"Believers" vs. Atheists- Why this formulation?

by Band on the Run 132 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  botchtowersociety

  For the first time in what feels like a long time, I am seeing intelligent, respectful discussion between atheists and Christians.
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  tec

  There are also a lot of people who dont' contribute because they don't want the fallout that comes with professing faith. When I first joined the site there were a lot of people of faith, expressing their faith in whatever man they felt their faith. There still are, but the differences in our faith do not mean that we do not get along, or that we do not share fellowship.

  Some left for their own personal reasons, and some left because of the constant arguments, and some might be just taking a break. I have only ever had a problem with one or two, and those because they did not like me or my faith, and so told me that I was NOT a christian, and did not belong to Christ.

  Of those people who entered your discussion that kept people like me out (not knocking that, just stating that), few of them have any kind of conflict with one another or with me (and faith in the spirit as i proclaim), even if they do not experience their faith in the same way. Many of them are friends and do share fellowship, even with 'us'. So this everyone 'versus' us thing... does not exist... except perhaps for a few.

  Disagreement, however, does not mean that one person is against another person. So please do not paint it as though 'we' are against 'everyone else'. Because that is just not so.

  Peace,

  tammy
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  NewChapter

  For the first time in what feels like a long time, I am seeing intelligent, respectful discussion between atheists and Christians.

  Interesting, BTS. What parts strike you this way, because it struck me the same.

  When I read BOTR's post, it occurred to me that she looks to faith as a way to organize her world (and definitely correct me if I'm wrong). She doesn't try to fit the world into a theology or belief, but instead uses her faith as a tool to put it all in order. She clearly sees the line between science and faith, and does not feel the need to twist one to fit the other. And some questions aren't answered. There is no certainty that she understands the spiritual almost completely.

  The Universal approach would sort of look at the many different viewpoints as ingredients to the whole. The disagreements and debates would be adding to that. An atheist speaking up may not convince others of atheism, but may help a non-atheist not become extreme in views. The push-pull is where the benefit is.
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  Band on the Run

  There have been very nasty threads recently. I feel provoked. Of course, I could deal with being provoked in a better way. I am glad people stand up to tyranny of the mind. I have no idea how the medium itself causes nastiness. Tammy, I have oft used you as an example of someone I respect. You write of your personal experience in a moving way without imposing it on others.

  There is room for some personal experience of Christ. So many mystics are notable in Christianity. I do not recall one who imposed their visions on anyone else. In fact, some were persecuted by the Vatican. They were not respected in their own time. People from nonEuropean cultures also experience their God. I never understand what the experience actually is. Hence, the questions. I could state that Christ speaks to me through my readings and prayers. I felt it strongly when I meditated.

  I have countless posts and pms were I was disparaged for not falling into worship.

  It just seems that there should be some balance here. No one can speak for all variants of Christianity or even atheism.

  I know that in my parishes, I demand more proof and am ready to debate scripture more than most. This is a habit born of the JWs. I can't say whethr my approach is right or wrong. It seems that people who were born in mainstream traditions are beyond the arguments. There is respect for others and much joking about our culture. It feels good to be accepted. The world is not one constant battle. Of course, they were never part of a cult.
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  sabastious

  I can't imagine that a God worth worshipping would condemn atheists. Certainly, YHWH or El would. It is hard to reconcile that god with the God of Jesus.

  Band, how can you claim to be a follower of Christ and deny Elohim? In your opinion who is the Father of Christ?

  -Sab
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  EntirelyPossible

  I feel provoked. Of course, I could deal with being provoked in a better way.

  I totally read that as "poked in a better way". Yeah, my brain went there.
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  sabastious

  Sometimes sexual jokes are inappropriate, food for thought.

  -Sab
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  EntirelyPossible

  Sabastious, as per my word, I am not engaging with you until December 1st. Despite you apparently having zero respect for the very thing you begged for by attempting to engage me, I do. My word is my bond.
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  sabastious

  If you keep blowing up a balloon eventually it will pop no matter how strong the material is.

  -Sab
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  EntirelyPossible

  Sabastious, as per my word, I am not engaging with you until December 1st. Despite you apparently having zero respect for the very thing you begged for by attempting to engage me, I do. My word is my bond.

  Not a double post.