Does it ever bother you when people who share your beliefs are rude and insutling to other users on this forum

Question

I am a Christian. It bothers me when I see other people who are Christians bashing and/or insulting other people, as in telling them they are gonna fry in hell, or whatever. Sure, we all have off days, but some people seem to have a permanent twist in their knickers.
The only other group that seems to do this sort of a thing on a regular basis seems to be atheists. I can't remember ever having seen a rude or obnoxious post from any Wiccans, for instance. Pagans, as a whole, seem to be a rather peaceful lot, although there are a few exceptions.
So, I'm interested in everyone's response here. How do you feel when someone who claims to share your belief (or lack of same) is purposely nasty to someone who doesn't? Do you ever advise that person that his/her behavior isn't helping?
Do you, yourself, ever slip in this regard, and wish later that you hadn't?
Could we all resolve that, just for today, we aren't going to do that?
Group hug, everyone!

Answer 1

yes ... and sometimes i just feel naughty and want a laugh ... but it can be taken the wrong way and offend people ...

Answer 2

I'll jump a Pagan just as quick as I will anyone else who mistreats another (disagreeing about religion and seeing BOTH sides resort to insults is not what I consider "mistreating" others... as both sides are doing it- they're on their own then =)) But I usually frequent a Yahoo Christian Chat room and have been known to jump on those Pagans who come in simply to disrupt the room or to be mean towards Christians. Sometimes they feel justified in doing so because they have been done that way by Christians - it doesn't work that way.

Answer 3

Yes, I do get embarrassed when someone else who claims to be Asatru, Heathen, Pagan, or such acts like an idiot. And yes I will tell them to shut up and get off my side cause they're making the rest of us look like jerks. I try to be understanding though because I know we all have our off days. I do too. It's only human. But especially in a forum like this with a wide diversity of paths it is kind of important that in away you are representing your path. You're an ambassador of a sorts. Therefore it really would be good for other followers of your path if you were to represent it to the best of your ability...which would include not acting like an idiot.

Answer 4

I think one of the reasons that you see a low percentage of Wiccans and/or Pagans being snarky in the face of insults and harassment is because of some things that are basic to our beliefs:

1) There is no "one true path" - there are many ways to enlightenment. So attacking others for not believing the same is pointless.

2) The energy that you put out into the world - for good or ill - comes back to you. So attacking others for their behavior is counterproductive. The negativity that the others put out will come back to them in its own time.

I have seen some Pagans and Wiccans who have gotten snarky on occasion (including me!). We are just human after all! =)

Answer 5

the main motto of wiccan is "harm none" so I am glad to hear that you don't experience negativity from them

as to those that are of my belief that are rude and how that makes me feel?

I am the wrong one to ask because I think that I am the rudest Jew on here

the others are much better about answering only from a place of knowledge without reacting to all the stupidity that certain Christians post

I am not so good at that though I do try
(you should see what my original posts generally look like before I edit myself!)

Answer 6

I think Atheist who are angry come from being in a religion and then seeing it's failings. That anger is usually directed towards that religion. Imagine finding out that everything you once believed in was a lie. Don't you think you might be a little angry at the people who told you the lies? I do however think it gets out of hand. Does it offend me .. No. I don't think people should hold their tongue because its offensive to others. You should speak your mind. To tell them they can't is to mask the truth that the feel that way.

Answer 7

I don't like to see it. I don't usually see that kind of thing from a Hindu, but once in awhile, an anti-Hindu person will ask a question which brings out the worst in some people, quite understandably. But even then, I don't like to see bad comments from Hindus.

(((Hug))))

Answer 8

Not really. Us atheists don't really have all that much in common so I don't feel tied to anyone here. I understand the need to vent every once in a while, so whatever.

I have more of a problem with them saying something stupid.

Answer 9

I understand where you are coming from. I believe speaking [/typing] kindly, so anyone sharing that belief could not possibly be intentionally rude or insulting. Avoiding rudeness/harshness is crucial to my beliefs (though we all do have our off-days).

Answer 10

Hello,
I think that you can have the same beliefs and still be a unique individual don't you?
We are not all little toy soldiers.
All regimented, all aligned and stepping to the beat of whoever thinks he is right in what he thinks.
This PC stuff has to stop.
Do not be conformed to the world and what it thinks is right.

Answer 11

I don't like it when that happens and it happens once in a while. Atheists are pretty sarcastic but I don't think it helps much.

I've blown my stack at racists and anti-semites but, to my knowledge, not at members of other beliefs.

Hugs.