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08-30-2007, 10:19 PM
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Not a member
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Somewhere along the path to where I'd like to be.
2,181 posts, read 1,533,113 times
Reputation: 680
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ms.Charlotte
I don't know, WCRob. While one may not change their views, they can certainly learn things and gain perspective, don't you think? I've certainly learned a lot here.
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There's a reason why I deliberately used the phrase " not completely impossible" and the word " rarely".  It's because I know I can't speak for everyone - only myself. I can only post my own observation, and what I've observed in the years and many different message boards I've visited is that there have been very few people who have changed their core beliefs because of something another person has posted.
My opinion is that there is a difference between learning new things about someone else or what they believe, and actually adopting those beliefs for yourself. Sure, I've learned new things about different religions and other people. Perhaps some things even make others think. But at the heart of it all, my beliefs haven't changed since the time I came here.
Last edited by Pathwalker; 08-30-2007 at 11:51 PM..
Reason: Wanted to clarify something.
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08-30-2007, 11:29 PM
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Enjoying the ride..
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Between Here and There
3,686 posts, read 3,108,020 times
Reputation: 1322
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Quote:
Originally Posted by june 7th
If anything, I think people come to this forum, in large part, as a means by which to VALIDATE what they already believe. Even as an atheist, there is something to be said about reading opinions that differ from mine, as well as reading those words that are posted by others who think as I do. We all want to see, read, something that resonates with us. So I think that ultimately, we all seek our own sense of personal validation in what we do here. If we did not get that, most likely the vast majority of us would not be here.
At the same time, that which resonates with us, and that which we find validating of our own beliefs, is NOT, (in my June opinion) necessarily due to exclusively reading ideas that only support my "view." If nothing else, a case could be made for the fact that oftentimes it is when a person is confronted by their own polar opposite views that they find self validation. I suspect that there are times when both believers and nonbelievers read each other's words, only to react/respond with  and thereby come away having reinforced what they already believe. In any human interaction, I think that our beliefs are often reinforced by being exposed to thoughts, and ideas that are so vastly different from our own.
I quoted b. frank above as his words struck a chord with me. My immediate reaction upon first reading them were: "I am an atheist who strives for 'Christian-style' peace. But I am certainly not angry at the world." However, what I am really trying to say here is that peace is peace. Be it Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, and yes, atheist! I don't think any of us can truly say that we have "the corner on peace."
--At least I hope not, as we live in a very large world. And if true "world peace" is even something we hope for, then I think we have to consider that...And,
Take gentle care. |
Oh boy I see June is here showing off her superior intellect, wisdom and grace again...how's a girl supposed to compete with that?!?  
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08-31-2007, 05:26 AM
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Moderator
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Join Date: Apr 2007
4,440 posts, read 2,022,672 times
Reputation: 1803
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Quote:
Originally Posted by irishmom
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No, no, no! 
It's what June genuinelly, truly believes...I don't have the "corner on truth;" just my gentle June thoughts... |
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08-31-2007, 10:10 AM
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Enjoying the ride..
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Between Here and There
3,686 posts, read 3,108,020 times
Reputation: 1322
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Quote:
Originally Posted by june 7th
No, no, no!
It's what June genuinelly, truly believes...I don't have the "corner on truth;" just my gentle June thoughts... |
Oh you know although I do think you are gifted with intelligence, wisdom and grace....that I was just kidding right? 
I think your gentle thoughts are always right on target. Given your occupation I wish I could live near you and see if you could straighten me out a bit. |
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08-31-2007, 11:50 AM
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flying in formation
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: among the chaos
2,039 posts, read 1,150,437 times
Reputation: 863
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Quote:
Originally Posted by irishmom
Given your occupation I wish I could live near you and see if you could straighten me out a bit. |
Oh, Irish,
Rumor has it she does "cyber-therepy". Maybe you and I can share the cost of airfair and we could all meet at some remote location and June could straighten both of us out. If she can't "fix" us, we will at least have a great time. Who's in? (Of course, this will have to wait until Montana get to Boston. And will only work out if he ever leaves Boston)
Weather... |
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08-31-2007, 02:15 PM
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finally.. PTO..
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Join Date: Nov 2006
4,100 posts, read 2,040,571 times
Reputation: 1027
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Surely someone didn't lose their faith from a message board..
This board has certainly opened my eyes to America today though.. whew
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08-31-2007, 03:05 PM
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searching for the truth
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South Florida
564 posts, read 496,336 times
Reputation: 215
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Yeah, it's kind of hard to believe someone came to this board believing in God and became an atheist due to posts in a forum! How ridiculous! :P
I think this is a place for trying to understand one another, not convert people one way or the other.
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08-31-2007, 04:08 PM
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Moderator
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Join Date: Apr 2007
4,440 posts, read 2,022,672 times
Reputation: 1803
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He's not leaving...
Quote:
Originally Posted by weatherologist
And will only work out if he ever leaves Boston)
Weather...
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Not if June has anything to say with it!
xo Montana  |
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