?I agree, I am just gonna pray. You can't stop me??
Always better to keep things at a civil tone. Please, do not think that I have a desire to stop you from praying. I am not so blind as to ignore the benefits of such an activity, though I don?t believe the effect of prayer to one god or another makes any difference; or if one chooses to meditate with no particular belief at all. I believe a Catholic prayer can be as effective as a meditative chant or silent reflection. Unfortunately as all of us who attended Straight know: sometimes religious leaders give unsound advice (to be mild about it).
?? and you can't stop the changes that may take place in your life because of it.?
As another Anonymous expressed, changes will occur in my life regardless of your prayer. If you want to attribute those changes to your prayer, then I suppose you are free to do so; however, why not attribute changes to the stimulus that most likely inspired the change. Does prayer have an effect? Some studies have shown that it does (recovery rates and mood elevation), but perhaps not for the reasons organized religion currently attributes to it.
?I was simply expressing some thoughts, not even beliefs, but rather than seeing any simple connections to one's own life, some felt compelled to ridicule? What even prompted me to write this thread in the first place was the negative attacks on someone I care about??
I am assuming this was generated with the remark, ?Attending a few bible studies and using drugs does not qualify someone to give accurate advice and treatment to people with mental disorders. The church merely perpetuates the problems of Straight Inc, just to a lesser degree. Those who suffer from mental disorders need professional, evidence based, care.? Perhaps considering the context of the previous message this was a bit stark. I am glad that Lezi is experiencing happiness and joy. It sounds like the group is supportive. Lezi has also impressed me as having the ability to be supportive; however, caution flags rise up quickly for me when I hear that people are learning how to treat those with substance abuse behavior by reading from a Bible. I used to think that was enough, it is not.
?they were making positive changes in their life and it was causing some ANONYMOUS people to squirm and twinge about the lack of purpose in their own pathetic lives.?
I do not have a lack of purpose in my life, I lack the education to fulfill my purpose in life. That will not always be the case.
"I don't like anonymous posters that come in here and spout off like children hiding in the bushes and shouting out to the Ice Cream Man to stop, just to fuck with him."
How funny, did you ever hide in bushes and pull that type of shenanigans on your ice-cream man? Maybe the following analogy fits a little bit better. Someone sits on the side of the road, talking a bit too loudly when someone whistling ?Amazing Grace? walks by; then engages in discourse based on the response he is given.
?That is not what this forum is for. This is not about religion.?
It seems that this board is about whatever anyone desires to post here. I would also like the board to avoid religion, but censorship is rarely used on this board. Others were engaged in religious discussion. I joined in. When the Atheist comes to discuss religion, the board then becomes secular. That is convenient.
?This is supposed to be about people comming together to help one another??
That only lasts for so long, then they get their throats ripped out, metaphorically speaking.
?As for me, I attended a small church for awhile? good way to keep in touch and be a part of something constructive. I quit going after awhile? I am still looking for a place where I would feel more comfortable. there is something wrong with that, I fail to see it??
That doesn?t sound unreasonable. I believe the danger grows exponentially the closer a religion leans toward fundamentalism and zealotry. I believe religion is relatively harmless when practiced casually.
?? I fail to see how this post could be seen as a way to sway or influence someone else's beliefs.?
Perhaps you should look harder.
