I think faith is a private thing. Very private, in fact, I don't want to hear about it. The public sphere, the work place, the state and so on, usually have rules against displays of religion. In the first place, in the US, it is unconstitutional to have public displays of one faith or any. In the work place, many people might feel left out. It is bad enough that Christian holidays are celebrated, but fortunately they somewhat coincide with solstice, and a minor Jewish holiday. I guess people need a break during the winter. As far as whether I agree with it or not? I think what I think and I guess if I said what I actually think, some people might get preturbed so I will just say-- to each his own-- I generally start running the other way when "religion" is spoken of.
I'm not trying to be snarky here, this is an honest question... where do you think it should be? I looked through the list and couldn't find any other forum here that I thought would be more appropriate, since this one encompasses all sorts of off-topic conversation. Unless you're suggesting it shouldn't be on 3FC at all?
You know, I find it interesting that this thread was transferred here -- you can tell by the title what the question is. The OP was such a general question for the general population ... not targeting believers, but everyone ~ regardless of faith, religion, or belief? I won't speak for OP, but he would likely want a cross section of responses from a cross section of people, and that makes sense ...
Now to answer the OP ~ I actually don't mind anyone expressing their faith in public at all. The way Mr. Tebow is doing it is quite modest and discreet; and shouldn't hurt anyone really. I agree with other posters that I don't appreciate obnoxious pushy persons either -- ask me my faith and I will share it, then move on, please ... it even bothers me when I see other Christians doing that!
I don't mind someone handing out a gospel tract or an invitation to their church; but don't bang on my door at 7 am to preach at me or try to convince me to convert to your church, or ask me for money ...
We must be respectful of others -- I already believe and have a church thanks; seek those who are seeking ...
Last edited by Justwant2Bhealthy; 01-12-2010 at 05:49 PM.
To me, this seems like a very odd place for this question, because putting it here, I think you'd tend to get mostly similar opinions, EZ obviously wanted to hear varied opinions..
What's the point of asking such a question in the first place, if you only ask it to people likely to give a similar answer?
The post was moved to this area by the moderators because it became less about how people felt about generic displays of faith of any variety and more about how people would feel about being told that they should be of a specific faith. At that point, the topic was no longer general discussion.
I think I was the only one that made comment on "one should be a specific faith" and that was in response to a comment about a public interview...my question to all was "How would you feel...if..."
As always, moderators move or close threads to keep the board welcoming for all people, and forum rules do ask that you respect that work by not arguing moderator decisions.
just wanted to pipe up that i didn't mean to ruffle any feathers- i did question that it was in general chatter but i wasn't requesting that it be moved! i do think the thread took on a different vein then EZ intended - but that does happen a lot on message boards!
As an atheist (wasn't always), I really do not mind people using whatever religious/emotional/personal supports that need to get through life more comfortable, but personally do not believe any of it. As long it is not an intrusive or disruptive display and as long it does not effect me, whatever makes you happy is cool. IMHO, that kind of thing is a private matter, though and generally doesn't need to be on public display - however, the great thing about america is your right to say/be/do whatever you feel is correct.
It's peoples displays who do them in attempt to 'spread the gospel' that bother me. Its not being done for personal reasons at that point, imho, its being done specifically attempt to convert people which in this day in age is really not needed. People have access to all resources for all religions and likely their decision not to believe or to believe something else is a personal choice rather than lack of awareness. Its one thing to read the bible, pray, etc... its another to attempt to talk to strangers about it or advertise. Although I do not agree with it on a personal level, I would never ever try to limit someone's right to do so, however. Whatever makes you happy, as long as it isnt harmful to other people.
I don't mean to offend by any of this, just trying to add to the conversation...
Its one thing to read the bible, pray, etc... its another to attempt to talk to strangers about it or advertise.
I do understand what you're saying, and even agree to a point. I remember when my brother and I were fairly small child (8 or even younger), being frightened by a group of people that came to our porch where we were playing and in essence told my mother (in front of my brother and I) that we were all going to **** because we were Catholic.
However, I'm not sure about the advertising part. It just seems to me, that since you can advertise virtually everything else, including alcohol, pharmaceuticals including ones to end pregnancies and those that increase the size of a man's penis, as well as porn, sex toys and other sexually explicit products and services (so long as they're legal), why not religion?
I'm an agnostic by inclination (or maybe just naturally curious and suspicious). I need to understand, in order to believe (anything). Often, I'm not sure what I believe, but the more I study the natural world, the harder it is for me to believe that there isn't purpose behind it. The chaos in the natural world makes sense to me, but the order doesn't - it just seems to be too perfect to be random.
I was raised a Catholic, and through conversion, became a Lutheran (Missouri Synod), I'm a slightly better Lutheran, than I was a Catholic, but I still question EVERYTHING (Thomas had nothing on me, it would have taken me a lot more than a couple of wounds on the wrist to believe that a friend had risen from the dead).
I have to work very hard to acheive even that mustard seed's worth of faith, and sometimes I do wonder if those of us with religious beliefs (even tenuous ones) are all deluding ourselves to think there's more to life than what is... but I also wonder if (and generally suspect that) we're not...
Sometimes I think we forget (or ignore) the fact that American government was not founded on the concept of freedom from religion, but on freedom of religion (or lack of it, for that matter): freedom to not only have different beliefs from your neighbor, but also the freedom to practice and speak about those beliefs without fear of discrimination.
Even when I find myself unable to believe in much, I do believe in that.
KAPLODS ... exactly -- I concur ... what happened to the constitution or the understanding of it? This is worth repeating ...
Quote:
Sometimes I think we forget (or ignore) the fact that American government was not founded on the concept of freedom from religion, but on freedom of religion (or lack of it, for that matter): freedom to not only have different beliefs from your neighbor, but also the freedom to practice and speak about those beliefs without fear of discrimination.
A friend told me recently that a lot of people are getting concerned about this very topic: that is, the public expression of faith and beliefs. She thinks political correctness has gone mad ... lol!
Last edited by Justwant2Bhealthy; 01-13-2010 at 07:05 PM.
Being a living example is as much sharing your faith as approaching someone and speaking of it. I try to live my live according to biblical principals and its speaks volumes to those around me. I will not compromise my faith. Ours is the narrow gate.
