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A Ravens view of issues that are Humorous, Relevant and Personal. “Would these words make the lost soul, bereft of hope nod his head and smile or throw up?”

Is Why - March 2008

Scripture Quoting Arrogance

March 24th 2008 18:25
From the Soap Box
"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

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Comments
27 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by katyzzz

March 24th 2008 22:31
A Big thick solid Bible is a wonderful means of protection and can also be used as an implement.

Vengeance is mine "saith the Lord"

Comment by James Rickard

March 24th 2008 22:37
I like what Hugh Hefner, the founder of PLAYBOY once said, "Freedom of religion also means freedom FROM religion."

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

March 25th 2008 00:20
Raven,

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

March 25th 2008 01:36
Holy mackerel in the face katyzzz, you could do some heavy duty smiting with a solid tome; I've some spares, need one?

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

March 25th 2008 02:29
Oh Raven...
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

March 25th 2008 03:16
Wow, kleo, powerful words indeed, thanks for sharing your thoughts, it shouldn't surprise you that we share occasional simpatico thought processes. Is it against the rules to rope and hog-tie a few folks to do the listening thing? It has some appeal, y'know. Raven

Comment by Lilla

March 25th 2008 03:20
Raven,

*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.

Because, as I understand it, salvation is ultimately an individual choice, and I (for one) want to make that decision without coercion from anyone!

Again, well said.

Lilla ...

Comment by tlcorbin

March 25th 2008 03:48
Thanks for the compliment Lilla, it's a merry-go-round that puts a bee under my bonnet. I find modern Christians to be theological cannibals. Odd how they devour their wounded so voraciously. Raven

Comment by Morgan Bell

March 25th 2008 04:53
i like this post!
i read this on www.libertyforwomen.org
If antiabortion extremists can pluck the verse out of the Bible that says "Thou shalt not kill/commit murder" and indiscriminately apply it to abortion, that verse can be just as easily plucked from the Bible and indiscriminately applied to the death penalty, the United States war on terrorism, or even the Middle East Crisis between Israel and the Palestinians.

Comment by RubySoho

March 25th 2008 05:57
Right on Morgan!

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

March 25th 2008 06:30
Ruby and Raven,

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

March 25th 2008 06:46
Morgan, you have just made my day. In reading others responses to my comments I can see that they think I am being aggressive when I am really just being passionate.

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

March 25th 2008 10:10
Hi Morgan B, I am very glad that this post is striking a harmonious chord with you. The verse you quoted from liberty for women.org is often taken out of context and used as a club, and it should be returned in a like manner.

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

March 25th 2008 10:13
yeah right on Raven, that choir preaching thing too.

Nomad

Comment by tlcorbin

March 25th 2008 10:32
Hey, good to see you Nomad, it's a very large choir and thanks for commenting. Raven

Comment by Michaelie

March 25th 2008 11:03
Fantastic post Raven.

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

March 25th 2008 18:40
Hello Michaelie, great to have you visit and comment. I had hoped that some of the folks with the over zealous approach to sharing Christianity would make an apperance, however, they aren't interested in doing so. It's sad, this would have been a great post for open discourse.

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

Comment by Michaelie

March 25th 2008 19:44
Sure, go ahead stir the pot. I should have known that's what you wanted and left an umbrageous comment.

Comment by tlcorbin

March 25th 2008 19:59
Actually, Michaelie, I would like to engage some of those writers in real dialog-without angry contentious exchanges. Chances of that happening appear slim. Raven

Comment by Kleonaptra

March 26th 2008 01:07
Do you watch South Park?
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

March 26th 2008 05:20
hahaha, kleo if he came to earth today and blogged about his teachings, he'd get called a liar and would be verbally crucified, several times over. Raven

Comment by Kleonaptra

March 27th 2008 01:33
O O o....
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.

Comment by tlcorbin

March 27th 2008 03:47
Actually, what it say's kleo, (and I'm paraphrasing now) is that you 'do not commit murder.' Killing is necessary, or we'd starve, unless we turned into plants. Raven

Comment by Lilla

March 27th 2008 22:47
Also;

'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

March 27th 2008 23:20
Lilla, have you read my post: Christians Guideline to Rape, it was written to high light exactly that point and it opened some very interesting dialog with Winston.

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

March 28th 2008 01:18
Lilla...
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

March 28th 2008 02:48
Eh, no sweat, go down to the local bookstore and pick out a version that's a little more user friendly kleo. That'll circumvent the trip down under for killing veggies.

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

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