friend gave this to you? Would you be insulted if a non-christian gave you anything about god (in a good way)? Why or why not?

I mean, one time I had a friend and I told her couple of years ago after she just gave her life to Christ, why doesn't she come to Church with me sometime. (This is when I went to the Church) and she said that was an insult.

So, I'm thinking, what am I saying wrong?

I have to be brutally honest. I only get this type of thing from Christians. What is it about that?

 

[Thana]

Christians only please.
Wound this insult you if a non-christian gave this to you because of your faith in god?

My co-worker/friend introduced me to this social media thing called Instragram. I'm not really a social media person; but, I downloaded as an app on my phone. It was nice. I can put quotes and things like that. So, I sent this quote to my very very Christian friend thinking she would like the quote itself.

She messaged me on the app unspet saying, "I respect your being an atheist, your buddhism, your ring (pentacle on my pinky). I never talked down to you before." and she went on about how this quote was a mockery to her.

Then I told her I was confused. How can a quote about god be a mockery to a christian?

She also mentioned Emerson was a transentualist (or believe god is everything or something or other). But the quote doesn't even mention about god is in everything. It's just saying that Emerson rather spend time with god before hearing man talk about god.

I can't even talk to her about it. I mean, sometimes I think it's me but this one completely got me. I was in a good mood coming hope. Went skating to get the stress off, but now given all other stresses, got to go back into the hospital, neurologist saying everything Im experiencing is all in my head, and stuff.. so much negtivity in the place I live already... talk about death and sickness all the time.

My friend told me a lot of private things about her life and I thought everything is cool.

Anyway, from first glance, Christians, does this insult you or would you take it as an insult if a non-christian friend gave this to you? Would you be insulted if a non-christian gave you anything about god (in a good way)? Why or why not?

I mean, one time I had a friend and I told her couple of years ago after she just gave her life to Christ, why doesn't she come to Church with me sometime. (This is when I went to the Church) and she said that was an insult.

So, I'm thinking, what am I saying wrong?

I have to be brutally honest. I only get this type of thing from Christians. What is it about that?

No I don't find it offensive, But I can see how others might.
Either way, It's not exactly a compliment to Christian ideals.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

No I don't find it offensive, But I can see how others might.
Either way, It's not exactly a compliment to Christian ideals.

Please explain?

 

[Deidre]

If one's faith begins and ends at church services, then I'd imagine he/she would be offended.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

If one's faith begins and ends at church services, then I'd imagine he/she would be offended.

Hm. Coming from Catholic practice, I took it to mean spending time with god is better than man preaching. Spending time with god before sermon type of thing.

I dont see where that can be interpreted in the quote?

Kinda like when you see people praying individually before Mass.

 

[Deidre]

Hm. Coming from Catholic practice, I took it to mean spending time with god is better than man preaching. Spending time with god before sermon type of thing.

I dont see where that can be interpreted in the quote?

I agree, I like the quote. I agree with your assessment of the quote, too. I'm thinking that for many Christians, it can be that they are on the defensive because of how Christianity is treated overall ...in the west. (not favorably in the media, etc)

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I agree, I like the quote. I agree with your assessment of the quote, too. I'm thinking that for many Christians, it can be that they are on the defensive because of how Christianity is treated overall ...in the west. (not favorably in the media, etc)

Yeah. She wasnt looking at the context. She was looking at the author. She was like why would I send her a quote when it wasnt from a man of god (which I didnt know).

I mean. When she was going through terribe times I said "lets pray". But she said nicely that it doesnt feel right to her praying with a woman not of god. So i respected that.

This, though.. If I said "god bless" wouldnt god bless her the same no matter what I personally believe?

Or is that not christian teaching?

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Hm. Coming from Catholic practice, I took it to mean spending time with god is better than man preaching. Spending time with god before sermon type of thing.

I dont see where that can be interpreted in the quote?

Kinda like when you see people praying individually before Mass.

I'm the WRONG person to be answering this, so I'm gonna keep it high level rather than directly talk about Catholics. Some beliefs allow for a direct and personal relationship with God, where church is effectively a 'nice to have'. Other religions see it as a more integral part of that relationship. I suspect any religions who see their church as integral to building a relationship with God could see this as almost heretical.

Having said that, people are too precious. If she's really upset, a simple conversation would be the correct response so you'd at least know what her point was.

 

[Deidre]

Yeah. She wasnt looking at the context. She was looking at the author. She was like why would I send her a quote when it wasnt from a man of god (which I didnt know).

I mean. When she was going through terribe times I said "lets pray". But she said nicely that it doesnt feel right to her praying with a woman not of god. So i respected that.

This, though.. If I said "god bless" wouldnt god bless her the same no matter what I personally believe?

Or is that not christian teaching?

You know, probably depends on the person. I'm grateful to have explored many religions, and beliefs over the past few years, and even identified as an atheist, because while I consider myself a Christian now, I feel less rigid and more open minded to what others think. Not that your friend isn't, but often times people get more caught up in a prescribed idea of a god, and so much can be lost that way.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I'm the WRONG person to be answering this, so I'm gonna keep it high level rather than directly talk about Catholics. Some beliefs allow for a direct and personal relationship with God, where church is effectively a 'nice to have'. Other religions see it as a more integral part of that relationship. I suspect any religions who see their church as integral to building a relationship with God could see this as almost heretical.

Having said that, people are too precious. If she's really upset, a simple conversation would be the correct response so you'd at least know what her point was.

True. I tried. Where we work, a lot of people listen and gossip. Got some of us staff in trouble. I texted her and said can I call since i obviously was confused about the issue and knew she has impulses and gets mad easily. I hate a cold shoulder, but I can kinda handle it if I knew what the problem really was.

I dont even know how to approach it. She is more the type that will judge truth by a person's behavior rather than asking them directly.

She also said I took a couple of jabs at her. I tried to ask what jabs. No answer.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

True. I tried. Where we work, a lot of people listen and gossip. Got some of us staff in trouble. I texted her and said can I call since i obviously was confused about the issue and knew she has impulses and gets mad easily. I hate a cold shoulder, but I can kinda handle it if I knew what the problem really was.

I dont even know how to approach it. She is more the type that will judge truth by a person's behavior rather than asking them directly.

She also said I took a couple of jabs at her. I tried to ask what jabs. No answer.

Yeah, I don't like the cold shoulder thing. Is it worth just very nicely telling her you would like to talk about it, but you understand she needs some space, and then basically ignore her for a while?

 

[Unveiled Artist]

You know, probably depends on the person. I'm grateful to have explored many religions, and beliefs over the past few years, and even identified as an atheist, because while I consider myself a Christian now, I feel less rigid and more open minded to what others think. Not that your friend isn't, but often times people get more caught up in a prescribed idea of a god, and so much can be lost that way.

I think so too. Whats odd, but I let it go, is she said she only wants to hear god-related topics and such but watches murder and such on t.v. I mean, in my faith Im trying to get out of watching things that will keep me from gaining insight to myself but the confliction...

You have a point. She hasnt had that array of what others believe. I mean her niceness comes off like she has an "agenda" of finding out if people really believe in other religions or are they faking it. She doesnt seem to accept people do not believe in god. She respects me but doesnt want to (as told) see things from others perspective unless they are people of god.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Yeah, I don't like the cold shoulder thing. Is it worth just very nicely telling her you would like to talk about it, but you understand she needs some space, and then basically ignore her for a while?

The last suggestion works better. Its not my cup of tea because I delt with "closeted feelings" for years and found out after moving out, I still do. Its making me sick/ill. I just dont like holding grudges. I mean, Im trying to grow in my faith..trying to be patient and compassionate. Even on RF.

But yea, I tried the first advice. Have to go with the other.

 

[Reflex]

Insulting? IMO, any Christian who finds that insulting knows virtually nothing about Christianity.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

She texted me just now saying the quote didnt feel right in her spirit. She said she was stressed. I dont know why. Just hate the mysteries and cold shoulders

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Insulting? IMO, any Christian who finds that insulting knows virtually nothing about Christianity.

I wouldnt way that but Id say that looking at content would. I dont know.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

This is why she was upset: http://philosophyisnotaluxury.com/2009/02/11/ralph-waldo-emerson-spiritual-but-not-religious/

Wish I knew beforehand

 

[Reflex]

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

No I don't find it offensive, But I can see how others might.
Either way, It's not exactly a compliment to Christian ideals.

When I first read it, my first reaction was to take it as praising Christian ideals: specifically Quaker-style "waiting worship".

I've been to Quaker meetings for worship where nobody spoke at all... they just sat and silently prayed and meditated for an hour. Nobody felt guided to get up and speak, so nobody did.

I've heard much more criticism of preaching (and preachers) from religious people than I've ever heard from the non-religious.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Christians only please.
Wound this insult you if a non-christian gave this to you because of your faith in god?

My co-worker/friend introduced me to this social media thing called Instragram. I'm not really a social media person; but, I downloaded as an app on my phone. It was nice. I can put quotes and things like that. So, I sent this quote to my very very Christian friend thinking she would like the quote itself.

She messaged me on the app unspet saying, "I respect your being an atheist, your buddhism, your ring (pentacle on my pinky). I never talked down to you before." and she went on about how this quote was a mockery to her.

Then I told her I was confused. How can a quote about god be a mockery to a christian?

She also mentioned Emerson was a transentualist (or believe god is everything or something or other). But the quote doesn't even mention about god is in everything. It's just saying that Emerson rather spend time with god before hearing man talk about god.

I can't even talk to her about it. I mean, sometimes I think it's me but this one completely got me. I was in a good mood coming home. Went skating to get the stress off, but now given all other stresses, got to go back into the hospital, neurologist saying everything Im experiencing is all in my head, and stuff.. so much negtivity in the place I live already... talk about death and sickness all the time.

My friend told me a lot of private things about her life and I thought everything is cool.

Anyway, from first glance, Christians, does this insult you or would you take it as an insult if a non-christian friend gave this to you? Would you be insulted if a non-christian gave you anything about god (in a good way)? Why or why not?

I mean, one time I had a friend and I told her couple of years ago after she just gave her life to Christ, why doesn't she come to Church with me sometime. (This is when I went to the Church) and she said that was an insult.

So, I'm thinking, what am I saying wrong?

I have to be brutally honest. I only get this type of thing from Christians. What is it about that?

Yeah... I don't know. Without knowing Emerson's background, I'd be inclined to think he was praising meditative prayer, or making some point about the "still, small voice" of God.