GoodK
Sorry it has taken so long to reply. Been gone since Friday doing missionary work.
Doug, I hope you can understand that sometimes tone and attitude do not translate accurately on the internet or in emails.
I understand that all too well. I've had years of experience... even before the Internet was public, I ran a BBS for years. That's why I try to give the benefit of the doubt. As I said, if you don't mean to come across that way, the way you were wording things made it seem otherwise. That was an invitation on my part for you to clarify your true intent.
I don't know if this is a continuation of your ad hominem and diagnosis of my pysche, or if you really do feel hostility from me.
First, I am not practicing ad hominem. Second, I never diagnosed your psyche. I said generally when I find people expending energy participating on a board that is evidently intended to be a discussion place for a religion they do not believe in, trying to pick it apart, there is something going on inside them that needs to be dealt with... a hurt, or anger... I did not say you were doing this. It was for you to judge. As I said. If this is not the case, then I was curious to know what did drive you to expend energy doing so here. Is it entertainment? Or what.... because I seriously don't know. Just curious.
Jesus was a teacher of the golden rule... treat others as you would have them treat you. I guess I felt like you were making unfair judgments and assumptions about me and my beliefs. It came off as somewhat hostile. I try to begin a relationship with someone by taking them at their word, and then if they prove otherwise, I will disbelieve them. But to begin with the assumption that they are a liar is not a promising beginning. I am here simply to fellowship and have friendly discussions. I specifically chose the "Celestial Forum" because I thought it to be the forum for a higher plane of discussion and reasoning together. I hadn't expected to be challenged by someone with disregard for even the Bible...that left us with little common ground. I don't know how to reason with someone with no common ground, because were do you start? I'm all about building upon something... not tearing down each other. So, if we can find some common ground somewhere... that might help me to know how to converse. I pray you will be patient with me. I don't mean to annoy you. But I am a man of peace. I don't care to argue, but I will gladly participate discussions between people with opposing views, so long as the parties are respectful of one another. If this is your aim, I rejoice! I still would like to know more about you... what you DO believe, etc., so that I can better understand where you are coming from.
I notice your website has it's own message board, perhaps you should post there if you are only seeking agreement.
No... that is the lowest level of human ability... to only fellowship or speak in a friendly manner with people of the same mind. I believe God calls us to interact with people who are different, and to find ways to learn to love and respect others who are different than ourselves.
Here you go, using the ad hominem and pretending like you have priceless gems of truth, that just aren't worth sharing with the likes of angry atheists.
If you really are genuinely interested in what I had to say about the subject at hand, for reasons other than to seek to find fault with them, then perhaps it was unintentional ad hominem to some extent. But that is genuinely how I felt...and yes, I do hold the truths I have received through revelation to be precious gems! And no... I don't wish to toss them out by demand in quick sound bytes so they can simply be tromped upon. If that is not your aim.... I would be glad to hear it from you. As I said, I took your manner of writing to be an expression of feelings little better than loathing, in regards to me and my beliefs. So, under that impression, I was unwilling to engage you. If I was wrong, you are welcome to correct me, and I am willing to take such correction. If we need to start over, begin again, that is fine too. Perhaps we need to get to know each other a little bit more. I welcome open and honest conversations...even with atheists. My father is an atheist, and one of the best friends I have ever had is atheist. We love and respect one another, despite our differences, and we try to build on common ground. I would be glad to do the same with you. I am glad to discuss matters... I'm not much for contentious argument. That's just how I am. Hope that is okay with you.
So... to begin, I've heard a little about what you don't believe. What do you believe? (if you don't mind my asking)