Don't repent. Don't even think about it. You have no reason to repent, you have done nothing wrong. According to the New Gospel--which a few million folks besides myself embrace--you CAN do nothing wrong.

Banish any nagging, lingering fears of hell. There is no such thing. While you are at it, banish all your fears. Fear and guilt are the only two enemies you have.

If you have taken your position after long and serious thought, good for you. If you have taken your position merely to annoy or shock your parents and/or friends, you might consider that whenever you do ANYTHING to annoy someone else, you are in a real sense allowing them to manipulate you. Is that what you really want?

Love yourself unconditionally. Regardless of whether one embraces evolution, intelligent design, a combination of the two, or something else altogether--humans are awesome, wondrous creations. We are the crown of creation. We rock. However, many of us fail to live up to our potential.

Love others unconditionally, and treat them as you would have them treat you. Not because some god might punish or reward you depending on what you do--but just because it feels good. And feeling good--which I define as living in a state of power, freedom, and grace--is what life is all about.

At least that is what my life is all about.

Why does the above specifically go out the atheists/agnostics?

Well, pretty much for the same reason that diet/exercise/nutrition advice goes to the obese.

Oh, I see. You wise believers of gods or God already know:

to not fear Hell

that the only enemies we have are fear and guilt

that we should love others unconditionally

That we should love ourselves unconditionally

Treat others as we would like to be treated and not for punishments or rewards

Do you really believe that atheists/agnostics are less likely to live by the principles above or haven't heard these words before? You are comparing non-believers to obese people who aren't aware of proper diet/exercise/nutrition? That's pretty pompous of you. Get a clue.

quote:Originally posted by ArmsMerchant:

Don't repent. Don't even think about it.



quote:

Banish any nagging, lingering fears of hell. There is no such thing.

quote:

Love others unconditionally, and treat them as you would have them treat you. Not because some god might punish or reward you depending on what you do--but just because it feels good.



Shouldn't that be going out to the believers?

quote:Originally posted by ArmsMerchant:

Don't repent. Don't even think about it. You have no reason to repent, you have done nothing wrong. According to the New Gospel--which a few million folks besides myself embrace--you CAN do nothing wrong.

Where does one find the New Gospel? Do you have a link? A book? A more in-depth appraisal perhaps?

quote:Originally posted by ArmsMerchant:

Banish any nagging, lingering fears of hell. There is no such thing. While you are at it, banish all your fears. Fear and guilt are the only two enemies you have.

That's a sweeping statement that seems so subjective, how does it compare to others like Buddha saying our main enemies are our desires, aversion and ignorance? Or the Hindu idea that it is Samsara, the world of illusions we love so well, and that fear and guilt are actually illusions(so what one should fear is living in a delusion?).

quote:Originally posted by ArmsMerchant:

If you have taken your position after long and serious thought, good for you. If you have taken your position merely to annoy or shock your parents and/or friends, you might consider that whenever you do ANYTHING to annoy someone else, you are in a real sense allowing them to manipulate you. Is that what you really want?

How does one take a "position" in a place where the only constant is change? How much have your beliefs changed thru your life? Do you think you will always believe exactly as you do now?

quote:Originally posted by ArmsMerchant:

Love yourself unconditionally. Regardless of whether one embraces evolution, intelligent design, a combination of the two, or something else altogether--humans are awesome, wondrous creations. We are the crown of creation. We rock. However, many of us fail to live up to our potential.

Love others unconditionally, and treat them as you would have them treat you. Not because some god might punish or reward you depending on what you do--but just because it feels good. And feeling good--which I define as living in a state of power, freedom, and grace--is what life is all about.

At least that is what my life is all about.

This is a good message, unconditional love and it's power. You may need it to learn from the snipers that ignore the theme and instead pick out anything they see as a negative or weakness, then vociferously attack that not realising they missed the point. Hold onto your message, if that is what your life is all about - "unconditional love", you will not be disturbed by the negatives, you will be energised by those high thoughts. Thanks for sharing http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif)

quote:Originally posted by redzed:



How does one take a "position" in a place where the only constant is change? How much have your beliefs changed thru your life? Do you think you will always believe exactly as you do now?

I don't understand your questions. Why can't one take a position, say a political stance on an issue, even though he is aware that he may not feel the same way in ten years?



quote:Originally posted by redzed:



You may need it to learn from the snipers that ignore the theme and instead pick out anything they see as a negative or weakness, then vociferously attack that not realising they missed the point.

Obviously you're talking about me...again. For someone who claims he doesn't want to talk bad about anyone, you're sure doing a whole lot of it lately in regard to my character. I didn't miss the point. Some of his words in the OP were nice and I actually agree with them. Others I don't. Maybe if you opened your eyes, you'd see that his statement comparing atheist/agnostics to obese people that are ignorant about diet/exercise/nutrition was a negative comment.

quote:Originally posted by Martini:



Obviously you're talking about me...again. For someone who claims he doesn't want to talk bad about anyone, you're sure doing a whole lot of it lately in regard to my character.



Seriously, redzed. I've been reading everything that's been going on in this forum lately, and Martini explained that he's been laying off of you lately with the personal remarks, but [b]you[/b seem to be the one doing the personal attacking lately.

This forum brings forth lots of disagreement, debate, and questioning of others beliefs. You're doing it too and that's okay. But cut it out with the "sniper" talk and other bullshit you've been calling people lately when they question others beliefs. The name of the forum is "My God Can Beat the Shit Out of Your God". It's gonna get rough sometimes.

quote:Originally posted by Martini:

Obviously you're talking about me...again. For someone who claims he doesn't want to talk bad about anyone, you're sure doing a whole lot of it lately in regard to my character. I didn't miss the point. Some of his words in the OP were nice and I actually agree with them. Others I don't. Maybe if you opened your eyes, you'd see that his statement comparing atheist/agnostics to obese people that are ignorant about diet/exercise/nutrition was a negative comment.



Martini, is it just myself or are others also pointing out that you are coming across in a negative way?

quote:Originally posted by Obbe referring to Martini:

“the above poster is nit-picking” http: //www.tots e.com/bbs/ Forum15/HTML/005916.html (http: //www.tots e.com/bbs/ Forum15/HT ML/005916. html)

quote:



Originally posted by Martini:

I'm not talking about you. Don't worry; I wasn't accusing you of being rational.



lol, you're so negative. all over one little tiff? hahaha http: //www.tots e.com/bbs/ Forum15/HTML/005965.html (http: //www.tots e.com/bbs/ Forum15/HT ML/005965. html)

Originally posted by Arms Merchant:

“If you must quote me, please get it right and refrain from editing what I said.

I have said many times that the less you believe and the more you know, the better off you are.

Are you deliberately missing my point? Can you really be that obtuse?” http: //www.tots e.com/bbs/ Forum15/HTML/005953.html (http: //www.tots e.com/bbs/ Forum15/HT ML/005953. html)

Originally posted by Graemy:

why do you always disregard most of my post or other posts entirly?

………..

quote:



Originally posted by Martini:

Sorry. Tell me exactly what you want me to respond to and I will.



nothing really, you just skip over stuff and address what you want and not all of it.

……….

you know what i have come to notice that when ever i post and martini closely follows the whole thread seems to go on some huge tangent.

http: //www.tots e.com/bbs/ Forum15/HTML/005855.html (http: //www.tots e.com/bbs/ Forum15/HT ML/005855. html)

WARNING; MARTINI, DON'T SKIP THIS QUESTION

why is it that when i post something and you closly follow we some how go on a huge tangent?

……………

no martini i am not blaming you, but usually when we post in the same thread we go on some huge tangent, debate.

Apart from the insulting language you have directed at me in the other thread where you called me a "Dumbass" and tried to pass it off as a joke with a smiley face, here are a couple more examples of where you have used bullying, belittling/patronizing intimidating/interogating language(there’s more but hopefully you see my point):

quote:Originally posted by Martini

“For crying out loud; are you that thick headed?”

Originally posted by Martini in bold large type(sounds like angry shouting):

“How the fuck are you interpretting anything I said to come to this conclusion?”

htt p://www.to tse.com/bb s/Forum15/HTML/005855-2.html (http: //www.tots e.com/bbs/ Forum15/HT ML/005855- 2.html)

Martin responding to AM:

Treat others as we would like to be treated and not for punishments or rewards

Do you really believe that atheists/agnostics are less likely to live by the principles above or haven't heard these words before? You are comparing non-believers to obese people who aren't aware of proper diet/exercise/nutrition? That's pretty pompous of you. Get a clue. http: //www.tots e.com/bbs/ Forum15/HTML/005973.html (http: //www.tots e.com/bbs/ Forum15/HT ML/005973. html)



You’re suggesting above that an ethical person whether an atheist or not would treat others as they would want to be treated. Does that mean you want to be called pompous and without a clue? The seeming inference of your insulting language being: the person criticized is a worthless idiot who should crawl back home into the primeval swamp.

The point is Martini, it’s not so much what you are saying but how you are saying it! Why do you feel the need to express anger at others, to call them insulting names, to swear at them? If it was only myself this affected then I could accept maybe I'm being oversensitive, but if one takes an objective look you seem to be offending others on a regular basis. How do you expect any one could feel they could have a rational debate with you let alone express their honest feelings or raise some ideas they may not be too sure about? One forms the impression you are just waiting for a chance to shoot others down, that you are not at all interested in dialogue, but perhaps acting out of some need for attention, need to be always right, need to be in control, need to win?

Namaste http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif)

Edit for clarity

[This message has been edited by redzed (edited 09-20-2006).]

quote:Originally posted by redzed:



You’re suggesting above that an ethical person whether an atheist or not would treat others as they would want to be treated. Does that mean you want to be called pompous and without a clue?

I'm suggesting that there's no reason an atheist or agnostic wouldn't live by that moral code. I don't represent all atheists and agnostics. I want people to call me out when they think I've been pompous, yes. But I don't want someone like you to continually come up with bullshit excuses about what my intentions in posting here are. If I don't understand where someon'e beliefs come from, I'll ask. If I believe that his reason for believing is irrational, I'll sometimes tell him why. This is TOTSE. I'm sure that there are other message boards out there where everyone can share their opinions on life and hear back, "hey that's cool man, but I think differently". As xray said, "The name of the forum is "My God Can Beat the Shit Out of Your God". It's gonna get rough sometimes." You may want this forum to become that way, but it ain't gonna happen. If you want milk and cookies, go to a cafe, not a bar. How many more threads do you want to hi-jack to talk about me?

quote:Originally posted by redzed:



The point is Martini, it’s not so much what you are saying but how you are saying it! Why do you feel the need to express anger at others, to call them insulting names, to swear at them?

I stopped doing this many posts ago specifically for you. I'm fed up with you bitching about it, but it looks like you ain't gonna stop.

quote:Originally posted by Martini:

How many more threads do you want to hi-jack to talk about me?

Seriosly, redzed, you've got major issues with Martini that you feel you need to dig up shit other people said about him in old ass threads and go on a fucking tangent? You both need to take it somewhere else. Other peoples threads on unrelated topics aren't the place for it.

quote:Originally posted by xray:

Seriosly, redzed, you've got major issues with Martini that you feel you need to dig up shit other people said about him in old ass threads and go on a fucking tangent? You both need to take it somewhere else. Other peoples threads on unrelated topics aren't the place for it.



Yours is hardly an objective post that one should regard with any esteem, it was Martini who hijacked this thread and you are supporting him. My response in this thread was to AM, I suggest you read it in that context.

Peace http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif)

quote:Originally posted by Martini:

I stopped doing this many posts ago specifically for you. I'm fed up with you bitching about it, but it looks like you ain't gonna stop.



In this thread you called AM "pompous" and told him to "get a clue" treating him as if he's an idiot! If you think that's 'stopping it' you are deluded http://www.totse.com/bbs/confused.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/confused.gif)

Namaste http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif)

quote:Originally posted by redzed:

In this thread you called AM "pompous" and told him to "get a clue" treating him as if he's an idiot! If you think that's 'stopping it' you are deluded http://www.totse.com/bbs/confused.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/confused.gif)

Namaste http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif)



Deluded, well I never. What's with such negative talk; heavens to Betsy.

I don't think "pompous" and "get a clue" is such an expression of anger, insulting names or swearing, but if you do, I guess you'll keep the thread hijacking up to bitch about me because I ain't gonna stop.

quote:Originally posted by redzed:

Yours is hardly an objective post that one should regard with any esteem[/b

Why's that?



quote: [b]

, it was Martini who hijacked this thread and you are supporting him. My response in this thread was to AM, I suggest you read it in that context.

You took a pot shot at Martini and he responded. After that you went on a huge tangent hi-jacking this thread to make it about Martini. I'll stop here myself to stop the further hi-jacking.

Getting back to topic--I spent a few years as a child (that is, high school and college) being an atheist. I thought that my only options were to either accept the Bible version of God or to believe in no God at all. I thought my ords might be of some help to someone now in much the same dilemma.

The real reason I started this thread is simply because I felt drawn to--impelled, as it were. Maybe it helped someone, maybe not.

"Pompous"? Maybe. I have had the charge levelled at me before. "Arrogant," too. I survived. There is a very good reason for this, and I will reveal that in a thread I am researching now, to be entitled " Neo-gnosticism and the Aquarian Age."

quote:Originally posted by ArmsMerchant:

Getting back to topic--I spent a few years as a child (that is, high school and college) being an atheist. I thought that my only options were to either accept the Bible version of God or to believe in no God at all. I thought my ords might be of some help to someone now in much the same dilemma.

The real reason I started this thread is simply because I felt drawn to--impelled, as it were. Maybe it helped someone, maybe not.

"Pompous"? Maybe. I have had the charge levelled at me before. "Arrogant," too. I survived. There is a very good reason for this, and I will reveal that in a thread I am researching now, to be entitled " Neo-gnosticism and the Aquarian Age."



yaaaaay, the age of aquarius! Isnt that like after the poleshift or somthing...ore when we enter the photon belt...or somthing.....

poor hippies, too early.