I've had a number of requests from people not to post religious topics anymore. If you're one of these people: don't feel bad and no worries! But, for now, that's the plan...
As most of you would probably agree, a blog comment box is not the best format to carry on religious discussions. You can't articulate thoughts or emotions in a few sentences. It's so easy to be misunderstood.
When I was young I wanted to be a mountain man.
7 years ago
3 comments:
I have to admit, I have mixed feelings about dropping the religious discussion from the blog. There have been times that I've really struggled with it. I've kept a close eye on all the discussions, but don't usually comment because it's so hard to express spiritual beliefs/ feelings -- which are often the result of many years of subtle, intangible, and interwoven thoughts, feelings, and experiences; difficult to trace precisely and sometimes impossible to convey in words -- and not be misunderstood, because I was able to express only in part, and that clumsily.
I'm not a "questioner" by nature, and don't think of myself as an intellectual (though I don't feel that my faith is shallow or untested). I avoid debate in almost any form -- but especially those that pertain to religion, so trying to "follow you down the rabbit hole" in a way, has been challenging, new, and a very vulnerable experience for me.
At times I've felt angry with you for making my life harder in this way -- if I could have cared less about you, I would not have followed you here, nor had to face these challenges to my faith, (a thing which brings me such joy).
And yet...since you've started posting these questions regarding religion/doctrine, I've had to analyze my faith and experience in order to understand what you're going through, try to find answers for you, and above all, find the truth and my place in it.
And though I've not found any more concrete answers or explanations than I had before, I have increased my understanding as well as found peace -- Can I really regret any experience which brings these?
Hot topics will always be religion, politics, personal finance and family. I think you might get the same response on any number of these topics. They are close to one's heart and will always spark heated discussions to one degree or another. I have had to look at a few things and really figure out how to explain my beliefs. I always welcome this type of discussion.
Also, we are all free to choose what to read and participate in. If we don't like it, don't take part in it.
I thought the religious "debate" was insightful. But, I do understand the sensitive nature of the subject. However, that being said I am a firm believer that things of a sensitive nature should be discussed in order to arrive at some type of consensus or mutual understanding. Especially among people who care for one another and want to sustain a social relationship.
In the book "Amusing Ourselves to Death" by Neil Postman he illuminates the angst that may have been "read between the lines" as this discussion was going on. He argues that modern media outlets have caused us to lose our ability to debate without becoming emotionally connected to the topic.
Dan and I have had many many many discussions in a "debate" form sometimes until the very late hours of the night. As a result never during our discussion (though we were coming at things from different angles) did I think he was personally attacking me, and I am sure he didn't think I was personally attacking him (at least this is my feeling, feel free to corroborate this or not as you like Dan).
Point being, I thought the differing points of view were interesting and nothing to run from.
Post a Comment