Psycho-Babble Faith Thread 291080

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 37. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

While You are blocked...

Posted by Dena on December 17, 2003, at 18:40:43

... You can still read what others post.

Dear Dog -

I guess I should've seen this coming. I wondered about warning you that you were heading for getting yourself blocked, but we all have to learn the boundaries of this board.

It's particularly hard for Christians to keep from getting blocked. If we spell out our faith,it becomes obvious that our beliefs, the very words of Jesus, are exclusionary of other belief systems. According to the rules of this board, we aren't able to put down the beliefs of others without finding ourselves blocked.

Thus, we have a choice: either we cease from posting here, seeing it as a compromising of our faith; or, we find a way to speak the truth of our Savior without speaking negatively of others.

It's quite a tightrope - as you can tell from my posting history, I've not managed to walk that tightrope very successfully. At times, I've kept my "mouth" shut, & just prayed (spiritual warfare, you know). At other times, I've thrown caution to the wind, & spoken directly, knowing full well that I would be blocked.

But I've been praying whether or not I am to stay with this board - I do not want to compromise my faith - I want to stay loyal to Jesus. So far, I feel led to remain. But if I speak truth without love, well, you know, the reference to a clanging cymbol.

Many of the other members of this board have been on my personal prayer list for almost a year now - since I discovered this board. Their names (or "handles") are included in a "fishbowl" in my church (photos & names of unsaved loved ones that we pray for each week as a Body). I care about them, about their eternities, & so I continue to pray, which is far more effective than words can ever be.

Before I post here, I make it a point to pray about what God would have me say. Sometimes it means withholding something that "I", in my human wisdom, believe is vital to say. At other times, I believe I'm given the green light to speak unapologetically - at the risk of being blocked.

It's all for His glory, so it's best that I let Him lead my thoughts & words. Of course, it's hard to keep the flesh out of it - my pride, my self-focus, my desire to "make my point" often get in the way of His perfect will.

I've made friends here, real friends who believe far differently from me. I still love them. I still accept them for who they are, where they are. I leave them in God's hands. I try to speak truth in love. But I can't make anyone believe what I believe - if they don't arrive to the place of belief by His leading, but by my coersion, what's the point? Only He knows how to get them from where they are to where He created them to be.

Perhaps while you're being blocked, this would be an ideal time to read through previous posts, to get a fuller idea of what's gone on with this board, then to pray whether God would have you stay. He brought you here - perhaps He has a plan for you here.

If you would like to communicate off-board, email me at: brehmites@aol.com

Shalom, Dena

P.S. May your Christmas be blessedly peaceful & joyous!

 

Re: While You are blocked... » Dena

Posted by Dinah on December 19, 2003, at 21:41:14

In reply to While You are blocked..., posted by Dena on December 17, 2003, at 18:40:43

Meaning no disrespect, Dena. I often pray for others without their knowledge, for peace of mind or health or something like that.

But I find the idea of my name sitting in a fishbowl of the "unsaved" extremely disturbing. So if by any chance I'm one of the posters with the screen name in the fishbowl (and no need to confirm or deny, I think I'd rather not know), could you kindly remove it?

I trust God to do with me as he sees fit, and am happy with that decision.

Thanks,

Dinah

 

Re: While You are blocked... » Dinah

Posted by Dena on December 19, 2003, at 22:13:21

In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » Dena, posted by Dinah on December 19, 2003, at 21:41:14

Dear Dinah -

How do I answer this? Of all the people on this board that I pray for, you would be one of the ones who I don't "worry" about. You have always impressed me as one who sincerely seeks after God, with your whole heart. You have fruit in your life that evidences that you indeed do have a relationship with God. I've witnessed your kindness, your compassion, your gentleness toward others, your sincerity about your own struggles.

I'm sorry that my comment about the fish bowl disturbed you - there's no need for you to be uneasy. I already knew that you were safe within God's capable hands.

There's much about you, & your faith, that I admire. When I pray for you, it's for God to continue to lead you on the path He's already placed you on. And that you'll find the peace, joy, encouragement & strength you need for the journey.

Shalom, Dena

 

Re: While You are blocked... » Dena

Posted by Dinah on December 20, 2003, at 10:19:45

In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » Dinah, posted by Dena on December 19, 2003, at 22:13:21

I thank you for the kind words. And I'm happy that I am not in the fishbowl. And in general I'm grateful for prayers.

But I guess the fishbowl idea did bother me, because of the word "unsaved" being used to describe the names inside. Perhaps if you considered using a different name than "unsaved", maybe "those who are struggling on their spiritual journey", I wouldn't have felt uncomfortable at all. "Unsaved" always is a term I reserve for God alone to use, since it implies judgement and verdict.

 

Re: While You are blocked... » Dinah

Posted by Dena on December 20, 2003, at 11:37:52

In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » Dena, posted by Dinah on December 20, 2003, at 10:19:45

Dear Dinah -

You wrote: "Unsaved" always is a term I reserve for God alone to use, since it implies judgement and verdict.

I agree with you; judgement is in the hands of God alone - only He can truly see the hearts of humans - the rest of us are judging on the basis of incomplete information - judging the surface only, which makes us self-righteous. I recall Jesus speaking quite negatively of the "self-righteous" of His day!

I used the term "unsaved", because it would be understood by Dog, as that's the vernacular of the Protestant Church. I used to believe that you could declare a person "saved" or "unsaved" based upon their own testimony,or by their actions. I no longer ascribe to that belief. I now firmly believe (& believe that the Bible confirms) that salvation is a process - determined by God alone. I believe I "was saved" when I chose to believe in Jesus as the Messiah; that I "am being saved" as I live my life in obedience to Him, out of love for Him; that I "will be saved" when I pass from this life into the next. I believe that only God determines who is saved, & who is not. For the rest of us, it's none of our business. There's far too much for me to focus on in my own life, far too much for me to examine in my own soul, to be looking at others, trying to determine whether or not they're "saved". If someone else tells me that they have a relationship with God, then I take it at face value. Who am I to question it? God can take care of that other person.

I continue to pray for my own salvation, for the salvation of my loved ones, for my friends, & for those who cross my path. I believe we all need prayer to help us on the path, the journey "home" to Him.

Shalom, Dena

 

Re: While You are blocked... » Dena

Posted by Dinah on December 20, 2003, at 20:28:59

In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » Dinah, posted by Dena on December 20, 2003, at 11:37:52

Thanks for clarifying, Dena. I feel much more comfortable now.

 

You're very welcome. : ) (nm) » Dinah

Posted by Dena on December 20, 2003, at 20:47:48

In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » Dena, posted by Dinah on December 20, 2003, at 20:28:59

 

Clarification re. self-righteousness...

Posted by Dena on December 22, 2003, at 14:36:44

In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » Dinah, posted by Dena on December 20, 2003, at 11:37:52

I'm clarifying something I said in an earlier post, about Jesus speaking negatively about those who were self-righteous in His day.

Jesus spoke harshly against some of the Pharisees & Sadusees of His day. He spoke to the ones who had become self-important, using their religious/political status to "lord over" the laity. This is not to imply that all, or even most, of the Jewish religious leaders were corrupt - for He didn't speak about the Jewish religious leaders as a whole, only to the ones who came to Him, trying to entrap Him; He saw beneath their self-righteous exteriors into their hearts, which were full of pride, self-importance & superiority.

My comment was in no way to imply any sort of anti-semitism. Jesus, Himself a Jew, certainly loved the Jewish people. He came first to them, as their promised Messiah, then to the rest of the world.

I believe that if Jesus were to directly speak to the religious leaders of any religious group today, He would find plenty of them who were just as self-righteous as those He addressed 2,000 years ago. Jesus was against self-righteousness, not against the Jews, per se.

In fact, I cringe when I hear many of the religious leaders of my own faith (Christianity, in general), when they speak out against others with self-righteousness.

It's wrong, no matter who says it, no matter who harbors it in their heart. Myself included.

Shalom, Dena

 

Thanks for clarifying this...

Posted by Tovah on December 22, 2003, at 22:34:18

In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » Dinah, posted by Dena on December 20, 2003, at 11:37:52

...because I, too, was bothered by the reference to the "unsaved." Especially since most of the people I love and care about fit into that category according to Protestant vernacular - not because they are evil or bad people, but because they aren't particularly religious.

My husband likes to say that in Orthodoxy, we know where the spirit is but not where it is not. In other words, we are sure of the Holy Spirit in our church and within the confines of Orthodoxy, but it is not for us to say that the Holy Spirit cannot reach people in other churches or in no church. People's relationship with God - and their terminoligies to describe said relationship - are so very personal and unique.

 

Re: Thanks for clarifying this... » Tovah

Posted by Dena on December 23, 2003, at 9:30:02

In reply to Thanks for clarifying this..., posted by Tovah on December 22, 2003, at 22:34:18

Tovah -

I like that saying, "We know where the Spirit is, but not where He is not." I've heard it before, from my priest, & it's one of the aspects of faith that I've learned since embracing the ancient path. It's black & white in God's eyes only; but for the rest of us, it remains a mystery.

I suppose we used the term "unsaved" as a holdover from our Protestant days. The people we're praying for are those who profess to not know Him, & so we pray for their salvation. But, for those of us who do know Him, we continue to pray for our salvation as well. I no longer ascribe to the belief "once saved, always saved". It's a lifelong process. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Shalom, Dena

 

Re: While You are blocked... » Dena

Posted by NikkiT2 on December 25, 2003, at 13:33:33

In reply to While You are blocked..., posted by Dena on December 17, 2003, at 18:40:43

Just in case...

Theres no need for me to be in the bowl, as there is nothing I need to be "saved" from..

I am happy in my beliefs, and don't feel ANY need for someone out there wanting to change me

respectfully

Nikki

 

Re: While You are blocked... » NikkiT2

Posted by Dena on December 25, 2003, at 13:45:34

In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » Dena, posted by NikkiT2 on December 25, 2003, at 13:33:33

Honestly, there's nothing to fear, resent or be concerned about. The fishbowl is symbolic of those we're praying for. I would think that knowing someone is praying that your life will be blessed beyond your comprehension, & that you'll spend eternity in the presence of God would be a good thing.

Regardless, while freedom of speech for Christians is slowly but surely eroding in this country, freedom of prayer is still permitted.

With all due respect, & with genuine love, I will continue to pray for whomever God lays upon my heart. To do otherwise would be wrong.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Shalom, Dena

 

Re: While You are blocked... » Dena

Posted by NikkiT2 on December 25, 2003, at 17:18:07

In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » NikkiT2, posted by Dena on December 25, 2003, at 13:45:34

How about looking at this from another angle.

Say, I were Wiccan.. and I went to a white witch and asked for spells to be cast for you to lose your faith and become a wiccan.

How would you feel about that??

Nikki

 

Re: While You are blocked... » NikkiT2

Posted by Dena on December 25, 2003, at 18:10:16

In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » Dena, posted by NikkiT2 on December 25, 2003, at 17:18:07

My best friend from high school is a wiccan. She "prays" for me daily. I pray against all hexes, vexes & unsanctified prayers. I have nothing to worry about, because I serve the Creator of the universe. Nothing can supercede His will for me (unless, of course, I take myself out from under his will through my own rebellion - then He'll let me go my own way, though it may break His heart).

Neither you, nor anyone has anything to fear about the prayers of me, or anyone else who is praying to the One who made you, who loves you, & who died for you.

And relax, He won't change you against your will. My prayers for the ones "in the fishbowl" (& I don't believe that I've put you there as yet) are that He'll show you, by loving you, who He is, so that you can make a choice for or against Him knowingly, rather than making such a choice out of ignorance. The choice, as always, is up to you.

I wish you only peace, not harm.

Shalom, Dena

 

Re: While You are blocked... » Dena

Posted by NikkiT2 on December 26, 2003, at 6:04:14

In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » NikkiT2, posted by Dena on December 25, 2003, at 18:10:16

You're not understanding what I am saying.

I am not scared etc etc.. But I am offended that you can't accept me for who and what I am, without hoping, and asking (via the fishbowl) that I will change.

Every person in the world is equal.. and just because YOU believe one particular thing, it does not mean the rest of us should believe the same.

I believe different things to you.. but I am happy for you to believe what you do. Please show me the respect to believe what I want to believe in, without wanting me to change.

Are you saying that if your Wiccan friend were to start "praying", or making spells, asking that you change your entire belief system, you would be perfectly happy and comfortable with this??

Nikki

 

Re: While You are blocked...

Posted by rayww on December 26, 2003, at 9:30:55

In reply to While You are blocked..., posted by Dena on December 17, 2003, at 18:40:43

>
> I've made friends here, real friends who believe far differently from me. I still love them. I still accept them for who they are, where they are. I leave them in God's hands. I try to speak truth in love. But I can't make anyone believe what I believe - if they don't arrive to the place of belief by His leading, but by my coersion, what's the point? Only He knows how to get them from where they are to where He created them to be.
>

Lucifer's plan to overthrow Free-agency in the pre-existance was to force all people to live according to his will and force all to go to heaven, giving himself all the glory, leaving God and Jesus Christ out of the picture. Force or coersion has no place in God's plan. Satan and his loyal followers were cast out of heaven and are still fighting the war against agency here on earth. You have noticed that as soon as you begin to coerce or succombe, you get sucked in deeper and deeper till you lose almost all control over your choices. The only war ever fought is those fighting for democracy, freedom, and family, against those trying to take it away. Do you know of any other cause for war? Of course, when both sides become blood thirsty for the sake of destruction and power only. In that case Satan wins from both fronts.

I think it is important to understand who Satan is, and what his tactics are so when we fall into some of those tendencies, we can recognize it and quickly back away.

He lies, cheats, steals, destroys, forces, he is a coward, will always back down from truth and righteousness. He pouts and carries on when we overcome him. He throws fits and has temper tantrums. He is contensious, always throwing a wedge into otherwise pleasant situations.

What is my point here Dena? Simply to let us all see that each one of us is vulnerable. No one should ever think they have the perfect solution to another's life. We should pray for one another, and I do appreciate your prayers, but I don't think you should assume that your Christian belief is the only one with power to save others.

God wants to save everyone, and he does it in his own way and in his own time. There is a spot on earth for everyone and every belief. Each is on his own path. God accepts every one where they are, and waits for us to accept him. Once we accept him, and recognize his path, he leads us home.

We can teach and lead and try all we want, but we must not try to coerce or force anyone to adopt our belief. I'm a Mormon, and yes, we send missionaries, but they are seeking out those who are prepared, not going out in force.

Christians believe that Mormons follow Satan, thinking he is Jesus Christ. Again, if we understand the characteristics of both Satan and God, and feel the direction we are being attracted toward, it is very obvious. No one should ever try to say to someone who testifies of Christ, they have been deceived.

No one should say to a wiccan or a Jehova's witness, or a catholic or a Mormon. We should allow all men their own belief, but keep teaching, as there is good to be found in all, but not all to be found is good. Understanding and wisdom is of God, not Satan. It is God who opens our hearts and minds to understanding. Satan who closes it. Satan wants to narrow our focus to our own carnal pleasure, and uses addiction, sensation, false counterfeit feelings. We all battle these things. No one is exempt, but thanks to God who is more powerful than Satan, once we put our trust in him and him only, we can overcome whatever we choose. Key word, "choose". God will force or coerce no one. Neither should we, it only gets us trouble. Trouble in relationships at home, and out. Same ole same old. The real battle goes on. But there are daily victories, moment by moment, and that's all that really matters in life.

As far as I'm concerned, I appreciate your prayers. There have been times when they have been needed, and received. But, please be careful what you pray for. I don't want to change my belief, I'm happy in it, but I do want to breeze past New Years Eve, the anniversary of my father's death, so please pray for that.

Happy New Year my dear friend.

 

Re: While You are blocked... » NikkiT2

Posted by Dena on December 26, 2003, at 9:48:17

In reply to Re: While You are blocked... » Dena, posted by NikkiT2 on December 26, 2003, at 6:04:14

Dear Nikki -

How on earth can any of us tell anyone else what they're permitted to think or pray? Each of us has complete freedom to think the thoughts we desire, and to pray as we're led. It's not something that can be monitored (there aren't any thought police, thank God, & prayer is a very personal practice - no one else's business really).

You also have the freedom to be offended by what others may think or pray, but why waste your time being offended?

I'm not praying for you, or anyone else to change. That's not my business, I don't even know you. My prayers are an act of obedience to God. He tells me, directly & consisely, that I am to spread the gospel to the outermost reaches of this world; He doesn't say to tell only those who won't be offended. He also tells me to pray for all those I come in contact with, to pray for their salvation, to pray that His will be done in their lives. He doesn't tell me to get their "permission" first. Are you asking me to obey you, rather than God? Are you asking me to defy a direct commandment from God? I would hope not - that would be a rather presumptive thing to do.

Only God truly knows your heart, not me, not even you. We can easily fool ourselves about what's deep inside of us, but God sees the deepest reaches of our hearts - He knows us because He made us -- He has a plan for each of us, a plan that's for our highest good, beyond what we can comprehend for ourselves. He's the only one who knows how we need to change, & the only one with the power to bring about that change ... but He'll only do it with your cooperative permission - He will NEVER override your will. He restpects the free will of each individual, so much so that He'll allow you to reject Him & His plan for you if you choose. He lets each of us choose our own way, even if that way leads to our own destruction.

Still ... for reasons that I don't completely understand, God tells those of us who believe in & serve Him to pray for the salvation of others. It's not as though He's powerless without us praying, because He's not dependent upon anything or anyone. But He invites us to be part of the process of bringing the ones He created & loves into His kingdom. I don't pretend to know how it works, but I know that my obedience to pray also blesses me, even if the ones I'm praying for insist on rejecting Him in favor of their own way.

Of course every person in the world is equal. And everyone has the equal opportunity to accept or reject God's plan for them. This isn't "my" plan, or "my" beliefs that I'm "foisting onto others". This is God's plan, as laid out in the Bible, plainly & simply spelled out for anyone to read for themselves. You can still choose your own way. God will let you, He won't force you, regardless of what I or anyone else may be praying.

I'm praying that God's will be done, that His love will penetrate the hearts of those who don't yet know Him. The hearts that He Himself designed to receive & return that love - the hearts that are restless until they find Him, the One who made them. I pray that He will woo them with His love, that they will find out who He truly is, & who they were truly meant to be, that they will find fulfillment in an intimate, real relationship with the One who loves them most perfectly, just as they are.

This isn't about joining a particular religion, going to a particular church, or changing ourselves. It's about finding God. I am praying that each person I come in contact with truly finds God.

Is that really so offensive?

I respect your right to believe whatever you choose to believe. You may pray however you wish, for me, for anyone you desire. Or to not pray, as you desire.

I pray because I am compelled to, out of obedient love to God, & for the love of others.

For me to not pray would be to sin against God. Is that what you're asking me to do? If so, I must choose to obey God rather than to obey your wishes.

Ironically, you weren't one of the ones I was praying for, since you hadn't "crossed my path" before. Now, after our conversation, you have crossed my path, & if God lays you upon my heart to pray for you, I will choose to obey Him.

But you can choose to go your own way. You always have that right. Just as I have the right to pray how I'm led to.

You asked about my wiccan friend. She continues to pray for me, that I will become as she is. She tells me so. My happiness & comfort comes, not from having others think & pray as I want them to, but in trusting in God, who is able to protect me from all things that come against me. I have the security of knowing that everything that comes to me - even the seemingly negative things - have come through Him first. He only allows the things that will strengthen me, cause me to grow (which includes suffering), & to become closer to Him. All I have to do is to continue to trust Him, rather than my own perspective. It's hard at times, but He is ultimately trustworthy.

I regret that you feel offended - that wasn't ever my intention, but I must obey God over all else.

I wish you peace, & most of all to know the One who knows you best.

Shalom, Dena

 

The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness

Posted by Dena on December 26, 2003, at 10:43:53

In reply to Re: While You are blocked..., posted by rayww on December 26, 2003, at 9:30:55

Hello, my friend Rayww.

Apparently, we were writing simultaneously.

I agree with much of your post, but not all, but you already knew that.


I'm going to write a separate, new post about this topic.

It may be my last.

Shalom, Dena

 

Re: The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness

Posted by Dena on December 26, 2003, at 22:10:26

In reply to The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness, posted by Dena on December 26, 2003, at 10:43:53

Oops - I just realized that the subject line of my last post didn't make any sense. I had started to write something that was sure to get me blocked, but then thought better of it.

I censored myself, so that others wouldn't have to.

However, I do plan to post something a bit deeper later on, when the time is right.

Anyway, Rayww, the subject line was not a reflection on you or your previous post. Just from the depths of my own soul...

Shalom, Dena

 

Re: The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness » Dena

Posted by rayww on December 27, 2003, at 10:16:43

In reply to Re: The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness, posted by Dena on December 26, 2003, at 22:10:26

I'm dying to help create a new title line for you Dena.
Politically Polite PBF,
Politely Political PBF minus the truth.
PBF minus the Politely Political Truth?
OH well, this has nothing to do with politics. Hmmmm. What is another word for politics? "Psycho Babble"
Here it is then. Psycho Truth Babble. A new board where people could post their truth to their heart's desire without fear of the Politically Polite Police. I'd better stop before I "start" to get carried away here.

 

Re: The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness » rayww

Posted by Dena on December 27, 2003, at 11:35:10

In reply to Re: The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness » Dena, posted by rayww on December 27, 2003, at 10:16:43

Hoo-boy, Rayww, you're really on to something here! Just think of it: a message board for people of faith to post the whole message of their various faiths, without fear of being blocked! wow! People who posted there would have to agree to allow others to speak from their hearts without protesting about being "offended". Just think about how much we could each learn from each other! Rather than just reading dry books about what other faiths believe, we could ask each other point-blank questions, & get it directly! You know, "Everthing you always wanted to know about _________________ (fill in the faith), but were afraid to ask"!!! I'd love it! I'll bet there are others out there who would love it as well. And those who prefer not to read about what others really believe, could remain on this board instead.

Rather than carefully, nebulously, walking on egg-shells about our beliefs, & trying to homoginize our beliefs to fit a wishy-washy, preconceived notion of what's "acceptable" to believe, we could speak truthfully (note: I refer here, not to others' beliefs, but to the parameters of this board). Our beliefs are what they are - why should we pretend otherwise? What exactly is the point? How can we accept or understand what others believe if those beliefs can't be stated without censorship?

What about it, Dr. Bob? Is this board open-minded enough to provide a place where people who want to speak honstly about the whole of their beliefs can do so? Or is this yet another place where political correctness overrules truth?

This is a serious question, not an attempt to be blocked. I'm not speaking against the beliefs of anyone, just asking for the opportunity for us all to be more free about all beliefs.

But I won't hold my breath.

Shalom, Dena

 

Re: The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness » Dena

Posted by rayww on December 27, 2003, at 21:28:09

In reply to Re: The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness » rayww, posted by Dena on December 27, 2003, at 11:35:10

don't you fear being the only one there?

 

Re: The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness » rayww

Posted by Dena on December 27, 2003, at 21:36:51

In reply to Re: The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness » Dena, posted by rayww on December 27, 2003, at 21:28:09

Dear Rayww -

You got me! Yes, the thought occurred to me. Sort of like my own surprise party, for myself.

Do you suppose being the only one there would be my worst nightmare, or a dream come true?

Only another mother of bunches of children would understand the elusive beauty of total solitude!

But seriously, Rayww, I know you'd pay me a visit or two on such a board. And I believe that others, those who have tried to be "free" on this board only to get quickly blocked, might return to such a board.

As you can tell, I'm still breathing, not holding my breath...

Shalom, Dena

 

Re: please be supportive » Dena

Posted by Dr. Bob on December 28, 2003, at 1:05:17

In reply to Re: The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness » rayww, posted by Dena on December 27, 2003, at 11:35:10

> I would think that knowing someone is praying that your life will be blessed beyond your comprehension, & that you'll spend eternity in the presence of God would be a good thing.

I thought someone praying for someone else was a good thing, too, but I guess it does depend on what exactly is being prayed for. Maybe the other person doesn't want to spend eternity in the presence of God? The best present is one you want to give *and* the other person wants to receive...

> freedom of prayer is still permitted.

> God ... tells me, directly & consisely, that I am to spread the gospel to the outermost reaches of this world

The rules here apply only to posting and not to prayer. And I have to remind you that spreading the gospel by posting may be considered not to be supportive...

> Just think of it: a message board for people of faith to post the whole message of their various faiths, without fear of being blocked! wow!

People with other ideas for boards are free to try them out themselves, using, for example, Yahoo! Groups or ezboard...

> Is this board open-minded enough to provide a place where people who want to speak honstly about the whole of their beliefs can do so? Or is this yet another place where political correctness overrules truth?

This is a place where what I consider support sometimes overrules what others consider truth.

Bob

 

Re: Psycho-babble Correctness - Dr. Bob » Dena

Posted by Dinah on December 28, 2003, at 8:28:52

In reply to Re: The Truth, Minus Psycho-babble Correctness » rayww, posted by Dena on December 27, 2003, at 21:36:51

I visited such a group once. It's now gone, I checked. It was on the Dr. Laura site, a religion discussion group. It was pretty ugly.

I wrote a letter to her at the time asking her to take a look, because someone so positive towards religion couldn't possibly be approving of the sniping from those of various religious groups towards various others. I don't recall whether or not I mailed the letter, but in any case the forum is gone now. I think all her bulletin boards are.

You might want to do a search for other sites.

I often wonder if this board is doomed as a viable place of interaction about faith, because many people of faith are placed in a difficult position trying to do their duty as called upon by their faith, and trying to stay supportive as called upon by Dr. Bob. I sometimes sadly wonder if ecumenicalism is even possible - even at the highest levels of the most organized churches with people trained in diplomacy. I wonder if God is as sad at that thought as I am...

I am somewhat heartened by the spirit of cooperation among religiouis institutions in our own hometown. There are a couple of quasi-sister church/synagogues that work together quite nicely. But I don't suppose they actually discuss theology. Maybe that's the key.

Dr. Bob, how do you see this board working ideally? Is it fulfilling its function?


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