Posts by Hortensia

219

An important difference between atheists and true believers

by Hortensia in

true believers, whether christian, muslim or whatever, want to convert you, they want you to believe what they do, and they're willing to go to extremes to make it happen.

atheists don't really care what you believe, and don't go out of their way to convert someone.. http://ow.ly/vn1jz an example of what believers in power do to suppress any difference in thought.

http://ow.ly/vraeo an example of why believers want to suppress different ideas (because they can't win in a fair fight, that's why).

Hortensia

well, OK, I was generalizing, I know that there are some religious people who are not out to convert everyone. Over-reaction due to the company I keep around here!

I brought up the guy in the middle east who says atheists are terrorists. I thought someone would bring up chairman Mao who thought ministers were terrorists, or at least spies for western governments. I guess I'll have to debate with myself, eh?

I have a really low threshhold for bullshit, unfortunately, and tend to get cranky when exposed to too much of it. People who believe fairy tales are true. Argh.

I like the point that atheists have had to give up some comfort in order to face reality. It's true. Reality includes each person's demise, life isn't forever. It's a sad truth, but one we can face and then we can get on with enjoying life as much as possible.

219

An important difference between atheists and true believers

by Hortensia in

true believers, whether christian, muslim or whatever, want to convert you, they want you to believe what they do, and they're willing to go to extremes to make it happen.

atheists don't really care what you believe, and don't go out of their way to convert someone.. http://ow.ly/vn1jz an example of what believers in power do to suppress any difference in thought.

http://ow.ly/vraeo an example of why believers want to suppress different ideas (because they can't win in a fair fight, that's why).

Hortensia

Laika --

I guess I'm just stirring the pot -- I spent the day surrounded by people who believe that there is a city inside Mt. Shasta, that we all have spirit guides, that whatever god there is in their belief seems especially fond of protecting old white people from harm, that crystals can cure anything and so on and that starving children the world over are paying for their sins in previous lifetimes. I come away from that kind of thing kind of cranky and wanting to poke sticks into things.

One of my neighbors at the dinner table told me of some miracle herb that "cures everything. Destroys every bad thing in your body." I try not to be controversial at what is meant to be a pleasant occasion, but I wanted to say things like, "then why are you still sick?" "Hmmm, why haven't the pharmacies gotten hold of that one?"

When I talk to individuals I do bring up these questions, but they have such bullet-proof circular reasoning they just ignore the questions and go on spouting their jargon. The attitude the folks around here have taken is, "isn't she cute? She's an atheist, our token atheist." They almost pat me on the head.

13

My mother is losing her old personality

by Faithful Witness in

i have been trying to engage and talk to my mother and her "natural" personality as much as possible.

she has obvious concerns about the jw's, and we do discuss issues almost every time she visits.

we didn't see her for long stretches (months at at time, and suddenly a year had gone by...) we have now both committed to a minimum of a monthly visit, and we will work toward more.

Hortensia

I think I wouldn't read too much into the email either; I'm old and overworked and tired too. To me it sounds OK, but you know her better so you're probably picking up on something we don't see.

219

An important difference between atheists and true believers

by Hortensia in

true believers, whether christian, muslim or whatever, want to convert you, they want you to believe what they do, and they're willing to go to extremes to make it happen.

atheists don't really care what you believe, and don't go out of their way to convert someone.. http://ow.ly/vn1jz an example of what believers in power do to suppress any difference in thought.

http://ow.ly/vraeo an example of why believers want to suppress different ideas (because they can't win in a fair fight, that's why).

Hortensia

I just thought of a good comeback to my own statement -- but I'll leave it up to others to come up with it! That's the problem with seeing all sides of an argument -- I can argue the other side's position if I feel like it. (But in the end I'm convinced by evidence, not rhetoric.)

219

An important difference between atheists and true believers

by Hortensia in

true believers, whether christian, muslim or whatever, want to convert you, they want you to believe what they do, and they're willing to go to extremes to make it happen.

atheists don't really care what you believe, and don't go out of their way to convert someone.. http://ow.ly/vn1jz an example of what believers in power do to suppress any difference in thought.

http://ow.ly/vraeo an example of why believers want to suppress different ideas (because they can't win in a fair fight, that's why).

Hortensia

Hi Cofty,

no where in particular. I just get bored with the annual flurry of memorial threads and haven't been on the site as much. I'm a lot farther down the road than many JWNers. Too many years since I cared about what the wtbts is doing, eh?

I hope all is well with you!

219

An important difference between atheists and true believers

by Hortensia in

true believers, whether christian, muslim or whatever, want to convert you, they want you to believe what they do, and they're willing to go to extremes to make it happen.

atheists don't really care what you believe, and don't go out of their way to convert someone.. http://ow.ly/vn1jz an example of what believers in power do to suppress any difference in thought.

http://ow.ly/vraeo an example of why believers want to suppress different ideas (because they can't win in a fair fight, that's why).

Hortensia

LOL! good comment - but, I believe, on the whole, that atheists aren't out to convert true believers. There aren't very many evangelical atheists, are there?

219

An important difference between atheists and true believers

by Hortensia in

true believers, whether christian, muslim or whatever, want to convert you, they want you to believe what they do, and they're willing to go to extremes to make it happen.

atheists don't really care what you believe, and don't go out of their way to convert someone.. http://ow.ly/vn1jz an example of what believers in power do to suppress any difference in thought.

http://ow.ly/vraeo an example of why believers want to suppress different ideas (because they can't win in a fair fight, that's why).

Hortensia

True believers, whether christian, muslim or whatever, want to convert you, they want you to believe what they do, and they're willing to go to extremes to make it happen. Atheists don't really care what you believe, and don't go out of their way to convert someone.

http://ow.ly/vN1JZ an example of what believers in power do to suppress any difference in thought

http://ow.ly/vRaEo an example of why believers want to suppress different ideas (because they can't win in a fair fight, that's why)

34

I am DF'd now... Decisions, decisions...

by Comatose in

so i was df'd a couple weeks ago.

i live in a place where i didn't really have new friends at the kh, so my day to day life isn't changing.

i'm just me living life like i was 2 weeks ago and 2 years ago.

Hortensia

They say they have to see her without us. So, still figuring that one out. I have to come up with a way to preserve my daughters realtionship and not let them indoctrinate her (which they would). So, we will be talking about that before long I am sure. They will want to come stay in our town in a hotel and see her. Wish there was a good way to solve this easily. But, its going to be a pain in the ass.

There is NO way for her to have a "normal" relationship with the grandparents. If they are hardcore enough to shun you, they are hardcore enough to do everything possible to convert your daughter and turn her against you.

And the whole shun the parent/love the grandkids thing is very very crazy. You don't have to do anything except protect your daughter. If they want to see her, they see you and treat you decently -- it's a package deal.

44

I went to one of my previous halls remodel today and they did not recognize me...

by confusedandalone in

i definitely look like a worldly person by jw standards... however i went to my old hall because they are remodelling and they are in the final p[hase.

it was not on purpose.

i had bnusiness on the street and happened to drive past.

Hortensia

HE IS AN APOSTATE!

They've just caught a live glimpse of el cuco, chupacabra, boogeyman, and every other demon wrapped up in your one body!

Losingit -- Damn, that's funny!

40

Upcoming Surgery and Blood

by HeyThere in

i am a newly unbaptised publisher.

recently i found out i need to have major surgery and the jw's tried to rush a blood card in my hand.

i was so relieved when the elders said i could not have one until i was baptised.. but they rushed to get me copies of the blood videos.

Hortensia

I hope all goes well and you recover quickly with no stupid/dangerous blood hassle.