name calling and bullying in the name of religion

by lovelylil 17 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  lovelylil

  It seems that some on this board are resorting to name calling and trying to bully other people into believing what they do. I know myself, although I have not been disrespectful to anyone and have tried to enter conversations explaining my beliefs only, not to put anyone elses beliefs down, have been called self righteous, condescending, a hypocrite and tiresome today.

  I had a similiar problem at another site and chose to leave because it was not encouraging.

  Come on everyone, lets listen to reason here. Many of us have been thru a literal hell of the WT organization. And have had our lives in total turmoil because of it. Organizations like that divide people and put other humans down by name calling them as apostates, devil worshipper, worldly and a host of other names. If we have all learned one thing, isn't it how wrong it is to do this? To name call and bully others into a belief system. Or to threaten people with burning in hell or being wiped off the earth for not believing as we do. If anyone believes in a God, what kind of God would he be if this was his message? This is why many people are totally sick of religion and of hearing of God. Because sometimes It causes more harm then good. It is man that has done this. They try to fit everyone and everything into their interpretation of reality. It is not right.

  Lets learn a lesson and treat others with respect. I personally believe God has a plan for everyone. Believers and unbelievers but if any have a different belief, that is o.k. too. All human beings have a right to their own belief system. This is a basic right of all. We are all born free to choose our own path. My path may not be right for you and yours for me. But really, who are any of us to judge.

  I am so upset right now, I need a break from the board tonight. Please think about it everyone. Do we want to treat others the way the WT treated us? Would we have not appreciated being able to leave the WT with our dignity intact? We ALL have a right to be treated with dignity and respect. How about it?
• 

  daniel-p

  Nice post. I know I have partaken in some religious bashing, but that is something I'd like to not do in the future. It accomplishes nothing to demean someone else's beliefs. Constructive discussions about why we believe what we do are good, but it is counter-productive when someone or a group of people resort to bitter, defensive arguments. It only wastes people's time and causes stress none of us need.
  We all have our own self-constructs and circumstances to deal with, so naturally, we all have our own varying needs of worship.
• 

  KW13

  well i hope i didn't add to the problem.
• 

  Finally-Free

  I don't understand the name calling either. Personally, I have little interest in sharing my beliefs with others. Religious and political discussions often seem to turn into fights, and my blood pressure can't handle too much of that.

  W
• 

  wanderlustguy

  Refer here... http://www.csicop.org/si/2000-11/beliefs.html

  It's importaint to recognize that when people name call, it is a sign of weakness, and denial in one of it's strongest forms. The cult mentality we had ingrained in us surfaces when we get frustrated, and some still struggling with it go right back to name calling...it's isn't just a coincidence we were taught to refer to people that did not believe as we do as "worldy" or "blind" or even those who left as "apostates".

  It takes a while to get yourself trained to recognize these reactions in other as what they are, not combative, but more of something that is said when they are mentally crushed and cannot come up with a real response.

  When people's beliefs are challenged...this is a pretty common thing to happen.

  WLG
• 

  daniel-p

  "Religious and political discussions often seem to turn into fights, and my blood pressure can't handle too much of that."
  
  I think its because a lot of people actually enjoy the fighting, as you can do it at somewhat of a distance - you can retain control over what you say and always formulate the best answer or rebuttal. It's a way to voice your most extreme opinion and still be safe, because nothing you say here will affect the real relationships in your life.
• 

  anewme

  Just for the record Lovelylil, I have been enjoying your comments today on the forum and would hate for you to get offended by the other posters. Im sure even the offending poster does not mean for you to take the criticism or whatever so seriously. He/she probably has no clue how offended you are.
  
  I too was very sensitive when I first came here. OMG I wore my heart on my sleeve in every post. I was offended by the humor and jesting. I was impatient when the fundy posters would go on and on about Jesus.
  I was fresh from "the JW box" and so many statements and viewpoints were new to me.
  
  I got all offended and left the forum for months.
  
  While away I thought and thought and thought about freedom and how important it is for people to speak their mind and find their way in this life. What people think and speak today does not mean they will speak and think those same thoughts tomorrow. We influence each other here. All thoughts are human thoughts here. All perspectives, human perspectives. All viewpoints and experiences valid. All human thought is changing and growing as individuals mature and grow.
  
  You are right, we have all come out of a great oppressive org and everyone here needs to be treated with respect and shown a measure of hospitality and graciousness when they post their ideas.
  Not slapped down and told they are wrong.
  
  I hope you will not discontinue this forum Lovelylil. Give it another chance. Your words are powerful and have an effect here.
  
  
  Anewme
• 

  juni

  It comes down to this:

  WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE.

  This is a good post because it reminds us that words can hurt.

  I know that I've slipped up sometimes.

  To err is human, but we all should maybe re check our posts so that we do our best not to offend someone in a derogatory way. We should respect each other's opinions too.

  Juni
• 

  blondie

  Agree to disagree, good words, juni.

  Most of us left the WTS because we were only allowed to have one view, theirs. It would seem strange to keep that view here on JWD, not allowing people to have a different view, treating them with disrespect if they do have a different view would make us like the WTS (horrors).

  Name-callilng actually can indicate that a person is unable to articulate their beliefs skillfully. I don't think we are trying to make converts here, merely respectfully present our ideas and feelings.

  Love, Blondie (seen it all, heard it all, learns not to go to certain threads, most of the time)
• 

  Sad emo

  (((LovelyLil)))

  What anewme saidI'm loving your posts too, you're such a peaceful, respectful person - that has come accross to others in a very short time.

  I think that on the whole, this forum is a fairly 'quiet' place. Comparatively few threads get really heated to the point of insults - unless I just miss 'em all!.

  I am very sensitive to insults and ridicule. If I post a reasonable reply to what seems to be a reasonable question and am shown blatant disrespect, I will walk away from that thread - it's just not worth arguing with someone who won't respect what you say (if I do come back and argue its usually because I'm in a bad mood lol!). You soon learn which posters 'get on your nerves', I try to avoid them - very few on JWD I hasten to add!

  come back soon

  Peace and blessings