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Norfolk And Chance

That's the point about praying isn't it? I don't want anyone praying for me but realise I cannot stop them praying for me in private, and in reality it isn't going to harm me or help me. HOWEVER, when people make a point of saying out loud and publically "I will pray for you" that is when I view it as sometimes being used as a weapon or a put down, rather than a heartfelt private gesture. In answer to point 2, my view would be pray all you like but don't be telling us all about it.

Rhythm

LOL, boy do christians love to "pray for others" - but only when it's very visible. I'm with Pad on this one- pray for you/fuck you, all the same.

Sciwoman

Christian, you will be taken more seriously if you take this to heart: "Much better to have the ability to think critically, than the ability to quote scripture. One says you have a functioning mind. The other says you're a parrot." -- The Secular Buddhist

**Stimbo**

1) Biblespam? Meh. You can spout that stuff if it helps. However, without demonstrating why it should be regarded as an authority, or at the very least why you think so, we are equally justified countering with Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and whatever else we can draw from, all with equal authority (perhaps more, since much of proper science fiction contains messages, warnings and moral teachings written specifically to raise consciousness about some aspect of the human condition). Apologies for the horrible run-on sentence.

2) If you want to pray for me, just do it. The only reason I can see for you to tell everyone about it is for attention: "Hey look at me, everyone, I'm announcing my perceived superiority over this poor sinner! Aren't I the hero!" Whatever the rules say on that point, as far as I'm concerned that's preaching. After all, why would you even bother if you didn't think there was something broken in me that praying is supposed to fix?

3) Quoting from authority: see point 1. The authority figure preferably needs to be an actual authority in whatever field is relevant, as opposed to someone with an opinion who may happen to have a fancy title. Caveat: appealing to authority in lieu of an actual argumental position is indeed a logical fallacy. The quoted authority by itself is not a single-shot argument-ending checkmate move.

Minimalist

Quote:Bible is the infallible word of God

[Image: the_miracle_of_circular_reasoning.jpg]

What an asshole.

padraic

Quote:The rules are pretty clear on what not to do on this forum. Just needed some specific questions to be answered. Is it allowed to:

1) Quote verses from the Bible to support my arguments? Bible is the infallible word of God (for me) so it would be a very good tool for me to support my views.

Of course you may quote the bible. However, please remember that this is an atheist forum and people tend not to believe in god(s). That means we also tend to have a problem with the notion of revealed truth. I for one do not accept the bible as credible evidence or proof in a discussion.

Quote:2) Pray for others? It's my Christian duty to pray for others, so can I do the same on this forum?

By all means,pray your heart out. However,be aware that telling an atheist "I'll pray for you" is a red rag to a bull,and seen as patronising. People here may say very unkind things,

Quote:3) Use quotations from Authority to support my views? My Pastor is my source of inspiration and knowledge so I would like to use some references from him in discussions.

Your pastor is NOT recognised as an authority here. Dogmatic beliefs are the sign of a fool,not a wise man,which is how he seems from what you have said.. Perhaps have another go at thinking for yourself.

Nobody is telling you what to do,apart from obeying our rules. We owe you nothing. If you are unable to follow our rules,please leave. If you post drivel like most of our other resident believers,your arguments WILL be attacked without mercy.

**Shell B**

Quote:1) Quote verses from the Bible to support my arguments? Bible is the infallible word of God (for me) so it would be a very good tool for me to support my views.

Of course that is okay. However, there are a few caveats here. It can certainly be a wonderful and indeed the best tool to support your views. However, to support an argument that basically involves anything other than "that is what the Bible says," you would be better off with more credible sources. I say this because your belief in it as the true word of god has no bearing on whether what it contains is factual. Citing studies, statistics, experts, etc. is always a better choice. You will be taken more seriously that way.

Quote:2) Pray for others? It's my Christian duty to pray for others, so can I do the same on this forum?

As Tiberius said, it is not against the rules. I personally find it creepy, though. Firstly, you do not know me, so revolving your presumably well wishes around me is eerie. Furthermore, you believe prayers can be answered and do not know what I want for myself. Therefore, in a way, you would be trying to make it so your wishes for me come true while being completely oblivious of my own wishes, which I find thoughtless and rude. I am okay with family members praying for me, as it makes them feel better and I love them. I don't know you. Please don't be creepy about me.

Quote:3) Use quotations from Authority to support my views? My Pastor is my source of inspiration and knowledge so I would like to use some references from him in discussions.

Authority is one thing. Inspiration is another. I prefer expert opinions. Your pastor is presumably an expert in scripture. For anything other than that, such as life advice, I would simply keep that advice to yourself or share it with people who ask for it. It is not against the rules, but I for one will not pay attention to your pastor quotes unless you are using them under the express understanding that they are anecdotal and by no means constitute fact simply because he said it.

Minimalist

Quote:You will be taken more seriously that way.

He doesn't want to be taken seriously, darlin'. He's a jesus freak with a martyr complex.

Erinome

(25th March 2012 13:54)Norfolk And Chance Wrote: That's the point about praying isn't it? I don't want anyone praying for me but realise I cannot stop them praying for me in private, and in reality it isn't going to harm me or help me. HOWEVER, when people make a point of saying out loud and publically "I will pray for you" that is when I view it as sometimes being used as a weapon or a put down, rather than a heartfelt private gesture. In answer to point 2, my view would be pray all you like but don't be telling us all about it.

People who have nothing to say should refrain from giving wordy evidence of that fact.

"I will be praying for you."

blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah, that's what it sounds like you said to me...

**Shell B**

(26th March 2012 01:47)Minimalist Wrote: He doesn't want to be taken seriously, darlin'. He's a jesus freak with a martyr complex.

You are most likely correct. I sure do want to have conversations here that aren't all "god says that" "I'm irritated, so I'm right," blah, blah, blah. Any thread that has to do with politics, sex or religion is utterly destroyed by feelings and lack of accountability. *shrugs*