The Sincerity Thread

[Silver54321]

The majority of the time, many people come to Lostaways to goof off, have fun, and be totally pointless. I'd like to challenge Lostaways' posters to engage in a thread devoted entirely to SINCERE discussions. Knowing how Lostaways folk are, this definitely will indeed, be quite a challenge! (I know some of you are already scheming a smart-arsed response! :no-no: )

Any topic, within reason, and the forum guidelines, is acceptable. So come on, show us your intellectual / inquisitive / pondering / philosophical / emotional side.

[Found in the Land of Lost]

Thanks for that, Silver. :)

[Frecklestoo]

Why don't we discuss the answer to my sig question?:p My answer would be a resounding "yes!"

[Jason and the ARGonauts]

LOL, that's funny, Frecklestoo.

[Silver54321]

Why don't we discuss the answer to my sig question? My answer would be a resounding "yes!"

LOL, that's funny, Frecklestoo.

Sigh... :rolleyez: I'm very disappointed.

[Scott]

Erm, ok.

I kinda agree with Ag here. Although there is chatting/games/whatever else in Lostaways, there is rarely REAL discussion of important issues. Not that it matters cuz this could cause divide but the man wanted opinions dammit!

[merry slug]

Can we discuss religion? Or are people going to have a fit? I have a sincere question about Christianity that I probably should direct at a minister or some such, but I don't want to get preached to.

[Silver54321]

Can we discuss religion? Or are people going to have a fit? I have a sincere question about Christianity that I probably should direct at a minister or some such, but I don't want to get preached to.

Hmmm, good question, merry. I know for a fact that political discussions are frowned upon here, however, I don't know if religious discussion is more acceptable. Mods?

[Frecklestoo]

Silver...did you have any ideas you wanted to discuss? If you throw a few out here, you might get a serious discussion started. Maybe. There are a lot of people on this forum who like to discuss serious topics.:)

[Scott]

Hmmm, good question, merry. I know for a fact that political discussions are frowned upon here, however, I don't know if religious discussion is more acceptable. Mods?

They both seem rather similar. There are multiple followers of a political party, same with Religion, and the Religion ones can get more heated. So I can see why they're frowned upon if it's for that reason. I know I've saw some pretty heated Religion debates, and with so many opinionated peope here, it may not be the friendlies thread.

[Found in the Land of Lost]

I'm no minister, merry, but I have been a Christian all of my life. I am more open minded than most, though, so if you want to ask your question, I'd be more than happy to discuss it with you. You can PM me if it would make everyone else more comfortable.

:)

[Frecklestoo]

I'm curious...I'd like to know the question.;)

[Hurley4Prez]

It's pretty simple: If we handle it maturely, and respectfully we can probably discuss whatever we want. Unfortunately, that's asking a lot on an open forum. So we can go there if we choose, but we run the risk of having the thread locked if the conversation veers into the offensive.

I'd say ask away Merry. I converted to Buddhism when I was 16, but was a devout Christian up to that point. So I can answer questions about it objectively without "selling" the message.

[Smartypants]

There are a lot of Buddhists around here, I've noticed. I wonder what it is about this forum that attracts 'em...

Was that sincere enough an observation? I wouldn't want to tarnish the sincere thread.

[Silver54321]

Silver...did you have any ideas you wanted to discuss? If you throw a few out here, you might get a serious discussion started. Maybe. There are a lot of people on this forum who like to discuss serious topics.:)


Yeah, I have plenty of topics I can throw around in here. I didn't present one because I wanted others to feel welcome to opening their own discussion, without feeling that this thread was only for me to have my own thoughts addressed. This thread is for everyone. I know there are some people here who could, or would, mistake my motives for creating this thread, therefore I'm going to postpone my own ponderings until a later time.

[merry slug]

OK - this question is very basic dogma, which is kinda why I felt like I could never ask it -- felt like I should've already known the answer, you know? And this has bothered me since I was a kid.

All my life, in nearly every Sunday School class or sermon, I've heard that "Jesus died for our sins," or "he died to save us." Here's my problem -- I just don't get the jump in logic from point A (him having to die) to point B (saving us). Did God at some point say "It's you or them?" Because I missed that part. I can understand "Hey, you've done all you can do, it's time for you to come home to Heaven," but that's not what I've been told. I'm obviously either missing something, or just trying to be too logical.

[Silver54321]

OK - this question is very basic dogma, which is kinda why I felt like I could never ask it -- felt like I should've already known the answer, you know? And this has bothered me since I was a kid.

All my life, in nearly every Sunday School class or sermon, I've heard that "Jesus died for our sins," or "he died to save us." Here's my problem -- I just don't get the jump in logic from point A (him having to die) to point B (saving us). Did God at some point say "It's you or them?" Because I missed that part. I can understand "Hey, you've done all you can do, it's time for you to come home to Heaven," but that's not what I've been told. I'm obviously either missing something, or just trying to be too logical.

Merry, perhaps this will answer your question.

http://www.rbc.org/uploadedFiles/Bible_Study/Discovery_Series/PDFs/why_did_christ_have_to_die.pdf

[Found in the Land of Lost]

Well, in those days, it was a very common belief that sacrificing "pure" animals (or the "best", first-born, etc.) as a gift to a god was a way to appease that god and keep him/her happy or make up for wrong-doing. That was a practice that was as ingrained and commonplace as Hail Mary's are for Catholics. Jesus was known to be "pure", the best example of human life possible, and God himself sacrificed (or allowed the sacrifice of) his own self/son/best-of-the-best to "bridge the gap" between him and us, sort of like his offering to us, and to tell us that sacrifices to him are no longer necessary.


IMO, the majority of The Bible is symbolism and metaphor, and I read it as such. I think that the main points should be focused on, and history taken into account when forming ones beliefs surrounding it.

Just MO, of course....
:)

[merry slug]

So there was no ultimatum that I missed - it's just how we've interpreted the story, right?

[Son of Locke]

Why don't we discuss the answer to my sig question?:p My answer would be a resounding "yes!"Sorry for the jack, but as a member of the "wrong" species, I'll submit that if a man finds himself in the middle of a forest and there are no women around, things aren't all that bad.

If he finds his ball, his wedge and a reasonable shot of punching it out to the fairway, it doesn't matter how wrong he's ever been. ;)

[Found in the Land of Lost]

So there was no ultimatum that I missed - it's just how we've interpreted the story, right?


Well, before that, with the Christian God (known then as Yahweh) and with other gods, there was this vast separation between gods and humans. Gods were so on a pedestal that interaction or relationships between gods and humans was unheard of. Yahweh was the only one with whom personal relationships were known to be welcomed and encouraged. Christ is supposed to be the bridge between his plane and ours, so to speak, and in order to accomplish this with the people of that time, his death was necessary to convey this in a way that would make sense to them in their day of sacrifices and rituals.

(IMO, of course...)

[Found in the Land of Lost]

Sorry for the jack, but as a member of the "wrong" species, I'll submit that if a man finds himself in the middle of a forest and there are no women around, things aren't all that bad.

If he finds his ball, his wedge and a reasonable shot of punching it out to the fairway, it doesn't matter how wrong he's ever been. ;)


Wouldn't it be sort of hard to golf in a forest?

</threadjack>

(Sorry Silver...):innocent:

[Found in the Land of Lost]

Okay, Silver, I guess you had better start one of those topics you have. This thread is falling fast...

:)

[Silver54321]

Okay, Silver, I guess you had better start one of those topics you have. This thread is falling fast...

:)

Maybe that's not a bad idea. Better to change the topic now before it gets ugly.

[Frecklestoo]

I'll submit that if a man finds himself in the middle of a forest and there are no women around, things aren't all that bad.
;)

They aren't all that good either!:nanabobo: Just kidding...I'm just messin' with ya, SoL!

/end threadjack/

[Silver54321]

I have two burning questions on my mind. I'll post just one for now.

I have heard countless times, through many sources, that the best way to meet new people for friendships and / or dating is through the present friends, acquaintances, and co-workers one already has.

But what if someone presently has no friends, acquaintances, or co-workers? What then are the best ways to connect with new people?

I'm not only asking this because I am in this position myself, but also because of what I see and hear in the real world. Society is rapidly growing into a "don't talk to strangers" mindset, the reasons for which are endless. (I blame the media) I often witness a lot of attitudes that basically boil down to: "If I don't already know you, or know someone who knows you, then I am not interested in knowing you." or "I have to know you before I decide I want to get know you."

This seems to happen regardless of the setting: work, school, public, etc. There used to be a time when strangers were able to talk to strangers in order to make new friends. I'm sure it still happens today, but I allege it's a tiny fraction of what it once was, say 20 years ago.

[Found in the Land of Lost]

Well, I think that's a hard thing to generalize. I met my husband at a nightclub. Not exactly ideal, but you never know. The long term relationship I had before that was via a blind date set up by mutual friends, and that also worked.
Meeting people through people you know is sometimes better because you usually have more of a background from others' experiences with that person, but not always, because chemistry has nothing to do with other people.
I think that it depends alot on what type of people you're trying to meet as far as where to meet them and how receptive they will be toward you. If you're trying to meet people in San Francisco or New York City or somewhere like that, people are generally just less friendly and open, and a little more self-centered (just from my personal experience, of course), whereas if you go to the areas just outside of the city, people seem to be friendlier. It depends also on the age group you're in, and what "type" of person you go for.

I guess all I'm saying is that there are too many variables to really answer your question in a general sense. I know quite a few people who have met wonderful people online, but we all know how much craziness is there, too. So, you just have to keep yourself open, and let Fate handle the rest (I guess?).

[merry slug]

I have two burning questions on my mind. I'll post just one for now.

I have heard countless times, through many sources, that the best way to meet new people for friendships and / or dating is through the present friends, acquaintances, and co-workers one already has.

But what if someone presently has no friends, acquaintances, or co-workers? What then are the best ways to connect with new people?

I'm not only asking this because I am in this position myself, but also because of what I see and hear in the real world. Society is rapidly growing into a "don't talk to strangers" mindset, the reasons for which are endless. (I blame the media) I often witness a lot of attitudes that basically boil down to: "If I don't already know you, or know someone who knows you, then I am not interested in knowing you." or "I have to know you before I decide I want to get know you."

This seems to happen regardless of the setting: work, school, public, etc. There used to be a time when strangers were able to talk to strangers in order to make new friends. I'm sure it still happens today, but I allege it's a tiny fraction of what it once was, say 20 years ago.

This again? No offense, Silver, but you've asked this question at least twice before, in different wordings. You want to meet new people, but you don't want to go out anywhere to meet them. We suggest groups to meet people with your same interests, and you say you don't have any. I'm truly at a loss of how to help you. New friends aren't going to walk up and knock on your door and ask to be your friend -- you have to make an effort of some kind. I thought this was a sincere thread, but really you just wanted to get confirmation of your opinion of the world today again, and how you not having any friends is not your fault?

[rosalind711]

But what if someone presently has no friends, acquaintances, or co-workers? What then are the best ways to connect with new people?

A lot of the patients I have had have ran into this problem. They are substance abuse patients, so a lot have to disassociate themselves with most people around them in order to truely be in recovery. I always reccomend joining classes or clubs of things that would intrest someone. I don't believe you can't meet new decent people, if you have too.

[Hurley4Prez]

As Merry said, you need to put yourself out there more. Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people in an unfamiliar place.

[Silver54321]

This again? No offense, Silver, but you've asked this question at least twice before, in different wordings. You want to meet new people, but you don't want to go out anywhere to meet them. We suggest groups to meet people with your same interests, and you say you don't have any. I'm truly at a loss of how to help you. New friends aren't going to walk up and knock on your door and ask to be your friend -- you have to make an effort of some kind. I thought this was a sincere thread, but really you just wanted to get confirmation of your opinion of the world today again, and how you not having any friends is not your fault?

I am offended because you assume that I am a recluse, a shut-in, or something along those lines. I have news for you. I get out a lot more than you or anyone else here would care to realize.


I attend monthly neighborhood watch meetings.
I frequently visit with surrounding neighbors.
I attend church.
I visit public libraries several times a week.
I frequent bookstores and restaurants.
I sometimes visit a bar.
I take walks in the park.
I like to go shopping.


ETA: Could I be more proactive? Of course. I don't deny that! On the other hand, why don't you come visit where I live and do some investigative journalism? Ask the OTHER locals (especially single adults) what there is to do socially around this neck of the woods. I think you'd be surprised to hear the countless similar stories.

[Silver54321]

There is an annual art festival coming up Sep. 7. I plan to be there. http://www.artbeatsouthbend.org/