If you are addressing me, I am having a break from moderating and no-one has sent me any private messages.

When I mentioned my view on swearing, I was simply responding to the point that you raised about 'swear bots'.

I agree with you that Niki is going through a difficult time and needs support from her frends on the board ~ especially those who agree with many of her opinions.

I suppose that my view on the word 'filth' is to do with it being an upsetting negative generalisation ~ regardless of it being used to refer to a religion. If someone said that the world of rock music was 'filth', I would still consider it a negative generalisation, which only some people in the rock world might deserve.

There are many Christians, who are good, caring decent people. Some rely on their beliefs because they have suffered problems. Many are going through bad times. Some may have deeply religious friends and relatives, whom they care about. The word 'filth' is a very emotive one. Does anyone want their friends and relatives to be referred to as 'filth'? It is just unpleasant.

If you were to say that paedophile priests behave in a filthy manner, or even that it is a filthy disgrace that the Pope seems to condone paedophilia, or if any religious practice that involved hurting or killing people was considered filthy, I would find that hard to argue against. It is the fact that Christianity in general ~ presumably including all Christians ~ might be interpreted as 'filth' that seems not quite right. Personally, I don't like it ~ and I am agnostic. My Mum is Christian, should I accept the term 'filth' in respect of her and my Christian friends?

I though that I would look back and see whether I have understood what I read, correctly.




So the 'filth' is 'Christian doctrines' and or 'Christian myths'.
Are Christian doctrines / myths / interpretations / beliefs really so disgusting?
I think that some Biblical stories are ~ the slaughter of all those babies, by God, for example.
I think that some religious people abuse the power that being a member of a religion has goven them ~ eg raping yopungsters and / or covering up this crime.
But, as a blanket generalisation, do people really find Christianity to be so dirty and disgusting???
~ Enough to offend Christians and their families?

As I said, I don't mean to offend anyone, I just feel that this term offends, without truly explaining itself.

EDIT ~ sorry. I posted this after reading Janimal's post, and before reading the one's about ending the language discussion.

And it has been interesting to see your journey and to read about it in your own words. I just hope that you will receive understanding and love, from those near and dear to you, as you proceed along your path.

Also, I apologise if any of my comments on here have offended you. I think that we do all have to watch what we say on the forum. Anyway, I would be interested to learn ~ without using vocabulary that is too emotive, even though this is a highly emotional issue ~ what you used to preach that you are now so disgusted by? ~ I can underastand you changing your mind about beliefs, but were the things you believed really so bad?

Even in the bible we are referred to as "filthy rags". A direct translation of that term will gross you out. Words are contextual and personalized. We are emotional creatures and tend to deal with all aspects of life on a more extreme level when in the midst of "emotional upheaval". We have learned time and again that, when upset, we can and will say things that can and will upset others. The children I have raised (though not my own) have told me on more than one occasion that they did not want to upset me with their errors or choices, choosing instead to "bottle" their feelings. I respond by explaining that because I love them they cannot hurt, anger or surprise me to the point of loving them less. If we desire to avoid these situations, then we only have one of two choices; stop being honest to one another or stop being so sensitive to the choices and statements of others. I would rather know the truth than not be told at all. We can adapt to truth, with time and healing, but how can we grow with silence?

I believe in honesty, but there are various ways of wording the truth.

I like what you say, Barak.

I have said this several times in this and other threads, but there are so many creative ways to say your truth without using the first insulting term that comes to mind. It's a life skill worth learning. It did not come easily to me, but I worked hard at it and have, I hope, achieved some proficiency.

I think that I have also said that, PDM and Jilly.

You gotta love prudence!

The Bible does not call us "filthy" rage, but our sins. :P Big difference.



To me, yes. And the more I study, the more I learn, the more I discuss, the more disgusted I get. Between the fundamentals, and the civil. I can not stand the exclusive elitism of Christianity.

It's nothing more than bullying. "We have a secret happy place that you can't get into unless you say the password! Oh, and sorry, it's either this secret happy place or a pit of fire and eternal torture."

Raises all kinds of unpleasant feelings in me. So yes, I spread filth. That filth. I missed out on a lot of what could be very fruitful relationships because in my mind, they were going to hell. And I caused many to join that crowd of elitist exclusivism. Too many.

I could continue, but I won't. There are many things I could say that are repulsive to me concerning Christian doctrines. But I'd feel it'd be spreading a poor image of me and what I believe. I'm not an angry individual. Not in the least. I'm sincerely humble. If I find something to be true, I will follow it. I have not closed the door on the Christian "truth." I wouldn't be going to college if I did.