ybnormal

(Noting, the not totally serious disclaimer, still...)

Originally posted by Seeker196
Then again, if it walks like a duck....shouldn't we call it a duck?

Identified, verified, certified Duckus ofcoursus, waaaaay beyond theory.


Do we have some sort of altruistic moral burden to provide R. a chance to 'enlighten' himself in the atheistic mode?

No! Nothing altruistic from this here feller! I don't even think "altruistic" should be considered a legitimate word, because I think it is impossible for anyone to be altruistic. Does that help? I do all my reaching out for my own personally beneficial reasons.


...why must we leap into the flames of self-sacrifice for the feelings of this identified enemy 'other'?

Again, personally, and in this particular case, whatever reaching out I did (note: past tense), had absolutely nothing whatsoever, in any way, shape or form, to do with the "feelings" of this identified enemy, who more correctly I think, is a "self-identified enemy."


...why should we presume to 'reach out' to him? Maybe I'm misinterpreting.

Highly likely, misinterpreting intent. We have one sincere soul, who after the two minute warning, tried to run interference for the visiting team, which was so far behind that the scoreboard was turned off so as to conserve energy... thus, a foreknowingly futile, altho wholly sincere attempt was made to "reach out", again. That provided, certainly to this most humble FOR (Friend Of Rad), complete, total and everlasting relief from what you termed "some sort of... moral burden".

I always try to maintain ownership of this high moral ground when dealing with the inherent bigotry of christianity. This way, I get to inform fine xians, like my good friend Rad, that if and whenever their Judgment Day arrives, they can and most probably will, feel the need to hide behind folks like myself.

This is my personal conviction, in defiance of the xians' bigoted charge that as a nonxian, I am morally bankrupt and incapable of good works, who in the same breath, hypocritically add something about the uselessness of good works.

Christianity = Mass Confusion

Hope this helps unConfuse this one heathen's position.

ybnormal

Suddenly you found yourself under siege from many quarters. Rather than using a precision weapon of accurate knowledge and verifiable evidence, you picked up a shotgun and began blasting at anything that seemed to be attacking you...even when some of those people were actually attempting to help you regain your sense of balance and direction.

Well, THERE it is folks!

ybnormal

However, as America has evolved into a more religiously and non-religiously pluralistic society, those long-time Protestant Christian power brokers and manipulators have recognized that they must embrace a philosophy of inclusion of all Christian faith beliefs, regardless of dogma differences, if Christianity is to continue to dictate (impose) its definitions of ethical and moral beliefs and behavior on every American.

Best damn explanation of, AND best damn understanding of what I have been constantly nagging everyone about the real Biblical America Movement.

If I used smileys, I'd be forced to overload these servers with the one that bows to Mister Buffman for eternity.

Radorth

Buffman, I do agree with your long and thoughtful post, except for the following:

I mostly agree except I think such people are more rare (on both sides) than you do.

I really wish you would not generalize so much. In some cases that is true, in most patently false. Out of context perhaps. Inaccurate, no, except in one case. I have already said I will make it clear Dayton's record is all anecdotal, that is if I ever use it. I don't need it really.

I had Barton's list of questionable quotes over a year ago, and crossed them off my list. I said many times I don't trust Barton's quotes, and IMO one of the big problems here is to assume the worst, and question that assertion. Please, please please, give examples when you make these statements. I think the most you can accuse me of is using too short a context, and one or two people at most got the wrong idea. Certainly no one has said they did.

I never got that. Sorry. But don't worry. God has Sabine to do that, (though I know you won't believe it.) We need more peacemaker's here, not more judges.

(More)

Radorth

I have not intentionally alleged such and certainly don't believe it. If I came across that way, then I apologize. I admit I don't take the time I should with my posts, but the demands made on me here are just ridiculous. My greatest fault is defending myself before every judge. I must learn to suffer fools and not respond to them. If I don't ,I will write too hastily to those who do care about truth.

Rad

Buffman

Thank you for your response.

We all have weaknesses and limitations. Recognizing them is the first step. Doing something about them is the most important step.

Sabine Grant

Hello ybnormal! I hope you mean to say " in defiance of some of the xians' bigoted charge.....". This is how I see the source of the problem. Because a group of individuals who pertain to represent a particular ideology whether it be theism or non theism make such claims that the other side is " morally bankrupt and incapable of good works", we then attribute the comment or prejudicial thinking to the entire group.

You must for your sake and the sake of christians who do not think that way accept that not all christians are caught into that type of bigotry. Some prejudicial remarks are made in this forum in regard to all christians.... fortunatly I realize that those are not representative of atheism but rather individual lack of tolerance. So I guard myself from stereotyping an entire group of individuals based on the individual expression of some.

Our personal experience in daily life with representatives of one group or the other can influence how we feel about the entire group. There too, the more we seek to build relationships with people of all backgrounds the more we cultivate tolerance. The more we seek to understand one another, the more we overturn prejudicial thinking.

Sabine Grant

I agree.

Radorth

I presume you are not speaking to me, since I have already acknowledged some atheists are "better" people than some Christians. I also made the clear unequivocal assertion that in the case of "integrity" it was a "mixed bag."

Er, you are the one who made the general statement that atheists have more integrity than Christians, (as groups). In fact you said it was a "no brainer."

That is rather apt, come to think of it.

:banghead:

I said "the law" was useless I believe. However if we are talking about the requirements for salvation, the only "work" is "to believe on the one he sent." Jesus clearly says that. As it happens, people who have faith automatically have good works. (That is what James was saying, and he does not contradict Paul as I am sure you choose to believe)

Rad

Radorth

My my.

It appears my good friend Yb normal has again failed to tie up his balloon properly.

No thanks, I'll hide behind Jesus, in my wedding garment.

Don't forget yours. You can grab it at the last minute. Jesus is the only saviour who permits that, as you know from many of my posts.

Hope to see you there indeed,

Rad