Posted by RomGabe [RomGabe] on March 30, 1999 at 22:13:57 {.Oe37V.qjQSpdplHcja6szt8oCKLMM}:
In Reply to: Chat with a fundie posted by Cygnus on March 30, 1999 at 17:18:59:
Hey Cyg,
Thanks for posting this "enlightening" coversation. I would suggest that the next time you run into this lady you tell her about this post and let her check out these responses to your post.
It was so interesting how evangelical this lady is, and how greatly concerned she is about your eternal soul. I am not suprised at all about the lack of reasoning or patience to stick to one subject and descuss it objectively.
I can appreciate having been through two very fundamental religious belief systems (Souther Baptist, and JW) the fact that an organized religion gives you a prepared, souped-up version of the world, orginies, purpose and destination. I for one, am glad for being at square one and not having the answers for a lot of lifes questions. It's more fun and healthier finding the answers on your own and using your own brain, than buying into a religion's propaganda. A very devoted religious person would have a hard time seeing the world from other perspectives (IMO), especially since they are conditioned (or brain-washed) to think in a mono-mode.
When you stated your reason for rejectig hell (moral grounds) the person did not even instigate to find out what exactly you mean by that, but instead bombarded you with questions. And for weaker ones that may work. Diverting, and changing the topic/discussion-issue just like that... Shame on Her! ;-)
Well, I can attest from the time that I've talked to you over the phone that you are a very down to earth type of guy and I still don't know you very well, but I cannot imagine why this person had said the following:
"I like many have tried to warn you, but you in your own pride and wisdom"
First of all, why appeal to fear? I can assume that she really cares about the "lost sheep" and she's telling you from the bottom of her heart to pay attention and giving you a last warning. I can understand that.
But why, in God's name, accuse you (of all people) of pride. First of all you have not given any indication that I can see in that post of being pompous, boastful, or proud. All you did was state the way you felt, and you did not put down anyone, or anyone's belief. I felt at time that she seemed a little condescending by accentuating her questions and points so heavily as if to suffocate your opinions. As far as wisdom, you only quoted a few verses (something not that hard for most fundies) and a few basic statements and facts. Now, in my book that is not a show of excess of wisdom, but rather good scholarship and common sense. I'm disappointed that she did not respond to your displayed wisdom and uses the excuse of having knowledge/wisdom to condem people and show them wrong.
Shows you something about these religions and their followers: they'd rather have you be ignorant, accept their Bible version, their doctrines, and then they will call you wise in the eyes of God. But as soon as you think for yourself (independent thinking) and do own Bible research (30 versions) then you are just wise for your "distruction" according to their view. Go figure.
Well, glad you provided this opportunity to see how some of us (like myself) used to think and argue.
Many blessings and prosperings (my made-up word) to you and yours,
RomGabe