(October 10, 2014 at 11:22 am)ShaMan Wrote: I appreciate everyone who has been kind toward me and shown me friendship, given kudos, reputation credit and so on. I have shared my thoughts, opinions, and ideas here on these forums, and for the most part I have remained popular and liked not only because I occasionally have good or funny things to say, but perhaps more so because I have not stirred the waters of controversy with my forum contributions. I have deliberately amended my input on several heated topics specifically to avoid confrontation, and I feel now as though I have in some ways traded my sincerity for popularity, thus following the herd.
From this point on, I intend to continue offering my true and sincere personality as I have done thus far, however, I will no longer hold my tongue when I see bullies ganging up on people and ideas they disagree with, simply for the purpose of posturing and positioning oneself above the other. I realize that there are some outlandish beliefs in the world, and one of them that I have seen is the belief that atheists are in some way better, or intellectually superior to theists, and therefore theists deserve to have their beliefs ridiculed. It goes both ways. To theists, the atheist view is ridiculous, yet many, if not most theists on these boards do not ridicule atheists simply for their differing beliefs. I suspect that many atheists would not jump on the bashing bandwagon if the herd were not already engaged in said behavior.
I suppose I will be addressed for making this post, and perhaps that is what is needed, and I invite those who would inquire, to seek clarification first if I've said something that is unclear or requires greater detail in explaining, rather than simply misconstruing something I've said and therefore start a flame situation. And yes, I realize that atheists don't think they're attacking the person, but rather the belief - I can tell you for certain, that when you ridicule something a person holds sacred, you are ridiculing that person at the deepest level possible.
I understand what you're trying to say. Coming from a Christian background, I remember my identity (and my ego) being wrapped up in my religious beliefs. If someone 'offended' God, I'd get offended. I agree with you here that one's beliefs can sometimes feel like a second skin. But understand though too, that these forums are all about debates. lol And it's a forum whereby atheists are the dominant status. As a religious person, you should know that going in, and respect it for what it is. I post on a Christian forum, but I'm respectful that I'm in the minority there...by a long shot. lol
Having said that, they're pretty gracious and hospitable to atheists, I have to say...but I've seen personal attacks and insults from both sides, on occasion. There are areas where atheists are not permitted at all, and it would be silly for me to protest that. It's a site for Christians. lol
So, if theists come here with a preachy attitude, and desire to go on the offense with atheists...they shouldn't be that shocked as to the outcome. I don't like herd mentality, don't like bullying. I can't honestly say I've seen bullying here. If that happens, it seems like people are temp or perma banned. Idk.
Your views have always seemed reasonable to me, but I had no idea you're not an atheist.
I thought you were spiritual, but an atheist. Learn something new everyday.
