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You don't need protective gear. If I post further, it will get uglier.Quote:
Originally Posted by doc
I am Christian, Southern, conservative, Republican, and an engineer. I do not belong here, which has been pointed out. In other threads, as well as this one.
I don't care to open up like bcipam and be trounced. It isn't worth it. And I lack the maturity to handle it.
This is a cycling venue. Here, I am a cyclist. If I continue to post at TE, cycling will be my limit.
my husband is a slob. I used to get really upset. I still do from time to time. I have treid everything. Nothing works. Unless we have company over. oh, and so you know we have been together for 19 years. you really ave to take several deep breaths when you are looking at the stuff and ignore it. What made me finally give in was this.
When I was growing up my dad was a clean freak. So much he would hit us for things not being spotless. I once had to scrub with a broom and soapy water , a wall outside that was 50 by 15 ft. I was outside all day crying and scrubing. So my point is ,when I get mad over the stuff being on the floors and tables I remember my childhood and breath a sigh of relief that i am not living with the as*h*le dad anymore. I would rather have stuff laying all over te place then have to live with so much pain you know. Sometimes you have to let go!
Quite the contrary. You are more than welcome to post your opinions. That's the point of that freedom of speech thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by pkq
***You just can't expect everyone to agree with you. You also can't expect to be in the majority even though your category "Christian, conservative, Republican" is.***
And of course you belong here. You belong anywhere you want to go. No one wants you to go away and stop posting just because you're an engineer!! ;) It's simply a matter of whether you want to open up to the possibility that there are many strongly held, legitimate, christian even, beliefs other than your own.
Just a note - Dr. Laura is not a Christian but in fact, an orthodox Jew.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hell-uv-a-job
Off the Dr. Laura thing - cause I have friends that hate her as well. She is not everyone's cup of tea, I would like to make a couple of things clear.
I am of the belief that a person's sexual preference is hard wired. As a Christian, I believe we are all God's children. God makes no mistakes. If he makes someone gay it's for a purpose. Everything He does is for a purpose. OK we don't always understand the purpose, and there in lies the rub.
I don't necessary believe 'cause you are gay, you believe in casual sex. Unfortunately both communites (homo and hetero) are now becoming more casual in their sexual dealings. All too many couples jump to soon into sex. It is a scientific fact, that once a couple has sex, a chemical imbalance occurs that last for 12 - 18 months. It basically "blinds" you and keeps you from seeing all those little signs you should see before joining with or marrying someone. You just know the divorce is around the corner. All your friends can see it, but you can't (I am speaking hypotherically here).
I do feel its a shame gays cannot legally join. I feel marriage is a religious ceremony but no reason for gays or domestic partners to not be able to participate in a civil, legal union. I'm hoping, with all this passion and concern, that you gay women out there are fighting hard for this change. I believe a committed couple, no matter the arrangement, should be afforded the same protection as other committed couples. Maybe this is your purpose. Use your Community to affect change.
If I have in any way demostrated intolerance, or displayed a bias, I don't apologize because that was not my intent. I may have been inarticulate especially trying to type and do other things and not gotten my point across. When I asked BetaGirl to read Dr. Laura's book, I was not making a comment on Dr. Laura herself, I felt the book was helpful. You dont have to be perfect to be able to give good advice.
Also, please do not assume that all Christians and conservatives believe in the far Right. I am a moderate, middle of the road conservative who has voted for republicans, democrats and independents. I try to weigh all the issues and pick the right person for the job.
Anyway, this has been an interesting discussion and I've enjoyed all the viewpoints. It's always good to get the heart rate up. Just better to do it on a bike than this way don't ya think?
PS: One more note - I have many Christian friends who are very liberal, about as left wing as they come (yes we have fun discussions!). Just because someone is a Christian, don't automatically assume they are a Republican. Christians come in all shapes, sizes, and politicals beliefs. Geez I even have gay friends who are Christian. God does not discrimnate. Everyone is welcome to believe!
I'm agnostic, Western, liberal, democrat BUT I married an engineer - does that give me some footing on all sides? I agree that everyone, even engineers, are welcome here. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by pkq
bcipam, I am elated to read your post. If I ever misjudge you, you have proved me dead wrong. Reading about your beliefs makes me really happy, for no matter how much I like to argue against those who are homophobic and misogynistic, the fewer of them, the better. Due to the impersonal nature of internet writing, I want to make something clear. In no way I directed my attacks against you; I am deeply pissed at Dr. Laura and wanted to point out that whatever advice she dispense it should be taken with extreme caution.Quote:
Originally Posted by bcipam
Given that Dr. Laura has been such a controversial topic of discussion, should we make a a rule about no ever mentioning DR. Phil?
I'm going to repeat what Susan said, we all need to step back and take a deep breath. I don't like it when anyone feels they are unwelcome here at TE, that's not what we are about, is it ladies? Maybe it's time to let this thread die.Quote:
Originally Posted by pkq
Oh - pkq, I can accept a Christian, Southern, conservative, Republican. But an engineer??? My dear you are asking too much!!!:D ;) :D ;)
snap "my Daddy is an engineer" dragen
pkq,
we have an ENGINEER?!
Please stay and could you explain to me like I'm a 2 year old how I can possibly get similar gearing on a compact double that I get from my triple? :rolleyes: :cool: ;) :o and anything else of course.
Not an engineer, but an ELECTRIC engineer :) ? What can I say, nobody is perfect :p ;) :) :) . At least she can ride a bike... :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by snapdragen
Wow... never read this thread until today. I know things are cooling off, and that's good. I just want to add a quick 2 cents. I am another one of those Christian chicks. I believe in the bible and it really makes me sad to see it taken out of context and ridiculed in a place where I have always felt good about visiting and where I have made some really good friends. I could sit here and take apart all of those mean-spirited posts making fun of the bible, but I won't bother. Suffice it to say that I am a sad TE'er this day.
Don't be sad :( . I think not everyone is prepared to read something like that specially if you are a Christian. I believe that the purpose of the jokes is to show how some Christians and religious leaders "pick and choose" from the Bible what is convenient to them. Like I said, not very many people take the joke lightly. It is NOT an attack on the Bible but is just an attack on some Christians (not the Christian in this board but those who use religion to control the masses).Quote:
Originally Posted by slinkedog
In a sense this thread has been hijacked. Beta I'm sorry your boy friend is a slob. I know you'll think about it and do the right thing whatever that thing is. Bottom line, he is what he is (and only you and he know that) and you are what you are. Take that into account and consider what needs to be done.
Back to the hijack, for 3 years I've been studying "Apologetics" or "Defending the Faith." As an evangelical Christian part of my beliefs system is to witness to others and help them understand my passion for the Lord and hopefully persuade, through word and example, that my way is the right way. BUT I truly believe everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions and that I do not have the right to judge anyone because their beliefs are different then mine. Only God has the power to judge. Who am I to cast the first stone?
Christianity is an interesting discipline to study. One concept that is hard to understand is that God has given us the right to choice. As example, God is usually equated to being a lover or a father. You can't force or buy love. It must come freely through free will. All God can do (and us his followers) is show you what he is all about and hope you learn to embrace and love him. But if you don't it's your choice. That is one of the most powerful messages contained in the Bible.
OK so are there good Christians out there? Yes, lots of good ones but bad ones as well (too many in fact). It's true, not everyone follows the bible. I try but am weak and make lots of mistakes. No human is perfect and we fail time and time again. It would be like I judge all gay people on one bad apple. Is that fair to the entire gay community? Over the last 40 years I have had many gay friends, mostly male, but some female. I have sat with my male friends as they slowly died from AIDS. It broke my heart to see these good people suffer. I have a lesbian friend I ride with. No big deal she and I don't talk much about our sex lives as that's private but we do talk about everything else and I enjoy her company. Do we talk abut religion and politics? Yes whenever its brought up and trust me my friend and I have gotten into some rip dooser arguments but we still remain friends. Why? Because we respect each other's point of view. I have something to learn from her and she from me.
Just my observation and again since this is a written not verbal media, I might have misunderstood, but I felt (as did others) some of the posts to be very nasty and condemning of my Christian, conservative beliefs. I welcome an open discussion and understand different folks have a different viewpoint about all sorts of different things but we all are entitled to our viewpoint. If I don't condemn yours, please don't condemn mine or PKQ's or Slinke's. Please continue to post your thoughts, but let's make sure everyone's viewpoint is respected.
As they have been, for no one has been silenced or forced to belive something that she does not want to believe.Quote:
Originally Posted by bcipam
Quote:
Originally Posted by bcipam
Please continue to post your thoughts, but let's make sure everyone's viewpoint is respected.
There are lots of ways to be disrespectful through language, tone and innuendo without actually trying to silence someone or "force" them in anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by abuelitodimetu
The fact that at least three people have voiced feeling offended shows that there is a problem with this thread. Failure to drop the topic when someone says they are offended shows disrespect in this environment. This has not been a friendly debate, but a series of posts ridiculing peoples' core beliefs.
Politics and religion - two topics not suited for polite company.
Veronica
I've decided to close this thread.
I'm not trying to stifle debate, but I do think that feelings are being hurt, however unintentional.
I've had a few PMs from people thinking about leaving the forums because of this thread. I would hate to see that happen! Please, let's remember what brings us all here together.
Best,
Susan