Do you really think you are helping anyone?

[Draka]

Originally Posted by waitasec

which is what proselytizing implies...
right?

Well, there's still the weird need to tell others what to believe. There are some who think they have the only "truth" there is and theirs is absolute, but they still don't feel the need to bully around at people. One must not only feel they have the one and only "absolute truth" but they must have some sort of inner drive or arrogance about having that "truth" that they feel they must inflict it on everyone else. Oh, I'm sorry..."share the good news" with everyone else.

[Vinayaka]

Originally Posted by Draka

inflict

Excellent.... but it reminded me of the notorious historical purposeful spread of smallpox ... another sad moment in the history of proseltysing

[waitasec]

Originally Posted by Draka

Well, there's still the weird need to tell others what to believe. There are some who think they have the only "truth" there is and theirs is absolute, but they still don't feel the need to bully around at people. One must not only feel they have the one and only "absolute truth" but they must have some sort of inner drive or arrogance about having that "truth" that they feel they must inflict in on everyone else. Oh, I'm sorry..."share the good news" with everyone else.

that is the key.
it's the implicit action of inducing the charge..."the truth" or "the good news".
the problem i think most christians grapple with is they understand this as arrogant but are commanded to do it...it is woven into their doctrine...there's no way around it...thusly presenting a dilemma for most christian followers who understand that people should respect other peoples....truths.

[Kathryn]

If this is the case, what's the excuse for arrogant proselytizing from, say, atheists? Or anyone else who shares their personal belief system with others?

[Kathryn]

waitasec - do you believe that those who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God are mistaken?

[Draka]

Originally Posted by Kathryn

If this is the case, what's the excuse for arrogant proselytizing from, say, atheists? Or anyone else who shares their personal belief system with others?

Same as any other who evangelizes. They believe themselves to have an absolute "truth" and have an opinion about themselves that they are somehow smarter or better off for believing the way they do and feel they must prove to others just how "right" they are by telling others they believe wrong and should believe as they do. It's the same attitude, just with a different perspective to be pushed. Two sides of the same coin. And both sides are rude.

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by Kathryn

So - Christianity is just as true as Buddhism?

How many times does she have to answer this question?
Seems to me you are merely badgering her until she gives the answer you are looking for.

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by Kathryn

You keep saying this. I've never said this. You're using cheap and obvious tricks to avoid serious debate and discussion.

the irony...
Its blinding.....

Originally Posted by Kathryn

I've clearly stated that I am certain - CERTAIN - that I am wrong about some things, maybe even many things. I've changed my mind on numerous serious issues and philosophies over my lifetime, and I am pretty sure I will change my mind again.

I am SEARCHING for truth. I also believe that some things are true and I'm not afraid or ashamed to admit that. My gosh, we all have to operate within a system of some sort of belief in order to even get out of bed each day.

Surely we have reasons to believe as we do. And surely we believe what we do because we believe in the TRUTH of our beliefs - we're not intentionally following untruth or a set of lies - at least I'm not, nor do I know anyone who is.

This doesn't mean that we're closed to gathering more information and possibly changing our mind about what we believe to be true. It also doesn't mean that additional information will PROVE that what we're believing is not true.

You are the one who comes across as dogmatic in your judgment of others - a fact which I find ironic.

Wow.
You owe me an irony meter.

[waitasec]

Originally Posted by Kathryn

waitasec - do you believe that those who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God are mistaken?

no because according to them, they are not mistaken. and it doesn't really matter what i think because i don't knock on peoples doors assuming peoples truths are not truths...

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by Sultan Of Swing

Sky dancer, I'm afraid you have misjudged. Kathryn is asking you a simple question: how can you believe that all religions are as valid as each other while they can have such opposite beliefs?

And that question was answered more than once.

The answer I have read to that question more than once is (paraphrased): what holds true for one person may not hold true for another person.