THE GLADIATOR

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Posts by THE GLADIATOR

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  837

  Atheism

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  THE GLADIATOR

  Before getting involved in a debate, we have to ask what our motive is. There is no rule that says we have to avoid making points that offend the sensibilities of others or even upset them. But if our aim is to help people or win them over to our point of view, an outright attack on a person’s viewpoint or belief is likely to cause that person to defend and strengthen their belief.

  Many Christians expect to be ridiculed. The Bible warned that they would be and persecuted, so when they are verbally attacked their faith is strengthened. Quietly making a point in a friendly way is a far more effective way of influencing another person than attack. This is true in any social situation.

  If a person’s aim is to help free the world of religion, outright attack on believers is an inefficient method and counterproductive. If a Christian wants to win people over to their belief in Christ, being sociable and polite is far more likely to cause a person to consider what the Christian has to say. It seems to me that Tammy’s approach makes her message more appealing than the fire and brimstone brigade.
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  The true, unsung hero of the Bible....

  by Unlearn in

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  my undisputed hero of the bible is known by several names, depending on who you talk to...devil, satan, lucifer, etc.. read it, and you'll find that he was the only one who really stood up for you.. he asserted that you could make decisions for yourself...and told you the very real truth that, just because the piece of meat in your chest stops thumping, you positively do not 'die'.. he was your hero.

  he stood up to a daddy-maniac and said, 'just because you made us doesnt mean you have the right to tell us what to do.

  i thought we were free?'.

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  THE GLADIATOR

  Correct me if I’m wrong but - the story of Adam & Eve was written by a pre Stone Age man on papyrus with dinosaur blood, using a tiger’s sabre-tooth as a pen. Neither schools nor the wheel had been invented and women were made from spare ribs.

  The only character that comes out looking good is the snake, and snakes are not known for their intelligence. We have moved on just a tad since then, and snakes have learned to keep their mouths shut.

  I cannot see there is any benefit to be gained from trying to make sense of this outdated fairytale. Spielberg’s ET was miles better and had a happy ending.
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  Atheism

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  THE GLADIATOR

  Falling into a trap is not the same as setting one.

  The person who understands the difference eats well.

  The smartest people here are taking the bait.
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  837

  Atheism

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  THE GLADIATOR

  There is a pattern among posters here to use whatever subject is raised to take offence and then work out personal frustrations and unresolved issues. Issues are resolved through patient, skilful and genuine concern for the well being of others. The other alternative is to go into battle.

  As this is a website and we can’t actually kill our opponents, a more diplomatic approach is likely to ultimately be more satisfying for all concerned.
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  Atheism

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  THE GLADIATOR

  NewChapter I agree with what you say. The thing is, that the way to win is to play your cards close to your chest. Attacking believers views, increases their faith. They feed off opposition because that is what they expect. You confirm their bias every time you attack. Go in slowly, make small points that can be accept. Build a brick at a time. Softly, softly catchee monkey.
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  Atheism

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  THE GLADIATOR

  james_woods It all takes time - like turning an ocean liner around.
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  Atheism

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  THE GLADIATOR

  james_woods It all takes time - like turning an ocean liner around.
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  27

  For those that enjoy a good debate. Please remember to separate people from their ideas; remember their humanity.

  by JonathanH in

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  the anonymity of the internet is both a blessing a curse for the information age, especially when it comes to debate.

  when a screen is put over the person, all that you are left with are ideas in a pure form; written word that constitutes a set of ideas, reasons and thoughts.

  anyone can sit and analyze and form a response at their leisure.

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  THE GLADIATOR

  JonathanH Nice to see a well thought out and well written post. All so very true.

  How long do I have to stand in the corner for?

  Gladiator's have feelings too.
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  Atheism

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  THE GLADIATOR

  Yes james_woods I have noticed that we share the same view of believers. Encouraging them to examine a different point of view is one thing. Having a burning desire to destroy their faith is another matter. It could be mistaken for jealousy or even hate. People change when they are ready and as long as they are not causing serious harm, allowing them to change at a pace they can cope with is perhaps a better approach.
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  THE GLADIATOR

  NewChapter "He was a real to me as Santa Claus was when I was a child."

  When I was a boy we had very little in the way of material things. My brothers were always bored with nothing to play with. I was never bored. Fortunately I had a vivid imagination. I could conjure up anything I wanted in my imagination. I had imaginary conversations with people. I heard voices and made friends with people who existed only in my mind. I could make up jokes, tell them to myself and laugh out loud when I got the punch line.

  I even had an imaginary horse that I could gallop down the road to the local store on. The lady store owner always asked how the horse was and gave me free nuts to feed it. I also had a panda that was so real he had a small chair of his own to sit on. Occasionally a place was set at the table for the panda.

  One day I announced that the panda had gone. My father asked where? I told him that I didn’t need him any more. Soon after the horse went too. Now I have to live in the real world. I envy people who are still capable of such illusion.