I would like to apologize personally for the way that I acted when I first showed up. I was a hard-headed idiot who cared more about telling people that I converted someone than I actually cared about that person. I know that I came on too hard. At one point I nearly posted some VERY demeening names. The thing I guess that opened my eyes was a post that talked about Hypocritical Pastors and the way that some here have been burned by them. It kind of hit me hard the way that people have been dealt with because I am a fill-in pastor whenever necessary. Again I apologize for my behavior over the past couple of months. I can now honestly say that I see you as people and not just another group to try to convert. You will be in my prayers.
Moris Crill a.k.a. CollegeStudent
P.S. I am sticking around for a while so I am looking forward to more discussions with you.
As a non-Christian, I’ll accept your apology as heartfelt and honest.
I hope you’ll emulate other Christian posters here. I could provide you with an incomplete list, but I think it won’t be hard for you to figure out which ones are respected, and why. There are those who honestly and passionately express their faith in these forums, but who while doing so never belittle others simply for not sharing their beliefs. There are those who engage in religious debate while scrupulously examining their own assumptions. There are those who take the time to join discussions on completely secular issues, enjoying discourse for its own sake.
If you can do as they do, you’ll present an infinitely more appealing (and more fair) portrait of Christianity to us heathens.
Moris, that is wonderful. (Is it a typo for Morris with two R’s, by the way?)
One thing I have learned is that communication is a two-way street. If you don’t listen, you have no idea what to say. I rarely start new threads, unless some comment or event sparks a train of thought that doesn’t fit into a current discussion topic (as they mutate).
Take a good hard look at the issues being brought forth here – including the non-religious ones. Then figure out what stance you feel is the proper one for you to take on the issue, and post it, wherever possible documenting why you think that.
For the record, there are two uses for Bible quotes: If you say, “I’m opposed to X because I stand by the Bible, where it says {insert quote} in Leviticus 22:7.” [<-I have no idea offhand what that verse in particular might be] – then you have documented your reason for thinking that. Those who do not have a strong Bible-based faith (or any faith in the supernatural) may disagree but will respect your right to your view. On the other foot, if you suggest that public policy should be based on a Bible verse, you will get shot down by those to whom freedom of religion is a precious gift. I hope you see my thesis here.
One of the most precious gifts this board has to offer all of us is the ability to grow by learning what other people’s points of views are. There are at least three atheist moderators here into whose hands I would willingly entrust my life on the basis of their strong moral stances. And there are several members of wildly divergent beliefs from yours and mine that I would be quite as willing to do so. What they have to say will, I guarantee, enlighten you and strengthen your own beliefs and ability to minister to others.
Welcome back, and I thank the Holy Spirit for having worked this change of outlook in you.
Moris, I have great respect for you for posting that apology. It takes guts to admit you did something wrong. Even if we never agree on religious issues, that’s no reason we can’t be friendly. Thanks.
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Polycarp *
**Moris, that is wonderful. (Is it a typo for Morris with two R’s, by the way?)
It’s really bad when you can’t spell your own name isn’t it? Thanks Polycarp. It is Morris.
