# Your self-identification can be wrong. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 11, 2010, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284 "2010-07-11T08:50:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/81 "2010-07-14T18:28:02Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > Yeah, I knew you’d say that. You’re not funny, you’re not clever, you’re not contributing anything to the discussion. You’re just plain trolling to get people’s hackles up. Whose hackles other than yours, which seem quite frankly to be preternaturally disposed to getting up, are raised? Yeah, I know, I know, read the thread. > [@](#): > > Everything you’ve asked has been addressed, and there is absolutely nothing “cryptic” about “read the thread.” It’s about as crystal clear as it gets. I’m not repeating myself like you always goad me into doing so you can perform an endless string of “gotcha” definitions and logical acrobats to amuse yourself. For the last time: if you’re being genuine, then read the thread and respond to what I’ve already posted. Otherwise Fuck. Off. So, rather than point out exactly where all this has been addressed, you take it upon yourself to just repeat your mantra over and over, hoping for what? Enlightenment? If you can’t be bothered to point out exactly what I have missed (a simple link would do nicely) but would rather cast aspersions, ad hominems, and epithets, perhaps you would do well to take your own advice. You know, most folks would just cite the post in question instead of going off on a rant. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/82 "2010-07-14T18:33:18Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > Yes. OK then. Granting that _simply for the sake of the argument_, surely you must agree that Jesus possesses superpowers. Or is there anyone else who can grant everlasting life? ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/83 "2010-07-14T18:33:39Z")
> [@Contrapuntal](#): > > So, rather than point out exactly where all this has been addressed, you take it upon yourself to just repeat your mantra over and over, hoping for what? Enlightenment? If you can’t be bothered to point out exactly what I have missed (a simple link would do nicely) but would rather cast aspersions, ad hominems, and epithets, perhaps you would do well to take your own advice. > > You know, most folks would just cite the post in question instead of going off on a rant. And for any other poster, that’s exactly what I would do. But I’ve been through this shit with your troll ass before. The burden of proof that you’re not dicking around is on you now, as far as I’m concerned. Like I said: if you’re being genuine, respond to what I’ve already posted and we’ll talk. If not, keep being an asshole and acting like you don’t know what I’m talking about I will put you on ignore and you will never have to worry about talking to me again. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/84 "2010-07-14T18:36:44Z")
> [@Contrapuntal](#): > > OK then. Granting that _simply for the sake of the argument_, surely you must agree that Jesus possesses superpowers. Or is there anyone else who can grant everlasting life? Athena, of couse. She just doesn’t, because she knows it’s a bad idea. That’s what _Goddess of Wisdom_ means. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/85 "2010-07-14T18:37:04Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > you’re being genuine, respond to what I’ve already posted and we’ll talk. Show me the money dude. A couple of mouse clicks should do it. > [@](#): > > If not, keep being an asshole and acting like you don’t know what I’m talking about I will put you on ignore and you will never have to worry about talking to me again. This may not jibe with your Cisco centric view of the world, but the next time I worry about talking to you will be the first. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/86 "2010-07-14T18:40:28Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > Athena, of couse. She just doesn’t, because she knows it’s a bad idea. That’s what _Goddess of Wisdom_ means. Still within the definition of superpower though, right. ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/87 "2010-07-14T18:47:04Z")
> [@Contrapuntal](#): > > Show me the money dude. A couple of mouse clicks should do it. Riiiiight. Exactly what I figured. Been through this exact scenario way too many times with you before. Your little ignorant act where you ask questions that have already been answered, and jump through hoops to pretend like they haven’t. Then I point out where they have, and it all becomes a meta argument where we go around in circles and you increasingly feign ignorance and act increasingly rude. I wouldn’t have remembered your name until at least the 3rd or 4th time you did it, and I remember at least 3 or 4 more instances of you doing it. It’s your M.O., and I’m not interested in it. Welcome to ignore. ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/88 "2010-07-14T18:49:29Z")
I can’t figure out how to put you on ignore so just don’t talk to me anymore. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/89 "2010-07-14T18:57:12Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > I can’t figure out how to put you on ignore so just don’t talk to me anymore. From _Control Panel_ find _Settings and Options_, then scroll down to _Edit Ignore List._ ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/90 "2010-07-14T19:01:48Z")
> [@Contrapuntal](#): > > From _Control Panel_ find _Settings and Options_, then scroll down to _Edit Ignore List._ How 'bout you post weekday evenings-- I’ll take mornings – we’ll split the weekends down the middle (is Saturday or Sunday better for you?), and we agree to make late nights neutral territory. See, I’m usually asleep by 10 or 11, but if I’m suffering insomnia or I wake up _really_ early . . . ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/91 "2010-07-14T19:07:25Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > How 'bout you post weekday evenings-- I’ll take mornings – we’ll split the weekends down the middle (is Saturday or Sunday better for you?), and we agree to make late nights neutral territory. See, I’m usually asleep by 10 or 11, but if I’m suffering insomnia or I wake up _really_ early . . . Generally, I only have access to a computer weekdays from say 11 AM to 3 PM Eastern time. Sometimes on weekends, but for less time. Saturday is my best weekend shot. Look, I’ll try to not engage you. I seriously didn’t know that I had pissed you off in the past. My memory isn’t what it used to be, and I confuse user names sometimes. My apologies if it seemed like trolling to you, but, in my mind at least, my questions are legitimate. ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/92 "2010-07-14T19:15:38Z")
Ok, read posts 19 and 46 for my opinions on the matter. From my biblical, religious, and historical studies, I don’t believe that the accounts of Jesus are reliable enough to trust the supernatural elements. In my personal opinion, those were added on later to get more people to sign up. I think he was a Buddha-like figure who saw suffering and hypocrisy all around him, created a moral code that could help alleviate it to the benefit of all, and went around preaching it to whoever would listen. The moral teachings are what I consider the foundations of Christianity, and I can’t imagine telling someone who follows them that they are not a Christian, while agreeing that some of the scumbags I know who have never read the bible and treat everyone like dirt - but have been “saved” for fear of hell - are. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/93 "2010-07-15T00:28:59Z")
Yeah, I voted for the GOP for years before realizing that despite the fact that my mother’s family were knee-jerk GOP supporters & I grew up in a GOP district, I was not a conservative, my opinions (& some of my mother’s) were anathema to conservatives, & I had practically no utility in staying in the party. Of course, finding out that balanced budgets were a big fat lie helped too. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Walker\_in\_Eternity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/46a35a/32.png) [@Walker\_in\_Eternity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walker_in_Eternity)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/94 "2010-07-15T15:02:38Z")
> [@Contrapuntal](#): > > I see. So one is free to pick and choose which of Jesus’ teachings one should follow? Is there a lower limit to this? Could I pick, say, one teaching to follow and still be a Christian? Would I have to follow it all the time, or just when the mood strikes me? Still a Christian then? > > You folks have defined “Christian” so weakly as to be of no use whatsoever. Hell, anyone who pays taxes is a Christian, right? > If you google “Christianity central belief” every response on the first page agrees with me;, i.e, that belief in Christ as the son of God (what Cisco would call “superpowers”) is crucial. It’s hardly a radical position. I’m not from the US, but in the UK there are plenty of clerics in the Church of England who do not believe in the literal truth of the bible, the virgin birth and the divinity of Jesus, but would still count themselves as christian from a philosophical point of view. As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, I’m all for letting people define themselves as they wish. And remember the bible was formally put together some time after Jesus died (assuming he even existed at all, but that’s another argument) and there were many gospels that were not included as the powers that be decided they were heretical. ---
**Author:** ![tagos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@tagos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tagos)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/95 "2010-07-15T15:17:50Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > I think I’m going to regret asking this… > > … but there are ‘Christians’ who think this? There are regular ‘Christian’ posters on this board who appear to think the essential message of Jesus was ‘screw you, I’ve got mine’ so I expect so. In England ‘Christians’ who don’t believe in most of the long-standing tenets of the religion are known as ‘Anglicans’. ---
**Author:** ![tagos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@tagos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tagos)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/96 "2010-07-15T15:21:49Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > Untrue. One may decide, for instance, that since the Gospel of John was written much later than the other Gospels, and is quite obviously inconsistent with the narrative the others present, that it should be treated as less reliable than Mark, thought to be the oldest extant Gospel. Ah - the ‘pick’n’mix’ approach. Hate the Gay but not the Shellfish. ---
**Author:** ![Angua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@Angua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angua)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/97 "2010-07-15T15:29:16Z")
> [@The\_Bith\_Shuffle](#): > > -If you think that the Qu’ran should be taken metaphorically, you’re not a Muslim. And what, exactly, gives **you** the “right” to overrule what God has said? Chapter 24, Verse 35 of the Koran: [QUOTE=The Koran] Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as a shining star. Kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow forth though no fire touched it. Light upon light, Allah guides to His light whom He will. **And Allah speaks to mankind in allegories, for Allah is knower of all things.** [/quote] When God says in the Koran that the Koran _should_ be taken metaphorically, what gives _you_ any right whasoever to suggest that believing the Koran is a metaphor makes one “not a Muslim”? ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/98 "2010-07-15T15:32:31Z")
> [@Angua](#): > > And what, exactly, gives **you** the “right” to overrule what God has said? Chapter 24, Verse 35 of the Koran: > When God says in the Koran that the Koran _should_ be taken metaphorically, what gives _you_ any right whasoever to suggest that believing the Koran is a metaphor makes one “not a Muslim”? Posts like this are why I love you best, Angua. ---
**Author:** ![Angua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@Angua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angua)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/99 "2010-07-15T15:36:42Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > Posts like this are why I love you best, Angua. _blushes furiously_ ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284/100 "2010-07-15T16:19:49Z")
> [@Angua](#): > > And what, exactly, gives **you** the “right” to overrule what God has said? Chapter 24, Verse 35 of the Koran: > When God says in the Koran that the Koran _should_ be taken metaphorically, what gives _you_ any right whasoever to suggest that believing the Koran is a metaphor makes one “not a Muslim”? Maybe that passage was a metaphor. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-self-identification-can-be-wrong/546284.md?page=6)