Posted by Mark H. on October 11, 2004, at 19:24:10
In reply to Lou's response to Mark H., posted by Lou Pilder on October 11, 2004, at 17:18:48
Dear Lou,
It's good to hear from you as well. Thank you for your thoughtful response.
I agree with you that we shouldn't "tell a poster that something that they wrote is not acceptable," and we need to be sensitive about pointing them toward the guidelines -- if we're not sure, I think it's better to remain silent.
However, part of giving others the benefit of the doubt involves allowing the possibility that they are simply unaware of the guidelines and examples, especially on the faith board.
In essence, Dr. Bob has asked us to let go of refuting the beliefs of others, even if we find them potentially offensive or misleading. This means that even if a person is practicing an "ism" that affects us personally, we are not to accuse them of it, contradict their point of view in an unsupportive way, or even to respond, unless we can do so very carefully with a supportive statement about our own beliefs -- and without derogatory reference to theirs.
There are those who believe we have a moral obligation to speak out against something we find offensive or misleading or unfair. However, Dr. Bob has made it clear that this is not the place to do that. Here, we must refrain from criticizing even that which we find deplorable in the statements of others.
Once we accept this, we are free from having to defend our point of view at all. Instead, we can focus on all the positive, supportive beliefs and experiences we would like to share with others. And, it's an opportunity for us to practice forgiveness and tolerance towards one another as well.
A few days ago, you wrote, "So go on and sing a new song. A song of laughter. A song of joy... Today you could be in Paradise." That warmed my heart with appreciation, and it is the reason I have written these notes to you today.
With kind regards,
Mark H.
poster:Mark H.
thread:401489
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040927/msgs/401811.html