Posted by Annie (169.207.119.194) on August 22, 1999 at 04:47:21:
In Reply to: Some thoughts about the brink of eternity posted by Erik on August 21, 1999 at 21:43:38:
When I see a post mentioning God or Jesus, I simply don't read it. Like changing the TV channel if I dislike the program.
At first when I read Erik's post I disagreed, because I feel that people have a right to their religion, even though that particular religion offends and disturbs me.
But then I read Elaine's response and thought how I would feel if someone told me that I would be judged by the Christian religion, even though I am not a member of it. And especially over something very personal and important.
And I know I would be offended, and it would not be so easy to simply click off the message and not be affected by it.
We recently had our PrideFest here. Outside the gates were people with hate filled faces, preaching, praying, handing out pamphlets, telling us that we were going to go to hell and fry.
These were the variety of Christians so confident in their own view of things that they have no room for allowing other viewpoints.
Our country is founded on freedom of religion. That allows Christians to believe their beliefs. It allows non christians the right not to have those beliefs forced on them.
I don't believe the person on our website meant anything but concern and compassion. After all, this place is about helping each other.
Maybe he or she should just ask first if the person she is posting to is receptive to a religious message, before delivering it.
And there's a difference between "I'll pray for you" (who would not welcome that?) and "You could burn in hell".
Im sorry, folks, I know this is rambling. It's late and I'm shadowing again... thanks for listening.
Peace,
Annie