Truth or dare

[PureX]

Likewise, you cannot see anything that goes on inside my head either. If you want me to perform a miracle then you will be truely dissapointed. I cannot explain to you in one black and white sentence of all the grey areas of the mind.

The point being that you seem to make lots of assertions about other people and about God, but have no way of backing them up.

My "assumptions" about God could be wrong. That is why it is only an assumption. My home page on my website clearly outlines that I, and others, should NOT be followed. I know as much about the mystery as you do, but I see it differently. God is a state of mind, no?

Does it occur to you that it's somewhat rude and insulting to be making such assertions about how other people's minds work, and about their relationship with God, when in fact you have no way of knowing that your assertions are true?

For example, many atheists would be insulted by the assertion that atheism is just another religion. First of all, atheism is not a religion, by definition. It's a philosophy. And secondly, atheism is based on skepticism, which does not have to be taught to human beings, but comes to us naturally through the process of trial and error.

Given the fact that you don't know any more about what happens inside people's minds, or about the nature and existence of God than anyone else, and that other people's ideas and opinions about such things are equally as valid as your own, shouldn't you then give other people's ideas and opinions the same respect as you give your own?

 

[MysticSang'ha]

Tashe delek and welcome to RF!




Peace,
Mystic

 

[Gee Zee]

The point being that you seem to make lots of assertions about other people and about God, but have no way of backing them up.
Does it occur to you that it's somewhat rude and insulting to be making such assertions about how other people's minds work, and about their relationship with God, when in fact you have no way of knowing that your assertions are true?

For example, many atheists would be insulted by the assertion that atheism is just another religion. First of all, atheism is not a religion, by definition. It's a philosophy. And secondly, atheism is based on skepticism, which does not have to be taught to human beings, but comes to us naturally through the process of trial and error.

Given the fact that you don't know any more about what happens inside people's minds, or about the nature and existence of God than anyone else, and that other people's ideas and opinions about such things are equally as valid as your own, shouldn't you then give other people's ideas and opinions the same respect as you give your own?

It seems to me that it is you, not me, making assumptions. Have you read my books? Do you know my story? Do you know my beliefs? Do your homework before accusing me of anything.

I'm all for intelligent debates, but I'm getting the impression - and I could be wrong - that this is not about my beliefs, but rather your stagnant views on flexibility. What part do you not undrestand?

I - do - not - know ! I - do - not - claim - to - know ! But I do have opinions, just as you do. I don't like dogma - end of story.

You seem to have a philosophy of your own. I'd like to hear it. :yes: Enlighten me please.

 

[kai]

welcome gee zee
i am new here myself but i hope you will enjoy it here as much as i

 

[Gee Zee]

Thank you MysticSang'ha and kai - woohooooo !!!!!!! You're a newby too Kia.

I hope this party plays pass the parcel LOL

 

[Feathers in Hair]

Pass the parcel? Ack, I'm clueless!

Just as a heads-up for everyone, please note that the 'Are you new..?' subforum still tends to be more of a discussion area than a debate one. Please know that you one can make debates regarding topics in the debate areas, where they can be properly... er... debated? *running out of adjectives*

And I apologize for not saying hello sooner! Namaste to you!

 

[zombieharlot]

And hello, Gee Zee! I would've responded earlier, but the title of your thread is misleading. (makes note to look at the category of the thread) I hope you enjoy it here!

 

[Gee Zee]

Will do FeathersinHair. Sorry, just trying to answer PureX's questions.
Zombieharlot, yeah, I see what you mean, but then again, I guess I'm a bit misleading too.

Thank you both!

 

[zombieharlot]

For future reference, it's zombieharlot. No caps.

 

[zombieharlot]

And you're welcome!

 

[PureX]

It seems to me that it is you, not me, making assumptions. Have you read my books? Do you know my story? Do you know my beliefs? Do your homework before accusing me of anything.

I don't need to read your book. You have already admitted yourself that "you don't know". I was merely pointing out that it's rude to make assumptions about how other people think and relate to God when in fact you don't know how they think or relate to God. And I was pointing out that it's rude to claim that atheism is "just another religion" when in fact it's not a religion at all. Such statements (opinions being proposed as facts) don't lend much credibility to whatever theological position you hold, nor to my hopes for an interesting and stimulating conversation about them. But we'll see.

I appreciate that you're willing to say that you "don't know" about these mysteries. They are mysteries to me as well. I'm just wondering why, then, you're making statements that would indicate that you presume to know these things, and I'm pointing out that I think it's a bit arrogant, or rude to do so. That's all.

I'm all for intelligent debates, but I'm getting the impression - and I could be wrong - that this is not about my beliefs, but rather your stagnant views on flexibility. What part do you not undrestand?

I don't understand why you're making rude assertions about other people's beliefs when you have already admitted that you don't know any more about the mystery than they do.

I - do - not - know ! I - do - not - claim - to - know ! But I do have opinions, just as you do. I don't like dogma - end of story.

Well, statements such as these sound fairly dogmatic to me:

"... I have long since come to a higher acceptance of God than any organization could ever bestow upon me ..."

"To answer your question, a higher acceptance of God is NOT man-made because it is something that is within us when we take our first breath. The indoctrination comes later, and it is artificially man made (religious instruction)"

"Atheism is a taught religion just as is any other religion."

... Which is why I asked you that first question about your own views perhaps being your own religion. That's how they appeared to me.

You seem to have a philosophy of your own. I'd like to hear it. Enlighten me please.

Enlightenment doesn't work that way. But I'll share ideas with anyone who I believe is willing to listen.

 

[Feathers in Hair]

Hi, guys! Just popping in to ask if you'd like me to create a debate so that you can further discuss these issues. If not, and you don't wish to create another thread on your own, please stop debating in this section. Thank you.

 

[Gee Zee]

Hi, guys! Just popping in to ask if you'd like me to create a debate so that you can further discuss these issues. If not, and you don't wish to create another thread on your own, please stop debating in this section. Thank you.

It's okay FeathersinHair, thanks, I have nothing further to add to this discussion. He clearly isn't listening and there is no point trying to reason with unreasonable people. :foot: