A Christian persective of God and Country (America)

[Feathers in Hair]

Maybe if it were phrased "I pray for the day in the future, that all citizens of the United States shall bend their knee to the flag, and cry out "My country first, Christ second!" I pray that the cross will not be hung in the church, but that it should be nailed to the flag."

Would people find that offensive?

[Melody]

Originally Posted by FeathersinHair

Maybe if it were phrased "I pray for the day in the future, that all citizens of the United States shall bend their knee to the flag, and cry out "My country first, Christ second!" I pray that the cross will not be hung in the church, but that it should be nailed to the flag."

No, actually I wouldn't be offended...as long as you weren't forcing me to abide by *your* beliefs. Since the video was not forcing anyone to agree with it or live by it, I do not understand why people are taking offense.

On the one hand you demand that we be tolerant of your views that "as long as it's between consenting adults, it's ok". Well based on the laws in this country, it appears that it's moving in that direction...despite claims that Christians are a majority. Either Christians are not the majority....or we are more tolerant than you give us credit for.

On the other hand, you've shown extreme intolerance towards those of us who did not find the video offensive. We've been accused of bigotry and intolerance because we do feel that God and morality are intertwined....despite the fact that nobody is suggesting that we're going to imprison or burn at the stake anyone who disagrees. So essentially you want to not only control our behavior...but what we think.

Therefore, it's time for me to take my leave. Perhaps I'll see you all at some future time. I will be checking back for mail for a few days for those friends who care to keep in touch via e-mail. Take care.

[Feathers in Hair]

I guess I'm a bit puzzled. I have never demanded that you tolerate my views. I am respectful towards my Christian friends both on RF and in person.

I am saddened that you believe that I've shown extreme intolerance, or that I want to control your behavior or your thoughts. Just as, if one person who is Christian makes a negative statement toward me (or dozens), I would not believe bad things about Christianity as a faith, I would hope that most of my Christian friends would do the same for the non-Christians among us.

The president states that he is Christian, and there are very few politicians that claim to be otherwise. I'm not sure how that makes us a country that's doomed toward secularism.

On a moderator note, if someone is directly calling someone else 'bigoted' or 'intolerant', please either report it or bring it to the attention of the staff.

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by Melody

No, actually I wouldn't be offended...as long as you weren't forcing me to abide by *your* beliefs. Since the video was not forcing anyone to agree with it or live by it, I do not understand why people are taking offense.

On the one hand you demand that we be tolerant of your views that "as long as it's between consenting adults, it's ok". Well based on the laws in this country, it appears that it's moving in that direction...despite claims that Christians are a majority. Either Christians are not the majority....or we are more tolerant than you give us credit for.

On the other hand, you've shown extreme intolerance towards those of us who did not find the video offensive. We've been accused of bigotry and intolerance because we do feel that God and morality are intertwined....despite the fact that nobody is suggesting that we're going to imprison or burn at the stake anyone who disagrees. So essentially you want to not only control our behavior...but what we think.

Therefore, it's time for me to take my leave. Perhaps I'll see you all at some future time. I will be checking back for mail for a few days for those friends who care to keep in touch via e-mail. Take care.

By your own criteria, you should only be offended if we want to imprison you or burn you at the stake, shouldn't you?

To express your view is not intolerant -- even if that view is bigoted -- but to express an opposing view is?

Note that throughout this thread those of us who were offended by the video have been objecting to its content, whereas those who defend the video have been responding not to our objections, but to our right to express them. Again, if that's not bigotry, what is?

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by Melody

Mystic...that's the point. It *was* meant for christians.

I found that kind of thing offensive when I was a Christian, and I'm sure there are other Christians who still do. That kind of triumphalism and bigotry don't have to be integral to Christianity.

[Green Gaia]

Originally Posted by Melody

No, actually I wouldn't be offended...as long as you weren't forcing me to abide by *your* beliefs. Since the video was not forcing anyone to agree with it or live by it, I do not understand why people are taking offense.

OMG!! We've told you why!! Why should we not state that something is offensive if we find it so? Why are we expected to just roll over and take it when the Christian majority speaks? Why is simply stating our opinion and feelings offensive to the Christian majority?

On the other hand, you've shown extreme intolerance towards those of us who did not find the video offensive.

That's not fair. Feathers has done no such thing to you or anyone else here.

[Ðanisty]

Note also that that you've referred to PureX and those who agree with him as "you and some other non-believers", reserving the label "people of faith" for those who share not only your own faith, but your own particular view of it. If that isn't bigotry, what is?

I'm glad you pointed that out. This is something that happens all the time and while I'm sure most people don't mean anything by it, it really makes me mad! I do have faith. I am a believer. There is a lot of assumption made (and I don't think a lot of people realize they're doing this because I actually have seen some apologies when I pointed it out) that theists on this forum are Christian. Just because I don't have the same religion as everyone else doesn't mean I'm not a person of faith.

I never said it was, did I? If there is some chance of it offending you, why watch it?

Because ignoring it doesn't make it go away...it never solves any problems to pretend they aren't there and as far as I'm concerned, propaganda like that video is a problem.

[evearael]

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