Scripture Quoting Arrogance
March 24th 2008 18:25
"Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo." -- H.G. Wells
Why is it that the mere mental image of a Christian quoting scripture incites some (including this blogger) to anger at best, and to rage at worst?
Quote scripture to me about moral or ethical issues and the fight is on. Is it because they treat their views as an absolute, void of any viable equivalency, moral or otherwise? And that no matter what their level of understanding is, theirs is the superior perspective and their arguments self verifying. A flawed perspective that I call: bull shit.
It’s easy to understand that many do not want to yield to a non-secular moral standard, because it may interfere with their hedonistic indulgences or sexual foray’s, preventing them from slaking their insatiable demands to live unfettered and free of all constraints imposed by society, whether for the collective good of all or not.
That is solely between them and the dictates of their conscience; until they begin advocating their views and to stuff them down my throat, I’m fine. But Christian based or not, I resist any and all attempts to indoctrinate me into another mind set.
It isn’t common to see Muslim’s, Buddhists’, Jews, Spiritualists, Witches, Warlocks, Wiccans, Druids, theists or other groups with a copy of their tenants standing on street corners, quoting vague scriptures and lecturing about them while fully expecting every listener to be familiar with the source material; but Christians attempt to get away with it.
Christ rarely used Old Testament scripture to teach or educate anyone not familiar with the tenants of Judaism. When were his followers instructed to assume that everyone (including non Christians) has the same source material and faith base that they have. They were admonished not to make a blatant show of their faith. And that would apply to writing a blog in a confrontational manner that turns possible proselytes away.
So, why should they be alarmed when someone takes them to task for posturing and hiding behind their quoted scriptures that they don’t fully understand or are capable of debating? Because, as I understand it, salvation is ultimately an individual choice, and I (for one) want to make that decision without coercion from anyone!
Debate the merits of Christianity or Christian morality with free flowing rhetoric rather than banal scripture quoting and perhaps others will respond favorably to its message.
Raven
Why is it that the mere mental image of a Christian quoting scripture incites some (including this blogger) to anger at best, and to rage at worst?
Quote scripture to me about moral or ethical issues and the fight is on. Is it because they treat their views as an absolute, void of any viable equivalency, moral or otherwise? And that no matter what their level of understanding is, theirs is the superior perspective and their arguments self verifying. A flawed perspective that I call: bull shit.
It’s easy to understand that many do not want to yield to a non-secular moral standard, because it may interfere with their hedonistic indulgences or sexual foray’s, preventing them from slaking their insatiable demands to live unfettered and free of all constraints imposed by society, whether for the collective good of all or not.
That is solely between them and the dictates of their conscience; until they begin advocating their views and to stuff them down my throat, I’m fine. But Christian based or not, I resist any and all attempts to indoctrinate me into another mind set.
It isn’t common to see Muslim’s, Buddhists’, Jews, Spiritualists, Witches, Warlocks, Wiccans, Druids, theists or other groups with a copy of their tenants standing on street corners, quoting vague scriptures and lecturing about them while fully expecting every listener to be familiar with the source material; but Christians attempt to get away with it.
Christ rarely used Old Testament scripture to teach or educate anyone not familiar with the tenants of Judaism. When were his followers instructed to assume that everyone (including non Christians) has the same source material and faith base that they have. They were admonished not to make a blatant show of their faith. And that would apply to writing a blog in a confrontational manner that turns possible proselytes away.
So, why should they be alarmed when someone takes them to task for posturing and hiding behind their quoted scriptures that they don’t fully understand or are capable of debating? Because, as I understand it, salvation is ultimately an individual choice, and I (for one) want to make that decision without coercion from anyone!
Debate the merits of Christianity or Christian morality with free flowing rhetoric rather than banal scripture quoting and perhaps others will respond favorably to its message.
Raven
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Comment by katyzzz
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Vengeance is mine "saith the Lord"
Comment by James Rickard
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Every religion is right--it's the other guy who is wrong. Remember the Crusades? I could go on an on with dumb sayings. All I really want to say is that you're preaching to the choir.
Comment by RubySoho
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I believe we got off on the wrong foot.
I am really beginning to like you.
James: Hugh Hefner said that? I'm impressed.
Comment by tlcorbin
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Greetings James, Hugh is absolutely correct, and I am not surprised that the hedonistic womanizing selfish pig came up with that comment; he never could grasp the concept of sharing.
hahaha, Hiya Ruby, we did get off on the wrong foot, but I've come to appreciate many of your views as well.
Good to have you all take the time to post comments, thank you. Raven
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
You should be internationally broadcasting this post. You have said here what I am always trying to say - yet far more eloquently and with a clear head. I could not have managed it - I get angry.
Being raised Catholic I am knowledgeable in the ethics of a 'good christian' and I get so angry when people claim to uphold the principles yet themselves are victimes of Pride, Envy, Sloth....And usually all the rest too. You need to practise before you preach!
Unfortunately, conversion of sinners is one of the unofficial commandments....I myself was told if I didnt convert every sinner I found, Id go to hell by default, for not trying. Hence the screaming on street corners. Relieves the guilt I guess?
But theres nothing more I can say - you've said it all. Now all we need is the part where someone listens.
Comment by tlcorbin
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Comment by Lilla
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*broad smile on my face* *tongue firmly in cheek* but I have to laugh when the 'good' Christians constantly bash the 'bad' Christians... talk about preaching to the choir.
Again, well said.
Lilla ...
Comment by tlcorbin
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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i read this on www.libertyforwomen.org
Comment by RubySoho
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I'm glad someone appreciates my views Raven. I fear I have made a few enemies here of late. I shall endevour to hold my tongue from here on in...
Comment by Morgan Bell
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there are probably 4 or 5 people on Orble who i really hang out to see their comments whenever someone posts controversial (and or ignorant) opinions in a blog, and you guys are 2 of them . . . the comments are often far more thought-provoking and educational than the original posts . . . it is always interesting to see which bloggers can stand up to criticism and defend their positions and which bloggers dont address difficult comments at all or address them with arbitrary points . . . i think as long as you are providing extra information or a different perspective that all of your comments are valuable!
i hope both of you keep interacting in the comments, it makes Orble a so much more interesting place!
im sure even the conservatives secretly love the challenge of a debate, they may not learn anything, but everyone else does!
Comment by RubySoho
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I only speak out on issues I feel deeply on, not to provoke people for the fun of it but because I genuinely believe what I am saying is important. I know people will disagree with me and that's fine as I also feel that we have much to learn from people who have different points of view to us and interaction on the comments section is vital for our own personal growth.
Anyway, thank you for the encouragment, I have been feeling absolutely gutted today because I upset someone who I actually respect a great deal and my efforts to rectify the situation have fallen on deaf years. I'm not angry with him but for some reason I feel hurt and disappointed.
Comment by tlcorbin
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Hello Ruby , I enjoy your passion and willingness to engage in spirited debate. It’s far more entertaining than to slip into the abyss of vitriol and name calling.
Thanks Morgan B, I love the interaction of the comments and relish the unpredictable nature of spontaneous responses, which often prove to be very revealing. Hopefully we all learn from these exchanges.
Happily Ruby , some who’ve taken umbrage to your remarks do so out of stingy selfishness, with limited vision and shallow intellect. As for the he referred to; he is likely unruffled or you’d have known about it quickly. So, take a deep breath and have at it again tomorrow. There is a plethora of mischief and high adventure to be had by all.
Our brilliance will not resonate well or harmoniously with everyone, but it will resonate truthfully.
It’s wonderful to have you two ladies visit and comment freely. Raven
Comment by Nomad
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Nomad
Comment by tlcorbin
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Comment by Michaelie
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I have been MIA too long and am desperately trying to catch up! I'll just say Kleo's comment hit home with me.
Mich
Comment by tlcorbin
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Perhaps I'll swing by their micro podiums and invite them over. What do you think? My feeling; one way dialogs is a speech.
Raven
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Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
They often do things I know you'd LOVE....The most recent was a stab at Easter - What does bunnys with eggs have to do with Jesus? Since the kids know Jesus they try to get him there....And when he shows up, whats the first thing the church wants to do? Kill him of course!
I'll try and find its name, it'll be on the web somewhere.
Comment by tlcorbin
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Comment by Kleonaptra
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Just cos Morgan mentioned that particular commandment....
Ok, we all know the Bible contradicts itself constantly right? Ive even posted on its ridiculousness and plan to again. But the other night Kman and I were having a discourse and this commandment came up.
I said " ok, so god says 'do not kill' What? Zebras? Humans? Cockroaches?"
Certainly got Kman thinking.
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Comment by Lilla
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'I am still laughing at Katyzzzzzz'ssss response... *giggle* ..best one yet!"
The point is this: One afternoon, bored with playing guitars and our fingers sore from 'jammin,' and having consumed a few good bottles of wine between us, we decided to get the Bible out (well a few Bibles from my collection of the different versions) ... and have a good laugh because someone had mentioned the Jehovah's on the doorstep...*rolling eyes*
Between us that day, a couple school teachers, an academic or two, a professional musician/song writer, artists, one scientist, a psychiatrist, a dance therapist and an engineer; a writer or two and perhaps even a 'professional' drunk or two, too ... ((laughs))
Anyewhoo... the game was to make some outrageous claim and then find a passage or verse in the bible (particularly the old testiment), which could support the claim in some way, especially when 'creatively interpretated' ... well, you can imagine Raven, it wasn't only our fingers that were sore that day, but our sides from laughing too....
A memorable, fruitful afternoon that.
With love xx
Lilla ...
Comment by tlcorbin
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None of the neophyte Christian bunch wanted to take the matter on in an open debate. I'll move the post back to lifestyle.
Raven
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
That sounds like a REALLY fun game! Thanks for sharing that, I will definitely play that one!
Raven,
Im done for mate, my bible actually says "thou shalt not kill" so I cant even eat a potato, crap. Always knew I was going to hell.
Comment by tlcorbin
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Oh, yeah, Lilla, I may try that game out myself. I'll use mein kampf instead of a bible, bet that'll work too.
Raven