![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 43. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by akc on August 30, 2001, at 14:43:46
Bob,
I just have to add my two cents, though it may be a day late and a dollar short. I have gone through most of the posts on this topic, here, in PB and PSB. I have to say that I think that on PB, any mention of religion is inappropriate, even in a tagline. However, I can live with a person occasionally mentioning something along the lines of "I pray this med works" or something like that. The type of stuff Sal has been posting is not like this and is disturbing, to say the least.
I especially think this is the case when you have provided a forum for people to discuss non-medication related items -- Pyscho-Social-Babble. Sal can post to his heart's content about his regious beliefs, his thoughts about gays and lesbians, whatever. He will get ignored, challenged, etc.
I guess I don't understand why this is even an issue. To me it seems so clear -- it seems so inappropriate on Psycho Babble -- religion and statements about religion are not related to medication or side-effects about medications, etc. While one might argue that there are studies that show that people who pray or lead spiritual lives get well quicker, these are not things that Sal is advocating -- he is advocating a particular religious denomination with his statements. It just does not belong on Psycho Babble.
akc
Posted by tina on August 30, 2001, at 15:20:34
In reply to Dr. Bob - My two cents on Religion and the Board, posted by akc on August 30, 2001, at 14:43:46
> Bob,
>
> I just have to add my two cents, though it may be a day late and a dollar short. I have gone through most of the posts on this topic, here, in PB and PSB. I have to say that I think that on PB, any mention of religion is inappropriate, even in a tagline. However, I can live with a person occasionally mentioning something along the lines of "I pray this med works" or something like that. The type of stuff Sal has been posting is not like this and is disturbing, to say the least.
>
> I especially think this is the case when you have provided a forum for people to discuss non-medication related items -- Pyscho-Social-Babble. Sal can post to his heart's content about his regious beliefs, his thoughts about gays and lesbians, whatever. He will get ignored, challenged, etc.
>
> I guess I don't understand why this is even an issue. To me it seems so clear -- it seems so inappropriate on Psycho Babble -- religion and statements about religion are not related to medication or side-effects about medications, etc. While one might argue that there are studies that show that people who pray or lead spiritual lives get well quicker, these are not things that Sal is advocating -- he is advocating a particular religious denomination with his statements. It just does not belong on Psycho Babble.
>
> akc
Posted by Chris A. on September 2, 2001, at 0:54:12
In reply to Dr. Bob - My two cents on Religion and the Board, posted by akc on August 30, 2001, at 14:43:46
So does this mean we are to tolerate everything but Christianity and Jesus Christ as the Son of God on this board? A central teaching of the New Testament is that Christians share the Good News. I'm glad someone shared it with me. I would have suicided a long time ago if they hadn't because I had no hope and didn't know that anyone truly loved me.
Perhaps Sal is going overboard but the Apostle Paul was accused of doing the same.Chris A.
Posted by akc on September 2, 2001, at 8:42:36
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob - My two cents on Religion and the Board, posted by Chris A. on September 2, 2001, at 0:54:12
Chris,
That is not what I am saying . I can't speak for others. I am just saying that no religious stuff should be on Psycho Babble. None -- no Christian, no Muslim, no Buddhist, no tree huggers -- none. It should be on Psycho Social Babble.
I continue to believe that reading stuff on the medical side should not be mixed with the religious stuff -- I personally find it offensive, triggering, etc. It appears I am not alone. I'm reading about effexor and low and behold there is something about "God's army." Doesn't belong -- one has nothing to do with the other.
I understand that it helped you keep from committing suicide. But I think there is a forum here for it. But it is not Psycho Babble -- it is Psycho Social Babble.
I'll be honest -- I'd like it all banned. But that is my own hang-up right now. I think my proposal is a fair one. One that is not getting any response -- why I am not sure.
akc
> So does this mean we are to tolerate everything but Christianity and Jesus Christ as the Son of God on this board? A central teaching of the New Testament is that Christians share the Good News. I'm glad someone shared it with me. I would have suicided a long time ago if they hadn't because I had no hope and didn't know that anyone truly loved me.
> Perhaps Sal is going overboard but the Apostle Paul was accused of doing the same.
>
> Chris A.
Posted by Krazy Kat on September 2, 2001, at 8:49:40
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob - My two cents on Religion and the Board » Chris A., posted by akc on September 2, 2001, at 8:42:36
Posted by SalArmy4me on September 2, 2001, at 15:22:35
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob - My two cents on Religion and the Board, posted by Chris A. on September 2, 2001, at 0:54:12
One of the essential doctrines of the New Testament is that one cannot remain silent about their faith and still obtain Eternal Salvation. Jesus says, "If you deny Me in front of men, I will deny YOU in front of my Heavenly Father." Therefore, if one is not open about their faith in Christ, he will not go to heaven.
Beat your swords into plowshares; your spears into pruninghooks > > > The Salvation Army: Soldiers Without Swords. 1865-2001 and forever!
Posted by SalArmy4me on September 2, 2001, at 15:24:27
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob - My two cents on Religion and the Board » Chris A., posted by akc on September 2, 2001, at 8:42:36
Guess what: Psychopharmacology is a religion too. It has its own lingo, its own beliefs and morals (prescriptions only)....I put my faith into it because it will one day rid me of my deadly disease. Shall we ban psychopharmacology from Psycho-Babble too?
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 2, 2001, at 15:56:33
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob - My two cents on Religion and the Board » Chris A., posted by SalArmy4me on September 2, 2001, at 15:22:35
"Do not deny me"
Not one is asking you to deny. All we are asking is that you don't promote. Denying and Promotion are two very different ball games.
Nikki
> One of the essential doctrines of the New Testament is that one cannot remain silent about their faith and still obtain Eternal Salvation. Jesus says, "If you deny Me in front of men, I will deny YOU in front of my Heavenly Father." Therefore, if one is not open about their faith in Christ, he will not go to heaven.
>
> Beat your swords into plowshares; your spears into pruninghooks > > > The Salvation Army: Soldiers Without Swords. 1865-2001 and forever!
Posted by JahL on September 2, 2001, at 16:16:16
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob - My two cents on Religion and the Board » akc, posted by SalArmy4me on September 2, 2001, at 15:24:27
> Guess what: Psychopharmacology is a religion too. It has its own lingo, its own beliefs and morals (prescriptions only)....I put my faith into it because it will one day rid me of my deadly disease. Shall we ban psychopharmacology from Psycho-Babble too?
No because that's what PB is *about*. Your religious beliefs (& that's all they are, just beliefs, true or not) are irrelevant to the business of psychopharmacology. They are also *your* business. Please don't make them mine.
Rgds,
J.
Posted by Krazy Kat on September 2, 2001, at 18:46:30
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob - My two cents on Religion and the Board » Chris A., posted by SalArmy4me on September 2, 2001, at 15:22:35
> John 3:16:
"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
That's it! You can be a silent, quiet, keep-it-to-yourself Christian and get into heaven just as easily as the loud mouth on the corner.
== I am not currently a "Christian" but was raised by two loving evangelicals and though I storngly disagree with their doctrine, I know the bible (and how to interpret it) well.
Posted by Krazy Kat on September 2, 2001, at 18:59:58
In reply to Re Religion » SalArmy4me, posted by JahL on September 2, 2001, at 16:16:16
Sal:
Again:
I grew up in an evangelical household, and though I don't adhere to that belief system anymore, I understand it very well.
I realize there are differences between the Salvation Army and Evangelical Christianity, but I'm sure there is much we could discuss. :)
- K.
Posted by SalArmy4me on September 2, 2001, at 21:08:10
In reply to Take me on-Sal!!!, posted by Krazy Kat on September 2, 2001, at 18:59:58
The Salvation Army is a part of the Universal Evangelical Church. Its doctrines are no different from Evangelical doctrines except the one which states that continuance in a state of salvation depends on obedient faith in Christ (once saved, not always saved).
I should know, I signed the Articles of War--the only thing I am proud of in my life.
Posted by Krazy Kat on September 3, 2001, at 12:39:28
In reply to Re: » Krazy Kat , posted by SalArmy4me on September 2, 2001, at 21:08:10
Theoretically, once you accept Christ, you should want to be more like him, to act like him, and others will be drawn to you because of the peace and happiness that abounds from you.
I don't see that happening here, Sal.
I think there are a couple of schools of thought re: Christians who rebel against Christ's teachings:
A person never truly was a "saved Christian" in the first place.
The Devil made them do it.
They're floundering for a bit.
The belief is that Christ died for our sins. All you have to do is truly believe that. It's not that simple.
That was the whole point -- "God gave his only begotten Son..."
That's why when Christians act less than magnanimous, it is very frustrating to see.
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 3, 2001, at 20:36:42
In reply to Dr. Bob - My two cents on Religion and the Board, posted by akc on August 30, 2001, at 14:43:46
> I have to say that I think that on PB, any mention of religion is inappropriate, even in a tagline.
I see what you're saying, and I think this is a hard one, but (1) I'm trying to find some middle ground, and (2) in a way, it's an affiliation, which isn't a bad thing to know...
> he is advocating a particular religious denomination with his statements. It just does not belong on Psycho Babble.
> > One of the essential doctrines of the New Testament is that one cannot remain silent about their faith and still obtain Eternal Salvation. Jesus says, "If you deny Me in front of men, I will deny YOU in front of my Heavenly Father." Therefore, if one is not open about their faith in Christ, he will not go to heaven.
>
> Not one is asking you to deny. All we are asking is that you don't promote. Denying and Promotion are two very different ball games.Exactly right, I guess I'm trying to draw the line between stating an affiliation and promoting (or advocating).
And this seems to have settled down, at least for now, yes?
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 3, 2001, at 20:38:39
In reply to Christ's Sacrifice... -- Sal, posted by Krazy Kat on September 3, 2001, at 12:39:28
> Theoretically, once you accept Christ, you should want to be more like him, to act like him, and others will be drawn to you because of the peace and happiness that abounds from you...
If this aspect of this discussion is going to be continued, could it be over at Psycho-Social-Babble? Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Wendy B. on September 4, 2001, at 22:48:54
In reply to Re: Religion and the Board, posted by Dr. Bob on September 3, 2001, at 20:36:42
> > I have to say that I think that on PB, any mention of religion is inappropriate, even in a tagline.
>
> I see what you're saying, and I think this is a hard one, but (1) I'm trying to find some middle ground, and (2) in a way, it's an affiliation, which isn't a bad thing to know...
>
Dear Dr. Bob and other interested parties:The mention of one's religion on the Board should not be banned. This Board is about tolerance and good will. It is Sal's civil right to express his religious faith and not be bashed for it.
I think religion and spirituality are very good topics for discussion; if people want to engage in them, that's fine by me. I think it might help some people to think that the troubles of this world (anxiety, depression, suicidality, etc.) might be gone in the next, wherever or whatever that place might be. I am sincerely confused that some people here want to deny a legitimate discussion of moral values, ethics, philosophy, etc.
I am not a religious person in the strict sense of that word. But I believe in Sal's right to speak his truth... though I don't embrace that particular truth for my own life.
> > > One of the essential doctrines of the New Testament is that one cannot remain silent about their faith and still obtain Eternal Salvation. Jesus says, "If you deny Me in front of men, I will deny YOU in front of my Heavenly Father." Therefore, if one is not open about their faith in Christ, he will not go to heaven.
> >
> > Not one is asking you to deny. All we are asking is that you don't promote. Denying and Promotion are two very different ball games.
>
> Exactly right, I guess I'm trying to draw the line between stating an affiliation and promoting (or advocating).
Sorry, but I disagree. Sal's version of Christianity says that *promotion* of the Gospel, as you call it, is what is required of him by his God. Please understand, I am not a practicing christian, but I am interested in civil rights, freedom of speech, etc. Dr. Bob, have you ever made a statement about civil rights, and whether the Board follows those principles (U.S. federal law)? Or since it is a private board, do other rules apply. I am curious, and not baiting or trying to cause disagreement...
>
> And this seems to have settled down, at least for now, yes?Quiet, perhaps. But there are still issues to be worked out, I think.
> Bob
Respectfully,
Wendy
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 5, 2001, at 1:38:53
In reply to Re: Religion and the Board Civil rights » Dr. Bob, posted by Wendy B. on September 4, 2001, at 22:48:54
> > > > One of the essential doctrines of the New Testament is that one cannot remain silent about their faith and still obtain Eternal Salvation. Jesus says, "If you deny Me in front of men, I will deny YOU in front of my Heavenly Father." Therefore, if one is not open about their faith in Christ, he will not go to heaven.
> > >
> > > Not one is asking you to deny. All we are asking is that you don't promote. Denying and Promotion are two very different ball games.
> >
> > Exactly right, I guess I'm trying to draw the line between stating an affiliation and promoting (or advocating).
>
>
> Sorry, but I disagree. Sal's version of Christianity says that *promotion* of the Gospel, as you call it, is what is required of him by his God.Well, I don't think that's what he said, but if that were the case for someone, then I think my position would be that this wasn't the board for them.
> I am interested in civil rights, freedom of speech, etc.
The civility section of the FAQ says, "your freedom of speech is limited here":
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Bob
Posted by Wendy B. on September 5, 2001, at 9:35:47
In reply to Re: Religion and the Board, posted by Dr. Bob on September 5, 2001, at 1:38:53
> Well, I don't think that's what he said,no, he didn't, it is my interpretation, though, of what he said about his evangelical brand of christianity... all evangelicals feel it's their calling to call others unto the religion, *as i understand it*.
>but if that were the case for someone, then I think my position would be that this wasn't the board for them.
maybe it would be a board for them, but like everyone else, they would have to be careful not to offend.
> > I am interested in civil rights, freedom of speech, etc.
>
> The civility section of the FAQ says, "your freedom of speech is limited here":
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
ok, i read it (again, sorry, i'd forgotten it was addressed on the FAQ pg.). personally, i think it's a little vague, but i guess this is on purpose, so you can censure those who break the rules of civility... management has its crosses to bear (no pun intended, that just came out!).hope london is still wonderful, i had a great time there. i know what you mean about the escalators. in general, the brits are much more concerned with polite behavior than americans are. it's very refreshing...
wendy
Posted by Simcha on September 5, 2001, at 13:38:19
In reply to Re: Religion and the Board Civil rights » Dr. Bob, posted by Wendy B. on September 4, 2001, at 22:48:54
Wendy,
If we are going Federal here then I have a right not to be preached to. Here he has a captive audience, so to speak. I for one will participate less here if I must read religious preaching in here. I have a right not to be harrassed. I have freedom of religion too. My religion does not have a problem with how I live my life. I am free to practice my religion here too without harrassment.
I know that the Feds do not have a nondiscrimination law that includes homosexuals. Chicago and Cook County do have such an ordinance and this board is administered there. Also I'm reading this in Davenport, Iowa. We have a similar ordinance here.
Therefore if Sal is allowed to harrass me with his condemnations and talk that I am going to Hell because of my G-d given sexual orientation then he is breaking the laws of where this board is founded and administered and where I read this.
Respectfully Yours,
Simcha.
> Sorry, but I disagree. Sal's version of Christianity says that *promotion* of the Gospel, as you call it, is what is required of him by his God. Please understand, I am not a practicing christian, but I am interested in civil rights, freedom of speech, etc. Dr. Bob, have you ever made a statement about civil rights, and whether the Board follows those principles (U.S. federal law)? Or since it is a private board, do other rules apply. I am curious, and not baiting or trying to cause disagreement... >
Posted by JahL on September 5, 2001, at 16:28:04
In reply to Re: Religion and the Board, posted by Dr. Bob on September 5, 2001, at 1:38:53
> > Sorry, but I disagree. Sal's version of Christianity says that *promotion* of the Gospel, as you call it, is what is required of him by his God.
>
> Well, I don't think that's what he said, but if that were the case for someone, then I think my position would be that this wasn't the board for them.And that's just the point. Some of us seem to have lost sight of *why* this site exists (ie NOT for the promotion of Christianity or any other religion for that matter).
Fact is Sal has *chosen*, of his own free will to follow a "version of Christianity" whose promotional tactics would appear to be at odds with board policy. His choice; he wasn't born Sally Army.
Were I a follower of say Timothy Leary would it be OK to advocate use of LSD here? Thought not.
J.
Posted by Cam W. on September 5, 2001, at 17:13:06
In reply to Re: Religion and the Board, posted by JahL on September 5, 2001, at 16:28:04
> Were I a follower of say Timothy Leary would it be OK to advocate use of LSD here? Thought not.
>
> J.LOL - Tune In, Turn On, and Drop Out....
...or Take In, Twirl Around, and Fall DownBTW - Tim really ruined it for everyone. - Cam
Posted by Wendy B. on September 5, 2001, at 20:39:11
In reply to Re: Religion and the Board Civil rights » Wendy B., posted by Simcha on September 5, 2001, at 13:38:19
> Wendy,
>
> If we are going Federal here then I have a right not to be preached to. Here he has a captive audience, so to speak. I for one will participate less here if I must read religious preaching in here. I have a right not to be harrassed. I have freedom of religion too. My religion does not have a problem with how I live my life. I am free to practice my religion here too without harrassment.
>
> I know that the Feds do not have a nondiscrimination law that includes homosexuals. Chicago and Cook County do have such an ordinance and this board is administered there. Also I'm reading this in Davenport, Iowa. We have a similar ordinance here.
>
> Therefore if Sal is allowed to harrass me with his condemnations and talk that I am going to Hell because of my G-d given sexual orientation then he is breaking the laws of where this board is founded and administered and where I read this.
>
> Respectfully Yours,
> Simcha.dear simcha:
just to set the record straight:
i couldn't disagree more strongly with Sal's condemnation of gays. he is way out of line. dr. bob should make it clear, and i think he has (? - not sure it's enough), but my response to Sal is to laugh at the absurdity of it all. in other words, i know i am not going to hell and eternal damnation for my so-called sins, as someone like Sal might call certain behaviors of mine.for example, he wouldn't have liked my participation in a rally in upstate ny in 1981, when we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. we were posted in the front lobby of the local abortion clinic, and others of Sal's ilk stood outside the lobby on the sidewalk, in sub-zero temperatures and shouted 'baby-killers!' and other nonsense, holding signs with pictures of damaged fetuses. the irony was that they brought their children, dressed in thin coats and knee socks and no boots, and had their precious, non-aborted offspring pass out anti-abortion fliers to passing pedestrians. they thought nothing of their own children freezing to death while out there doing their parents' dirty work for them. for years, we escorted women into the clinic when the Randall Terry group harassed us and the patients out on the sidewalks, or chained themselves to the doors of the building. i believe the women seeking abortion advice or treatment had the right to not be harassed. but if Randall Terry wrote an editorial in the local paper, which he did regularly (as much as the paper allowed him to), i had the option of not reading it, just as you have that option here on the babble boards...
or are we just going to have to agree to disagree? :-]in my own view, one which i know is not necessarily shared by others, no matter what intolerant thing might be said to me, it doesn't change my behavior. i am not a victim. let him think his antiquated thoughts. it doesn't affect me or what i do.
however, if someone like Sal is *asked* what his opinions are, he will be sure to tell you. i think this happened re: same-sex marriages. didn't someone ask him point blank what he thought, and then when he replied, everybody went berserk... don't give him the forum, and we won't have to read such intolerant banter. i don't like any of the stuff he is spouting, but he will respond when asked.
my other point is, and i repeat the simple advice: we don't have to read his posts. we are NOT a 'captive audience,' as you call it. i am not captive to his words. i can choose to never look at any of his postings again. but we can't choose not to listen to someone in the street who is shouting obscenities, or baiting us about our sexual preferences. i do think it's different, and i do then think it's a civil rights issue. (however, dr bob has pointed out that the FAQ page tells us our civil rights are limited on the board, so there goes that issue...)
sorry for the long-winded reply. i respect your views very much, by the way, and wish no one ill will by expressing my views.
yours sincerely,
wendy
Posted by Cam W. on September 5, 2001, at 20:58:14
In reply to Re: Religion and the Board Civil rights » Simcha, posted by Wendy B. on September 5, 2001, at 20:39:11
(however, dr bob has pointed out that the FAQ page tells us our civil rights are limited on the board, so there goes that issue...). - wendy
...so that's why this place feels like Canada. - Cam
Posted by Wendy B. on September 5, 2001, at 21:04:32
In reply to Re: Religion and the Board » JahL, posted by Cam W. on September 5, 2001, at 17:13:06
>
> > Were I a follower of say Timothy Leary would it be OK to advocate use of LSD here? Thought not.
> >
> > J.JahL, are you kidding? there have been many posts advocating the supposed therapeutic use of many controlled substances... see the following thread for just one example of exactly that, called "let's do drugs."
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000401/msgs/28725.html
> LOL - Tune In, Turn On, and Drop Out....
> ...or Take In, Twirl Around, and Fall Down
>
> BTW - Tim really ruined it for everyone. - CamCam, see the above thread for your post saying that you had in fact yourself done research on the therapeutic use of LSD for a paper you had written in college...
just keepin' ya on the straight and narrow...
:-]
no offense intended,
wendy
Posted by JahL on September 5, 2001, at 21:36:39
In reply to Re: Religion Board, Jah Cam, posted by Wendy B. on September 5, 2001, at 21:04:32
>
> >
> > > Were I a follower of say Timothy Leary would it be OK to advocate use of LSD here? Thought not.
> > >
> > > J.
>
>
>
> JahL, are you kidding? there have been many posts advocating the supposed therapeutic use of many controlled substances... see the following thread for just one example of exactly that, called "let's do drugs."
>
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000401/msgs/28725.html< Sigh >
Noone in that thread *advocates* (illicit) drug-use. Noone suggests others go out & take drugs. If they did they'd get jumped on just like Sal has been.
Like Sal you seem to confuse discussion with promotion.Discussion of any *substance* that has (potential) 'therapeutic uses' has a place on this board. As has discussion of drug-abuse generally since it is so often a symptom of underlying mental illness, and often amounts to self-medication (& *PB* is a medication, not religion site after all).
Rgds,
J.
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