In Reply to: If I may posted by Miguel on August 09, 2004 at 06:54:36:
You make an excellent point Miguel. I've been attempting for a few weeks to find a way to converse with posters like Mr. Don, who hold views extremely different than mine. I've purposely attempted that with him because, by his own admission, he is a narrow minded,religious right, red-neck. He is also one of the most vocal and judgemental of those posters who share his persuasions. I was sincerely looking for ways that we could discuss issues without engaging in personal attacks, because I don't like how it makes me feel when I get into that. But now I'm having doubts about whether it's something that is worth my time to pursue, even if he tones it down a little. After all, even if he changes his tone, as a non-christian I'm still condemned to everlasting punishment in his eyes, and that position pretty much puts an end to any reasonable discussion we might have about our common experiences in the cult.
Someone a while back on one of these boards (it might have been porceleindoll, but my apologies if it wasn't you, dahling) expressed the following sentiment, but much more eloquently than I. The way I see it, Jesus had his chance with me and failed. Through some of his various devotees, he had the first 35 years of my life in which to work his magic, but instead, this supposedly all powerful god made a terrible mess of my life. I can just imagine the responses to that statement. "He didn't make a mess of your life, you and those false prophets did." Gimme a break! I professed profound love for Jesus and committed my life to him and that's how he repaid me? If Jesus were real he would've known the evil nature of TF/COG and intervened to ensure that my love and commitment was properly directed. It does no good to argue that TF Jesus was not the real Jesus and so it wasn't him that led me astray, because a real, omniscient, omnipotent Jesus could and should have protected me. He didn't and so I'm considering a civil suit against him. After all, since he is lord and master over his followers, it stands to reason that he should be held legally responsible for all the evil, criminal acts perpetrated by his followers in his name, and for failing his obligations to protect me.
For those who didn't get it, I'm being facetious about that. However, by declaring such anti-christ sentiments I expose myself to the judgement of the narrow-minded, who will no doubt consider my statements to be blasphemous and who will instantly judge me as inferior to them, worthy of an eternal bar-b-que, with me on the grill. On the other hand, when I disagree with someone like Mr. Don I have no stock response, I have no hell to which I can consign them, and I try not to judge their character, but instead I try to focus my debate or criticisms on ideas. I'm not always successful, and am working on that, but my point is that I'm coming to think that it is impossible for me to have a reasonable conversation with someone whose mind is made up and judges me simply for not sharing their belief system.