Why is it?

[Buddy'sParents]

also, one more point.

People always say that we don't live by what the bible says but preach it. That is what makes us human. We TRY to live the right way but we are human so we screw up. We are passionate, emotional and never perfect no matter what belief system you stem from. That is why we are humans and not Gods

I also think on the computer it is VERY difficult to see the tone behind the post. While I may not MEAN to be preachy it may come off that way to someone else because they are reading in a different tone than I wrote it. That's another important thing to remember.

Wait....








Wait for it.....










Wait for it....







AMEN!! lol.... I just had to do it... Good points, Tanya!

 

[M&M's Mommy]

I absolutely love this story about St. Francis of Assisi, so if you don't mind, please let me share it with you

One day Francis said to one of the young monks, “Let us go down into the town and preach!” The novice, delighted at being singled out to be a companion of Francis, obeyed with great enthusiasm. They passed through the main streets, turned down many of the byways and alleys, made their way into the suburbs, and at great length, returned by a circuitous route to the monastery gate. As they approached the gate, the younger monk reminded Francis of his original intention.

“You have forgotten, Father, that we went to the town to preach!”

“My son,” Francis replied, “we have preached. We were preaching while we were walking. We have been seen by many; our behavior has been closely watched; it was thus that we have preached our morning sermon. It is of no use to walk anywhere to preach unless we preach everywhere as we walk.”

Francis’ words to us are, “Preach the Gospel always and if necessary use words.” As Christians, we are called to bring the love and peace of Christ into the world not only with our lips but also with our lives.

 

[sparks19]

That is a beautiful story M&m's Mommy and I honestly had never heard it before. Thank you for sharing that.

 

[schurpug]

Thank you very much for sharing that - and I wish more people (of ANY religion) would follow such advice.

 

[Aussie Red]

I absolutely love this story about St. Francis of Assisi, so if you don't mind, please let me share it with you

One day Francis said to one of the young monks, “Let us go down into the town and preach!” The novice, delighted at being singled out to be a companion of Francis, obeyed with great enthusiasm. They passed through the main streets, turned down many of the byways and alleys, made their way into the suburbs, and at great length, returned by a circuitous route to the monastery gate. As they approached the gate, the younger monk reminded Francis of his original intention.

“You have forgotten, Father, that we went to the town to preach!”

“My son,” Francis replied, “we have preached. We were preaching while we were walking. We have been seen by many; our behavior has been closely watched; it was thus that we have preached our morning sermon. It is of no use to walk anywhere to preach unless we preach everywhere as we walk.”

Francis’ words to us are, “Preach the Gospel always and if necessary use words.” As Christians, we are called to bring the love and peace of Christ into the world not only with our lips but also with our lives.

Great Story. And it sums it up. Show by example. Actions speak louder then words . That is how I try to lead my life living and treating others as I would have them treat me.
Oh yes Sparks ( kiss kiss ) I still love ya and respect your views.
I hope you now see that I was not lumping all religious people in one bunch just Fanatics. The main thing about religion is the teachings of morales and that is something society today could use a little of. But that could be introduced at home .

 

[BostonBanker]

When beliefs are used in a way that presents itself as you (not you specifically) are right and the person with a different religious belief is wrong because your religion says so, then it can be offensive as you are judging that person by a set of beliefs that they do not subscribe to.

Wonderfully stated. The few times I've been a bit offended by something religious posted on this board, it has been precisely that. Not that it was myself being judged, but I've seen people judge others that way, and it does bother me. It doesn't matter if it's a Christian or a Wiccan doing the judging, it isn't appropriate.

Despite being a non-believer, I actually really like reading (polite) religious discussion. It's an incredibly interesting subject, and I would never be offended by someone stating their personal beliefs. I don't want people judging or trying to convert me because of mine, but I love to hear about theirs.

"I shall not try to change anything that I think or anything that you thing (insofar as I can judge of it).... On the contrary, what I feel like telling you today is that the world needs real dialogue,... and that the only possible dialogue is the kind between people who remain what they are and speak their minds." - Camus

 

[M&M's Mommy]

That is a beautiful story M&m's Mommy and I honestly had never heard it before. Thank you for sharing that.

You're certainly welcome!

A while ago, I attended a serminar for catechists - Of course I forgot everything I learned soon after I got off the seminar , but one thing did stick on my mind until this day.

This particular class was about "Effective Teaching of the Gospels" - and the one thing the Bishop who taugh the class emphazised over and over again to us was "Remember, YOU may be the ONLY BIBLE many will ever read in their lives".

I remember leaving the class thinking to myself, me and my life as the Bible? :yikes:. What will people find in there?? :yikes: Did I portray Jesus as the God of love, or of hatred?. I had all the mixed feelings in the world rushing through my mind; I was horrified yet honored, privileged yet humbled, scared to death yet was full of hope..

So, yes, I belive in God, and my faith in God has sustained me through life. It is such an important part of me. It is who I am. It provides the guidance for me to live MY life. But I will never force you to believe what I do, nor shove the Bible into your face. I promise

My hope, by sharing my experiences and my faith, is if, by any slight chances, it could help anyone, then it alreary worths more than I could ever imagined.

 

[RD]

I'm not offended by religion. I consider myself a Christian, although many people would beg to differ. I've struggled with a belief in God for years but there is something deep inside that tells me there might be. So I keep trying.

I'm actually not offended by people sharing their religion with me either. I LIKE learning about different religions. What I am offended by is when people get angry at me for not converting, or pretending to convert. I'm offended by people implying that I am a bad person for not following their path. I'm offended by people knocking on MY door, asking for a moment of MY time and shooting down MY beliefs .

I have lots of respect for people who are dedicated to their religion, but I wish I could get that same respect in return.

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

That's a great story!

 

[Fran27]

I'm one of those people who have got offended by Christians. I'm saying Christians because I've never had any Catholics or Jew even mention their religion or their God to me. Christians seem to do it all the time.

Anyway, I'll show you the difference between what I'm ok with and what bothers me

Let's take an example I see everyday on adoption forums, between two women who are waiting to adopt. Let's say both are talking about how waiting sucks.

What I'm ok with -

A: I'm so sick of waiting!
B: I am too, but I hope God will give me the patience to wait until He decides it's the right time.

Note - I can't relate at all to her answer, so it usually ends the conversation there, but I'm fine with it - if it's what she believes and it helps her, great for her!

What I really dislike -

A: I'm so sick of waiting!
B: I know the feeling - but I know that God will make sure you get the child that is meant to be yours.

Do you see the difference? It *really* irks me when people are telling me that *their* God has a say in my life. I just think it's totally arrogant and lacking respect to just assume that because your life is so centered around God, everyone else's is, too. Or that your belief is more important than the others, which is really what I feel when I read this kind of comment - and it happens every day.

Bottom line, I just dislike being preached, in any way.

 

[nancy2394]

I'm one of those people who have got offended by Christians. I'm saying Christians because I've never had any Catholics or Jew even mention their religion or their God to me. Christians seem to do it all the time.

Anyway, I'll show you the difference between what I'm ok with and what bothers me

Let's take an example I see everyday on adoption forums, between two women who are waiting to adopt. Let's say both are talking about how waiting sucks.

What I'm ok with -

A: I'm so sick of waiting!
B: I am too, but I hope God will give me the patience to wait until He decides it's the right time.

Note - I can't relate at all to her answer, so it usually ends the conversation there, but I'm fine with it - if it's what she believes and it helps her, great for her!

What I really dislike -

A: I'm so sick of waiting!
B: I know the feeling - but I know that God will make sure you get the child that is meant to be yours.

Do you see the difference? It *really* irks me when people are telling me that *their* God has a say in my life. I just think it's totally arrogant and lacking respect to just assume that because your life is so centered around God, everyone else's is, too. Or that your belief is more important than the others, which is really what I feel when I read this kind of comment - and it happens every day.

Bottom line, I just dislike being preached, in any way.

I guess I can't really see how that correlates to preaching. I would have perceived it as that person wanting to give kind words of hope to the person discouraged about the waiting.

What bothers me are the people who try and tell me that my beliefs are all wrong and that theirs are right. I have a cousin who tells me all the time I'm living a sinful life and that I don't know the bible.

Maybe I do sin, and maybe I don't know the bible as well as I'd like.... but I'm comfortable in my own skin and I know what I believe. I am the one that goes to bed at night knowing who I pray to. It offends me all the time when she throws her beliefs in my face as if to say that she's a better christian than me.

Some of the things she says to me have to do with the fact that I cut my hair, I wear nail polish, I wear jewerly, I listen to other music besides christian music, I don't spend every waking hour at church when I'm not at work, I wear pants...etc. She is so hung up on all the "rules" of her church that she's gotten lost in the whole meaning of christianity in my opinion.

I will have the occasional debate with her because she will provoke it and I feel as though I have to defend what I believe in... but I usually turn the other cheek and change the subject whenever possible.

 

[sparks19]

Do you know that Catholic is commonly a denomination of Christianity?

But I'm not sure that I see why that offends you. It is simply a nice gesture. I don't think she said it thinking "I'm better than you because I have God" Just like a man saying to a woman "you look pretty today" Most of the time he means it as a compliment but some women construe it to be sexual harrassment. What is wrong with just saying "Thank you" and moving on? I would not be offended is someone wished me a happy Hannukah, I wouldn't assume that they are ignorant for thinking their holiday has any bearing on my life. it is simply a kind gesture. I would be happy that they are even thinking of me and wishing me well.

Would you be less offended if she said "Well we are all waiting and you will just have to deal with it" I am just kidding but could you imagine if someone retorted that way lol the p1ssing contest the would follow such a comment lol and there is certainly no doubt in their intentions lol

 

[Fran27]

I was mostly talking about Catholics from France, where I grew up. In the 20+ years I was there, I never ever heard any of them even mention God in a sentence when speaking to me. Really funny what a difference culture does...

I just feel it's one of those things that are like everything else - I'm not going to start talking about my dogs all the time to people who don't care. I'm sure you're laughing at the comparison, but well, I have strong opinions about dog food, but I'm not going to talk to every dog owner I know about it. I just try to respect people who just don't care.

Nancy, I'm quite sure that that person indeed would only be trying to give kind words - it's not the intention that bothers me, but how it's done. I guess I just can't understand how people can be so focussed about their faith that they totally forget that not everyone else shares it. I don't believe in God and that kind of answer doesn't comfort me at all, and I would think that if people were really trying to be nice and comforting, they would try to say things that I can relate to, not just something THEY relate to.

 

[schurpug]

I'm one of those people who have got offended by Christians. I'm saying Christians because I've never had any Catholics or Jew even mention their religion or their God to me. Christians seem to do it all the time.

Anyway, I'll show you the difference between what I'm ok with and what bothers me

Let's take an example I see everyday on adoption forums, between two women who are waiting to adopt. Let's say both are talking about how waiting sucks.

What I'm ok with -

A: I'm so sick of waiting!
B: I am too, but I hope God will give me the patience to wait until He decides it's the right time.

Note - I can't relate at all to her answer, so it usually ends the conversation there, but I'm fine with it - if it's what she believes and it helps her, great for her!

What I really dislike -

A: I'm so sick of waiting!
B: I know the feeling - but I know that God will make sure you get the child that is meant to be yours.

Do you see the difference? It *really* irks me when people are telling me that *their* God has a say in my life. I just think it's totally arrogant and lacking respect to just assume that because your life is so centered around God, everyone else's is, too. Or that your belief is more important than the others, which is really what I feel when I read this kind of comment - and it happens every day.

Bottom line, I just dislike being preached, in any way.

Others may not notice the problem here - but i completely agree with you. The first scenario wouldn't bother me, but the second certainly would.

For all B knows, person A may be an atheist - and to be told that "God" will be affecting their life CAN be very offensive. If you don't believe in a God - or believe in that person's God - to be told that this entity is affecting your life is like being told that this is THE God that exists.

Normally I am not one for Political Correctness - I think it's WAY out of hand these days. But I'll be the first to admit that I sent a NASTY e-mail back to the Christian Union on my college campus when I recieved an e-mail in the first week of December to come celebrate "the REAL reason for the season"... it went on to describe the play celebrating the birth of Jesus that they would be putting on.

As someone who is part Jewish - it really was offensive to my heritage for someone to make the statement saying that the Christian celebration was the ONLY reason to celebrate the holiday season when, in fact, other religions have VERY meaningful reasons to celebrate.

 

[Fran27]

I know the non-religious people would get it, lol.

I'm not meaning this in an offensive way at all, I just think the understanding of the problem is very much rooted in everyone's opinion about religion. I am not sure religious people would get it.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

So.. people need to abandon thier faith when talking to non-believers so as to not step on toes?

 

[nancy2394]

I was mostly talking about Catholics from France, where I grew up. In the 20+ years I was there, I never ever heard any of them even mention God in a sentence when speaking to me. Really funny what a difference culture does...

I just feel it's one of those things that are like everything else - I'm not going to start talking about my dogs all the time to people who don't care. I'm sure you're laughing at the comparison, but well, I have strong opinions about dog food, but I'm not going to talk to every dog owner I know about it. I just try to respect people who just don't care.

Nancy, I'm quite sure that that person indeed would only be trying to give kind words - it's not the intention that bothers me, but how it's done. I guess I just can't understand how people can be so focussed about their faith that they totally forget that not everyone else shares it. I don't believe in God and that kind of answer doesn't comfort me at all, and I would think that if people were really trying to be nice and comforting, they would try to say things that I can relate to, not just something THEY relate to.

Maybe they just don't realize you don't believe in God. Many people assume things... and yes assuming can get you into trouble at times. Now if you told me that they knew you didn't believe in God and kept making comments like that then I would agree it was inappropriate. I live in the south and so many people end their sentence with "God bless you" and I think when I first moved here almost 7 years ago it kind of freaked me out... but now I am used to it.

I find myself including non believers in my prayers at night because it weighs heavy on my heart to do so. I don't necessarily pray for them to convert or even accept Jesus as their savior... but I pray for their well being and pray that they may see things through a different light one day. I do it because I care. I struggle when it comes time to pray for people I don't like or care about.... but I manage to do it from time to time

I feel sad that it offends some if others talk about their religous beliefs not meaning to preach. It's hard not to feel passionate about something you care about.

It is never my intent to ever offend anyone with my beliefs

 

[sparks19]

But in hard times we often refer to things that are familiar. Maybe she is unsure how to give hope and support without referencing the thing that gives her hope and support. it is easier to give kind words with things that we are familiar and comfortable with.

I always talk about my dogs to people :blush: LOL It's like showing pictures of your kids hahahaha. and sometimes if in conversation someone mentions their food (if I have experience with it) I will share my experience. it's not preaching, just sharing. Like if someone told me they feed their dog puppy chow I would bring up the problems Teddy had while on that (it was not our choice, a friend bought him while they were watching him because it turned out they were too lazy to go to the pet store to get his normal food.) But if they just blew it off I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. But no harm in sharing my experiences I won't know if they care or not if I don't bring it up.

As a Christian, I am not offended when people of other faiths make reference to their faith to me. It is just not that big a deal to me. They couldn't know before hand if I do or do not share their faith and I appreciate that they are confident in their faith.

And Fran, I am NOT saying this to be rude and I am not trying to start an argument but I just want to point something out that might have some bearing on your view of how these things happen.

people come on here talking about getting a dog from a breeder that we don't really agree with. I have seen you give quite strong opinions about it because it is what you believe or know if you will. The person has made it clear they don't care. But on and on the thread goes trying to convince this person. We all know it is for a good cause but they just don't see it and we can't see HOW they can't get it. Same idea. Sorry that was the best example I could come up with

 

[Georgygirl]

Personally, I have a lot of respect for people and their religions. All I want in return is for people to repect me and my religious choice. It's a wonderful thing to share your faith, but disrespecting someone else's religious choice is wrong. I don't believe there is one CORRECT religion. They all exist to give people strength and support, to answer questions, to give a person something or someone to believe in and to show that someone or something cares about us. It's such a beautiful thing and people just spoil it by only focusing on the diffences and not the messages.

 

[Shalva]

But I'll be the first to admit that I sent a NASTY e-mail back to the Christian Union on my college campus when I recieved an e-mail in the first week of December to come celebrate "the REAL reason for the season"... it went on to describe the play celebrating the birth of Jesus that they would be putting on.

As someone who is part Jewish - it really was offensive to my heritage for someone to make the statement saying that the Christian celebration was the ONLY reason to celebrate the holiday season when, in fact, other religions have VERY meaningful reasons to celebrate.

I am a conservative Jew.... I don't bring up my religion in conversation.... I don't try to convert people to judaism... I don't discuss my dietary habits....

Here is what I dont understand about some Christians.....

to me religion is a very personal thing.... they are my beliefs and the path I gear my life to.... I was brought up a Jew... I keep Kosher (most days) I don't eat leavened bread during the holidays but it is personal and I don't make a big deal out of it... it is just a part of life....

I totally don't understand why Christians (again not all) feel the need to be so overt about their religion which to me is very personal.... Why ???
I have friends who are very religious Christians who tell me that everyone should say Merry Christmas.... and never have the consideration to say Happy Channukah to me or even Seasons greetings... the other day they were complaining about how they were never going to say Happy Holidays because what ever happened to Christians Rights! Well to me saying Happy Holidays to a person you don't know their religion is just acknowledging diversity and saying I don't know what you celebrate but whatever it is I hope you have a happy one. I dont understand the big deal about that....
I have met Many Christians who feel that Christianity has a market on the month of December (the reason for the season thing) well no Solstice and the Pagan Holidays came first.....ie. Wicca..... then Channukah because you know who really was a Jew so that came somewhere in there and then Christmas.... and they are all in December.... so no Christmas is not the reason for the season..... there are a multitude of holidays celebrated in December.....

So that is what annoys me to be honest..... I am glad for people who have a religion that comforts them and gives them direction and peace.... I dont understand why they have to spout off about it all the time.....

And don't even get me started on the "good Christian" thing .... as if anyone who is not a "good Christian" must be a bad Buddhist or whatever....

so there are my comments....
S