I find it ironic that the Christian faith so openly welcomes the shepherd metaphor. Isn't being called a sheep an insult? Also isn't the purpose of the sheep to be exploited by the shepherd? Wool, meat, etc.

quote:Originally posted by inuteroteen:

I find it ironic that the Christian faith so openly welcomes the shepherd metaphor. Isn't being called a sheep an insult? Also isn't the purpose of the sheep to be exploited by the shepherd? Wool, meat, etc.

yeah and the "tree of knowledge" thing, too. God wants you to be dumb, genesis.

quote:Originally posted by inuteroteen:

I find it ironic that the Christian faith so openly welcomes the shepherd metaphor. Isn't being called a sheep an insult? Also isn't the purpose of the sheep to be exploited by the shepherd? Wool, meat, etc.

I'm pretty sure it's pointing more towards the strength of faith. People are compared to Goats and Sheep, in this case it is a compliment to be called a sheep because you believe that the shepherd will save you (and in this case he is supposed to). The sheep will willingly follow the shepherd, it has nothing to do with being stupid and tasty. However, the Goat needs to be forced along, a goat in this case symbolises having no true faith, being divergent from God, and requiring constant attention.

Or at least that is My take on it.

Sheep are compliant and ask where to be led. Goats are independent and prefer to find their own way.

Why the hell are we comparing ourselves to barnyard animals?! ... should be the question. We have much more complex brains and abilities. Let's give ourselves a little credit, where credit is due.

quote:Originally posted by AngryFemme:

Sheep are compliant and ask where to be led. Goats are independent and prefer to find their own way.

Why the hell are we comparing ourselves to barnyard animals?! ... should be the question. We have much more complex brains and abilities. Let's give ourselves a little credit, where credit is due.

But we do basic things as animals. We ask for guidance, and we are given it.

The use of the sheep metaphor is to simplify the role of God towards his children. But, be it far from me to call myself a sheep or goat.

As to the OP, the Christian lives to be exploited of his master, so that strike is irrelevant. The Christian is supposed to be obedient and do what the Shepherd wants, be it service, hardship, or death.

I am a wolf to your sheep

quote:Originally posted by ArgonPlasma2000:

The use of the sheep metaphor is to ...

And the heaven metaphor?

And the hell metaphor?

And the virgin birth metaphor?

And the resurrection metaphor?

And the rapture metaphor?

And the ... God metaphor?

You get my drift. http://www.totse.com/bbs/wink.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/wink.gif)

I find it ironic that the Christian faith so openly welcomes the shepherd metaphor. Isn't being called a sheep an insult? Also isn't the purpose of the sheep to be exploited by the shepherd? Wool, meat, etc.

I find it ironic that you spend so much time devoting thought to that which you despise.

I find it ironic that you spend so much time devoting thought to that which you despise.

1) That's not ironic at all. The only irony in your post is you calling something non-ironic ironic, which doesn't even count. It would be ironic if he devoted much time to thinking about, say, why he has nothing to think about.

2) What's wrong with thinking about what you despise? If you had a thorn in your toe, and you spent some time thinking about it, experiencing the pain, would that be at all wrong? Think on the same level, but the thorn is a mental thorn and the toe is humanity.

omg I just thought of this: christians are compared to sheep (faith, followers) with a shepard (god, jesus) but when we think of satan we think of a horned figure based off the pagan god of Bahamut who has the head of a goat (or a smart, free thinking, leader)

pic of Bahamut's (satan's) head:http://www.religion-cults.com/Occult/Satanism/satan.gif

And the heaven metaphor?

And the hell metaphor?

And the virgin birth metaphor?

And the resurrection metaphor?

And the rapture metaphor?

And the ... God metaphor?

You get my drift. http://www.totse.com/bbs/wink.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/wink.gif)

But you cannot state those are metaphors. Those could very well be true happenings, as opposed to the fact we are clearly not an Ovis canadensis.

Damn, I want our old smileys back. :(

1) That's not ironic at all. The only irony in your post is you calling something non-ironic ironic, which doesn't even count. It would be ironic if he devoted much time to thinking about, say, why he has nothing to think about.

2) What's wrong with thinking about what you despise? If you had a thorn in your toe, and you spent some time thinking about it, experiencing the pain, would that be at all wrong? Think on the same level, but the thorn is a mental thorn and the toe is humanity.

You failed to prove that what I found to be ironic wasn't, by simply saying it wasn't.

The definition of IRONY.

Of particular interest:
[list]
Incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs

We can clearly see that he cares enough about Christianity and its adherents to focus his anger on them. That is ironic. He shouldn't care at all about it/them, if the fundamental reasoning behind his disagreement with them is lack of proof. To spend his time refuting the tenets of Christianity would be acceptable, but to angrily lob these types of hateful epithets is....ironic.

Further, he actually spends time thinking of ways to make Christians look stupid. This is also ironic, as there are surely more productive ways for one to spend their time...such as, on things they like.

Your analogy is false because once you've received the thorn into your flesh it must be removed, and Christianity does not bear a resemblance to a thorn in one's toe. Christianity can be easily avoided in this country.

NOTE: I just woke up, and probably shouldn't be posting yet...so if I don't make any sense, I ask your forgiveness in advance. *goes to find sustenance*

NOTE: I just woke up, and probably shouldn't be posting yet...so if I don't make any sense, I ask your forgiveness in advance. *goes to find sustenance*

You have my full forgiveness. And understanding! I'm no morning person either. :p

This is excused, for being ridiculous:

Christianity can be easily avoided in this country.

Ha! On an intimate level maybe, but not in everyday occurences or general civic activities. Let's put "In Allah We Trust" on your coins and bills and see how avoidable it would be to have zero interaction with Allah on a daily basis.

Would you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing BUT the truth by placing your hand on the holy Qur'an in a court of law? Why, you'd have to if it were a requirement in the judicial system.

Would you dig it, Digi? Betcha wouldn't.

(This is the part where you suggest that I GTFO of this country if I'm not a God-fearin', gun-totin', Lover of right-winged liberty)

I have no problem whatsoever avoiding Christianity in its entirety. My only exposure to it anymore is totse and the very rare (twice so far in my life) random handing out of a mini-bible.

Further, he actually spends time thinking of ways to make Christians look stupid. This is also ironic, as there are surely more productive ways for one to spend their time...such as, on things they like.


Perhaps he likes making fun of Christians, and pointing out their flaws.

But you cannot state those are metaphors.

Sure I can! I just did.

:)

Edit: And it holds just as much weight as you stating they aren't metaphors.

above

But you're missing the point.

You're assuming that what you said is the only reason he does it.

If it entertains him, or anything other, it no longer falls into that definition of irony.