liz3564 wrote:Thank you for responding. I would like to prod a bit further, if I may.
What I don't understand is WHY the guard immediately has to be up? Why does each question have to be addressed as if apologists have a chip on their shoulder? Isn't the reason they are doing research to enlighten rather than attack? In my educational understanding, and I think that Blixa, The Dude, and several others here with PhD's will agree with me....The goal of scholars is to discover, and to further enlighten others with their knowledge.
What is the point to being consistently on the defensive? What does it accomplish other than to cause the party you're addressing to also, in turn, go on the defensive?
If you honestly have right on your side...and that right is combined with knowledge, is it not better to share this knowledge with decorum and courtesy?
Liz, I think the problem is with personalities or temperments. I'm sure you see the same thing here. You can call for civility and you'll always get a couple of comments that ignore your requests and only serve to ratchet up emotions. There are "pot-stirrer" types on all sides.
And I have to say, that I think some get an enjoyment out of being agressive. I think they see civility or decorum as being "weak".
I also think that some feel that if they don't expose a troll, then the troll has somehow won. They'd rather drive off a handful of genuine posters than allow any trolls to have the satisfaction of feeling they snookered them with their pretense.
Alter Idem wrote: I also think that some feel that if they don't expose a troll, then the troll has somehow won. They'd rather drive off a handful of genuine posters than allow any trolls to have the satisfaction of feeling they snookered them with their pretense.
GAIA:
I would agree with that. I would also suggest that individual "Shadows" and projection play a considerable role in such behavior. Those attitudes, feelings, questions, etc that we cannot bear to face in ourselves, we frequently project onto others, and attack viciously, partly in the (perhaps unconscious) hope that if we destroy them n someone else, we will simultaneously destroy them in ourselves.....
Alter Idem wrote: I also think that some feel that if they don't expose a troll, then the troll has somehow won. They'd rather drive off a handful of genuine posters than allow any trolls to have the satisfaction of feeling they snookered them with their pretense.
GAIA:
I would agree with that. I would also suggest that individual "Shadows" and projection play a considerable role in such behavior. Those attitudes, feelings, questions, etc that we cannot bear to face in ourselves, we frequently project onto others, and attack viciously, partly in the (perhaps unconscious) hope that if we destroy them n someone else, we will simultaneously destroy them in ourselves.....
Absolutely, Gaia. Pretty psychologically deep, but true nonetheless. Many betray their own fears through their aggressiveness.
Alter Idem wrote: I also think that some feel that if they don't expose a troll, then the troll has somehow won. They'd rather drive off a handful of genuine posters than allow any trolls to have the satisfaction of feeling they snookered them with their pretense.
GAIA:
I would agree with that. I would also suggest that individual "Shadows" and projection play a considerable role in such behavior. Those attitudes, feelings, questions, etc that we cannot bear to face in ourselves, we frequently project onto others, and attack viciously, partly in the (perhaps unconscious) hope that if we destroy them n someone else, we will simultaneously destroy them in ourselves.....
Gaia, perhaps you could work up a psychological profile for Juliann? That could be the basis for a good paper at the APA and an episode of Monk.
Selek has always been very kind to me. I imagine, like cksalmon mentioned, that he saves his barbs for those that he views as attacking the Church. That's unfortunate because he is actually a very compassionate and caring man.
Some people just thrive on the debate and enjoy the flames... he's probably one of them.
barrelomonkeys wrote:Selek has always been very kind to me. I imagine, like cksalmon mentioned, that he saves his barbs for those that he views as attacking the Church. That's unfortunate because he is actually a very compassionate and caring man.
Some people just thrive on the debate and enjoy the flames... he's probably one of them.
GAIA:
I don't know the people to whom you're referring, so i will refrain from commenting on them personally or directly.
However in my experience, those who use "barbs for those they view as attacking the Church" -- often seem to entirely forget (or downright betray !) the most basic, essential principles of the system they are supposedly "defending"!
What matters it, if we successfully "defend" against our attackers only by adopting those very tactics that MADE them our "enemies" in the first place, and therefore, become THEM ?!?
I don't know the people to whom you're referring, so I will refrain from commenting on them personally or directly.
However in my experience, those who use "barbs for those they view as attacking the Church" -- often seem to entirely forget (or downright betray !) the most basic, essential principles of the system they are supposedly "defending"!
What matters it, if we successfully "defend" against our attackers only by adopting those very tactics that MADE them our "enemies" in the first place, and therefore, become THEM ?!?
Wondering -- ~Gaia
Well I don't wonder about it. :)
I understand all too well that 'Christians' can be just as petty, angry, and spiteful than those that profess not to be. I just choose to look at all participants as if they truly are good people - regardless of their poor behavior. Gaia I work with children with behavioral disorders and know all too well (as I KNOW you know as well) that these children are not 'bad' rather there is some factor that has them lash out physically or verbally. I choose to look at all people in the same manner and understand that we all at times act poorly.
I think when there is a group that eggs you on to exhibit the poor behavior that often times it is seen as tactic consent for the poor behavior to continue. I enjoy Selek as a human being that has many facets. Unfortunately he chooses too often on that board to embrace the mean spirited.
I don't wish to become my enemies. I don't have any. :)
Alter Idem wrote:They'd rather drive off a handful of genuine posters than allow any trolls to have the satisfaction of feeling they snookered them with their pretense.
Well, since this is, indeed, their policy, I'm grateful that they have at least made it explicitly clear in their site description that there is no official connection between their site and the LDS Church, which philosophy, should, at the very least, run counter to this concept.
Gaia wrote: I work with children with behavioral disorders and know all too well (as I KNOW you know as well) that these children are not 'bad' rather there is some factor that has them lash out physically or verbally.