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I don't really care how it sounds. I don't preach to others either, I don't care what they think. I've stopped identifying myself as a Christian in public places because of Atheists trying to start arguments with me. I think the annoying behavior goes both ways on this one.
Because it is impossible to have a society of inclusion and acceptance and still be under a government used as a social control tool. "Live and let live" does not exist under theocratic leaning ideologies.
Well, that was a complete non sequitur. What on earth do you think that had to do with what I said?
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I don't really care how it sounds. I don't preach to others either, I don't care what they think. I've stopped identifying myself as a Christian in public places because of Atheists trying to start arguments with me. I think the annoying behavior goes both ways on this one.
But I wasn't talking about tolerance, or politics, in any way. I was talking about miscommunication.Because it is the reality of what we face. Since there is no such thing as tolerance in politics and religion is mixed in, there will be little effort for tolerance from religion as well.
But I wasn't talking about tolerance, or politics, in any way. I was talking about miscommunication.
I doubt there is miscommunication, that is what I am trying to tell you.
Oh, everybody can be an asshole and no group has a monopoly on that.
I obviously can only speak for myself, but if I had a belief that other's perceived as nonsensical then I would accept that there was a disconnect somewhere and I would try to find out WHY it comes across as nonsense. Perhaps it is and I'm the one in the wrong. Perhaps understanding it requires certain assumptions. I would try to figure out the issue. That's why I started the thread...I would want someone to point such things out to me and I would want to discuss it.
So let me get this straight....Assuming everyone is honest, then the message of Christianity makes sense to Christians, but is nonsensical to non-Christians, but there's no miscommunication? That's not possible...someone is missing something.
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I don't really care how it sounds. I don't preach to others either, I don't care what they think. I've stopped identifying myself as a Christian in public places because of Atheists trying to start arguments with me. I think the annoying behavior goes both ways on this one.
What do you think the opposite dialogue sounds like then? Meaning when these supposed Atheists randomly start argument with you what does it generally sound like to you that makes what they're saying sound so ridiculous? What might they try differently?
You didn't read the link in the OP, did you? Read it: that is exactly what Christianity (and other religions) sound like to many.Perhaps a good place to start is clear up why you think the message of Christianity is "nonsensical to non-Christians."
I wasn't talking about the "message" (whatever you think that might be) but claims such as talking serpents, talking donkeys, zombies, turning water into wine etc. Even those branches that don't insist on a literal reading of the Bible still require acceptance of miracles and other things that don't seem rational.I am saying there is no miscommunication just because non-Christians do not agree with the message of Christianity.
Rejection of the message does not have to mean miscommunication one way or the other.
But I wasn't talking about tolerance, or politics, in any way. I was talking about miscommunication.
So let me get this straight....Assuming everyone is honest, then the message of Christianity makes sense to Christians, but is nonsensical to non-Christians, but there's no miscommunication? That's not possible...someone is missing something.
I don't reject Christianity because I disagree with its message, but because the premises don't make any sense.
That's not a conversation I care to have with them. I don't care what they believe and I don't want to influence them in any way.
I was raised Catholic but I thought it was all nonsense back then. I didn't come to have faith until later in life. That journey is incredibly personal and can't really be understood by others. That's why I don't like talking about it, one either sees it or doesn't and words aren't going to change that.
People who try to preach to others probably irritate me more than they irritate you.