Can One Be Over-Churched?
Religion is a two-edged sword80 total reviews
Comment from artsygal
Oh, you are so so so right! I totally agree with you on each and every point. (I think you may have meant SMALL test where you have SMELL test at the end, but I could be wrong.) So well done and carefully written as to be clear about your thesis throughout: any one who does not follow the golden rule and calls him or herself a Christian is hypocritical. Further to that same argument is that anyone who lives by the golden rule, no matter what religion or sexuality he practices, represents good and not evil in the world by doing so. Those are the people who bring light to the darkness and increase the love.
Thanks so much for a great read.
I love this essay. It's real, honest and so true.
You have great courage for saying it, but it really needs to be said!
HUGS
Sara
reply by the author on 29-Nov-2008
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Oh, you are so so so right! I totally agree with you on each and every point. (I think you may have meant SMALL test where you have SMELL test at the end, but I could be wrong.) So well done and carefully written as to be clear about your thesis throughout: any one who does not follow the golden rule and calls him or herself a Christian is hypocritical. Further to that same argument is that anyone who lives by the golden rule, no matter what religion or sexuality he practices, represents good and not evil in the world by doing so. Those are the people who bring light to the darkness and increase the love.
Thanks so much for a great read.
I love this essay. It's real, honest and so true.
You have great courage for saying it, but it really needs to be said!
HUGS
Sara
Comment Written 28-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 29-Nov-2008
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Thanks so much! Actually I meant 'smell' test. It is sort of a southern saying, i.e. "If it smells rotten, it is." I appreciate your generous review and the shared comments. ann
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That is an expression I have never heard!
Maybe I should have known about the smell test earlier in life, before husband number 1 LOL. Shame on my Missouri relatives for not sharing that with me.
HUGS
Sara
Comment from AWorkInProgress
I agree with you with all my heart. Too many wars and too much hatred are spread in the name of God and religion, and faith.
I believe God Loves everyone.. and isn't one of the main principles in the bible, "Love thy neighbor, as thy love thyself?" or something of that nature?
Other faiths have similar beliefs. I have studied many religions.
Thanks for sharing.
~Kris~
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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I agree with you with all my heart. Too many wars and too much hatred are spread in the name of God and religion, and faith.
I believe God Loves everyone.. and isn't one of the main principles in the bible, "Love thy neighbor, as thy love thyself?" or something of that nature?
Other faiths have similar beliefs. I have studied many religions.
Thanks for sharing.
~Kris~
Comment Written 22-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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You are so right, i.e. we must begin to concentrate on the positive common ground all of the faiths share --love of one's neighbor. Since the beginning of time, we've concentrated on the negative common ground --my way or no way.
Thanks so much for the six beautiful stars. I so appreciate them, am honored and so pleased you dropped by to share your own thoughts with me. ann
Comment from mmichelle97219
I found this to be a facinating take on the contest subject. It was intelligently written, and an I think it will do well. Good luck in the contest.
Michelle
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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I found this to be a facinating take on the contest subject. It was intelligently written, and an I think it will do well. Good luck in the contest.
Michelle
Comment Written 22-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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Appreciate the good luck wishes and your time in sharing them. ann
Comment from jamar2
An interesting read and to the point, but I find that the name dropping and reference to anothers work was not neccessary at the beggining of the story, it is just pure free advertising for some one else work? and since it is a competition piece and would be well look at then I think all reference to this person and her work should go it would be unfair to other writers to see references made in this way weather intensional or not, as a result i can only award a 3 for this work jamar.
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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An interesting read and to the point, but I find that the name dropping and reference to anothers work was not neccessary at the beggining of the story, it is just pure free advertising for some one else work? and since it is a competition piece and would be well look at then I think all reference to this person and her work should go it would be unfair to other writers to see references made in this way weather intensional or not, as a result i can only award a 3 for this work jamar.
Comment Written 22-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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It was not an intentional boost for someone else's work and I apologize if it comes off that way. It just so happened that I agreed with her opinion as to the greatest evil--fear--and felt anything I wrote about that opinion would lose its luster. Her piece was out here first and anything I might say in that regard could only come in a distant second. I mentioned her piece as an explanation as to why I chose to write about a source of that fear, rather than fear itself.
I understand your 3 star rating. Did you enter the contest? I have not yet read all of the other entries. Thanks for stopping by. ann
Comment from esgaffney
Great! You have hit the nail on the head, contentwise. I saw no SPAG problems. I see no need to apologize for usage that is thoroughly appropriate in the context. What was said, was said.
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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Great! You have hit the nail on the head, contentwise. I saw no SPAG problems. I see no need to apologize for usage that is thoroughly appropriate in the context. What was said, was said.
Comment Written 22-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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Thanks from the bottom of my heart for this shiny sixer! I'm humbled and so very, very appreciative of your kind words. Thank you for stopping by. I took a look at your portfolio because your name was unfamiliar to me. I saw I had read something you had written many months ago, but nothing recent. I must take a look, and will. ann
Comment from D. Longo
This opinion piece is well written, utilizing personal anecdote and pathos to support contentions. The reasons for a three-star review are gaps in logic and assumptions made that denigrate an invaluable asset of our culture, to wit: Christianity.
Examples of gaps in logic:
"It's the zealots on either side, whether teacher or believer, whether good or evil, who muddy the waters when it comes to religious tenets."
While a bad zealot muddies the waters, a good zealot clarifies them. A person passionate about the word of God adheres to the tenets of Christianity. Well known examples include Mother Theresa and Pope John Paul II.
"California's Proposition 8 is one of many mirrors reflecting this 'Bible-taught' intolerance." Intolerance, in the stated view, is presented as an evil. We ought not, as a society, tolerate all actions. Slavery shouldn't have been tolerated; nor should theft, murder, rape, or a myriad of other transgressions against individuals, or society as a whole. Restated: Actions not consistent with love ought not be tolerated.
I believe it critical to seperate sin from sinners, "Hate the sin, not the sinner." That does NOT mean we should lawfully legitimize a sinner's, or a group of sinners', actions. ( To let you know where I stand on homosexuality: While it's an individual's choice to act, or not, on sexual inclination, promiscuity damages all parties concerned; heterosexual or homosexual. What I find disagreeable with promiscuity is usufruct, rather than veneration of the Divine in each of us. )
Regarding assumptions:
I apologize, Annmuma, that I'm compelled to complete this review after work - I've run out of time.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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This opinion piece is well written, utilizing personal anecdote and pathos to support contentions. The reasons for a three-star review are gaps in logic and assumptions made that denigrate an invaluable asset of our culture, to wit: Christianity.
Examples of gaps in logic:
"It's the zealots on either side, whether teacher or believer, whether good or evil, who muddy the waters when it comes to religious tenets."
While a bad zealot muddies the waters, a good zealot clarifies them. A person passionate about the word of God adheres to the tenets of Christianity. Well known examples include Mother Theresa and Pope John Paul II.
"California's Proposition 8 is one of many mirrors reflecting this 'Bible-taught' intolerance." Intolerance, in the stated view, is presented as an evil. We ought not, as a society, tolerate all actions. Slavery shouldn't have been tolerated; nor should theft, murder, rape, or a myriad of other transgressions against individuals, or society as a whole. Restated: Actions not consistent with love ought not be tolerated.
I believe it critical to seperate sin from sinners, "Hate the sin, not the sinner." That does NOT mean we should lawfully legitimize a sinner's, or a group of sinners', actions. ( To let you know where I stand on homosexuality: While it's an individual's choice to act, or not, on sexual inclination, promiscuity damages all parties concerned; heterosexual or homosexual. What I find disagreeable with promiscuity is usufruct, rather than veneration of the Divine in each of us. )
Regarding assumptions:
I apologize, Annmuma, that I'm compelled to complete this review after work - I've run out of time.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 22-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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I appreciate where you are coming from and understand it well. Indeed, I grew up with the mantra "Hate the sin, love the sinner." What's changed most for me is the definition of "the sin." As I studied my Bible and prayed for help in an interpretation unique to me, I've come to see things differently with the help of the Holy Spirit.
We all travel a path unique to us. I believe we individually have the responsibility of studying God's word to discover our own 'rights and wrongs' as we work toward our personal spiritual rebirth.
In the end, Love covers a multitude of sin, God is Love and unconditional love of our fellow man must be our goal. You and I can probably agree on those three items and maybe that's where we should leave it. Peace. ann
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We're in agreement on two of three. While God is Love, He is also Reason ( The Logos ).
We often view the wages of sin manifest. A man who puts a loaded gun to his head and pulls the trigger dies. Is God's creation an unloving creation because natural laws apply? Should Christianity not attempt to dissuade others from emulating that man's actions, given natural law?
Rhetorical questions with obvious answers.
Peace, of course.
Dante
Comment from Winslow
Dear Ann,
Very well written. I agree that religion is the basis for horrific action by extremists. They twist biblical sayings and sayings of their religious books to their own end. After all, those books, including the bible were written by men. I believe that when we follow the golden rule that runs through all religions and is a connective thread that love your neighbor and yourself and well as God then good things will happen. Your last paragraph states this and could be applied to all the worlds religions. Love is God, and represents the good, the essence of our soul, in all of us.
Warm regards,
Winslow
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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Dear Ann,
Very well written. I agree that religion is the basis for horrific action by extremists. They twist biblical sayings and sayings of their religious books to their own end. After all, those books, including the bible were written by men. I believe that when we follow the golden rule that runs through all religions and is a connective thread that love your neighbor and yourself and well as God then good things will happen. Your last paragraph states this and could be applied to all the worlds religions. Love is God, and represents the good, the essence of our soul, in all of us.
Warm regards,
Winslow
Comment Written 22-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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Thanks so much for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts with me. We agree on the bottom line need in our world: to concentrate on that connective thread of love your neighbor. I appreciate your stopping by. ann
Comment from Rogue Rider
Very well written, and certainly thought-provoking. I have written myself about the horror of the crusades, and about the parallel horror of the violent expansion of Islam.
One bit of phrasing didn't seem to make sense to me, at least at first. You said that your daughter and her ex-husband live parallel lives now after separating. As I think about it more, I guess you are saying that they still have much in common, but their lives don't actually touch like they used to?
I also thank you for your perspective. I agree that our views need to be well-studied and pondered.
Rogue Rider
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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Very well written, and certainly thought-provoking. I have written myself about the horror of the crusades, and about the parallel horror of the violent expansion of Islam.
One bit of phrasing didn't seem to make sense to me, at least at first. You said that your daughter and her ex-husband live parallel lives now after separating. As I think about it more, I guess you are saying that they still have much in common, but their lives don't actually touch like they used to?
I also thank you for your perspective. I agree that our views need to be well-studied and pondered.
Rogue Rider
Comment Written 22-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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That is what I mean about Mike and Denise. They talk on the phone, send each other cards and usually try to find time to get together over the Holidays. But for the most part, Mike's non-professional world is peopled by other gays, while Denise is busy with the young mother group.
I'm so glad you stopped by to leave your comments. ann
Comment from Zaphod
A very interesting piece. I like the road that you have chosen for this. It works thoughout it and weaves nicely. Obviously this is not the place to go into any in depth theological debate. But I live in a town where there are a lot of same sex couples. Actually this was the first town in the country to openly marry gay couples. San Fransico quickly copied us and took the credit. But this piece reminds me of when we had a visit from one particularly nasty bunch of religious zelots. The group was run by the daughter of the man who started the sect (can't for the life of me remember her name) but they had more people yelling at them than they had yelling at the churches (who supported the marrages) in town. The ratio was at least 25 to 1. Quite the funny scene.
Great post.
All the best.
Z
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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A very interesting piece. I like the road that you have chosen for this. It works thoughout it and weaves nicely. Obviously this is not the place to go into any in depth theological debate. But I live in a town where there are a lot of same sex couples. Actually this was the first town in the country to openly marry gay couples. San Fransico quickly copied us and took the credit. But this piece reminds me of when we had a visit from one particularly nasty bunch of religious zelots. The group was run by the daughter of the man who started the sect (can't for the life of me remember her name) but they had more people yelling at them than they had yelling at the churches (who supported the marrages) in town. The ratio was at least 25 to 1. Quite the funny scene.
Great post.
All the best.
Z
Comment Written 21-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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Thanks for sharing you story. That's one you should write and post here on fanstory. In one of my reviews, someone related a quote from the time of the Crusades: One "Christian" general to another "Christian" general --"Let us pass or I'll kill you in the name of the Prince of Peace." In a most indirect way, it applies to so much for what these zealots do! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the generous review. ann
Comment from redrider6612
Very well written, as usual, my friend. You state your position clearly and concisely, and give two good examples supporting it.
One minor nit:
special friendship level[,] but they live in parallel worlds now
On a personal note, I think people are quick to label Christians who see homosexuality as a sin as 'homosexual haters'. In many cases, this is not the case. It is often a matter of hating the sin, not the sinner. I also feel sex outside of marriage is a sin, as taught by the Bible, but I don't hate adulterers. God sees all sin as equally abhorrent, but He loves everyone. Christ died for the sins of the world, and everyone is entitled to the salvation He attained for us.
Anyway, I found your essay interesting and informative. Best wishes in the contest.
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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Very well written, as usual, my friend. You state your position clearly and concisely, and give two good examples supporting it.
One minor nit:
special friendship level[,] but they live in parallel worlds now
On a personal note, I think people are quick to label Christians who see homosexuality as a sin as 'homosexual haters'. In many cases, this is not the case. It is often a matter of hating the sin, not the sinner. I also feel sex outside of marriage is a sin, as taught by the Bible, but I don't hate adulterers. God sees all sin as equally abhorrent, but He loves everyone. Christ died for the sins of the world, and everyone is entitled to the salvation He attained for us.
Anyway, I found your essay interesting and informative. Best wishes in the contest.
Comment Written 21-Nov-2008
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2008
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your views. I will correct that 'nit' right now. I love the debate of this site and find myself learning so much from others. I appreciate your stopping by. ann
