Is it possible to agree to say "I believe _' rather than "You are wrong"?
Is it possible to agree to say "I don't believe ___' rather than "You are delusional"?
Is it also possible to agree not to assign motivations to people we don't know, and stop saying things like "You really are looking for Jesus" or "You really are just looking for a security blanket"?
2006-12-09 04:59:06 · 10 answers · asked by Praise Singer 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I use "I" statements all the time in regards to me
2006-12-09 05:06:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO. I will not soften my statements for your benefit or anyone else's.
Would you suggest that an elementary math teacher tell his students "I _believe_ 2+2=4"?
Of course not! What about a physics teacher- should they begin their statements on even the most elementary topics with "I think ..." "I feel ..." or "I believe"? No.
And here WE are, talking about religion. Religion (psychology, sociology, anthopology and metaphysics) are not just subjects that I have casually parused on my days off; these are topics into which I have delved in such depth as might crush the very minds of ordinary men with the weight of them. I know of what I speak and my confidence will not be shaken. Should I soften my words for the laity? NO.
Consider that I am probably more intelligent than _every_ person you have met in your entire life. I am also more studied. I don't _believe_ that I require your permission to tell you that you're wrong about religion- or any other subject for that matter.
Do you suggest that religion is a matter for belief, not truth? What, then, is knowledge? What is truth? What I mean to say is this: if I know the truth, of what use is belief? I have come to truth through years of the scientific and wholistic study of religion. The truth is that adherents to religion care _little for truth_.
And what is adherence to religion if not deliberate and systematic application of delusion toward the goal of permanent ignorance? Indeed it is the opposite of truth!
Now, imagine that I am a teacher who has just taken over an elementary classroom, and I ask the students "What, class, is the sum of 2+2?"
"3" they answer me, smiling.
Damn that man who has led these young ones astray from truth! That contemptable teacher (priest)! That horrible administration (government)! That unforgivable parent teacher organization (mainstream culture)! They have led these people not only down a path of falsehood, but down a path from which return may be difficult or impossible!
And you ask me to offer the words "I believe". NO. I should be a better man if I would begin with:
I AM DISGUSTED.
Now I am going to take a break, because I am so infuriated at the very arrogance of your suggestion that I have worked up an appetite for meat.
2006-12-09 05:33:50 · answer #2 · answered by B SIDE 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't have a problem is stating what is my opinion with an I statement. I was taught that one of the true testaments of a person is how they stand up for what THEY think and believe.
Too many people hide behind WE or blanket YOU statements and make blustery comments to try to beat down people. To be blunt I think it's cowardice. If you can't stand up for what you personally believe, then you ought to sit down.
According to the Jewish, Christian belief the most powerful statement ever made was I AM.
2006-12-09 06:55:04 · answer #3 · answered by Black Dragon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I agree. I believe this post is right on accurate. And I use that wording for people with genuine questions.
For the smart butts who mouth off, I go the other way, but only because you can tell when someone is just trying to get a rise out of you.
I save my tolerance for those who deserve it.
2006-12-09 05:03:04 · answer #4 · answered by sweetie_baby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Here. Let me start.
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.
Who, for us men for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
2006-12-09 05:03:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Anything is possible, but I wouldn't deem it very likely here.
2006-12-09 05:01:32 · answer #6 · answered by Lunarsight 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't really expect that to happen do you!
Two "you"s in one sentence to you, is that to much for you too
2006-12-09 05:03:30 · answer #7 · answered by Barabas 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have a good point.
*er erm* I mean, in my opinion, you made a very good point.
2006-12-09 05:00:58 · answer #8 · answered by Poo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ame...oops, I mean, can I get an amen!?
2006-12-09 07:01:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always try to. :)
2006-12-09 05:00:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋