"My feeling is that tolerance can be overdone, as can intolerance"

by nvrgnbk 105 Replies latest members adult

• 

  cognizant dissident

  Cog, yesterday you had a playful spirit and today you sound like you have some kind of U.F.O- P.M.S....

  Now that was actually funny! Thank you for your interest in my cycle, Vinny, but no, every woman who says something you don't agree with does not have PMS!
  
  
  And your analogy means nothing. Just read some of those atheist debates and see for yourself.

  I believed in God for the first 40 years of my life as did many of the atheists on this site. I have no more disrespect for those who believe in God than I have for myself for having believed in God. I spent many, many hours when I first came to JWD reading the atheist/theist debates. Believe me, I really, really wanted to keep my belief in God. I still really, really want to believe there is a God who is going to magically step in and fix this insane world we live in. I had to be intelllectually honest though, and admit, the atheists and the evoloutionists had the more rational, logical arguments and a greater weight of evidence on their side. I didn't want to admit it because it caused me great psychological distress to give up my cherished beliefs. The key to being able to do it, is the humility to admit there is just the slightest possibility that one could be wrong. If you can do that one time, it gets easier. I freely and easily admit now, the possibility that atheists could be wrong and God could exist. I admit the possibility just not the probability. In fact, I actually hope that is the case.

  I had the honor of meeting Sir Hillary and his wife in person, yesterday. I hope he will not take exception to me telling you, he expressed much the same view to me. His wife still retains her belief in God and Hillary shows the utmost respect and deference her. I found him to be humble and a perfect gentleman and very undeserving of the vulgar attack that was made on him on another thread last night. Respect flows both ways. I tend to divide the world into two camps myself, although not along atheist and theist lines. I tend to divide people into respectful honest, and gentle, versus disrespectful, dishonest, violent (in word or deed). I enjoy to spend my time with the former whether atheist or believer.

  Cog
• 

  Vinny

  Oompa said:.."It can be nice, but somtimes spicey, snippy is fun....hey we can take it and banter a little....blood is not flowing even if it gets ugly a bit. In the end just remember we are all really entitled to our own opinions and others know they dont want to read it,,,they can skip it. Is there any problem with this approach? What is the deal?????................oompa
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• 

  nvrgnbk

  I feel much deserved compassion towards you, Vinny, but Cog deserves so much more respect than that.
• 

  onacruse

  Vinny, if I may ask this:

  If you were, right now, standing "outside" of yourself, would you characterize yourself as screaming at people?
• 

  Vinny

  Cog said:.."The key to being able to do it, is the humility to admit there is just the slightest possibility that one could be wrong. If you can do that one time, it gets easier. I freely and easily admit now, the possibility that atheists could be wrong and God could exist. I admit the possibility just not the probability. In fact, I actually hope that is the case."
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  But right is right and wrong is wrong. I did the right thing regardless of the consequences.
  
  
  I still believe the bible is very likely the word of God. Though there are some concerns too. But bible prophecy fulfilled is a very impressive argument to me in favor of inspiration.
  
  
  The same with an overall believability to the gospel accounts along with those of Paul, Peter and others. Admitted mistakes and all...
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Intelligent men cannot create the absolute simplest of life from dead matter today. How can these amazing things throughout the universe, including those Intelligent Men themselves arise with NO INTELLIGENCE required then.
  
  
  But again, those arguments have all been posted too many times now. At least you know why I still believe.
  
  
  I agree, that all things considered, it would be better for us all if there is a God with a wonderful plan. And at death, I believe, we all find out...
  
  
  Be good,
  
  
  v
• 

  cognizant dissident

  Thanks NVR, but no worries. It's my fault too. Those old JW habits rear their ugly head sometimes. Like not being able to walk away from a good argument (or a bad one for that matter)

  I'm still a work in progress as are we all. Hopefully, one day, I will possess the ability to transcend my need to "prove my point" or "be right".

  Love ya

  Cog
• 

  Vinny

  Onacruse,
  
  
  Screaming at people? Not at all.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  v
• 

  cognizant dissident

  They have been posted many times. I guess we really should just stop debating and agree to disagree until more conclusive evidence presents itself. Then, GAME ON! again

  Peace, bro

  Cog
• 

  nvrgnbk

  NVR, at least she got the joke... why not you?

  Ok.

  Jokes about women are funny, but jokes about deities aren't.

  I think I get it.
• 

  Vinny

  Hmmm, sounds like you were concerned for her feelings by an actual playful joke.
  
  
  Imagine if I was serious, or harsh, making fun of her .... or insulting, attacking... etc...
  
  
  See what I mean, NVR?
  
  
  Peace,
  
  v