What is worse, blaspheme or name calling?

[Brichard]

I go to a sports forum to make alot of posts about basketball and the Pacers. As the playoffs draw near for the Pacers, many rival teams come on and state their insults and taunts.

Since it is Indiana, we get most of the boring redneck, incest comments that happen every year. Those comments don't particularly bother me, because at some age you have to be a little more thick skinned and mature.

Well, their is an Indiana poster... and since we are playing Philly... he always calls big cities like New York and Philly drug infested and makes several derogatory comments towards homosexuals. People rarely respond to him b/c the best way to quiet a flamer is to ignore them.

Well, some other poster was very agitated about the comments and proceeded to call him out. And while doing so he took the lords name in vain twice by saying J.C. and G.D.

I responded that it was ironic that in his defense of an offensive person, that he was offending the enitre sect of Christianity with his blatant use of blaspheme. Several posters rushed to his aid and said that his "indirect" use of taking "my lords" name in vain was not as serious as intentionally demeaning another.

I totally disagree with that. Even when I was agnostic, I always used other swear words other then G.D. And, I still slip and use foul language on occassion, but I really try to never take the Lords name in vain. Again, there are many other colorful words to use without using those 2 that are offensive to so many. Using Blaspheme is breaking one of the ten commandments, whereas calling people bad names is just rude IMO. I don't condone either one, but I put blaspheme as being more offensive.

So, what do you think? Just curious.

[AnnW]

I think it is far worse to say gd than just regular cussing.

[angie r]

gd is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.

[KarlaB]

ditto!!!!

[Diane]

I absolutely HATE it when I hear people say gd and lately, for some reason I've been hearing a lot of people say it. (Not to me) LOL I sometimes wonder if they even realize what their saying... and if they did if they would even care. :(

[Brichard]

Originally posted by Diane P.
I absolutely HATE it when I hear people say gd and lately, for some reason I've been hearing a lot of people say it. (Not to me) LOL I sometimes wonder if they even realize what their saying... and if they did if they would even care. :(

I've heard some people rationalize that when they say G.D., their intent is not to take the Lord's name in vain. They just see it as a commonly accepted curse word. But, since many of us do view it that way, I'm curious why they just don't pick another offensive word.

Unfortunately, there are people that will always use if for the shock value factor. DW and I went to see the "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" musical with Ann Margaret. Now, I know there are lots of things (the title alone!) that go against common Christian ethics. But I forgot how many uses of g.d. there are in that play/movie. As a matter of fact, I can't think of a movie or play that uses the combination more.

I guess my point is that if you want to do a play about a whorehouse, there is no way of glossing over or re-packaging that. But, there are so many ways to swear other then g.d. Heck, just subtract the g. and say d. if you have to! Is it really that hard? I'm surprised that our society has been so tolerant of those words.

[Ryleigh]

Originally posted by angie r
gd is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.

I'm with you on that one. It is one of the things that irks me the most.

[coulie]

I have a habit of sayin "OMG". My mother writes in her emails "Oh for gawdsakes" Is this offensive? I really never mean to offend anyone and I think the same is true for her. Hopefully your thoughtful reponses will enlighten me.

coulie

[AnnW]

Originally posted by coulie
I have a habit of sayin "OMG". My mother writes in her emails "Oh for gawdsakes" Is this offensive? I really never mean to offend anyone and I think the same is true for her. Hopefully your thoughtful reponses will enlighten me.

coulie


I don't like it, and we don't allow our kids to say it. I think it is just as easy and less offensive to say "oh my goodness".

[Diane]

I always say "oh my Goodness"... and I wouldn't allow my kids to say OMG either. I've POSTED OMG but to me... that means "goodness"... LOL

Diane... :wave:

[AnnW]

Originally posted by Diane P.
I've POSTED OMG but to me... that means "goodness"... LOL

Diane... :wave:


Me too!!! LOL

[RCT]

We don't use swear words here either, and sometimes mommy slips, with the S word, but mostly we are clean here... :lol:

we do have the kids saying Cheese and Crakers instead of well you know JC and oh my stars instead of OMG.....I really see no need for swearing, it's really so juvinille, JMHO

[AnnW]

Originally posted by RCT
We don't use swear words here either, and sometimes mommy slips, with the S word, but mostly we are clean here... :lol:

we do have the kids saying Cheese and Crakers instead of well you know JC and oh my stars instead of OMG.....I really see no need for swearing, it's really so juvinille, JMHO

I tell my kids it shows that they are not smart...that people who cuss don't have the intelligence to use the correct words so they cop out and use a cuss word.

[Brichard]

Our Sunday School teacher said "Holy Cow" last Sunday, and we met them later for a get together in the park. I mentioned this thread and asked "Is Holy blank words also blaspheme?"

His wife told me she told him later that "Holy Cow" is not an appropriate term.

Is that a bad combination.

While I find GD and JC extremely offensive, and OMG moderately offensive, I must say that Holy blanks have not bothered me in the past.

Should they?

[AnnW]

Holy sh*t, holy cr*p maybe..but for some reason holy cow doesn't bother me either.

Now, I have gotten into great debates about whether or not saying something "sucks" is cussing. I think it is, but I have been chided that I am over reacting even by my dh.

[kat]

Originally posted by coulie
I have a habit of sayin "OMG". My mother writes in her emails "Oh for gawdsakes" Is this offensive? I really never mean to offend anyone and I think the same is true for her. Hopefully your thoughtful reponses will enlighten me.

coulie

Yes, to me, I find it offensive. Making substitutions I don't really think is any better. You are just using a slang term for the name of God. How is that any better. The intent seems to be the same. This is something that I've only recently begun to realize and it is very hard to change. Whether you are swearing by the temple or swearing by the gold in temple, it's still swearing, or blaspheming. Does that make sense?

[Brichard]

Well, I don't honestly think people mean to address God when they say OMG or even g.d. I think it is just an expression that is used. I used to say J.C. all the time when I played football, never realizing what I was saying!

I think the reason J.C., OMG, and g.d bother me so much is that you are using a reference to God... even if you don't mean it.

I don't have a problem with OM goodness b/c although it is being substituted for God, I really don't think they meant to address God in the first place. Does that make sense?

The second reason is that... you have to be allowed to say something don't you! :) If you can't swear or use any substitute words... that is making it tough on a person!

kat, what do you say when you are upset? Just curious.

[Mickey]

My very religious grandfather NEVER took the Lord's name in vain and he didn't swear, but when he was really upset, he would occasionally say, "Holy Hell". Never thought anything of that. I say holy heck and holy schmoly. Holy cow is no big deal to me. I think the holy sh*t sounds uglier because of the second word.

I do think GD is horrible--no one ever said that around me growing up. The "f" word still shocks me, though. Heck, in our family there are TWO "f" words you never ever say--the obvious one and the one people use when referring to passing gas. That word still makes me cringe and no one in my family ever says it.

[kat]

Well, I don't honestly think people mean to address God when they say OMG or even g.d.
Exactly, they don't mean to address God. If that is the case, if you aren't addressing him, then you are, in fact, calling his name in vain (empty, having no real value).
I'm no saint, for many years my byword has been ****. I'm not proud of it and work real hard not say it, but sometimes it slips out under my breath.

[kat]

Good David, no swearing. My byword has been the s word.

[Mickey]

...I don't like it either and I think it sounds awful, especially coming from a child's mouth. You hear it quite a bit on t.v. and I think many people look at it as a replacement for "stinks", but I don't. When I was in high school, kids who said, "This sucks..." usually followed it with another word (or three) and it was not nice! Guess that's why I don't like it.

[Amy2]

I don't care what any adult says (I am shocked by nothing) as long as it's not in front of children. I think if an adult wants to express themselves that way, whatever.

I have heard the old "They're not smart enough to think of something else" and I've used that to my kids, but the truth is, a lot of smart people use certain words to express their meaning in a certain way. It's intentional, and often done for effect.

I don't swear around my or anyone else's children, but I am known to do so in adult company.

I also think that many people don't think of Jesus as "the Lord" so they don't think in those terms (see What is Religion thread.)

Basically I think it is best to be considerate of others when you're speaking to them, and if saying God Damn offends them, then don't say it. Unless you're intent is to do just that, and then that's mean.

I also have a friend who says, and I picked it up, that frickin' or flippin' whatever as a subsitute for, well, you know. Some people might be offended by that. Frankly, I think people are too touchy most of the time.

Amy

[angie r]

You know by reading the thread that lots of us are offended by the use of GD, then you place it in your post. Doesn't seem like you are very careful about where you use it to me??

[AnnW]

Originally posted by Amy


Basically I think it is best to be considerate of others when you're speaking to them, and if saying God Damn offends them, then don't say it. Unless you're intent is to do just that, and then that's mean.

.

Amy


I guess I am confused also, you intent was to be offensive?

[Brichard]

I think another question I have is, why is it ok for adults to swear and not children?

Sometimes certain rights are age sensitive like driving, smoking, etc.

But when it comes to swearing, isn't it a little hypocritical to say "I can do it b/c I'm an adult."

It is ugly language regardless of the source.

[Amy2]

Oh, sorry gals, I didn't know it that writing out the actual words was considered using the words as an insult or swear word, because clearly my intention purely discussion orientated. I wasn't saying "Well, I don't give a (you know what) what you think" I just wrote out the word instead of using a symbol. Sorry.

Brichard, there are many things that adults can do because they are adults that I don't think children should be allowed to do; watch certain movies, engage in certain activities, use "adult" language. When they are adults they can do what they want, but there are rules that do apply to children in my opinion.

Amy

[AnnW]

It just threw me off because you obviously saw everyone else be very careful and use *gd* in their posts, that it seemed rather intentional to me.

Glad to know that it wasn't.

[Mickey]

That's another good question...is "GD" really any better than spelling it out? Don't we all know what "sh*%" really means? And if you spell God "gawd", it's still pronounced the same. Or if you spell the "f" word with "ph"--it still sounds the same, so isn't it really? Why do we seem to be more comfortable with little symbols and anagrams and misspellings? The meaning is still perfectly clear.

Also, if I'm discussing a word, term or phrase or if I quote someone who swore or took God's name in vain, I don't feel that I'M swearing or taking the Lord's name in vain at that moment. Do you?

Interesting topic, Brichard!

[angie r]

That is a good point Mickey! hmmmmm.........????

[Diane]

Sometimes I don't think a lot of people even know/understand EXACTLY what their saying... (or maybe they just don't care) I think a lot of it is out of habit. A few years ago I started hanging out with a bunch of ladies who I thought I had a lot in common with, except a few of them cussed/swore a bit/lot. I didn't necessarily LIKE it, but I was willing to put up with it and I figured that as long as I didn't... it was no big deal. LOL Well, because they cussed/swore a lot I too started to cuss and swear. I didn't even REALIZE that I was until one day dh brought it to my attention that I sure seemed to be cussing a lot lately. ME? I said??? NO WAY!!! But I was... :( Here, the one thing that I disliked the most about these women... I was doing. Ugh!!!! Needless to say... I started noticing a lot of other things that wasn't, quite me... and I decided to look for some new friends. LOL You become who you hang out with, and I found that after I stopped doing things with these ladies... I no longer had the problem. IMHO I really see no reason for the gd's or any other cussing... especially when you can easily make your point just as well using other/better words. I don't LIKE hearing people use the Lord name in vain... and I'm extremely offended by it, but unfortunately you can't stop everybody from doing it. It offends/bother's me even more when I see/hear it being done in front of children. I have a mom that I do day care for who walks in the house and thinks nothing of using the f's and the gd's... and jc in front of her child. I've told her that she's gotta stop using those words in front of her ds... and she agree's, but because she's been doing it for such of a long time, she can't stop herself. I'm just waiting for her ds, who is just learning how to talk... to come here and start talking just like his mommy does. I try not to be too judgemental... I have to answer for myself and I guess when it comes to everybody else... they have to answer for themselves. Sorry for going on... LOL I'll probably read this through and it won't make any sense at all... LOL

Diane... :wave:

[coulie]

Hey, has anyone here read the book
"The Four Agreements"?
I am finding it a very useful tool regarding how I choose my words and how I choose to allow others to offend me with thier's.

A person cannot offend you unless you give them permission. If you are offended by another you are in effect judging them. To the best of my understanding, judging is God's work, not ours.

I love this quote form The Course in Miracles

"Nothing real can be threatened.
Nothing unreal exists,
Herein lies the peace of God"

Coulie

[Brichard]

I think the reason I don't like to see the word written out vs. g.d. is how I represent it in my mind.

When I see a "g" and "d" I read it and say to my self "g" and "d". However, when it is written out the actual words come up in my mind which are...

Nails on the chalkboard!

Coulie

I firmly believe that we are in charge of our emotions, no matter what people say. We are having a major crisis at work yet I am still whistling. Getting mad certainly won't help, so I just try to focus on the solution. Don't get me wrong... I get mad at times... just less then I used to.

I just think that taking the Lord's name in vain is so disrespectful, and I don't know why people have to do it. Again, just because it isn't disrespectful to them, the burden on them to use other words is extremely light.

Anyway, God says not to do it and I won't. For the other people who do it, unfortunately they have bigger problems.

Its not my name they are taking in vain.

I also agree with the "birds of a feather" thought from Diane. When I get together with my college buddies my language degenerates rapidly. But, I still hold my tongue on the lords name in vain thing.

We all slip, I just wish everybody would not cross the line to blaspheme.

[Amy2]

Coulie, great thoughts. I must check out that book.

Brichard, I completely DISagree with Diane's post, I am NOT who I hang out with (obviously, because I think so differently from so many people here, and you all know I love ya!) I am myself. I have a dear friend who smoked for many years. I hated it, but I loved her, so...

Because she did something I don't like, do I ditch her and find friends who are only like me? BORING! (Not that I, personally, am boring, mind you, but fifty people who are just like me might be. Of course, you may think I AM boring, but....well, you get the idea).

I cherish the differences in people, and sometimes I get stuff I like, and other times I don't. I choose to take the good with the bad. Unless of course it was something I so strongly disagreed with that I couldn't get past it. Like if they were a Republican or something....KIDDING!

Also, when I see GD I don't think "Gee Dee" in my head. I see the words as they are meant. I won't actually SAY it, because I don't want to get any knickers in a twist, (and Brichard, since you wouldn't even WEAR knickers, I don't know what the heck it might do. I'm scared to imagine.)

This made me think about words. I tell my children that there are no "bad" words. There are just words. Some are rude, some can be hurtful, but it's the INTENT behind the words that we need to listen to. And we don't want to be rude, so we avoid certain words. I really believe this is true.

Amy

[Brichard]

Originally posted by Amy
Brichard, I completely DISagree with Diane's post, I am NOT who I hang out with...

Well I am not insinuating that you will be a carbon copy of people you hang out with. I was voted "Most Outgoing," and "Friendliest" in my graduating high school class. I was an athlete, so I could hang with the jocks. I loved heavy metal, so I could hang out with the hoods, and on and on it goes.

I can only think of a few people I know that did not smoke pot in my group of friends. My twin brother and I share the distinction of not doing that. So, I don't think you pick up all the habits of the people we hang around. But we are all affected by our environments, and people we hang out with is part of our environment.

If you hang around depressed people, it is easy to get depressed. If you hang around happy people it is easy to get happy. If you hang around people who swear, it's easy to swear.

Everybody has certain traits that will not allow them to hang out with people. To use extreme examples, would you hang out with a pedophile? Of course not. My brothers wife is hanging out right now with a group of ladies that have all been recently divorced and all cheated on their spouses. How happy would you be if you were him right now?

My pet peeve is negative people. I don't like being brought down, and depressing people can suck the life out of a positive person. Do I choose to have no friends with this trait? No, I have plenty of pessimistic friends/acquaintances. But I choose to not spend the majority of my time with people who's core views don't coincide with mine.


Also, when I see GD I don't think "Gee Dee" in my head. I see the words as they are meant. I won't actually SAY it, because I don't want to get any knickers in a twist, (and Brichard, since you wouldn't even WEAR knickers, I don't know what the heck it might do. I'm scared to imagine.)

Interesting. I'm sure people represent different things in their mind, I was just stating why I felt the way I did. I may be reading this incorrectly, and I apologize in advance if I am. But... you seem to be mocking my views yet I choose to be respectful of yours.

In regards for the knickers comment... I have dressed up like a woman on two occassions (Pep Rally, Halloween) and I might add that I make one ugly woman!

[Mickey]

Just want to add my two cents (again! LOL!)...

When I read an anagram, I actually say the words in my head that the letters represent. Like when I see LOL I read that "Laugh Out Loud", not L-O-L. Same goes for ROFL, IMHO, TIA, ITA, etc. And I do the same when I see GD and JC. Maybe it's just how different people's brains work.

Also, I don't see why you thought Amy was mocking you, Brichard...I just thought she was giving her POV (and I just said "point of view" in my head as I typed P-O-V! ;)). Anyway, I do think that has to do with how you read the "tone" of something someone writes--you can put a negative or positive tone to things people write depending on your feelings about them or their opinion or the situation. But I didn't read what she wrote with a negative tone. (Maybe because I happen to agree with her! LOL!)

I think that the "tone" you hear in your head also goes for spoken communication as well. I can say something to my mother in the sweetest, least offensive, most delicate way possible and she ALWAYS gets defensive with me. But my sister can say the exact same thing to my mother point blank and my mom apologizes and grovels. It has to do with relationships and/or attitudes, imho.

[Brichard]

Originally posted by Mickey
Just want to add my two cents (again! LOL!)...

When I read an anagram, I actually say the words in my head that the letters represent. Like when I see LOL I read that "Laugh Out Loud", not L-O-L. Same goes for ROFL, IMHO, TIA, ITA, etc. And I do the same when I see GD and JC. Maybe it's just how different people's brains work.

Also, I don't see why you thought Amy was mocking you, Brichard...I just thought she was giving her POV (and I just said "point of view" in my head as I typed P-O-V! ;)). Anyway, I do think that has to do with how you read the "tone" of something someone writes--you can put a negative or positive tone to things people write depending on your feelings about them or their opinion or the situation. But I didn't read what she wrote with a negative tone. (Maybe because I happen to agree with her! LOL!)

I think that the "tone" you hear in your head also goes for spoken communication as well. I can say something to my mother in the sweetest, least offensive, most delicate way possible and she ALWAYS gets defensive with me. But my sister can say the exact same thing to my mother point blank and my mom apologizes and grovels. It has to do with relationships and/or attitudes, imho.

I won't actually SAY it, because I don't want to get any knickers in a twist, (and Brichard, since you wouldn't even WEAR knickers, I don't know what the heck it might do. I'm scared to imagine.)

That is the part that I am curious about. I think Amy thinks I am more uptight as a person then I am about my views on morality and religion.

Brian the person is very accepting and quite tolerant of other views. But when asked my opinons on religion or right and wrong... I have firm beliefs.

I don't have a problem with Amy, we have had some good debates.

I just thought that was a possible shot at me and I wanted clarification.

[Mickey]

Originally posted by Brichard


I won't actually SAY it, because I don't want to get any knickers in a twist, (and Brichard, since you wouldn't even WEAR knickers, I don't know what the heck it might do. I'm scared to imagine.)

That is the part that I am curious about. I think Amy thinks I am more uptight as a person then I am about my views on morality and religion.

Well, I'll leave her to clarify for herself, but I read that as she didn't want to step on anyone's toes again and she used the "knickers in a twist" comment instead of the "stepping on toes" phrase itself...and I read the rest of her sentence about your not wearing knickers as a joke. But, hey that's just me. I guess I could be reading it wrong, but I really don't think I am. Amy?

I also know that it's hard not to be sensitive and take something the wrong way when discussing something you're very passionate about. I've done it myself more than once.

[Amy2]

Brichard, at the risk of sounding like an idiot "What she said!" Mickey obviously "got" the points I was making. I said the "knickers in a twist" because people were mad that I wrote God Damn, and not GD. (Okay, sorry again, I am only writing that for clarification for Brichard not to insult anyone.) Some people were offended, so I was talking about that when I made the "knicker" comment. And, as you are a male, I would assume you wouldn't wear knickers, hence the clarification on the comment. To tell you the truth Brichard, I have no opinion whatsoever as to your being "uptight" or not. I haven't really thought about it. But for whatever it's worth, you seem pretty happy and positive to me, not that my opinion matters.

Sometimes I get irked because people seem awfully thin skinned. I don't plaster those little smiley guys all over my posts because I find them inane. (For ME, only for me, if others like them then cool, yahoo, I am so happy for them. I have absolutely no judgment of others who like them or use them. I just don't do it very often) Nor do I write LOL constantly to be sure that everyone knows I am kidding. I like to think that people would just assume that I'm being straight forward and honest, and not going around hurling insults and hostility at people. I am a pretty positive person, and I think most people get that from my posts. At least I hope so! And when I write something that folks don't like, they usually call me on it, and if clarification is needed then it's given.

I guess I'm just saying that after all the posts we've all shared, I think we should try to give one another the benefit of the doubt! That's all.

Amy

[AnnW]

Amy, as one of those thin skinned, inane, smiley face, LOL using people, who also has the ability to speak "straight" and from the heart.... I think you did say god damn on purpose and for impact. I think you knew based on the previous posts that many of us would be insulted, and you used it just to further your point that we are thin skinned and it's just a word, and to also show again how intolerant alot of us are to "just words" and how tolerant you are.
If I misinterpreted, please forgive me. :biggrin:

[coulie]

Amy...I don't know how to use the quote gadget thingy here so i'll just reference my own way...
I thought guys did wear knickers. You know those short pants, like in the movie version of "Angela's Ashes" or whatever? anyway someone please clarify cause I will be havin some twisted knicker knightmares if ya don't.

and can I ask a question more than once here?

has anyone read "The Four Agreements"?

Coulie

[coulie]

Brichard,

Why do you feel a need to defend God or to determine the weight and fairness of another human's spiritual burden?

Coulie

[Jeff]

Personally, I don't think you can gauge if something is appropiate by whether or not it offends someone.

[angie r]

Originally posted by coulie
Brichard,

Why do you feel a need to defend God or to determine the weight and fairness of another human's spiritual burden?

Coulie

Because we as believers in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior have the blood of all non-believers on our hands. It is our mission to bring the word to all areas of the earth to give all people a choice to know God. That is why missionary work is so important to us and our churches. This is why we care deeply about others spiritual burden.

[kat]

Because we as believers in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior have the blood of all non-believers on our hands. It is our mission to bring the word to all areas of the earth to give all people a choice to know God. That is why missionary work is so important to us and our churches. This is why we care deeply about others spiritual burden. Amen. Well said.

[Diane]

Originally posted by angie r


Because we as believers in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior have the blood of all non-believers on our hands. It is our mission to bring the word to all areas of the earth to give all people a choice to know God. That is why missionary work is so important to us and our churches. This is why we care deeply about others spiritual burden.

Wonderfully said angie... you said it in a way I never could have. Thank you! :)

Diane P. :wave:

[Brichard]

Originally posted by coulie
Brichard,

Why do you feel a need to defend God or to determine the weight and fairness of another human's spiritual burden?

Coulie

My lovely wife expressed the burden part beautifully, but I find your question intriguing.

The reason I started this thread is that I really wanted to know opinions on the different "levels" of swearing. I figured that the Christian side of the forum would agree with me, but I thought the other side was a bit of an unknown. I really wanted to see what others thought. I also think this is a good opportunity to let others know what may be ok to them is offensive to others.

Then the debate turned into a debate on what was considered blaspheme. I had not even thought about that angle when the debate started, but it established a new curiosity. I found hearing everybody's views very educational.

I think Jeff makes an interesting and valid point. We all have to determine to ourselves what is or is not appropriate, regardless of whether or not it offends somebody. But, my point in this thread is "Why be rude, even if you don't believe it? Why show that kind of disrespect to somebody's religion?" I just don't understand it. And it boils down to A.) you don't know you are being offensive or B.) you don't care b/c you personally don't find it offensive.

The thing I found ironic is that the poster from the Pacer forum complained about remarks he found offensive, yet could not see how many people he was offending with his. The hypocrisy was so blatant and obvious to me that I called him out on it. If you show no respect for others, don't expect to receive alot of respect in return.

The spirtitual burden question... I wonder a little why that came up. I try, but may fail, to not be too preachy. When I was agnostic, the last thing I was going to respond to was somebody shoving religion down my throat. So... I really try not to do that to others. You have to find your own way and nobody can do it for you.

But... when a topic like this affects your religion and you want to participate I think you need to stand firm for whatever you believe. Don't say something wishy washy like "I think everybody can get in following their own way" unless that is what you really believe. Per kat's sig file it is far too easy to take the path of least resistance.

Amy, we have way different views of things which is why I like to hear your perspective. However, I really would appreciate if you would stop typing out g.d. (I just said g and d in my head!) Thanks for confirming that it wasn't a shot at me. You've said some things to me before like "take a deep breath brichard," so I thought that is why I think you find me uptight.

I don't know how many people have read the Left Behind series, but the more I hear some of the arguments for accepting all religions... the more I think think of the "One World Faith" that is mentioned in the book. I believe it is prophesied (I have not studied Revelations yet) that the world will have one dominant church before Christ returns. The fictional series may be almost frighteningly dead on.

I am respectful of all religions, but I in no way agree with all of them. I don't see how you can.

As Bob Dylan said "You gotta serve somebody."

and as Job said "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

[coulie]

Brichard,

You articulated your views beautifully. I will most assuredly fall short of that in this post. Bear with me.

My question about spiritual burden came from your comment about not knowing why people use God's name in vain and...

(if someone would show me how to do that really cool copy and paste thing it would be swell)

... something to the effect that you felt the burden of responsibility for this was too light.
I interpreted that as you thinking it was your responsibility to cast light on another person's sin.

on the subject of.....

"The blood of all non-believers..."

Calling the Lord's name in vain does not necessarily indicate that the person is a non-believer....merely a sinner, like all humankind. Take for example me. Is it your duty to see that I get to heaven on your terms? I have used God's name in vain and it does not make me a non-believer. My sins are for me to reconcile with God.
They are my spiritual burden.


Coulie

[angie r]

Originally posted by coulie

"The blood of all non-believers..."

Calling the Lord's name in vain does not necessarily indicate that the person is a non-believer....merely a sinner, like all humankind. Take for example me. Is it your duty to see that I get to heaven on your terms? I have used God's name in vain and it does not make me a non-believer. My sins are for me to reconcile with God.
They are my spiritual burden. Coulie


Coulie- I understood what you asked to be why do I care if you get to heaven. I care deeply about that. You are totally right about everyone being a sinner and I am no exception to that. If you are a non-believer though, you are my burden.

"On my terms?" It is not my terms, but Gods.

[coulie]

Angie,

If one's religion dictates that they actively recruit non-believers, then they must do so out their comittment to that. I said that if a person uses the Lord's name in vain it does not make them a non-believer. It is therefore not your burden to make a believer out of them because they already are a believer, albeit a sinning one. Their sins then must be reconciled by God, not by our caring friends.


Coulie

[coulie]

To all,

I am really enjoying this.

Also, could someone please tell me how to copy and paste and if you feel really eager to help today you could throw in any other instructions on posting tips to make my experience more enjoyable. I would really appreciate it. I just love computers.

Coulie

[AnnW]

Originally posted by coulie
To all,

I am really enjoying this.

Also, could someone please tell me how to copy and paste and if you feel really eager to help today you could throw in any other instructions on posting tips to make my experience more enjoyable. I would really appreciate it. I just love computers.

Coulie

use the quote feature for cut and paste
read Jeff's thread "navigating the board" for hints

[Brichard]

Originally posted by coulie
To all,

I am really enjoying this.

Also, could someone please tell me how to copy and paste and if you feel really eager to help today you could throw in any other instructions on posting tips to make my experience more enjoyable. I would really appreciate it. I just love computers.

Coulie

Well, first of all... if you want to reply with the Quote of the subject... click on the Quote rectangle at the bottom of the post you want to quote. It will bring you to the reply screen with the quote there. Then you can point your mouse and delete what you want.

I am a big fan of the right click button on the mouse. Simply click on a series of text with your left mouse button and hold it as you drag what you want to cut. Then, release the left click button and click the right button while the arrow is pointing at the highlighted text. A little menu will come up and you can left click on Copy or Cut (depending on what you want to do) Then point the arrow where you want to paste the text and click your left button to move the cursor. Then right click in the same place and choose Paste from the Menu by using the left button on your mouse.

It sounds more complicated then it is, but you will get the hang of it!

[Brichard]

Originally posted by coulie
Brichard,

You articulated your views beautifully. I will most assuredly fall short of that in this post. Bear with me.

Thanks for the compliment, but I think you articulate your views very well!


My question about spiritual burden came from your comment about not knowing why people use God's name in vain and something to the effect that you felt the burden of responsibility for this was too light.
I interpreted that as you thinking it was your responsibility to cast light on another person's sin.

Ah... that is not what I intended to convey. I just think that it is so easy to not say that word. Let me give you a silly example to illustrate what I meant.

Lets say you were of a religion that was offended by the use of the word "the" It would be a pretty difficult task for me to not offend you. The burden on me would be pretty heavy because I use that word all the time. But, for somebody to not take the Lords name in vain? It is easy stuff. Just pick another word. It doesn't really add any spice to the non-believers word. The only thing it can do is offend, yet it adds no real value. Does that make more sense?



on the subject of.....

"The blood of all non-believers..."Calling the Lord's name in vain does not necessarily indicate that the person is a non-believer....merely a sinner, like all humankind. Take for example me. Is it your duty to see that I get to heaven on your terms? I have used God's name in vain and it does not make me a non-believer. My sins are for me to reconcile with God.
They are my spiritual burden.

One of the things that I have said before is that since I am not God, I have no idea who is getting in to heaven. I can read God's word and create some ideas from my finite mind, but when you start picking who does and does not get in... then you are judging IMO. If you ask me, "Do you think this person will get in, or this group of believers," I will tell you yes or no. But, not being a deity, you won't here me say "That Person is definitely not getting in." But I will tell you that I'd feel alot more comfortable about your chances if you do what the Bible says! :)

I just know very few believers who use the Lords name in vain. The 10 commandments are not always easy to follow, but this has to be the easiest one! As a matter of fact I can't think of any Christians I know that regularly take the Lord's name in vain. But, I know several non-believers who do.

Reconciling your sins is absolutely between you and God. No disagreements here.

I sin everyday, so my intent was not to sound Holier then thou.

But... I hate it when people take the Lord's name in vain, and if I can encourage one person to stop doing it then this post will be worth it! :)

[Amy2]

Ann W! Oh my gosh, you don't know everything! LOL :) :) :) I have to tell you that you are wrong on this one. I wrote it the first time because I wasn't thinking at all, and the second to clarify. Judge if you must, but I have no reason to lie to anyone.

Coulie, I like the part about just because you do things differently doesn't make you a non believer. I am a strong "believer" but I believe differently from most people on this board. Yet, I am perceived as a "non believer." Interesting.


Amy