Terra Incognita wrote:
>it's my belief that most proselytizing, religious or otherwise, is a form of territorial expansion.
Are you saying they think there are not enough Christians in the world? What would happen if they killed off all the non-Christians...then to whom would they preach? Better yet, who would listen? Since each has that sense of superiority we see prominently displayed here on the forum.
>they will like canvass everyone in sight like salesmen do.
Hmmmm...selling religion. Another similarity to the JWs...*shudder*
>Why does anyone think he is more special than others?
Not everyone thinks they are more special than someone else. This appears to be a phenomenon peculiar to religious fanatics. It's like ...when they speak, god speaks ...and they can do no wrong...say no wrong...it's pure gospel! No one is allowed to say NO! or question, because the voice of god speaks through them. NOT! There are people on this forum who think they are channeling! They put themselves above us mere humans by professing doing that. I find that especially objectionable. I, like mostly anyone on this forum, just tries to be a better human...and along comes this "Christian" who tells us we are wrong to think or feel a certain way. Then their friends jump in and compound the issue. Anything that does not sound to them like a "Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir" is just unacceptable! How insulting! We are just trying to find a voice and a space where we feel we "belong" and receive some validation from others like ourselves...and along comes these judgmental super-fine apostle "Christians" who in effect step on us when we are feeling vulnerable. And they think they are "healers"??? They don't know the first thing about psychology, just like the JW elders. Ooops, another similarity to the JWs! All they know how to do is spew bible text. Like that does any good!
>If they believe that only they have authenticity, as in your last question, then it's obvious that we are inauthentic. Would you respect someone whom you believe is inauthentic?
What I hear you saying is... because they automatically think we are in-authentic, and they are so obviously authentic...how can they respect us? I am embarrassed to admit I had this superior type of attitude as a JW. Another similarity to the JWs. No wonder no one listened to me at the doors. After all, people know when they are being dis-respected. They feel it. They hear it in our voice, etc. Guess I would have been wise to leave the JWs wa-a-a-a-y earlier than I did. Unfortunately, I was conditioned to keep preachin'
by rote lo-o-o-o-ng after it was no longer in my heart to be out there knockin' on doors.
>You see, as an atheist, I really don't care what you believe in. Go ahead and believe in Fairies for all I care. However, if those "Fairies" start whispering in your ear: "Pssst. You see that guy over there? He's inferior because he doesn't believe in us. He might even die a brutal death if he doesn't start believing", that's when I get pissed. And it gets me in trouble.
I don't know where I stand right now. I am in an exploratory stage, going to school and doing a lot of reading and studying. I have been lied to and betrayed by religion. I understand why people go in all differing directions after leaving the JWs. After all, we aren't robots. Our life experiences lead us to where we need to be. It's not for some stranger on a forum to start dictating where we "should" go or what we "should" do next. That might fit their life...not mine! The hell & damnation and Armageddon stuff gets spewed by all religions and it is truly sickening. Another similarity to the JWs---big turnoff.
>they go off topic or focus on the most trivial point of my argument and ignore the rest. ...when it's time for them to give their second rebuttal they either fail to respond or engage in more of the usual dodging.
I have noticed that. I, too, have asked questions only to be ignored. Guess it touched one of their buttons. Same with JWs who come a-trollin'.
>...then Simon gets angry
...I appreciate hearing you break down the process of communicating with these super-fines. And I am grateful that Simon has been patient with forum members. After all, we are supposedly adults and can think and act on our own within the forum rules. And I think for the most part the group is well-behaved...for the most part. Thanks for spending all that time explaining your strategies and reasonings. It's wa-a-a-a-y helpful to hear. Also, in a peculiar kind of way, it validates my venting!
Satanus wrote:
The funnest though, is when christians start ripping eachother;)
*Goes for popcorn...so I can watch the Christians rip each other to shreds.* Who to cheer for, though...
But seriously, the kind of Christians I am refering to are the evangelical Christians promoting themselves as of late. There is another kind... much more "moderate" thankfully. I don't want to paint all with the same brush. That would not be fair.
And I appreciate hearing from other forum members who are experiencing similar things that I am feeling. When I first noticed this happening, I thought maybe it was just me being too sensitive. But I see now..I am not alone . And I appreciate the validation.
satinka
Alice in Wonderland. You have a long ways to go God, before you