Hiya Erik,

>>However, if anyone has chosen to close their mind to the obvious connections I'm sure not going to waste my time trying to open that closed mind.
>
>A closed mind is one that disagrees with yours?

Hmm.. Seems that this just might be a two way street don't you? In this particular case it seems that others other than myself are doing this.

>
>>Additionally, since it's a relationship I won't waste anyone's time trying to twist their figurative arm to gain one.
>
>Thank you.

<g>

No one is forcing you to respond to any of these messages Erik. Don't blame me if you jump in and then don't like the temperature. <g>


>
>> Neither will God. However, IMO that is extremely dangerous territory. But don't blame God for the lousy relationship, or the results of that lousy relationship if you're the one refusing it.
>>
>
>Right. And I'll be sure not to blame Santa if I don't get good presents this year. It's my fault for not believing in him.

You're certainly free to choose to not believe in God but why are you so compelled to even respond at all? IOW, why does it seem to bother you so much that there are other folks who do believe? You seem awfully threatened by all of this and I'd think that if you really didn't believe that you'd just be able to ignore it.

Sounds like you're externalizing an internal struggle here..


>
>>What always puzzles me is this: Why do those people who profess that there is no God seem to be the ones who get so worked up by those who do?
>
>I'm not bothered in the least by another man's beliefs. I'm bothered when those people make ignorant statements like the one below- an arrogant statement even for a christian.

You sure seem bothered by mine - to the point that you seem to feel it necessary to start calling name. Shame on you.

>
>>I guess I'll just have to continue with my peace, real joy and overflowing heart while those around me have no peace and are empty inside. *shrug*
>
>Don't you think it's a little presumptuous to assume that you have a monopoly on inner peace?

I certainly do not have a monopoly on inner peace whatsoever. I am asserting that I do have it though. Do you? If you do not you can - if you choose.

Feel free to call that arrogant but I'm reminded of the statement that "it's not bragging if you can do it", or something like that.

Gosh.. I'd think that folks would be glad to know that this is possible Erik, rather than be so put out that someone asserts that they do. Sorry, but I'm sure not going to give it up so I can be miserable again. <g>

>
>This is an inappropriate forum/thread for this discussion. If you feel the need to continue, please do so privately.

Baloney. Here you go imposing your belief system on those around you..

Erik, here's a quote from my message to Alex:

"There are some folks who just do not want to entertain religious thinking whatsoever. Witness the responses by Erik and John. That's fine but when they insist that there be no discussion because they don't like it I think they are unfairly imposing their 'belief system' on those who would differ from them. What's the difference? None in my mind. I think it is just as wrong to have no discussions as to force folks to engage in them. Last time I looked there were no 'Discussion Police' here forcing folks to read every message. <g>"

Seems to me that in the interests of 'fairness' that we should allow anyone and everyone to bring their respective POVs to the table.

I just object to the name calling and who's done most of that in this case? <g>

Chill out a little.. If you don't want to participate - don't.