Introduction

[rexbeccarox]

Seriously, guys. Don't make me post in green any more today. It's getting really old.

[Silver]

But green is so pretty.

[sswhateverlove]

Doesn't seem to be a great way to have a community

It does not seem proper to first introduce yourself before rambling like a know-it-all idiot?

Well, then.....

I honestly didn't assume I would be assessed to be "rambling like a know-it-all idiot" by starting a thread with my thoughts and opinion and asking for feedback.

I didn't need to read all of your bios before deciding that it was worth hearing you out. Generally, I just try to respect people and their opinions.

[Silver]

I honestly didn't assume I would be assessed to be "rambling like a know-it-all idiot" by starting a thread with my thoughts and opinion and asking for feedback.

I didn't need to read all of your bios before deciding that it was worth hearing you out. Generally, I just try to respect people and their opinions.

Your writing style is very familiar, love.

[Exian]

You did comparative religious studies and psychology? You're going to LOVE the professor!

[sswhateverlove]

Ok, so I do respect that you probably get a lot of trolling here with people who want to bash your perspectives without engaging in debate. I can see why the response was so strong from the beginning and why it seemed to be very defensive.

When I wrote my intro, I guess I was taking it personally because I didn't understand why everyone was jumping down my throat. I guess I understand that better now.

So, simply to clarify, I'm not a religious fundamentalist. I do not subscribe to any blind faith in any deity. I do, however, have many things that I have read, seen, learned, been told, experienced that make me lean more toward intelligent design/influence and I hope that you will all respect me enough to hear me out with regard to these things and engage in honest discussion without thinking that I'm meaning to imply things about your views and/or insult you in any way.

Without even needing to read everyone's bios, I do appreciate each of your opinions and if you're willing to engage in honest discussion, I value your feedback. It's nice to meet you

[Silver]

I do, however, have many things that I have read, seen, learned, been told, experienced that make me lean more toward intelligent design/influence and

That is the crux, though. Your opinion is based on mere subjective experience rather than objectiveness that can relate in any way toward reality or truth.

[SteelCurtain]

sswhateverlove, just recognize you are on the internet.

Debates on the internet are not usually rife with respectful tones and platitudes. If you'd like to have a one on one debate, I would throw my hat in the ring, or I would suggest Esquilax as a fantastic option, if you have a specific topic in mind.

My advice, when posting or responding in these discussion threads, keep your premise simple, one or two points. That way you don't have 30 people attacking 30 different issues. Also, respond with a quality vs quantity tactic. Amidst all the clutter, you will invariably find one or two (maybe more) people that are attempting to engage you seriously. Engage those people, ignore the jibes and jests.

Lastly, and most importantly, don't make assumptions about what others think. Obviously, you have your own assumptions. Labeling them as such before you move on is helpful.

[JesusHChrist]

Ok, so I do respect that you probably get a lot of trolling here with people who want to bash your perspectives without engaging in debate. I can see why the response was so strong from the beginning and why it seemed to be very defensive.

When I wrote my intro, I guess I was taking it personally because I didn't understand why everyone was jumping down my throat. I guess I understand that better now.

So, simply to clarify, I'm not a religious fundamentalist. I do not subscribe to any blind faith in any deity. I do, however, have many things that I have read, seen, learned, been told, experienced that make me lean more toward intelligent design/influence and I hope that you will all respect me enough to hear me out with regard to these things and engage in honest discussion without thinking that I'm meaning to imply things about your views and/or insult you in any way.

Without even needing to read everyone's bios, I do appreciate each of your opinions and if you're willing to engage in honest discussion, I value your feedback. It's nice to meet you

Welcome SSwhatever. That (^^) intro sounded sincere and empathetic to our plight. Yes, we do get hit on by numerous and vile trolls. The only reasonable response is to torture them into submission. We actually....like it, in a twisted perverse sort of way.

I think you'll find us not at all a bad bunch with many very intelligent people, excluding myself of course. I'm the forum village idiot; best at falling backwards off walls and foaming at the mouth, lardy bardy bandersnatch!

[bladevalant546]

^I will have what he is drinking!