Jonathan H. B. Lobl

If we are going to cite philosophy in the abstract; we can also consider the Buddhist teachings on loss. All things are transitory. All things pass. When we cling to the transitory, we suffer. In the abstract, it all makes great sense. But I am neither a rock nor a Buddha. Most of us are not. We are weak and we have needs. Human needs. If it were easy to live up to our highest principles, everybody would. We can also cite the wisdom of Jesus. "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, if he lose his soul?"

" So which of us has the authority to say, "What I believe, is "right' for all of the rest of you." ?" You're putting your words into my mouth, as though they were my own. It's very irritating and it's a lie.

It takes courage to endanger a pension. American society will forgive almost anything but being poor. Life without principles is an awful thing. My only point is that living by those principles, can have an awful cost. There are reasons, why lesser men sell out. Understandable reasons. There is another set of costs. It's a tough thing to become a Methodist Minister. The preparation is severe. It requires a profound commitment. Years of study and internship. To go through all that, in order to become a Methodist Minister -- and then lose all that -- to see the denomination split ---- I won't even pretend that I understand such a loss. It is not a small thing.

Beyond the physical, there was the whole persona: Intensity of focus; a romantic streak; and pure female heat. Always under control. Even relaxed, she was filled with dynamic tension. No wonder that Gomez was in love with her.

I'm sorry. I only speak English.

"The slogan of the founder of ULC (Kirby Hensley) was: "Do that which is right". So which of us has the authority to say, "What I believe, is "right' for all of the rest of you." ?" Your words. Just a few inches up on this page. Here's a hint. Don't lie and leave your printed words on view.

Yes. The voice of reason. No doubt, you remember the large rainbow flag on his church. I was thinking of him myself. My expectation is that he and his associates, will come down firmly on the side of Humanity, in defiance of the homophobic forces. After all. He has but one face and he has shown it clearly, with that flag. I fear what his courage may cost him.

Well done.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/mercynotsacrifice/2019/01/31/the-evangelism-of-a-thousand-clergy-trials/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Progressive+Christian&utm_content=43

And Morticia was a lady. The only skin she ever exposed was face and hands.

It's a kind theology. I can't agree with it; but the thought is much appreciated.

Yes. The fire of my youth. My pulse still quickens. 😃

The Jews for Jesus, speak out on the topic of antisemitism. Words fail. https://jewsforjesus.org/publications/newsletter/newsletter-feb-2019/christians-responses-to-anti-semitism-the-worst-and-the-best?reference_code=&utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=onl1902

Yes. The War against Christmas; as fought by President Trump and Fox News. Fake outrage, designed to keep the political base in a state of excitement.

Morticia, as played by Carolyn Jones. One of the first women I had fantasies about. In hindsight, an early indicator that I was straight. Even now, I still have a thing for long black hair. I think Morticia is the reason.

I find myself doing that. In my less saintly moments, I've told a few people to go to Hell. Long after the beliefs have died -- the idiom lives on. It's alright. I don't mind losing my beliefs. Losing my sense of humor would be sad. An afterthought. I also don't get bent out of shape; when well meaning people say "bless you" when I sneeze. Or when someone wishes me a "blessed day". Nice intentions count for so much more than the wording.

"God given right"? Social conditioning does run deep.

1. Is that how you determine truth? It appeals to you? 2. There you go again. Lying about me. I just got through explaining, that I don't care what you believe. Why do you insist on trying to provoke me?

You complained that you wanted an intellectual response. Alright. At this time, there is inadequate evidence -- for me -- to believe in your God. If new, compelling evidence does show up; I am fully prepared to consider the new evidence -- and to rethink my position. I must specify that I don't believe in your God, only for the sake of clarity. There are so many other gods that I don't believe in. So many other Scriptures, that I hold in low regard. Evidently, the evidence which is now available, works for you. This is not something that I am concerned with. My position is that the available evidence, is not adequate -- for me. Of course, you are free to base your beliefs on anything at all -- or on nothing at all. Your issue. Not mine. In the meantime, for me, the subject is moot. Until I find a reason to believe -- I also lack a reason to care. I don't hate your God, because I don't care. I don't hate your Scripture, because I don't care. I don't even hate your religion, because I don't care. I don't even hate you. Your constant, insistent. misrepresenting my position does irritate me. I do not expect or desire that you agree with me. Only that you stop lying about my position.

Gomez made me laugh. Morticia was one of the fires of my youth.

I'm back on line. I've been a member here for a long time. I might as well stick around for a while and watch it sink.

Usually, the Forum just dies. Interfaith boards require mutual respect. Fundamentalists don't understand the concept. You've been here long enough to remember when Dan was new here. He was upfront back then, about being here to witness for Christ. This is not dialog. Sure not mutual respect. Now, he just lies and lays out the bovine excrement. If the usual pattern holds, he'll be the last bully standing.

You might be right about Dan. Still, it seems to me that he's not playing dumb. I think that he's the genuine article. Dumb as a stump and thick as a brick. Now we will see if this board still has a moderator. I doubt it. 🙄