What You Like About This Forum!

[WinePusher]

Well, there really isn't anything I don't like about this site. The physical layout is very nice, it's easy to read and comprehend posts, the quote system is easy to understand, there's a high level of debate, civility and knowledge on here, and many more things.

If there was one thing we need more of, it would be more diversity in perspective. I'd say that atheists slightly outnumber christians on here, but not by much. However, liberals outnumber conservatives by alot, which is unfortunate, but then again, a part of me likes that.

What are your feelings on this subject?

[cnorman18]

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. . . I think I am becoming a bit more...gulp...tolerant.

I am proud that our Forum has had this effect on you.

A step beyond beyond tolerant is to recognize that no one's beliefs or convictions are NOT guaranteed to be right -- and that ours may not be dead wrong. That casts a different light that removes elitism, divisiveness, competition and conflict that are often associated with feeling that personal beliefs are superior.

This will be a small instance of patting oneself on the back, no doubt, but I'll post it anyway:

That works both ways. I've received more than a few comments, generally (though not always) by PM, from a number of atheists and nontheists who tell me they have become a bit more tolerant of theism themselves, because of my posts and those of other "thinking theists," and have become less inclined to dismiss ALL religious belief as mere simpleminded superstition, childish fantasy, naked irrationality, or what have you. I feel pretty good about that too.

[JoeyKnothead]

This will be a small instance of patting oneself on the back, no doubt, but I'll post it anyway:

That works both ways. I've received more than a few comments, generally (though not always) by PM, from a number of atheists and nontheists who tell me they have become a bit more tolerant of theism themselves, because of my posts and those of other "thinking theists," and have become less inclined to dismiss ALL religious belief as mere simpleminded superstition, childish fantasy, naked irrationality, or what have you. I feel pretty good about that too.

I ain't to proud to 'mit it in public, you've been a great teacher, 'spiritually', intellectually and elsewise.

Let's mention some others...

I came here hating all religious folks, and I mean every dang one of 'em, mommas and all, but I found that cnorman18, otseng, Jester, micatala, Vanguard, Miss Fallibleone, Miss Jrosemary, Joer (God rest), ...who am I missing? show a face of theism I never really knew existed.

I think I'd be rude if I didn't single out myth-one.com here. Through my own misunderstanding I went round and round with him, and he still saw me through with kindness and patience. I've actually learned to respect his theology, even if I disagree on the particulars.

Bottom line? Coming to this site has been one of the defining moments of my life, and I met the man that met Andy Griffith.

[Lux]

This will be a small instance of patting oneself on the back, no doubt, but I'll post it anyway:

That works both ways. I've received more than a few comments, generally (though not always) by PM, from a number of atheists and nontheists who tell me they have become a bit more tolerant of theism themselves, because of my posts and those of other "thinking theists," and have become less inclined to dismiss ALL religious belief as mere simpleminded superstition, childish fantasy, naked irrationality, or what have you. I feel pretty good about that too.

I was just thinking the other day about something related to this. The jews in this forum often take the trouble of clarifying that they have no intention of converting anybody, and their ways illustrate that. However, many of them (and I single out Cnorman, Goat and Jrosemary) display such consistent arguments, such coherency, such respect for different ideas and such knowledge about their heritage/religion, that I can't help but think that if there is one religion with a considerable probabilty of gaining a few converts in this forum, it's Judaism.

[cnorman18]

This will be a small instance of patting oneself on the back, no doubt, but I'll post it anyway:

That works both ways. I've received more than a few comments, generally (though not always) by PM, from a number of atheists and nontheists who tell me they have become a bit more tolerant of theism themselves, because of my posts and those of other "thinking theists," and have become less inclined to dismiss ALL religious belief as mere simpleminded superstition, childish fantasy, naked irrationality, or what have you. I feel pretty good about that too.

I was just thinking the other day about something related to this. The jews in this forum often take the trouble of clarifying that they have no intention of converting anybody, and their ways illustrate that. However, many of them (and I single out Cnorman, Goat and Jrosemary) display such consistent arguments, such coherency, such respect for different ideas and such knowledge about their heritage/religion, that I can't help but think that if there is one religion with a considerable probabilty of gaining a few converts in this forum, it's Judaism.

And the irony is thick in the air.

Old Yiddish saying: "Men make plans... and God laughs."

[fewwillfindit]

My reasons for liking this forum have evolved from my original aspirations when I first joined. I have learned something very valuable in my short time here; that is that my viewpoint doesn't reign like it does in my own little world. I have learned a great deal from not only other Christians whose views differ from mine, and not only from those of other religions, but from non-theists as well.

This forum has opened my eyes to many things of which I was previously unaware, and for that I am grateful. It probably is not evident from my discourse, yet, but I think I am becoming a bit more...gulp...tolerant.

Did I say that?

============================

I think the key factor in finding tolerance versus someone who is intolerant very often is actually seeing and understanding different points of views. You find that the people who are different aren't the big bad old bogyman you made them out to be.

This is so true. It also takes a bit of time to come to fruition. My first week here you and I were engaged in debate, and I remember thinking, "Man, this guy is relentless! He's like a pitbull that locks his jaws and wont let go!" Lol, well, over time I have seen you demonstrate not only a wealth of knowledge and a willingness to use it, but a softer side as well, and I've come to know you as a fair-minded seeker of truth.

Im just curious if your willing to answer, what were your original aspirations?

Hmmm. This one is easy to ask but not so easy to answer. I think, in short, and I'm being very candid here, that I came here with the intent to speak but not to listen. Well, as in any relationship in life, this never works out very well. I have learned a great deal, but the journey isn't over yet.

I do want to say, mormon boy, that I have developed this weird affinity for your posts. I am quite opposed to your religion, yet you have proven to be one of the most pliable, open-minded, non-agenda driven amiable characters I have ever encountered. I do appreciate your attitude.

At some point in the long list of theistic-related points of view I have held, I thought that Christianity (and religion in general) was not compatible with good sense. I realized I was wrong there before I came here, but this forum has most certainly helped that realization grow stronger.

I agree. There are a few Christians here (I am not one of them), who have demonstrated a remarkable ability in articulating their beliefs. They somehow manage to stay the course through very lengthy and time consuming debates while never faltering in their presentation of logic/reasoning/evidence while simultaneously remaing entirely civil and seemingly emotionally detached from the discourse. I have seen them (at least in my opinion) demonstrate that faith and good sense are not at odds with each other. I have learned much from sitting in the bleachers.

.

. . . I think I am becoming a bit more...gulp...tolerant.

I am proud that our Forum has had this effect on you.

A step beyond beyond tolerant is to recognize that no one's beliefs or convictions are NOT guaranteed to be right -- and that ours may not be dead wrong.

Okay, let's not get ahead of ourselves now. [Humor]

[Kuan]

My reasons for liking this forum have evolved from my original aspirations when I first joined. I have learned something very valuable in my short time here; that is that my viewpoint doesn't reign like it does in my own little world. I have learned a great deal from not only other Christians whose views differ from mine, and not only from those of other religions, but from non-theists as well.

This forum has opened my eyes to many things of which I was previously unaware, and for that I am grateful. It probably is not evident from my discourse, yet, but I think I am becoming a bit more...gulp...tolerant.

Did I say that?

============================

Im just curious if your willing to answer, what were your original aspirations?

Hmmm. This one is easy to ask but not so easy to answer. I think, in short, and I'm being very candid here, that I came here with the intent to speak but not to listen. Well, as in any relationship in life, this never works out very well. I have learned a great deal, but the journey isn't over yet.

I do want to say, mormon boy, that I have developed this weird affinity for your posts. I am quite opposed to your religion, yet you have proven to be one of the most pliable, open-minded, non-agenda driven amiable characters I have ever encountered. I do appreciate your attitude.

I figured it would be easy to ask but hard for you to answer so I didnt want you to feel as if I was forcing you to answer! I think this would surprise many here but I actualy came here with the same intention, plus one other. That is a weird affinity, but I appreciate it.

I am somewhat nervous to ask this but if you are ever willing and would want to, would you want to discuss why your quite opposed to my religion?

[fewwillfindit]

Im just curious if your willing to answer, what were your original aspirations?

Hmmm. This one is easy to ask but not so easy to answer. I think, in short, and I'm being very candid here, that I came here with the intent to speak but not to listen. Well, as in any relationship in life, this never works out very well. I have learned a great deal, but the journey isn't over yet.

I do want to say, mormon boy, that I have developed this weird affinity for your posts. I am quite opposed to your religion, yet you have proven to be one of the most pliable, open-minded, non-agenda driven amiable characters I have ever encountered. I do appreciate your attitude.

I figured it would be easy to ask but hard for you to answer so I didnt want you to feel as if I was forcing you to answer! I think this would surprise many here but I actualy came here with the same intention, plus one other. That is a weird affinity, but I appreciate it.

I am somewhat nervous to ask this but if you are ever willing and would want to, would you want to discuss why your quite opposed to my religion?

Perhaps someday we could do that. In the mean time, you could look at the description in my Reformed Fundamentalist user group at the left (excluding TULIP) and compare it to your beliefs. This should answer your question for the most part.

[Kuan]

Im just curious if your willing to answer, what were your original aspirations?

Hmmm. This one is easy to ask but not so easy to answer. I think, in short, and I'm being very candid here, that I came here with the intent to speak but not to listen. Well, as in any relationship in life, this never works out very well. I have learned a great deal, but the journey isn't over yet.

I do want to say, mormon boy, that I have developed this weird affinity for your posts. I am quite opposed to your religion, yet you have proven to be one of the most pliable, open-minded, non-agenda driven amiable characters I have ever encountered. I do appreciate your attitude.

I figured it would be easy to ask but hard for you to answer so I didnt want you to feel as if I was forcing you to answer! I think this would surprise many here but I actualy came here with the same intention, plus one other. That is a weird affinity, but I appreciate it.

I am somewhat nervous to ask this but if you are ever willing and would want to, would you want to discuss why your quite opposed to my religion?

Perhaps someday we could do that. In the mean time, you could look at the description in my Reformed Fundamentalist user group at the left (excluding TULIP) and compare it to your beliefs. This should answer your question for the most part.

I compared them and it wasnt very different at all except for a couple of the definitions.

[fewwillfindit]

I am somewhat nervous to ask this but if you are ever willing and would want to, would you want to discuss why your quite opposed to my religion?

Perhaps someday we could do that. In the mean time, you could look at the description in my Reformed Fundamentalist user group at the left (excluding TULIP) and compare it to your beliefs. This should answer your question for the most part.

I compared them and it wasnt very different at all except for a couple of the definitions.

Then either you are not fully CoJCoLDS or these definitions of which you speak are more significant than you realize. In any case, I would enjoy further discourse on this matter at some point in the future.

[Kuan]

I am somewhat nervous to ask this but if you are ever willing and would want to, would you want to discuss why your quite opposed to my religion?

Perhaps someday we could do that. In the mean time, you could look at the description in my Reformed Fundamentalist user group at the left (excluding TULIP) and compare it to your beliefs. This should answer your question for the most part.

I compared them and it wasnt very different at all except for a couple of the definitions.

Then either you are not fully CoJCoLDS or these definitions of which you speak are more significant than you realize. In any case, I would enjoy further discourse on this matter at some point in the future.

Im not sure what you mean by CoJCoLDS.