I’m pretty new here and I love the intelligent and clever banter. But I have to admit that I am turned off by the basic attitude around here that if you have a discernable I.Q. then you must surely have grown out of the belief in Jesus along with the tooth fairy and Santa.
I have to say that I am a Christian and am very active in my church. I am also a Mensan so I’m not stupid or easily lead down the yellow brick road. I respect people’s opinions and am not here to witness but I’d like to know if there are any Christians here. I’m feeling like I’m in the vast minority.
Copper do you post or read in the great debate threads? You’ll find defenders of the faith there. Sometimes pit threads crop up on the very topic you’ve mentioned. I’ll offer that you aren’t the only churchgoer and believer here by any means. I’ve got a mental list of my fellow Catholics. Stick around and I’m sure you’ll discover who’s who.
Oh, not to worry, Copper_Moon. There’s plenty of Christians around here.
It’s certainly not true that people automatically assume Christians aren’t intelligent. Well, some might, I don’t know - but there are some Christians I’d consider among the top echelons of our posters, in terms of eloquence and intelligence. Polycarp comes to mind.
We have our fair share of atheists and agnostics as well - true. And the obligatory Creationism vs. Evolution debates do sometimes get heated. But at the end of the day, people are supposed to exchange views in a respectful manner.
Or get bitch-slapped by a moderator if they don’t.
Off the top of my head, Polycarp, vanilla, cjhoworth, Libertarian, Mangetout, RTFirefly, Guinastasia, Triskedecamus, the above Ellen Cherry…
And me, too. There are lots of others, but I can’t think of them right now. All the flavours and types from Anglican to Baptist to Catholic. Try a casual trot through some of the religion threads in GD.
I was about to bring up Polycarp as well, but I see that I was beaten to it. Oh well, I can add Libertarian and Jodi to the list of well-respected Christian posters around here.
There are also plenty of Dopers who belong to other faiths as well, who are well admired and well liked on these boards, and not looked down upon by members of these boards… Our very own cmkeller is one that comes to mind, as is CK Dexter Haven.
Most of aren’t hostile to Christians, merely to “Christians”.
We don’t like the book-burning set at all.
Or the anti-logic/anti-science bunch.
But, if your Christianity is about regard for others’ dignity, & compassion for those in need, rather than blind adherence to dogma, you will find many friends here, Christian or not.
Polycarp is more-or-less our resident Theologian.
Read this thread, if you want to know how we feel about him.
Well, not a Christian here, but no problem with Christianity or most other religions for that matter (I draw the line at anything espousing murder etc). We do have some fabulously intelligent Christian posters here, and many of them have been mentioned above.
Moderate, not Fundamentalist (which is hard for someone raised Southern Baptist, don’t get me started!)
For the record, not only do I NOT boycott Disney, I own stock in the company. (Which is trading lower than my Amazon.com - a sight I thought I’d never see.)
When news came out about the Southern Baptist Convention voting for all wives to “submit graciously”, Mr Vena just laughed and laughed. I.don’t.submit.period. I also didn’t say “obey” in my vows.
Oops, Look at that… I got started and couldn’t stop.:rolleyes: sorry
::As she oozes off her soapbox and goes back to work::
I must be one of the bad christians, as I’m never mentioned in anyone’s list of Doper Christians But I am. Have been all my life, and I come from a strong christian family. I do swear a lot I’m afraid, and lust in my heart, but I’m working on becoming a better messenger of the Word. Wish me luck.
Neither am I, although I don’t think I make a secret of my faith - but then again, I also don’t generally get involved much in the Christianity debates.
FTR, Christian here, Roman Catholic flavor.
Sorry for the slight hijack, but what about Muslim posters? No particular religious leanings myself, but I’d be interested to know how many Dopers follow the Islamic faith.
You can add me to the list. Sometimes it is hard to tell because most Christians around here are not too “preachy”, but if you stick around a bit you’ll notice who they are. There is also a long list of spiritual Dopers, who may not subscribe to Christianity but who do believe in a Higher Power. So while there are some who may make fun of the idea of a God, most mean no harm and I take it with a grain of salt.
You will be expected to know about your faith and be consistent in it if you bring it up, though, so be prepared! Others will be accepting of you and your faith if you show the same courtesy for them.
I’d guess it’s about 50/50 here as far as religious people/atheists. More skeptics than you’d meet in in general society—but remember, this is a skeptical message board!
Thanks guys. I was feeling a little lonely this morning with some of the new threads. Not that I mind people discussing their beliefs (or lack of) I just wanted to know there were some of my faith here as well.
Ellen Cherry – No I usually stick to MPSIMS just because I’m not interested in debating the issues. Just looking for some entertainment. I probably should have lurked elsewhere to find Christian supporters but I really only know the people here so was more interested in this board.
Thanks Coldfire. I’ve seen your posts before. Usually witty and funny. Same for you, Lissla.
Unca Bosda, maybe I can convert you? Okay, okay but I have to admit that I have seen great shows of support for those in need here on the board. I respect that.
Now DeVena, you know you’re in a handbasket headed for hell if you support Disney. I mean I was watching Aladdin just the other day and had to get naked. My husband loves Disney. He knows he’s gonna get some if we watch The Lion King.
Lifting you up Jarbabyj. BTW, are you a test tube baby or what?
Okay I probably shouldn’t respond to everyone individually. I’m happy to say that it would take up too much space. Thanks again for the support from the Christians and the respectful non-Christians alike. I appreciate it.
But I am. Have been all my life, and I come from a strong christian family. I do swear a lot I’m afraid, and lust in my heart, but I’m working on becoming a better messenger of the Word. Wish me luck.
Others will be accepting of you and your faith if you show the same courtesy for them.