scottedward

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Everything posted by scottedward

  1. Kokigami, some day you're gonna have to explain the 'rotten apple alliance' to me.
  2. Otherwise, WISHING they were peaceful isn't going to render anything positive. Nor do I think will you, with this level of negativity. I apologize for the above observation, but the earlier point I was trying to make is only that both the Middle-East and its people suffer scaring through both their hate and centuries of unresolved conflicts. It is for this reason alone that I can agree with your assertion that those from that region are almost always out for blood. I do not, however, agree with your contention that the Muslim citizens of Paris, Canada, or the United States feel the same way. It's possible that the attitudes of the Middle East might have a long enough reach to spread their message of hate and allow people like yourself to sustain such an opinion, but that's all I think it is. I have a need and a Hope to believe the best of people. Rather than arguing with us over whether or not the same can be said of Muslims, maybe you should examne why you're unable to do it yourself.
  3. IMO I find it interesting that you mention your service in the Middle East, but haven't cited any additional specifics when you mention the other Muslims you've met 'abroad'. Regardless, I'm still of the opinion that most who worship God in any form are peaceful and benevolent in this day and age, and that includes the Muslims outside of a location as inhospitable and as war-torn as the Middle East.
  4. I like that, and for many reasons. It is informative, it discounts multiple misconceptions, and it~more importantly~offers additional proof for all of us that God (in whatever form) is good and fair. It also offers us the proof we need that it is the failings of humanity behind the birth of our current errors in judgement. Thank you, seeker and kokigami.
  5. I open my eyes aware that you’re there I open my mouth a thankful breath escapes you have my gratitude for the light that you’ve let me see
  6. IMO Assassin, you're being far too judgemental. Lighten up for your own benefit, because you'll be much happier. You're seeing fault outside of your own personal sphere of beliefs. It occurs to me that this is done only to keep yourself from focusing on the beliefs you've either chosen, or you've been raised or indoctrinated with since birth. What I'll say, and what others might disagree with, is that even the seemingly silly religions of our world are not as important as the Hope that they've given to their believers. Whether we've chosen to worship a giant flying spaghetti monster, our universe, a bearded white-haired father-figure in robes, his ressurrected son, or an Indian monkey god doesn't really matter. What's really important are the lessons we've learned from these teachings, and whether or not our beliefs have made us better people. Anything else is just window dressing.
  7. With a little spiritual unity kicked in for flavor.
  8. There are multiple examples of the same, and all from different theologies. It is this seemingly universal constant that strengthens my faith, giving me cause to believe in the path I see before me.
  9. I was recently accosted while waiting outside by the car for my wife. I'm sure that I'm a sight to see. I can't walk very well because multiple sclerosis messes with my balance, so I take a pair of Canadian walking crutches when I'm outside. At a glance, you can tell that I'm not in perfect health. What amazed me was that even from across a decent distance, this person noticed my condition, and thought to ask if I needed help. The distance was great enough, that after he called out it took me a while to see where it was coming from. I must have been a sight, and not specifically to him. Where I was standing, there were apartment buildings on either side. Each of them were facing me, and none of them were facing the samaritan from where he was standing. The neighbors would have heard me, but they wouldn't have heard him. [laughs] No doubt they might have thought I was hearing voices and needed to adjust my dosage. Anyway, I told him after he finally reached me that I was fine. I explained that I’ve had this disability for years, and I had long since gotten used to it. We then parted company. Later, after my lovely wife was driving us to Walmart, I noticed the same guy standing at another corner holding up a sign I couldn’t read. It hadn’t occurred to me that the gentleman might have been homeless; I think it’s because he never asked for anything. All he wanted to know was that I didn’t need any help, and then he left. I’m not an expert on the human-condition, and I cannot read minds, but it’s my belief that he discovered what I’ve already been saying. Hope is contagious. By giving Hope to others, you’ve increased your own. I wish I had shaken his hand.
  10. You're correct. The burden of proof can often be more important to some, which I also feel takes away from the message itself. I'd rather just assume that all messages are written by man, and marvel at our collective wisdom. If God was so intent on taking credit, he would have his own desk. If we came from The Source, it stands to reason that all of our ideas have as well. I would think that should be enough.
  11. I'm not sure, but either way that was still a good explanation.
  12. I've been feeling a little punch-drunk of late. I probably stayed too long in another thread, where it seemed that the majority felt the source of a message (or a holy book) was more important than the message itself. In other words, a message will always be important to the human race because it supposedly came from God or our Gods. It's a cause for concern to me, because it's next to impossible in this day and age to reach out to people much in the same way that the Bible, Veda, or Qu'ran had thousands of years ago.
  13. It’s our Hopelessness, our selfishness that causes most of our problems, but it’s our apathy that sustains them.

  14. Exactly! I suppose they're supposed to throw themselves from the proverbial cliff to prove to the rest of us how gentle or virtuous they are?
  15. I walked around the block twice today. My biggest issue was balance, which I believe is a problem I share with most of the world.

  16. I walked around the block twice today. My biggest issue is balance, which I believe is a problem I share with much of the world.

  17. That's because you're a reasonable man, which is why I agree with you as well. You've spoken out on more than a few occasions. While it's true that I've kept out of it for a while, many of your doubts, statements, or thoughts have mirrored my own.
  18. Pete, this is part of what I've been suggesting lately. Again, I wish to apologize if this offends anybody. It wouldn't be the religions that any of us should have a problem with. I believe that most if not all religions began with the best of intentions. It's only the fundamentally rigid and intolerant way that some choose to interpret religious teachings, that often cause the social problems we suffer in today's world. These are those who instruct (they instruct or demand but never just suggest) other followers to accept written works as though it was The Word of God. These are the instigators of debate or disgust. They're the ones who perpetuate intolerance, anger, or hate, while--at the same time--quoting passages that speak to us about compassion and love.
  19. I agree with both of you on several of these points. I remember once explaining to the forum that despite how some of the fundamental 'bad apples' have conducted themselves, I've always held a deep affection for how Muslims throughout the world practice their faith. There is a set structure and established discipline in this practice that I envy. My only problem with the Islamic faith is almost the same problem that I have with Christianity, and it wouldn't be the actual religions in question. It would only be the bad apples we've already mentioned, because they're a part of every religion. I'm speaking of humanity, because man has almost always managed to either destroy, or simply taint what we've origionally created to help strengthen our Hope.
  20. I might suggest involving the son in some kind of task that can be seen as greater than himself; perhaps a strenuous hobby of some kind that he can work his blood, sweat, and tears into. Come to think of it, something similar might also help the mother, but there's a difference between knowing a person's details like you're sharing them now, and truly understanding them. Without that kind of understanding, anything offered here would be guesswork. I'd have to speak with them.
  21. It's a shame we were only wanting something from the last decade. I was most thrilled with Braveheart before Mel Gibson turned to the dark side of the force. Before even Braveheart, I've always been really impressed with Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window, with Stewart and Kelly (Grace Kelly has been a crush of mine for as long as I can remember). It's unfortunate that the movies of the last decade have failed to keep my attention. It's most likely a failing on my part. Great to see everyone!
  22. Think of your role as minister as a glove that you've been given to wear, and it's only going to fit after you've grown into it. Maybe you aren't ready, or maybe you are; it isn't anybody's role but your own to make that determination. I think the important thing to remember is the Hope that your ordination enables you to give to others. You can only do such a thing when you're ready, because 'minister' is really just a title. It is going to be you and you alone who determines when it's time to act on your better instincts, and do what you believe to be right. Good luck.