....that you not only learn more about who they are, but that your mutual respect makes both of you realize that we are not so different after all? I had the most beautiful exchange with a fine woman of a totally different belief system than I am committed to, and it was heart warming. I have respect for the beauty and humility of this woman. I will not give her name, as she is a bit shy, but I will say I am baking Cookies in her honor. In fact her generous spirit has reminded me I should take some of the cookies to an elderly man who has been a neighbor for the many years I have lived here, and he always loved the holiday treats I made. Today is a good day to do something for someone else, in fact every day is.
2007-09-27 07:45:05 · 17 answers · asked by One Wing Eagle Woman 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I guess I should have made it clear that neither of us at all compromised our own belief. The point was that in spite of differing on the choice that is critical to who we are, we could show love and respect for each other. I think it would be safe to say that the two of us are radical defenders of what we hold true, but I refuse to limit my love to people who believe exactly as I believe, nor will she.
2007-09-27 13:10:14 · update #1
Did somebody say "COOKIE?!" Woo hoo!
This is one of the most beautiful questions I've read here and the fact that a certain Cookie Monster gets brought into it, well, aw... well, that just make it a whole 'nother ball game. *Blushes*. Ugh, red on blue - not good, not good at all!
I have met a few people through e-mail (& 360) whose beliefs differ from mine and whom I've found to be incredibly lovely people. You, Uncle Wayne, Kerilyn, Keri Gee, TTC, Rammie, Seimethyr... and I feel very fortunate. I'm just crazy about you, Eagle. Your letters are always incredibly compassionate and kind, you always make me laugh and your generosity is boundless. I am honored to be a friend of yours. Our religious beliefs differ but our spiritual ones really do not; we have such similar values and we both attempt to see the positive side of humanity. I am a spiritual atheist - I don't believe in God or gods but I do believe there is some energy out there far too vast and immeasurable for us to approximate or understand. I feel it most when people are kind and humane to one another. I feel such a positive energy in your question here, in your desire to help others. I too agree that every day should be a giving day but it is sometimes difficult to remember in our everyday lives. I feel strongly that your words have affected far more people today than either you or I can imagine - perhaps someone saw them and realized they too had a neighbor or friend who could use a kindness or two, and maybe that person passed it onto another, culminating in a daisy chain effect around the world. It is this that is the greatest part of the universal energy to me. I have seen it happen, never knowing how far it went but recognizing that the positive effects of goodwill are immeasurable.
I hope your neighbor enjoys your gift immensely, though I imagine he is more moved by your sweetness than that of the cookies. I know I am. I am honored and touched. Thank you. (((Eagle)))
EDIT: Ramjet- you're chewing your own arm off for li'l ol' me? *Claps hands delightedly* Woo hoo!
*Tosses cookies everywhere* For you all! For the lot of ya!
2007-09-27 17:21:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 10⤊ 0⤋
Love is the one thing that is universal, through all human beings. No matter your religion, sex or ethnicity - Love (in the form of kindness and compassion) can see through any difference. Love can spread just as quickly as hate, it is just not as "interesting" so we don't see a lot of it in the media... but it really is everywhere. We should all stop once in a while and recognize what you point out. We are all the same. We were born the same way and came into the world with the same blank slate with which to build on and learn.. and the differences between us AREN'T bad. They are a gift! We would learn nothing from each other if everyone did and thought the same exact way. Life would be quite boring, if not pointless. Sometimes it's hard to see through our differences when we are so passionate about our beliefs or outlooks, as each of us feels we are "right". It would be wise for us to remember (more often) the common thread of life that runs through all of us AND appreciate our differences for adding diversity and options to our life experience!
2007-09-27 11:26:13 · answer #2 · answered by I, Sapient 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, & have been changed & learned much. The greatest perhaps being if you removed the confusion with words & their meaning, removed the dogma & special notes, at the core we are all attempting to answer the very same questions. Love knows no differences in belief systems or lack of one, it just feels the connection we all share as Brothers! Blessings!
2016-04-06 04:03:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're absolutely right. Belief systems aside, we're all human beings and we're really not that different. I think it scares people to recognize that sometimes.
And baking cookies or making anything for people is awesome - it's such a simple gesture that means the world to those who receive them.
2007-09-27 09:40:23 · answer #4 · answered by Sookie 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
cookies unite the world !
your post is very sweet and very true
on this forum we have only space for a few words.....
rarely does anyone see much of our true nature
but i have found through emails , that some people on here are the most amazing and loving human beings
especially ones who like cookies
xxxx
2007-09-27 07:52:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 0⤋
Several times that has happened to me. I was initially introduced to atheism through e-mail, and I am not an atheist, but I learned a great deal.
More recently, I have found some dear Christian friends that way.
2007-09-27 08:43:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Your right, I have met a few, having a great time meeting new people from around the world, some cookies for you also.
2007-09-27 07:52:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I have a close friend who is a born-again Christian. I have been calling myself a witch, a pagan for years, gradually moved through agnostic to atheist. She's still my dear friend and does not hassle me in the least.
QW, you are special!
2007-09-27 10:51:43 · answer #8 · answered by auntb93 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sorry in advance. I know I should pull my punches, when finding a speck in another faith's eye.
But....I'm going to put my foot in my mouth any way. I just can't help it.
Many other "faiths" are believable stories, but are deadly lies. Even so-called Christians may lead you astray with an easy brand of "a la carte" christianity-LITE.
If it sounds "too good to be true" ... then question it!....even from a so-called Christian, let alone a religion you only know second hand fom what you've been told.
I am concerned for nominal Christians who don't study God's Word, or not hard enough, nor pray hard enough, half-heartedly & lazily serving God any old way they "feel" like it.
Their fairly good intentions can be defeated by the "prince of lies".
Never give an inch, just to "be nice".
Focus on the way to heaven that we know, in our Lord Christ Jesus, and don't have other "faiths" tickle your ear with claims unproven, and cause you to lose your way.
Remember our Savour suffered and died for our sins, then rose from his grave. It is still there, empty, for all to see. He is seated at the right hand of the Father in Glory!
Don't buy something from overseas (like defective China manufactured goods) that will have to be "re-called" as faulty when more evidence is in.
I believe the Word. God said it. I believe it. That settles it. My Bible says "Have no gods before Me!"
I love every one, but I cannot promise "that we are not so different after all", as you've surmised; because I only know one "WAY"!
I'm sorry I'm so focused on the issue of salvation, but I'm worry that I'll pat someone on the back, when they're going to end up destroyed by the lion from hell, who misleads people who don't follow our Lord Jesus Christ closely! Walk circumspect before your GOD!
Yes I love these people, and I see God's face on them ... but I know only one WAY, and will not endorse their other "possible" path.
Jesus said "I am the way!" How can I toy with another road that I don't know???
2007-09-27 09:55:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
I forgot the reason why I originally contacted Primo, but he and I talk almost every day via email now. We have as much in common as we do not. I rarely agree with him, but I respect him tons.
2007-09-27 08:20:53 · answer #10 · answered by Deke 5 · 10⤊ 0⤋