REBUTTAL to Smell the Stench
MY REBUTTAL85 total reviews
Comment from iamwrite
This is coherent and there is no spag. I reviewed it because I was one of the people who reviewed the piece this rebuts.
Speaking only for myself, I read the entire 'stench' piece not once, but twice. I thought I must have missed something. I couldn't believe the bias and venom. As a matter of fact, it is the first piece of work I've ever assigned a one star rating. I did so because it wasn't a poem and it was incoherent and inaccurate. I'm glad you wrote a rebuttal--I am very weary of my fellow 'Christians' spewing hate.
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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This is coherent and there is no spag. I reviewed it because I was one of the people who reviewed the piece this rebuts.
Speaking only for myself, I read the entire 'stench' piece not once, but twice. I thought I must have missed something. I couldn't believe the bias and venom. As a matter of fact, it is the first piece of work I've ever assigned a one star rating. I did so because it wasn't a poem and it was incoherent and inaccurate. I'm glad you wrote a rebuttal--I am very weary of my fellow 'Christians' spewing hate.
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Razz is not typical of the Christians on this site who live their faith rather than fist slamming preaching. I found it hateful. Razz condemned everyone n the name of God and that single POV offended me.
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Yes, it offended me so much, I simply squelched her. I don't want to have any further interaction with this person and I will never read her 'work' again.
Comment from juliaSjames
I have read and commented on the piece by Razz. I am sorry to say this, but that kind of writing is what gives Christians a bad name, and turns off so many young people from religion in general.
However, she is free to voice her opinions. Not because this is the USA, but because this country, like many others around the world, is a democracy that allows freedom of speech.
I think you are right to focus on those who reviewed this work. And you write persuasively, with precision and clarity. But then, should you really term this a rebuttal? To me, it reads as a commentary.
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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I have read and commented on the piece by Razz. I am sorry to say this, but that kind of writing is what gives Christians a bad name, and turns off so many young people from religion in general.
However, she is free to voice her opinions. Not because this is the USA, but because this country, like many others around the world, is a democracy that allows freedom of speech.
I think you are right to focus on those who reviewed this work. And you write persuasively, with precision and clarity. But then, should you really term this a rebuttal? To me, it reads as a commentary.
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Razz is not typical of the devout people on this site. They tend to live their faith rather than bully or arrogantly laud their beliefs over others.
It wa, in my mind very poor writing with no cohesive thought or logic in presenting her arguent.
I too reviewed and was very surprised at he venom that I experienced and subsequently discovered in other responses to reviewers.
You are correct about the category. but its in the title so too late to change now.
Thanks for stopping by.
Comment from Maxine Kendall
Well, Well said!
I am one of the many who just by-passed it. Actually, I skimmed the first few lines and thought it a rant, using God as a stick.
I wish I had been brave enough to say something, but there are so many Religious zealots on FS, I just did not want to waste my time dealing with their wrath.
Thank you for using your own time in my/our stead.
I am a spiritual person, but believe that my relationship with Him is between me and he, and I would never impose my beliefs onto someone else.
Saying this, I thoroughly enjoy reading beautifully written Spiritual poems/prose that are uplifting and in praise of our imperfect wonderful world.
This write of yours is inspiring. Well done.
Maxine.
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Well, Well said!
I am one of the many who just by-passed it. Actually, I skimmed the first few lines and thought it a rant, using God as a stick.
I wish I had been brave enough to say something, but there are so many Religious zealots on FS, I just did not want to waste my time dealing with their wrath.
Thank you for using your own time in my/our stead.
I am a spiritual person, but believe that my relationship with Him is between me and he, and I would never impose my beliefs onto someone else.
Saying this, I thoroughly enjoy reading beautifully written Spiritual poems/prose that are uplifting and in praise of our imperfect wonderful world.
This write of yours is inspiring. Well done.
Maxine.
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Thank you for your generous stars and your personal sharing. The church hasn't been a part of my life since I was a child, but like you I have a deep spiritual sense. Sometimes when I keep looking for God I take comfort in that He undoubtedly knows me.
My response was not about Razz' beliefs but her disturbing and arrogant superiority as if she was God's personal publicist. At no time did I want to challenge her basic beliefs but I took enormous exception to her responses and qualifications to the point that a reviewer could not even comment on the technical aspects of the writing without experiencing her scathing barbs.
You seem to understand,
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Absolutely, I do. You were very fair in your summative of her work and her reaction to reviews.
He undoubtedly knows me ... this really hit home. I believe this wholeheartedly. X
Comment from Terry wrote
I was one who responded with a review, and read painfully through parts and diligently through others, trying to keep an open mind, looking for the definition of Christianity that I had learned as a child, and in the final words, found them, forgiveness and love.
We cannot all evolve at an even pace... and so there will always be inequities. I continue to look to find and expose the small seeds of goodness that exist in every human effort.
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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I was one who responded with a review, and read painfully through parts and diligently through others, trying to keep an open mind, looking for the definition of Christianity that I had learned as a child, and in the final words, found them, forgiveness and love.
We cannot all evolve at an even pace... and so there will always be inequities. I continue to look to find and expose the small seeds of goodness that exist in every human effort.
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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well said.
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Thank you.
Comment from Writingfundimension
I appreciate your efforts to bring some reason into this dialogue on religion. I do not consider it a spiritual discourse as much as a religious debate. You have presented your arguments with exceptional clarity and have employed your considerable writing skills to present the other side of the story. Best wishes...Bev
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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I appreciate your efforts to bring some reason into this dialogue on religion. I do not consider it a spiritual discourse as much as a religious debate. You have presented your arguments with exceptional clarity and have employed your considerable writing skills to present the other side of the story. Best wishes...Bev
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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You know Bev, it's not even th other side. There are some points that I can agree with, but not the fist pounding judgemental delivery. Thanks for responding.
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Yes, that was difficult to read for me as well. Depressing actually! Take care my friend.
Comment from Gary D. Hardy
Hello, I am one of the ones who view and reviewed "Wake up and smell the stench". I agree with you on some points. But I also agree with Razz. I didn't like the form used or the preachiness of it. But the writing does have merrit.
As christains, we remain strong. However, take a good look, we are dwindling slowly. I have read some other reviews and replies, while not agreeing with the tact used. There is still merrit in the story. I am not so much defending RAZZ so much as just pointing out that all is not well in this country or the world for that matter.
Fact is, we as a society have slowly slipped into a kind of Sodom and Gamorrah. The things that are happening now is pure Bible fulfilling itself. As I Suggested to RAZZ, All we really can do is be ready ourselves. If we can help others see then so be it. But charity does start at home.
And this is why I give validity to RAZZ's Essay.
We (Christians and Sinners) alike need to be jolted somehow into seeing the reality that is slowly happening to us. Whether I get slammed for this or not is no matter. It's how I feel and there is still freedom of expression last I looked.
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Hello, I am one of the ones who view and reviewed "Wake up and smell the stench". I agree with you on some points. But I also agree with Razz. I didn't like the form used or the preachiness of it. But the writing does have merrit.
As christains, we remain strong. However, take a good look, we are dwindling slowly. I have read some other reviews and replies, while not agreeing with the tact used. There is still merrit in the story. I am not so much defending RAZZ so much as just pointing out that all is not well in this country or the world for that matter.
Fact is, we as a society have slowly slipped into a kind of Sodom and Gamorrah. The things that are happening now is pure Bible fulfilling itself. As I Suggested to RAZZ, All we really can do is be ready ourselves. If we can help others see then so be it. But charity does start at home.
And this is why I give validity to RAZZ's Essay.
We (Christians and Sinners) alike need to be jolted somehow into seeing the reality that is slowly happening to us. Whether I get slammed for this or not is no matter. It's how I feel and there is still freedom of expression last I looked.
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Please don't concern yourself that I would "slam" you because of your views. In fact, I applaud anyone who stands up and makes a thoughtful argument, even if the subject is not popular or his/her viewpoint is completely opposite to the majority.
And you are absolutely right, there are points in the essay that are valid, but I on the other hand responded because of the manner in which the message was presented.
As I told another member, although I did not commen in my review to Razz about the content, I did in fact mark her essay with four stars, which is a rating considerably higher than I would have given her for the writing had it not been about God.
Even in my rebuttal I tried to avoid debating the topic.
This is a writing community and as such we should be focusing on the skill set, imagination and delivery of submission.
I don't particularily care for SCI-FI,gushy love poems or high sea epics and yet there have been marvelous stories told by writers on this site in those subject and I have often awarded a six star rting due to the sheer talent the author displayed.
My point remains that the minute God becomes the main character in a poem or story, somehow any criticism of the work itself is considered an attack against Christianity by some over-bearing zealots.
I too am a Christian. If you would like to see a recent posting of mine where God is the central character, please read "The Lord's Prayer." I posted this before Miss Razz submitted her essay.
I commend you for taking the time to send me a thoughtful response.
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Thank you for your response. And I would be honored to read your work. I thought both of you had merrit. As I told her, I didn't like the presentation either. As I said her essay I felt had merrit, But I think she only got 3 stars from me as I also don't go by content either. Thanks again, I look forward to reading more.
Comment from sgalletti
I am one of those who opened the piece and read it and chose silence even though the reward was high. However, I do want to let you know that your response is thoughtful, perceptive, informed and well written, succintly communicating your message. I just posted a piece which may provoke you to forgive Razz and her reviewers LOL!
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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I am one of those who opened the piece and read it and chose silence even though the reward was high. However, I do want to let you know that your response is thoughtful, perceptive, informed and well written, succintly communicating your message. I just posted a piece which may provoke you to forgive Razz and her reviewers LOL!
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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I'll read it.
Comment from janbar
Greetings! You piece is well written, clear and concise. I too opened the poem you refer to because your title referred to it. When I opened it and saw what it was, how long it was, and how it was written, I exited. I can't comment on it's contents beyond that - but from your response I can presume my assumptions to be fairly correct. I appreciate your voice of reason and hope that we continue to have freedom of expression. Thank you. janbar
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Greetings! You piece is well written, clear and concise. I too opened the poem you refer to because your title referred to it. When I opened it and saw what it was, how long it was, and how it was written, I exited. I can't comment on it's contents beyond that - but from your response I can presume my assumptions to be fairly correct. I appreciate your voice of reason and hope that we continue to have freedom of expression. Thank you. janbar
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Thank you. I appreciate your reading my submission.
Comment from MacNizzle
Hi Echo,
Thank you for writing this, and in such a calm and thoughtful manner. I see your point about being silent. I did respond to Razz's piece, and while I tried to comment only on form, my anger did come through. I do regret it but have no intention of changing it. She initially responded with daggers but has since changed her response to me to a more lighthearted tone. I can relate to her anger on the opposite side and I truly hope that she finds peace within herself. I like the old saying "Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for someone else to die." OR something to that effect. Thank you... M:)
I also read "The Young Priest" too and got a good laugh.
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Hi Echo,
Thank you for writing this, and in such a calm and thoughtful manner. I see your point about being silent. I did respond to Razz's piece, and while I tried to comment only on form, my anger did come through. I do regret it but have no intention of changing it. She initially responded with daggers but has since changed her response to me to a more lighthearted tone. I can relate to her anger on the opposite side and I truly hope that she finds peace within herself. I like the old saying "Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for someone else to die." OR something to that effect. Thank you... M:)
I also read "The Young Priest" too and got a good laugh.
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Well thats interesting. Can you edit your responses to reviewers? Wow, she'll have to be a busy girl to fix up all her shots at other members.
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Yep, you can edit in the main "Reviews Received" tab.
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
This is a very well written rebuttal, written in a kind and thoughtful manner. I agree with the concept of God, but don't ascribe to any one religion and certainly don't want to impose my views on anyone else. I feel I have spirituality without religiosity. It works for me and I respect others right to have their own belief system. I am certainly glad we have freedom of speech, and respect that no matter which side of this fence you are on. Debbie
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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This is a very well written rebuttal, written in a kind and thoughtful manner. I agree with the concept of God, but don't ascribe to any one religion and certainly don't want to impose my views on anyone else. I feel I have spirituality without religiosity. It works for me and I respect others right to have their own belief system. I am certainly glad we have freedom of speech, and respect that no matter which side of this fence you are on. Debbie
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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agreed.
