David Mathews

Hello Helen,

David: Yes, it is moral to do so and even necessary at times.

When people become provoked and emotional they reveal their weaknesses to their own self and also to others. Wise people examine their thoughts, words and actions to discern their weaknesses and alleviate them. Once they gain a better understanding of their own character they can make improvements.

I speak as a person who has had hot buttons and in times past has observed how people have pressed those buttons and even exploited them to my own disadvantage. I realized that the fault in all cases rested in myself: When I got angry, I allowed myself to become angry; when I became upset, it was by my own conscious or subconscious choice.

I am not here to harm or insult you, Helen. I am not your enemy. I am not Tricia's enemy either.

I don't consider anyone on these boards an enemy, nor do I consider anyone reprehensible, evil, depraved, crazy, irrational or worthless.

I don't regard you as crazy. Not by any means.

David: It is proper to test people to determine the strength of their character. Humans have been doing so for many thousands and tens of thousands of years.

Best Regards,

David Mathews

David Mathews

Hello brighid,

[quote]I do not think it is wrong, per say to deliberately attempt to push someone’s buttons in order to elicit a response. ... & etc.

David: I enjoyed reading your posts because you evidently put a lot of thought in it. I don't mind criticism. I won't object to anyone's criticism of myself.

Best Regards,

David Mathews

David Mathews

Hello 99Percent,

David: I don't feel it is my responsibility to convert anyone on this board. I came here to talk with atheists and that is exactly what I am doing.

David: Astute observation which is worthy of everyone's attention.

Best Regards,

David Mathews

David Mathews

[Hllo Typhon,

David: The emotions of atheists are very instructive especially when the shackles of restraint are broken by anger.

David: True indeed. And the corollary priniples:

Irreligion/atheism doesn't necessary make someone intolerant and hateful, but it does often give people an excuse for their intolerance and hatred. Atheists can and do display intolerance and hatred towards Christiand and many others.

Sincerely,

David Mathews

David Mathews

Hello Helen,

David: Do you suppose that atheists might want a little discernment for their own selves so that they may not pick up anything hateful through being an atheist?

Best Regards,

David Mathews

DRFseven

Atheism doesn't describe being something; it's a description of NOT being something. Christianity, on the other hand, involves being a lot of things.

HelenM

I believe there are many people here with the maturity and self-control to consciously choose not to be negatively influenced by what they regard as 'hateful' in others.

I'm not sure I understand your question, though, so it's hard for me to judge whether I answered it or not.

love
Helen

99Percent

David Mathews thesis is that atheists are full of hate toward God and that is why we are so bent into our atheism. And that by exploring this supposed hate, atheists would be "free" to search God again. That is why he is so intent in pushing our buttons, in order for us release this hate and be with God again.

However, hate comes from real things in the real world. I would ask David Mathews that he confront his real hate in his life instead of masking it with imaginary love toward an imaginary being.

joedad

Hello Helen.

My personal view is that David is here pushing his own buttons. I think he's searching and learning just like everyone else.

Is it "moral" and socially acceptable to push those buttons on others? Sure. I think in the end it teaches self-control if nothing else.

But I've decided that David is a troll. That doesn't mean, however, that I can't learn something new, even if prompted by a troll, and even if my buttons are being pushed in the process.

And it doesn't really seem to be a matter of being moral or having social acceptance. If you're really interested in the subject matter and there's a genuine sharing of information and experience, most people will overlook a button being pushed. It's just unimportant within that context, however satisfying. But with David I don't get responses to what I consider valid questions and observations, and I had enough of that being raised Roman Catholic.

I don't know how David would come across face to face, whether he'd be one of those in-your-face fundy types such as I see in a local "assembly," or whether he'd just be willing to sit and yack. But judging from the brevity of his posts, and not having checked out his home page, I'm led to believe the conversation would fizzle. So maybe a good button-pushing would then be in order.

joe

[edited for clarity - I hope]

[ July 26, 2002: Message edited by: joedad ]</p>

Novowels

People have buttons?

Is it a TURBO button?

Everything should have a TURBO button.

Frankly, I'd like DM to stay away from my TURBO button, though.

-William