Very difficult topic to discuss because some views might be mutually exclusive. A bit of tolerance, inclusiveness and scrutiny of personal wording will go a long way.
Without God, existentialism is correct. Pain, love etc. will mean nothing once you are dead.
The last sentence in the quote is your opinion, however, it is phrased as a fact that applies to everyone. Phrased as above it invalidates people who place value on life and the present moment, rather than on death. Such invalidation is highly likely to provoke a response, as it did.
i'm not sure a Tesla forum is a place for a deep philosophical debate on religion. I merely stated my beliefs as others have done in this thread. Usually it is the evangelicals who react so strongly.
I too don't want religion crammed down anyone's throat. Of course I seem to be such a strange mix when it comes to my beliefs such that I generally upset everyone left or right.I want government out of the marriage business. Marriage is a religious act. .
Person that responded to your invalidating statement does not come across to me as a zealot but as someone who felt provoked to defend meaning that he finds in life.
The way your statements are phrased, they lack personal ownership and come across as applying to everyone. That has a high risk of coming across as pushing and imposing the expressed views on everyone, as you have not phrased in any limits to your statements, who do they apply to.
Pushing and imposing your views on others is likely to be pushing people's buttons. According to your statement, you do get strong responses from others. My guess is that responses are not to your personal mix, it is much more likely that they respond to invalidations contained in your statements.
Other example of invalidating imposing statement is 'marriage is a religious act' - maybe it is to you, certainly it is not to me and many others like me.
Perhaps if you rephrase your statements to limit their application to yourself only and give others space to be whoever they wish to be, such rephrasing is likely to come across as far more respectful and inclusive.
For example, your invalidating statement: 'Pain, love etc. will mean nothing once you are dead' stops being invalidating if you choose to say: Pain, love etc. will mean nothing
to me once
I am dead.
Another one: Marriage is a religious act
to me. Big difference. If your statements imply your personal ownership of expressed views and no imposition on others, that might come across as much more respectful and you might get different responses.
It is not easy, but it is possible. We are all often loose with language and sometimes that has unintended consequences. It is really your choice if you wish to be more careful with phrases to make sure your statements do not invalidate anyone and are less pushy thus more respectful.
And all the preaching voices -
Empty vessels ring so loud
As they move among the crowd
Fools and thieves are well disguised
In the temple and market place
Fools and thieves are dangerous
In the temple and market place
Volatile topic ... but let's strive to keep respect for differing views. Please. I'm sure no disrespect was meant -- but the lyrics are somewhat damning to those who believe differently.
Good intentions I'm sure, by all.
I can see bonnie's point here. The verses seem to be derogatory towards people who do have faith, who go to temples, who preach. That makes these verses lacking tolerance and respect for these people. By putting these verses there, you might need to own intolerance and disrespect that they convey. We are all free to make choices that convey who we are.
I feel exactly the same!
