pat | (no subject)

Note to commenter on another blog:

Why do you insist on showing up in the middle of a theology discussion to tell all of us that we're idiots? and then when someone is snarky at you, yell at them for using ad hominem attacks, as though saying that we're stupid wasn't an ad hominem attack?

And while we're at it, you do realize that stating that all people who believe in a deity are the equivalent of Biblical literal fundamentalists who wish to install a theocracy in the U.S. is somewhat akin to neocons stating that people who are opposed to the actions of Israel in Palestine support terrorism, don't you?

Also, quite frankly, why do you care? If my actions towards you are reasonable -- if try to be charitable towards my fellow human, if I try to show mercy and care for all, if I try to refrain from judging others, if I support scientific enquiry -- why should it matter one damn bit what my motivations are? Does it really matter to you whether I follow Y'w'h, Christ, Buddha, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster?

I don't proselytize (unless you call simply identifying yourself as a Christian proselytizing) and I don't get into discussions of religion with people who I know I do not share at least some common faith background, if for no other reason than it generally is fruitless and often causes more harm in the world than good. I've yet to see anyone convinced -- either way -- as a result of such discussions. Yes, I write about religion and my faith in my own blogs, but hey, they're my blogs.

I don't proselytize, why do you?

Brutus:Numb3rs:Numb3rs, Season 3

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Because when I tell you people what idiots you are, I'm simply pointing out the obvious. When you criticize me or my ideas, or my inability to present a coherent argument, its an ad hominem attack.

/tongue in cheek.

Oh dear. (hug) I'm terribly sorry you're getting this. I hope that my previous comment on your Christmas post didn't feel like this to you. You have every right to write about your religion and faith in your own blogs. And anyone who can't be polite to you there can sod off.

(hug)

Oh, no, it wasn't you. You and I may have different faith perspectives, but you are always respectful and interesting -- I've been meaning to respond to your Christmas comment, and haven't. Sorry.

No, this was someone who popped into a discussion of the theology of the authors of the "Left Behind" books to basically say "You realize you're no different than they are, don't you?" and who furthermore has done this on several occasions. And who has others who chime in. I'm not really a target, or only incidentally so as part of the group.

I'm not mad, per se, just exasperated. I don't respond to people like that, but now an entire interesting comment thread has been hijacked, and I'm annoyed.

I do understand. I didn't actually think you were "mad at me", or even that it was directed at me. I got that this was about someone else altogether. And I'm still sorry you're having to deal with it at all.

And no worries about responding to the Christmas comment. Do if you have time; don't if you don't. I just wanted to make sure that I hadn't inadvertently added to your upset in any way. I'm relieved to hear that's not the case.

(hug)