Who from R&S has influenced your thinking and inspired you to think more broadly than you did before?

Question

Basically, has there been anyone that has inspired you to think bigger, brought insight into things that you hadn't seen before, or helped you to understand the views of others.

For me, there have been too many to name individually (sort of a cop-out, because my contacts list is huge and full of people that I've learned from). But who inspires you?



please, no religious deities, I'm only asking for people who write and compose their own Q&A on R&S. Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

Hmm...

I've learned a lot from my atheist/agnostic friends (that dude with the Buddy Christ avatar, for one), but they more often deepen my thinking, as opposed to broadening it, if that makes sense

For broadening it, of the top I say:

Kerri Gee
Bonsai Bobby
Uncle Wayne
Laptop Jesus
Georgia Peach
Quella
Rachel
Mamm24
crimsonandclover/fireball226*

Probably others, but I don't have my old contact list. If I left you out, it's not on purpose.

Answer 2

Well, I've learned a lot about Judaism from reading answers from L'Chaim, Lady Suri, and Inat. They really know their stuff and are good examples for their faith.

Some very knowledgable Muslims are proud Muslimah, Lavendar, and Nonna.

I've seen the best side of Christianity from bat2girl, rp, Rachel, and bump this.

Some of my favorite atheists and agnostics are queenofyack, queen of tartz, the hypnopope, The Confirmed Atheist, Captain Atheism, Red Queen, Kallan, and Elfkin.

These are just a few of the many people that have led me to new knowledge and helped to enlighten me on the many points of view. I am sorry to anyone I didn't list, because there are many more.

Answer 3

I'm going to go the cop-out way, too, and say that there have been many people here who've helped me understand things that I didn't realize before. I now know a lot more about other people's religious beliefs, and that's been great.

I would like to thank two people in particular, though: Tragic Typos and Uncle Wayne. TT is funny as all get-out, but his questions have a way of making me think even while I'm busting a gut laughing. And Uncle Wayne has a knack for asking a question that hits me right between the eyes and makes me go, "Whoa! Never thought of *that* before!"

Kudos, gentlemen -- you have a rare and wonderful talent for fun and inspiration!

Answer 4

I've always tried to remain open-minded so I can't say anyone has really influenced me in that area. I enjoy finding questions which, should, make people see things from another point of view and I have to say you are one who does that. An easy way to tell is how angry people get from questions that really don't offer any offense but are designed to make a person think about how they are representing their beliefs. And Jack P (not Jack B - I don't know him, yet lol) has put forth some questions that should have made people realize what they are saying... but for some strange reason the majority here seem to have delusions of grandeur... that they couldn't possibly be wrong and if anyone dares to even insinuate that they are, they will bring gods wrath down on us. hehe... Amusing, but not at all within the realm of reality. ^_^ And I like Deke... he likes to push buttons. lol

Answer 5

For me it's the Pagans, especially Riegan (who was my first R&S friend) along with Daughter of Isis, Kallan, Boar's Heart and so many others. I didn't know any Pagans before I started on R&S (at least not that I was aware of) and while I didn't necessarily have any bad opinions of them, I had a general idea of silly fourteen year old girls wearing a lot of eyeliner and concoting love potions. Boy was I wrong.

Not only have they shown that they are intelligent, mature people but they also display so many qualities and virtures that Christians should strive for instead of shoving the Bible at people. We can learn from them, no doubt about it.

Answer 6

Thanks to Pangel I have learned that its important to look for the good in people.

Kallan, Reigan, and Wiccan Rider influence me to be tolerant of other beliefs.

Rachel has shown me that young Christian women can be intelligent, successful, educated, and aware of contemporary issues.

Father K has shown me that religious folks don't have to be uptight and fussy.

Mullah brings a lot of insight into things I have't seen before. He is probably one of the most intelligent people I have encountered.

Squirrel has shown some interesting connections between Christianity and today's American politics.

Answer 7

I know that this is going to sound like a cop out, but I would have to say the people in my contacts.... (and others...)

but the ones in my contacts ask questions that make me think (and often they are questions that I can't answer!!)

Answer 8

*thinks* People that inspire me?

My two favorite Pagans: Squishy and Kallan. One of my best friends on here, Proud Muslimah. My good Christian friend God's Kitty and lots of Atheists: Laptop Jesus, Godzilla, Bad Squirrel, Zero Cool, and of course Markyyy! *smiles* :D

Answer 9

You are one, because even though I am not an Atheist, I love the intelligent way you keep trying to make Christians understand that their way is not the only right way, and try to get them to see the validity in the paths of others.

Paul is another, because he is a fellow reader of Neale Donald Walsch, and he and I agree to a very significant degree, in both our spiritual and political views. But, he can usually express those views in writing, better than I can.

*sm*

Answer 10

I too take the "contact list" cop out.

Sisterzeal however has changed alot, and really impressed me with her willingness (albeit newfound) to hear the other side and be open to new things. Even though we differ wildly in belief, she gives me hope that there is something in all of us that belongs to a common ground.