Lets just get some things straight..
By xParanoiax
@xParanoiax (6987)
United States
March 29, 2007 7:09pm CST
I differ in beliefs from many people. And on opinions. My political standing's considered as VERY liberal.
But this doesn't mean I hate everyone different than me.
Wouldn't that just be illogical? After so many people get in my face for what I believe and where I stand..that I'd go and do the same thing? It'd be hypocritical.
I don't hate your deity, or you personally. In all likelyhood I admire your deity, think they're interesting, that your religion's beautiful..
I dont lie on my opinions or what I think of yours. I don't preach to you, I simply tell you what I think of yours..after you ask or present a conversational move which invites me to tell you what I think. You don't see me running around saying "Your beliefs are wrong just because you don't adhere to my beliefs!" or "You're not going to end up in a good place in the afterlife because of so and so."
I try my best not to judge people. I try my best to be knowledgeable about different lifestyles, belief systems, how DIFFERENT people are. I strive to understand. I want to see people's connections and not their divisions..since in truth, more connects us than divides us.
The only message I ever deliver is that everyone deserves to be respected..I don't mean respect whatever they may do wrong or whatever you think they do wrong, just as people themselves. By telling them outright they're wrong -- which may or may not be your personal opinion -- or that they're going to hell because they don't fit some mold perfectly..is excirising your ego, and no I'm not impressed by that. I won't suddenly 'see the error in my ways', or fall at your feet thanking you for helping me see the light.
You're allowed to believe that I'm going to go to hell..but crap man, at least treat me like a human being instead of some kind of creature which is lower than the dirt under your feet.
No one deserves to be treated like that.
Don't tell me to flee before you or that my questions are stupid simply because I disagree, present a logical argument, or just plain won't put up with your egotistcal ravings and verbal abuse.
'Cause there's nothing you can do to change who and what I am. There's more to me than what you see on the purpose, than what you'll ever see.
How can yelling at me, telling me I'm evil make me do anything? How the hell is that logical?
You catch more flies with honey than vinegar..
I will never tell you what to believe.
Just don't tell me 'cause I can think outside the box, that I try looking at everything from all sides, that I've actually studied this stuff..that I'm trying to convince you that you're wrong. Don't accuse me of trying to seduce you..I mean, these accusations are truly flattering, really..I could thank you for the compliments but I know you think it's terrible. In your eyes I'm doomed anyway, so shut the feck up! Don't tell me to shut up..by talking you invite me to keep talking..you don't HAVE to talk to me..use your brain, PLEASE.
_
12 people like this
19 responses
@kurtbiewald (2625)
• United States
30 Mar 07
yeah
you make some good points
I'm only concerned with how people live their lives if and when I have to be there to help or clean up the mess.
Only for folks I care about and love.
Strangers can do or say whatever they want.
When I see a potential explosion. Then I warn someone, gently, and with love. And they just say, no , you are stupid and wrong. Then when it does explode, in a month, a year, ten years, then I won't say, told you so, I will help anyway, just maybe 10% of what I would have done.
Karma
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
I'm glad, Kurt. That's a very good way to handle things..especially the helping people regardless part.
Thanks for responding.
3 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
30 Mar 07
Wow. Have I told you how awesome you are lately? What a rant!
I have more to say to this, but I'm not sure what yet. I'm still trying to let it all sink in. You said a lot of things that I think but don't normally say, or am not able to express.
3 people like this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Heh, thanks ^_^
It is really good to know I'm not alone in thinkin' and feelin' these things..I'm lookin' forward to the more things you have to say :)
4 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
30 Mar 07
Okay, I think I'm ready now. *takes a deep breath*
You're definitely not alone on this one. I've been accused so many times of "hating" something just because it's not my personal belief, or because I don't like people trying to force their beliefs on me.
I have tons of friends of different religion, political views, etc. I am a very tolerant person, and I believe that all people have the right to their opinons. But what really IRKS me is that often I'm called intolerant because I expect a chance to talk about my beliefs after someone talks to me about theirs, or because I don't just change my mind whenever presented with someone else's point of view. I love discussions about religion and such, and I love learning about other people's beliefs. I think all religions have value. So why is it that I'm accused of being hateful when I say I don't worship someone else's God? It's not like I say "Your God doesn't exist", or "Your God is really a manifestation of evil from MY religion". So why do they always try to turn me into the bad guy just for not accepting hwen they say these things about my religion?
I think I'm done, really.
3 people like this
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
30 Mar 07
HOT..*beep*...DAMN that was a BRILLIANT, HONEST, TRUE TO LIFE rant if ever I did read one....and I agree with everything you said and as much as I'd like to add to it...you pretty much covered everything and said it so beautifully!!
"I won't suddenly 'see the error in my ways', or fall at your feet thanking you for helping me see the light. You're allowed to believe that I'm going to go to hell..but crap man, at least treat me like a human being instead of some kind of creature which is lower than the dirt under your feet."
beautiful and what really busts my b@lls about it (so to speak) is the fact that these ppl who do this, claim to be such devoted, true, godfearing Christians...justify their behaviour in the name of God/Jesus/the bible etc and are SO blinded by their ignorance they dont realize that THEY would be most likely turned away in Heaven if it were between us and them simply becuase the attitudes they have and the words they spew are full of nothing but bitterness and hatred
"...there's nothing you can do to change who and what I am. There's more to me than what you see on the purpose, than what you'll ever see."
how true is THAT!
What a fantasitc post Paranoiax!! +++'s for you that was truly enjoyable! and you really did nail it all!
3 people like this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Thanks Raven ^_^ I'm really glad you enjoyed it.
That is very true though..like some of the other lovely people in this thread have said..some folks forget the whole "Judge not lest ye be judged" and the splinter in the eye..and the OTHER verse where Jesus was stating how some of the nonchristian's faith is greater than many of his followers O_O sooo many of them forget all this stuff. But I guess people only remember what they want to at times..I'm guilty of the same thing occasionally -- rememberings that is. But that's why I state "I think" or "I could be wrong" if I'm unsure lol.
1 person likes this
@elisa812 (3026)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Hello! I'm glad you got a chance to vent, it sounds like you really needed to get some of that frustration out! I agree with you, people can disagree with others beliefs and still be respectful of them. I know that I'm a lot more conservative than most people, and there are a lot of people that I disagree with on things, but I also realize they have a right to their own beliefs and opinions and I don't try to freak out at them over it! lol It drives me nuts when people try to tell others that they're evil or they're going to hell when they disagree on stuff. When you try to push your religious beliefs on someone, you end up just pushing them away entirely and giving others who practice your religion a bad name! It's really sad. Anyway, I hope you're feeling better! :)
3 people like this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Hiyo! ^_^ Yeah, I did need to get the frustration out heh..better out there than inside me right?
I agree, they do end up pushing people away entirely..which certainly wasn't their aim (I'd hope not anyway). It is really sad.
Anyway, thanks!
1 person likes this
@retardedrugrat (4791)
• Canada
30 Mar 07
Woah! I would not like to get on the wrong side of you lol.
In all seriousness though I think thats possibly the most logical rant I've ever come across and heck, I would have been proud to have thought up just a quarter of that.
I too differ in my beliefs from a lot of people and all I ask is a little respect in return for the respect I give them and their beliefs. I've run the whole gamut of opinion when asked for what my beliefs are and it never fails to amaze me how people will go about trying to make me see why their beliefs are so much better. Thanks but no thanks is my reply.
Way to go to you for expressing what you feel at these people's attitudes.
3 people like this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Lol, thanks.
I kinda wish some people'd leave it alone at 'thanks but no thanks' but I guess it just shows how wide the spectrum of people are ^_^ and as long as they educate us somewhat -- on anything regardless or even BECAUSE of their behavior..then, whatever..cool they'll actually help instead of having the negative impact some of them seem to want.
Thanks for responding, RR. ^.^
1 person likes this
@SheliaLee (2736)
• United States
30 Mar 07
I am trying to think of something to say myself. I am not ashamed of the fact that I am a Christian but please believe me, I am not trying to preach to you. I just want you to know where my heart is. If I see a discussion that is about a subject I don't agree with I'm going to try to express my opinion without being disrespectful. You are correct that we as Christians can draw more people with honey than by being accusive. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, that is the wonderful thing about America. We can express how we feel. I hope you don't think that all Christians are going to bad mouth you if you don't feel the way we do. I guess what I am trying to say, my main point, is that I pray that someday you will receive Christ as your Saviour, but that is only coming from my heart, not to try t be ugly to you in any way.
I hope you have a wonderful day!!
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
My reputation must just somewhat preceed me, or else you pay attention..in ANY case, no I don't think all christians are going to grab torches and pitchforks or anything like that. Yes, I've had some bad experiences with a few...well, as a rule really. But, that doesn't mean I think they're all nasty folks. I love it when I find a nice one..because, in my opinion they're rare. Or maybe I'm just a nasty-people magnet regardless religious affiliation..who knows, right? Lol
*is going to rate your post a plus*
I appreciate the sentiment alot ^_^
I'm not gonna deny that there's every possibility in the world what you pray will happen to me. But I don't think it's probable despite it's possibleness..I'm not gonna say "No, don't pray for me" 'cause you've every right to, and I admire anyone who cares enough about their fellow human being to take a moment and pray about them.
Funny thing is..due to my odd history, in all technicality, I was 'saved', I did do that whole "I accept Jesus s my savior" et cetera et cetera thing..that's the main reason I am where I am now. But that's my weirdness..I don't expect there are many other folks like me in this way, so..I'll just close here, that I hope you have an awesome day as well..and I appreciate your response.
2 people like this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Heh, that's really cool..we kinda went through the same thing. Only you went back to God and I 'found' my Goddess..(Or did she find me? o_O lol). Anyway, I appreciate the prayers..regardless what they're about for me. I mean prayer can never hurt anyone really, right? It's a positive thing.
But yeah..the world'd probably be alot better off if at least most people would take up the habit of respecting and accepting others..ESPECIALLY the politicians like you said lol. I mean yeah..we don't ALL have to do things the same way, or even believe the same thing..so long as we deal with eachother the best ways we can.
Don't worry though..it usually takes awhile for my patience to run out as well. Even if folks insist and throwing a whole arsenale of insults at me..I just had enough from the past week, needed to vent lol.
Thanks for responding ^_^ gave me a smile I needed, today.
2 people like this
@countrylady28 (153)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Oh my word! I totally did what you did. I accepted Christ and got saved at a young age. I walked away from the Lord and did my own thing for many many years. It was about 4 years ago that I decided I was empty and that I was being disobedient to God and I recommited my life to Christ. I believe that the Lord was "faithful" and that He brought me back to Him because He promises us that He will be faithful to complete the work He has done in us.
I agree that Christians need to be very careful about their "attitudes" toward others - it's not a good testimony to be mean or nasty to anybody, but it can be human nature unfortunately. Try to be patient with us - we all have different personalities, Christian or not, and some of us loose control. That is why I try to follow God's direction on being slow to speak and slow to anger.
I think we can agree to disagree on our liberal vs. conservative views. It's my job to pray for you and be loving toward you and I appreciate your approach to be accepting and respectful toward me. What a world this would be if we all followed some of these rules. I wish our politicians could adopt this concept - on both sides.
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Into every life some rain must fall. You sure are getting your share and now you see why I live on 43 acres and almost in the middle of it 1000 feet from the road. Why I only work part time and choose to stay in my positive place whenever I can. Stuff going on inside my life need not be exasperated by others that do not allow for differences and perceptions unlike their own. You are learning about how the world is heading and I hope that in your future lies goodness, tolerance and more open society able to allow all that is different and not destructive. That is best I can hope for at this point.
Good luck to you and yours.
2 people like this
@Jennifer21 (2476)
• United States
30 Mar 07
I hear exactly what you are saying. I am a devout pagan and I believe that you have your right to have faith in whatever you choose. I choose my pagan beliefs. And I am not bad, I am not evil, my magick isn't used for harm, but for good. I do not pass judgement to any other religion, because in my eyes they are all the right religion, their is no wrong religion. As long as the follower has pure and honest beliefs, then the religion is as real as any. If you are interested, check out my blog at www.paganworld101.blogspot.com
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
I'm much the same, hun.
I just wish folks'd see that everybdy sees themselves and others differently..and that this isn't bad, but GOOD.
I keep mean'n to check out your blog, heh. I'll have to check it out one of these things.
Thanks for responding.
3 people like this
@revdauphinee (5703)
• United States
30 Mar 07
boy i could have written that myself i dont know why people so often assume that just because you (or I) dissagree with someones point of view or even their faith that we hate them !it makes no sence especialy on here how is it possible to hate someone we dont even know??I have many differences in my beliefs and am often calle a hater when in truth i hate no one i may dissaprove of the belief system they have but hate is not a part of me when it comes to people !
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
30 Mar 07
Well, I think that all that you said is exactly what we are supposed to do here in mylot.
We can't agree with everyone, and as long as we respect their views there is nothing wrong with responding with our own views.
I"m afraid many people tend to take things personally or feel it's their duty to change others. But we're here to discuss, not change people or how they think.
And honestly, if we all agreed with everything then this place would be a bit boring wouldn't it ? :)
I'm glad you vented here, venting always helps and clears the "air" :)
If our post gives enough information for someone to change his/her mind, that's fine, but not a requirement or intention.
@Denmarkguy (1845)
• United States
30 Mar 07
I don't know if some specific incident brought this about... but that sure is one fine rant! And I agree wholeheartedly...
A lot of people are very fearful of having their paradigms challenged. They give a lot of lip service to the idea of "equal time" for differing viewpoints, yet they don't really have any "time" for those viewpoints that just *might* poke a few holes in the foundation of their perceptions. I suppose it is perhaps just human nature to "attack that which we don't understand." After all, aren't most battles and wars ultimately the result of some form of ignorance?
It does make me quite frustrated when someone says "feedback invited" but there's a subtext that said feedback had BETTER be "what that person wants to hear."
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Makes me think that instead of "Don't feed the trolls" signs we need, "Don't bother replying to these folks unless you know it's something they wanna hear" signs.
Thanks for replying ^_^
1 person likes this
@arcadian (930)
• United States
30 Mar 07
I have yet to see anything from you that I didn't admire and like and enjoy reading and thinking about. I can't imagine wht happened specifically to stimulate this very well put statement from you- but I suspect some prozyletizing religiosly misguided moron went after you or someone you were aware of. The fool! (them) Well, xPar, needless to say if intelligence like yours was the norm there would not be statistics in our country like 12 out of 20 people are clinically depressed. We are a sick society and we need to start healing up, eradicating the illness, we are destroying ourselves.
3 people like this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Thanks Arcadian.
Yeah..a few folks, actually..so yeah, you guessed correctly.
I agree though, if people thought a little more we'd be better off. But everywhere we look people just wish to think less and less, and the people who don't think make it harder for those who do..
It's all so very backwards..I have no doubt we are destroying ourselves from the inside out.
I still think there's hope as long as people who think still exist. I mean logic if used, usually wins..right?
I'll just keep clinging to hope lol.
I'm glad you've liked the things I've posted and said so far here on mylot :)
Thanks for responding.
2 people like this
@pangeacat (619)
• United States
30 Mar 07
I am saddened that you have been treated this way. And, again sadly, I agree with you. I have seen many people doing this, both on this forum and in real life. I don't understand it myself. And, that's what frustrates me. I don't understand why there are so many who will judge, hate, disrespect, etc. another human being simply because they don't whole-heartedly agree. I enjoy disagreements (the kind that are calm and don't result in threatening or hostile words and/or confrontations). I think it's beautiful when people can disagree and get a dialogue going. A friend of mine and I disagree on almost everything. We're still friends because we are sincerely interested in the ideas and beliefs of the other. She finds mine beautiful, even in disagreement, and I find hers beautiful, even in disagreement.
Disagreeing, and calmly debating various points, allows us to show our individuality. It teaches us about ourselves, our friends, and even our "enemies". We get to experience life from many sides, and through the eyes of many people who are willing to share what they believe and feel and see with us. Only through friendly debate do we get to truly understand different religions, thoughts, feelings, and cultures. And THAT is beautiful!
I know that, when these things get out of hand, debating and even discussing certain things with certain people can become exhausting. Eventually, that exhaustion leads to frustration and even (in some cases) anger. I've reached the point of frustration often, and even the point of anger on many ocassions when this type of situation strikes.
Try not to worry about it too much though. I've read many of your posts, and gotten a feeling for where you're coming from, over the last few days. In my opinion, you are a wonderful person, with beautiful ideas and ways of thinking. Anyone who can't see and respect that is loosing out, because they will never be able to get into a discussion with you wherein they will be able to see the beauty of the world through your eyes.
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
My problem I guess, is that I DO understand why they feel they have to judge. None of the reasons are ever good and in many cases it's not entirely their fault :( which makes me feel even worse 'cause they're just lashing out at me because of what happened to them.
I just..get so frustrated when they can't see my point of view -- if only a tiny bit of it..maybe that's the worse kind of blindness in truth. The inability to see beyond oneself.
Disagreements can be fun, amusing, entertaining, and above all educating..which the last part's mainly what I myself go after..because I just want to understand lol. But I agree..the best disagreements have no bad repercussions. It's probably the most beautiful things in the world -- well maybe lol -- learning about peoples and cultures and beiefs..which don't really belong to us or aren't us. I mean..you don't have to be a photographer to admire their art, right? So why would religion or opinions be any different?
Arguments do take alot of energy..after a certain point it does just wear someone out to the point of frustration or exhaustion..which sucks, since I don't any argument should go to that point unless it'll have beneficial affects on them (sometimes we just have to get things into the air before we can feel better).
Everyone has their own beauty I think..and beauty deserves to be seen in everyone. Those who can't see it..it kind of breaks my heart. It IS like being blind..trapped in a world where you can't see anything or anyone truely, just yourself -- and you can't even see YOURSELF truly in those cases..'cause you've no experience really seeing at all. As if you're seeing things through a thin fog..it paints a different worldview of things.
I won't worry about it too much, though when my thoughts do drift to it, I don't think I'll be able to help feeling a little bit of sadness.
1 person likes this
@WASYLBRYTAN (78)
• Canada
30 Mar 07
You are actually quite right in your point of view. The zealots who treat you like dirt are being hypocritical because their own Bible teaches them to love and pray instead of hate and condemn. Jesus said that before we point out a speck in someone's eye, we should remove the log from our own. Ghandi agreed with that as well. So did Charles Darwin, eventually.
3 people like this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Darlin', that's the most obvious thing in the world about me. It barely nicks the surface..
being a writer I can just write loooong and wordy paragraphs when venting lol.
1 person likes this
@clownfish (3269)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Hi! I wanted to say that I respect people who tell it like it is! That is so much better than the weasely hypocrits who pretend to be nice then stab you in the back. Personally, I get a LOT of flack for what I believe, too, and I get tired of it. You'll never catch me "preaching" at you LOL because when I even mention what I believe, there are haters of people like me who come out of the woodwork in droves! I completely understand that you want to be left alone to believe what you believe and don't want condemnation from others. It doesn't feel good, I can tell you that, and I don't blame you one bit for letting others know that. :-)
@yanjiaren (9031)
•
30 Mar 07
Hello my Friend. What happened ? Did I miss anything? I can come and keep you company while you vent? We can have a virtual cuppa together at last and let all the crazy ones say and think whatever they want. Like you said you are who you are..you are not going out of your way to hurt any one. Funnily enough there is a saying from the Muslim Prophet May Peace be upon him..sorry I have to put that after his name..they say it is respectful..Like for Jesus Peace be upon him too..that he gets neither swerved frominsult or praise as he is amirror of who they are..If someone says you are beautiful..they see the beauty within themselves..if someone calls you evil..itis the evil festering in themselves also..I remember this saying and it has stayed with me..I really wish I could be undisturbed too when people say bad things to me..but guess I ain't no saint huh? So I do understand how you feel and have come to keep you company
2 people like this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Thanks Yanji.
Nah, you didn't miss anything..just me missing a "Don't feed the troll" sign, heh..five days ago, I thought one discussion was fairly peaceable. That the user wasn't attacking someone..but I learned the trolls were just being clever..yet again, and..well you cam guess the rest.
I won't name names, lets just say..it's been more than one member.
*smiles* Nah, not a saint..but who is, today? I always rather believed that..that we're all kind of like mirrors of our enviroments and the people around us.
2 people like this
@brianfb (33)
• Philippines
30 Mar 07
It just comes down to respect the beliefs of anyone.People have different views and no matter what we must always try to respect what other people believe in as long as it's based on what is morally right and accepted as good behavior and not causing any harm whatsover to other people.
