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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Simus on March 10, 2004, at 17:36:52
Dear Dr. Bob,
Webster defines faith as: Belief; trust; confidence; conviction in regard to religion; system of religious beliefs; strict adherence to duty and promises; word or honor pledged.
On a "faith" message board, you are going to get "faith" responses. When someone is talking (or in this case, writing) about their faith, their words represent their belief, trust, confidence, and conviction. It just isn't reasonable, by the very definition of faith, for you to require that people posting here be supportive of all faiths, because that would mean that they would have to deny their own beliefs and convictions to do so. You may want to ask people to be tolerant, rather than supportive, to those of other beliefs. I may be able to be tolerant of a member of WICCA, for example, but I could never be supportive. It is too contrary to my own convictions. And when you ask people to alter their messages, one of two things has to happen. They either have to deny their faith, or they have to change their faith (the latter is not likely to happen). Asking someone to deny their faith is, to me, unreasonable.
Posted by Jai Narayan on March 10, 2004, at 21:21:23
In reply to Faith: Dr. Bob, posted by Simus on March 10, 2004, at 17:36:52
But there are so many beliefs... why would one be more important than another? I don't think my faith is "THE" faith...the ONLY faith....it's just the one I am following. I have never been one to think that I have the answer, the only answer....there are so many ways to God....just like there are so many people. We all find our ways....our paths. It's painful to hear someone say that their way is the only way...
Posted by Simus on March 10, 2004, at 22:08:52
In reply to I guess I wonder, posted by Jai Narayan on March 10, 2004, at 21:21:23
> But there are so many beliefs... why would one be more important than another? I don't think my faith is "THE" faith...the ONLY faith....it's just the one I am following. I have never been one to think that I have the answer, the only answer....there are so many ways to God....just like there are so many people. We all find our ways....our paths. It's painful to hear someone say that their way is the only way...
>
>
I am not clear if your post is in response to mine, or referencing a previous post on the site. I will assume that you are referring to a previous post, because my point was to defend the ability of those who post at this site to write openly of their faith without fear of being blocked. That would include all faiths, not just mine. But I would like it to include mine too.A case in point is that your faith is open to several ways to get to God. I respect that. I don't happen to agree with it, but I would defend your right to say it. Now if I stated that in my faith there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus Christ, would you defend my right to say that?
I would like to add that if I weren't so strong in my faith, I could easily be offended or condemned by reading that my faith profession is "painful" for someone to hear.
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 11, 2004, at 0:06:18
In reply to Re: I guess I wonder » Jai Narayan, posted by Simus on March 10, 2004, at 22:08:52
> It just isn't reasonable, by the very definition of faith, for you to require that people posting here be supportive of all faiths, because that would mean that they would have to deny their own beliefs and convictions to do so.
That's true. It's not actually being supportive that's required, it's not being unsupportive. It's always fine not to respond at all. Like on the other boards.
> And when you ask people to alter their messages, one of two things has to happen. They either have to deny their faith, or they have to change their faith
Changing the wording of a message doesn't necessarily mean changing its meaning...
> Now if I stated that in my faith there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus Christ, would you defend my right to say that?
Sure, have you looked at the "specific examples" link in the introduction to this board? That's an OK way to word that message.
Bob
Posted by NikkiT2 on March 11, 2004, at 10:10:30
In reply to I guess I wonder, posted by Jai Narayan on March 10, 2004, at 21:21:23
That was very nicely said Jai *s*
We all have paths, and our paths differ.. But I do get offended when I am told my path is the wrong one because someone else says THEIR path is the only one, or correct one.
Nikki
Posted by rayww on March 11, 2004, at 22:30:56
In reply to Re: being supportive, posted by Dr. Bob on March 11, 2004, at 0:06:18
Religious persecution is a very real thing in today's world. It may not be by sword, but we use the weapons of the day. The most powerful weapon of all time, is this, the Internet, and the most valued move is the creative new idea. There is the "I'm the best" war. There is the war against Christians by non Christians, the war against Mormons by Christians, and who knows what all.
There has to be a fence around every arena, saying "stay out" or "come in". Someone has to be in charge. Dr Bob, you are doing all right. On other public forums where there is no control, people misuse their weapons and cause much harm. You are doing your best to ensure the safety of the PB boards. This is a free forum to come and do battle in defending or defining faith.
Religious tollerance allows people to defend and define without judgement. In bipolar disorder you have a great need to express your moods, and some of them are religious. It is horrible to get blocked just because of a swing on words and ideas. Surely we can understand the very purpose of our meeting here, and allow somewhat of an offense/defense at times when we "feel" like it, as long as it isn't a personal attack against someone else's swing on words. I swing. And usually I have no idea where it will end up once I get going.
Stop at the "bashing" point, if you need a stop place. In my opinion you should not have blocked Dena for standing up for her belief in Jesus Christ. How about forgiveness? Has it ever been tried on this board? Since you are the master here, it would be up to you, and forgiveness is not fickle. It shows character.
Some get their kicks out of intentionally hurting others. Psycho challenges affect us all, because of mood, medication, those who don't understand, and the human experiment. (Maybe we should block you for awhile Bob). This is the faith forum, but I would value it as a safe place to write when on a religious swing that perhaps is on the fly. A swing will always slow down and stop if left alone. Some of the world's greatest ideas were born at the peak. Give it a whirl Bob.
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 11, 2004, at 23:46:47
In reply to Re: being supportive » Dr. Bob, posted by rayww on March 11, 2004, at 22:30:56
> This is the faith forum, but I would value it as a safe place to write when on a religious swing that perhaps is on the fly. A swing will always slow down and stop if left alone.
How about being a safe place to read, too? It might not be during a swing like that...
Bob
Posted by rayww on March 12, 2004, at 7:16:32
In reply to Re: being supportive, posted by Dr. Bob on March 11, 2004, at 23:46:47
> > This is the faith forum, but I would value it as a safe place to write when on a religious swing that perhaps is on the fly. A swing will always slow down and stop if left alone.
>
> How about being a safe place to read, too? It might not be during a swing like that...
>
> BobThose who learn to live within the framework of their special handicap often discover great joy through the use of it. People who have no deficiency sometimes have a difficult time relating to the simplicity and detail found in the sphere outside the work world, social world, and competitive world. A person's handicap can be the vehicle through which God's special purposes are accomplished on the earth. And that's where love and compassion come in, and forgiveness. Let us learn together. Dena and the rest of us can learn to step up a little and become a learner, as well as a teacher. Respect is due. Mutual respect for ideas, and views on religion. To be a good listener means learning how to sort. We all know where the garbage can is. We can sort as we read. Isn't that the key to wise use of the Internet?
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 13, 2004, at 10:04:55
In reply to Re: being supportive » Dr. Bob, posted by rayww on March 12, 2004, at 7:16:32
> We all know where the garbage can is. We can sort as we read. Isn't that the key to wise use of the Internet?
Yes, but the less "garbage" people have to sort through, the better...
Bob
Posted by rayww on March 13, 2004, at 11:50:17
In reply to Re: being supportive, posted by Dr. Bob on March 13, 2004, at 10:04:55
to quote something my dear sweet little grand daughter just said, "here comes the gawbage man"
If that's a label you like, so be it. I would be interested in seeing if you could write to the faith board without being blocked. Does anyone know your views on faith? Do you know what they are? Why don't you share? It's good for the soul. Both the writer and the reader have their faith increased through a good share.
Posted by green hornet on March 18, 2004, at 14:16:43
In reply to Re: being supportive, posted by Dr. Bob on March 11, 2004, at 0:06:18
> > It just isn't reasonable, by the very definition of faith, for you to require that people posting here be supportive of all faiths, because that would mean that they would have to deny their own beliefs and convictions to do so.
>
> That's true. It's not actually being supportive that's required, it's not being unsupportive. It's always fine not to respond at all. Like on the other boards.
>
> > And when you ask people to alter their messages, one of two things has to happen. They either have to deny their faith, or they have to change their faith
>
> Changing the wording of a message doesn't necessarily mean changing its meaning...
>
> > Now if I stated that in my faith there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus Christ, would you defend my right to say that?
>
> Sure, have you looked at the "specific examples" link in the introduction to this board? That's an OK way to word that message.
>
> BobGood Grief!!
Jesus said "I am THE way, THE truth and THE life no one can come to the Father except through me"
G H
Posted by PeggyY on March 18, 2004, at 14:41:26
In reply to Re: being supportive, posted by green hornet on March 18, 2004, at 14:16:43
Good Grief!!
> Jesus said "I am THE way, THE truth and THE life no one can come to the Father except through me"
> G HIsn't that the SAME thing as saying "Jesus has no equal" I don't get it? He is the ONLY way to the father right?
Peggy
Posted by green hornet on March 18, 2004, at 15:02:00
In reply to Re: being supportive, posted by PeggyY on March 18, 2004, at 14:41:26
> Good Grief!!
> > Jesus said "I am THE way, THE truth and THE life no one can come to the Father except through me"
> > G H
>
> Isn't that the SAME thing as saying "Jesus has no equal" I don't get it? He is the ONLY way to the father right?
>
> Peggy
>My faith teaches that belief in Jesus as the son of God is the only way TO God.
Posted by PeggyY on March 18, 2004, at 15:54:34
In reply to Re: being supportive, posted by green hornet on March 18, 2004, at 15:02:00
> > Good Grief!!
> > > Jesus said "I am THE way, THE truth and THE life no one can come to the Father except through me"
> > > G H
> >
> > Isn't that the SAME thing as saying "Jesus has no equal" I don't get it? He is the ONLY way to the father right?
> >
> > Peggy
> >
>
> My faith teaches that belief in Jesus as the son of God is the only way TO God.Me too, that's my point!
Peggy
>
Posted by PeggyY on March 18, 2004, at 15:57:33
In reply to Re: being supportive, posted by green hornet on March 18, 2004, at 15:02:00
> > Good Grief!!
> > > Jesus said "I am THE way, THE truth and THE life no one can come to the Father except through me"
> > > G H
> >
> > Isn't that the SAME thing as saying "Jesus has no equal" I don't get it? He is the ONLY way to the father right?
> >
> > Peggy
> >
>
> My faith teaches that belief in Jesus as the son of God is the only way TO God.Forget my last post, I get it!
Peggy
>
This is the end of the thread.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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