Okay, on the thread of reincarnation. Another member brought up an excellent point about intolerance. I was the one that started the thread of reincarnation and it went off topic. Which is expected I guess, but instead of continuing there I think this heading from another member is an excellent way to start a new discussion.

What is your definition of intolerance? How does intolerance effect our society?
Should intolerance be considered a sin?
Have you contributed yourself personally to a intolerant society, or have you did your best to be tolerant to all beliefs, to all life styles to all peoples, all cultures?

My personal answer is the intolerance, is the belief that somebody beliefs are supperiour to somebody else's. Intolerance actually creates racism of many kinds. Intolerance I believe creates uprising, wars, fights, murders, and much more. I have done my best to show my open mindness to all beliefs, all religions, all peoples, all countries, and all lifestyles. I am not a judge, nor will I ever be. There are some people who say they are right and others are wrong. That their beliefs, because they are different do not matter. I think respect, acceptance and pure love for everybody is the true belief. LOVE, creates Peace, Acceptance, Forgiveness, and so much more. Intolerance creates HATE. What world do I want to live in. I want to live in a world with peace and love. As long as others are so intolerant, even though they are teaching about their belief in God, as long as others are doing it by they are right and you are wrong. As long as they step on other peoples toes to make a point, as long as they are not open minded to others and get hateful when others do not have the same belief. They are going to be the ones that are responsible for turning other people away from God. God will in my opinion and according to the kings James bible will hold those people accountable, the people who are responsible of turning people away from God.

So for all those out there who like to judge others, tell them that their belief is wrong, for personally attacking somebody because of differing beliefs. You are teaching everybody else that hey, we do not want to be part of your religion because of the way you put people down, the way you treat others beliefs, the hate that you spew, the nastiness that you dish out. Your god is not the god that I believe in.

Joe

My personal opinion/angle/view...

I don't believe intolerance has anything to do with what we think or believe. I think it's about how we act.

If I love my neighbor as myself - and I do unto others as I would have them to unto me - then it does not matter what I think or believe about that persons lifestyle or beliefs.

Of course we are not speaking of cheating, lying, murder, etc... Of those thinks intoleration is right. I am intolerable of those things.

If I am intolerable of someone who disagrees with me on religious or philosophical grounds... that is, if I treat them or speak of them poorly... then I am being intolerable - and sinning.

The trouble with political or religious intolerance is the intolerant don't see it. A bigot is not a bigot to himself and doesn't understand how it cripples him and the world. The truly arrogant believe it is their privilege, verily their duty even, to see that the world is properly bullied (only they would call it something else LOL)... but I am convinced with my entire spiritual being that this is who it's directed to when it was written that "the lame shall walk and the blind shall see and the meek shall inherit the earth".

There is nothing as powerful as the God-given ability to experience profound remorse and no one is as thoroughly converted as those who finally look in the mirror, don't like what they see and utterly give it up to God. From then on its not possible to judge others without judging oneself first and that tends to shut a lot of people up. Not everyone has had that sort of experience yet. For those who have there is no debate and they quietly demonstrate it in thoughtful and consistent actions more than words.

Since I don't believe in the conventional form of sin, I can't answer to the question directly. But this topic is heating up all over the planet along with global warming and the day will come when the lovers outnumber the haters-- I see the figures growing. Finally we will get to make that conversion to recognizing it must work for everyone if its to work at all. Maybe then we'll see a planet-wide shift into a kind of radical humility which will support respect and ultimately peaceful cooperation.

And in the meantime the challenge is to lovingly tolerate the intolerant since anything less means you've joined their camp!

Hello, Val.
That's a nice dream there, but it ain't going to happen, no way. You know people better than that! The thing to do is to "love your enemies, etc." while at the same time giving them critical information that they need. The "politically correct" movement seems to be gaining speed, but while many in that crowd claim to be tolerant, they refuse to tolerate anyone, or anything that disagrees with them, so who is truly intolerant? One of the beauties of our society in the good old U.S.A. is that we can disagree loudly, but when push comes to shove, we will defend each others right to be wrong.
Truth has never been widely accepted, and even Jesus Christ said that He came to bring a sword, not peace. I promise not to hate you if you disagree with me, and hope you will accord me the same treatment.

The trouble is if you don't draw a line on a specific issue there is no line.
There are specific rights and wrongs, but the line for those slide slowly as one does not stand firm on those beleifs.

Killing is wrong, no matter if it is in a war or it is in the death penalty or the store clerk by the robber or abortion, when we stat lowing the value of life, we start down a slope. Our nation as a government has the power to declare war, that is a right within itself. And often sadly one wrong may have to be allowed for an overall good of society.

But beyond that there is no justifiction. But when one is tolerant and allows others to kill without thought or concern, where will it stop, unborn, why not up to 1 year old, or 4 year old. We now have in some areas assisted suicide, why not merely get rid of anyone over 70, how much social security money we would save ?

Sexual rights, what when one right steps on my right, If I send my child to a public school, why must he be taught that homosexual life style is a great thing, my teachings is it is not, it is not the role of my tax supported school to take a stand, why doe they address it at all.

To me it is a sin to be over tolerant, since by doing so you destroy the society. An example is Christ, he did not allow anything to happen, in the temple even he drove out the money changers, so there is a limit for even Christ as to what he would allow. He called the priests in the temple a pit of vipers, not exactly tolerant?

It is my opinon that intolerance is just an excuse by those living in what should be unacceptable life styles to not have to answer for their ways of life.

Should the drunk be allowed to drive, since who are we to say?

Open marriage, should brothers and sisters be allowed to marry, first cousins, grandfathers and granddaughters. Where is the line to be drawn,
What about 4 people, or 5 people, where is the line drawn.
If you want to draw a line somewhere, then you are intolerant at some point, It is just your point and my point differ

I am not talking about that father chuck. Intolerance towards religion beliefs. One believes strongly against reincarnation. Another believes it may be possible. Who is right and who is wrong. Only God knows. God has many mysteries that are not unexplained and maybe many of them will be given to us when we pass to our next life. I am not talking about money changers, I am not talking about marriage, I am not talking about drunks, I am not talking about killing.

I am saying and stating that people have their different views and beliefs in religion. When somebody has a different belief or have different revelations. For one person to say they are wrong. That their culture is wrong that they do not have faith because they may believe something different from them. Belittle them. Bad talk them and put them down because they think their better. This is what causes unrest. Whether it be between countries, cultures, churches, religions.

I believe in reincarnation in certain circumstances. Are you saying I am not allowed to state my belief in the possibility that reincarnation does exist. Does anybody have the right to judge me because I have belief in the reincarnation, or that I have had many ESP situations. Dreams coming true premonitions. I am interested in spirits and other paranormal, because I have had those experiances Does that make me a sorcerer? Does that make me a witch. I am left handed does that mean that I am evil. All these things were excepted as truth at one time. It was okay to prosecute those innocent people, kill, hang just because they did not understand gifts. That society was scared of things that they could not control, inorder to control they went out and murdered and killed these innocent people who were once thought to be witches or sorcerers? So society does change. Peoples thoughts, actions, rules and everything else does change in time. Do respect, accept another persons belief. When you are open minded and a listener, what does that teach other people about christians. That they practise what they preach, but when you have people saying that you are wrong and that they are right. That you are immature and they are more mature in their faith then you are, that they know more then you because you have a difference in beliefs. You know what that says to me and to other people. That the person does not practise what they preach, and that they are a hyprocrite and that we or I do not want to be part of that. That kind of pushing people actually turn others that are open minded away from the belief in God because of the hyprocrisy that many christians posses, the way they act. How do you think God feels about that. We as believers need to be loving to ALL, To Everybody. Respecting everybody and yes accepting everybody for whatever they believe. There are things in society that we do not accept. That is fine but as far as religion beliefs or differing beliefs it is better to be loving and state your beliefs and let the other person decide whether it is in their spirit or not. God loves all , and created all.

Joe

Regarding religious intolerance, I think one of the main problems is that in certain religions, people are taught that theirs is the one true belief and anyone professing anything else (or what they consider to be a "deviation" of their religion, such as believing in reincarnation) is lacking in some way, and possibly doomed. Personally this idea is very foreign to me and difficult to comprehend, as I was raised in a religion that does not think it is the only one, but embraces all. Actually there is more than one major religion in the world that does not think they are the one true faith, so religious tolerance is not an impossibility, as some might suggest!

If I really believed that my faith was the only one, of course I would want to share that with others, so that they would not be "doomed". But I would also concentrate very hard on my own personal humility, and how I came across to people. I would not assume to know what was in another person's heart, either.

I agree with you that religious intolerance causes many wars. Look at the situation in the Middle East at present. Northern Ireland is another example, and there are many more. Religious intolerance is also one of the main reasons our First Nations peoples here in Canada are having such a tough time now. When the Europeans colonized our country, they insisted that the indigenous peoples embrace their religion. They set up residential schools where First Nations children were taken from their families, forced to give up their culture and their language, and many were abused as well. A whole generation had been adversely affected. Most of these residential schools were run by religious groups.

Any time you think you are better than anyone else, even in what you believe about life, there is danger involved, in my opinion. It's a slippery slope and very easy to take the next step, to say that because you believe something superior to another, therefore you personlly are superior and deserve more or better. And after that it's not so hard to stand back and watch others being mistreated, and think nothing of it.

I commend and admire anyone who believes that theirs is the only way and yet can remain humble, kind, tolerant, etc. to those who don't agree. I can imagine it would be a very difficult thing to accomplish. I personally wouldn't be up to the task.

Chava, I read your response. I am so emotional just reading what is happening in the world, with people. With each other. In knowing that all of this intolerance is still happening, possibly getting worse. How many people this has effected and that is from people who think they are better or that their belief is supperiour. How can anybody take control of other people and treat them so badly. There was an very emotional Touched by an angel episode and the episode is about the fighting and killing between Catholics and Protestants in Ireland. They are pitted against each other with forever fighting that does not seem to want to end. So many religious wars. If there was not so much intolerance between cultures, differences in beliefs these wars would not be happening. I pray that one day, all societys, all religions, all beliefs can be respected, accepted and in some way we all can be reunited with each other and stop the fighting. I do not understand why so many people who are so religious can cause and create so much hatred in the world when it should be love and peace that we all should be sharing with each other.

It brings me to tears, it brings me great sadness that people do not know the true meaning of life, the true meaning of our creator no matter what name, culture, belief it comes from.

I share your pain in this, definitely! I can't bring myself to watch the news anymore. I am frightened for my children. Personally, if one considers intolerance a sin, I think it is mainly a sin of pride. People are so proud of who they are that they forget to be humble and show kindness and respect to others.

Being from a non-mainstream religion I am especially sensitive to religious intolerance. It seems more often than not based in fear of losing control. Very often couched in terms of protecting the children from evil outside influence. When in fact the only evil is to present another perspective that threatens the authority of the established order.

Though to be sure the Amish have a right to exsert control over their surroundings every bit as much as native people have the right to reject anglo culture and religions. And Islam and so many others are righteous to reject the 'religion' of American capitalism that will submerge their cultures in a flood of Madonna's pop music, Coke, Nike, and the infernal english language. After which we enslave them to the world bank, and make them take the slice of globalization that we've decided they should have. Are they being intolerant to oppose that?

When I see or hear someone who thinks they are so right and your so wrong, I know that they are intolerant. It affects the way one treats others who are different, or who have ideas that don't fit what they are about. Most of the problems in the world I believe can be traced to intolerance and the actions that are guided by them like discrimination for instance, where a person can actually feel superior so making anyone that doesn't agree, inferior so its okay to use and abuse or ridicule those that are deemed inferior. Another arm of intolerance is apathy when you just don't give a damn about your fellow man that lives, acts, or believes differently than you do. It also slows the advancement of the society of man as a whole, in that as long as you have isolated thinking and refuse to at least acknowledge the ways of others you have a conflict, as we see today of, my way is right and nothing else will change my mind. Wars are started this way with this single-minded thinking and does neither side any good. Until we as people change this pattern of behavior we will always be at odds over something that is really nothing. Just my view.

Are we attempting to define intolerance? Of course, I assume it means to not tolerate something or someone for whatever reason. To stand firmly for what one believes may make me intolerant of those ideas that I cannot accept, BUT, it does not have to make me hate or despise the person who holds that idea. What we have seen lately is hatred toward the Christian community, even to the point of comparing us to Hitler, or the Taliban. I think this mentality is the epitome of intolerance. Certainly, I believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Heavenly Father, and will probably try to convince you of that. That does not mean I am your enemy. I guess that about sums up my take on intolerance.

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Originally Posted by galveston

. . . and will probably try to convince you of that.

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I hope not without a clear invitation to do so from me?

Otherwise count on my checkmating that with a need for you to demonstrate tolerance of my views while I tolerate yours, excluding the part where you think I need convincing, of course, since that is over the line. You won't find me trying to convince you of my spiritual beliefs as I know how improper it would be. Far better to live it and answer someone when they express interest. It is arrogant to assume I need convincing without directly involving my permission. Arrogance, intolerance, belligerence, bad manners-- is that really the image anyone would want Christianity, or any religion for that matter, to have? If being aggressively passionate about one's faith wins one convert whilst losing ten, what is the sense in that?

I hope not without a clear invitation to do so from me?

Sorry Val. I have a command from my Boss to tell everyone about Him, and to make disciples. If you do not want to be included, that is your choice, but to censure me for being obedient to Jesus Christ is intolerant.

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Originally Posted by galveston

I hope not without a clear invitation to do so from me?

Sorry Val. I have a command from my Boss to tell everyone about Him, and to make disciples. If you do not want to be included, that is your choice, but to censure me for being obedient to Jesus Christ is intolerant.

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Well, that isn't exactly how the Creator presents it to me but we'll just have to agree to disgree here on our individual personal intrepretations. I am glad you have instructions from your Boss to respect other's choices. Please consider me already told and know that I do not wish to be included in your collection, Galveston. Thanks anyway but I am already a part of a collection that I think is appropriate. Each to their own... is religious tolerance, isn't it? :)

If the questioner is asking about "religious intolerance" then I might add that we have a separation of church & state about such things legally. The act of discriminating against individuals because of their religion is illegal just as other acts of discrimination are. There have been hate crimes, burning down of Churches & such. Any thoughts of not passing a Mosque or Synagogue in peaceful observance only, would indicate a hateful malicious attitude on the observer's part. Here, any vindictive action would be called a SIN; namely, causing harm to one's neighbor. Loving one's neighbor means not causing them harm.

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Originally Posted by galveston

I hope not without a clear invitation to do so from me?

Sorry Val. I have a command from my Boss to tell everyone about Him, and to make disciples. If you do not want to be included, that is your choice, but to censure me for being obedient to Jesus Christ is intolerant.

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Here you are treading on murky soil. I don't believe anyone should push their ideology on anyone else. Isn't that what the islamic radicals are doing? They also have a command from their Boss.

I'll go with Rick view earlier in this thread: intolerance is demonstrated by your actions upon another. You are certainly allowed to personally disagree with another's choices but to attack them for it is where the intolerance part kicks in.

There's my http://www.familycorner.com/forums/i...ies/2cents.gif. :)

I agree with that NK. And one has to consider the source of one's beliefs also. Only those outsiders whose hearts are willing will be able to accept Jesus as their personal savior. There is no force, only willingness. But God said that His people are perishing for lack of knowledge. So, what religion or faith does one identify themselves with?

Call it propaganda. Call it dogma. But I believe there is only one Truth. When one examines the origin of the other faiths or so called faiths, one can see the difference. I do not believe one can love & believe in God yet reject His Son that He sent into the world to intercede for us. Rev.3:15-16 -"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

Also, Christianity is one of the most tolerant of religions. We are not supposed to be yoked with unbelievers. This applies to friends also, in fact, that is the main command of that statement. We engage with unbelievers to show them the love of Christ. Accepting Christ is a personal decision that everyone has to make. And it is after all, the most important one. Some would disagree but for a Christian, they know it as a fact.

While I can understand what some people feel about their beliefs, again I couldn't disagree more sometimes because it doesn't agree with the Truth.

Have a look at the origins of some religions. They don't hold up even logically, never mind Spiritually. I am especially referring to the Holy Spirit who comes to dwell within us when we receive Christ.

http://www.itruth.org/220manypaths/dl1/001hub.htm

This viewed on internet explorer worked best. Have a blessed day!

As I've said before, my personal philosophy is everyone should be able to do whatever they want up to, but not including infringing on the rights of someone else to do what they want.

There's a perfect example in another thread. The OP's neighbor had allowed a hedge to grow that blocked the OP's view of Mt Ranier. Did the neighbor have a right to grow that hedge? Legally yes, but by my philosophy, the neighbor's right infrigned on the OP's right. But, you will say, didn't the OP's desire to a view infringe on the neighbor's desire to grow their hedge. Well yes, and that's where mediation comes into play.

Getting back to intolerance. I don't agree that intolerance is a belief that your views are superior to someone else's. Intolerance is the denial that someone else has the right to a different view. Intolerance denies that someone else can have a view different from one's own. In my world Intolerance is one of the greatest evils.

I am convinced that all religions are valid for that religion's believers. There are no outsiders-- only human beings disagreeing with other human beings. When that disagreement crosses a line, it becomes intolerance. Intolerance fuels many tragic events that have plagued all of humankind from the beginning. It will only stop when the majority of us can fully recognise that while "my religion works for me (and that's really all it needs to do too), it may not be what works for the next person" so therefore there is no need to compete (my god/book/church promises me more than yours does) or make claims of superiority (my god/book/church tells the truth but who knows what yours does) or imply that a different religious belief makes a person less spiritual (only people in my faith are holy/enlightened/going to be rewarded). Many of the major religious leaders today are acknowledging the common ground of religions around the world. There is an increase in ecumenical activities everywhere. The atmosphere for all religions to practice without fear of prejudical hatred is growing. The good news is that the respectful majority is growing within conventional faiths and outside of them too and soon religious intolerance will be regulated to the spiritual sandbox where it belongs. Won't that be a day for the earth to rejoice, won't that make the Creator happy!

The tolerance of all beliefs regardless of their consequeuences would create a lawless society.

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Originally Posted by Starman

The tolerance of all beliefs regardless of their consequeuences would create a lawless society.

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That is a "baby out with the bathwater" argument and distinctly NOT what I am advocating. There is a huge difference between tolerating ALL beliefs and tolerating all religious beliefs. It is slyly suggesting that other religious beliefs (apart from the one you believe in, of course) utterly lack a moral code, which is patently and prejudiciously incorrect.

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Originally Posted by valinors_sorrow

That is a "baby out with the bathwater" argument and distinctly NOT what I am advocating. There is a huge difference between tolerating ALL beliefs and tolerating all religious beliefs. It is slyly suggesting that other religious beliefs (apart from the one you believe in, of course) utterly lack a moral code, which is patently and prejudiciously incorrect.

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Couldn't it spread it Val.. but I agree quite rightly.

I honestly see nothing wrong with any religion, It's the nuts who do bad things in their Gods' name that make me mad. The funny part is that every religion on earth has gone through the holier than thou thing and persecuted somebody who would not bow to their will. Thats' why I deal with people and not their religion. And if I see they are nuts I leave them alone too.

Couldn't spread it Tal, but I'm with you on this one for sure!

The Bible tells" us" that it is impossible to please God without faith. He also says that there ARE outsiders. In the Book these are the unbelievers. So how would God be pleased by people just choosing any doctrine to live by? Or by their own?
God gave us the power of the Holy Spirit, with the spiritual armor to ward off any unclean spiritual attacks. To agree with anything but is unfruitful & possibly destructive. I won't.
Even believers worship & serve the Lord differently. So, so it is with the secular population. All entitled to their opinions.

I believe there's only one true God, & one messiah. If you believe in another religion or cult, all I have to say is show me the miracles this deity or man has done in your life. That would be something worth listening to, instead of just tolerating words that don't describe any self-sacrifice, worship or service.

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Originally Posted by 31pumpkin

I believe there's only one true God, & one messiah. If you believe in another religion or cult, all I have to say is show me the miracles this deity or man has done in your life. That would be something worth listening to, instead of just tolerating words that don't describe any self-sacrifice, worship or service.

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Since you put it that way, let me ask what miracles your deity has done in your life?

My view of a deity is such that he would want to be worshipped, but would recognize the fact that people are different since he made us that way. Therefore, he would provide different ways to be worshipped.

The fact that most religions have a similar set of ethics. That some are built on others and that some have similar mythologies lends credance to that viewpoint. This leads to being tolerant of others chosen methods of worship.

I look not at what god or religion a person choose to follow but at whether the person adheres to the generally accepted ethical code of behavior that transcends most religions.

Scot we are on the same page and I'll add words are useless unless you listen to them and some words get lost in actions that are opposite the words. The path I try to follow is my way of using the free will that God gave me to be a good human and love my fellow man even though I don't agree with him or his actions.

I believe intolerance of anothers religon or spiritual belief is the cause of many hate groups, wars and negative energy that harms our world peace. We are not to judge each other, that is for God to do. Why do we feel we have the right to be intolorent of another's belief? God did not say "Judge not that ye be not judged, except for religious beliefs".
I was raised going to a Christian church, I believe in God, I believe in Jesus. I do not believe in organized religion. I believe God created everyone. I do not know why there are many religions, many beliefs, all of whom have so many spiritual leaders that are awesome. There is a reason for all of us. I have read many of their teachings and got far more from them about leading a spititual life than from my minister.
Do you think being intolerant of other religions is being ignorant of the knowledge of other religions. Not meaning you need to change religions, but to understand other religions opens your eyes to understand them. There are good people in all beliefs, to be intolerant of someone because they do not believe as you do, does not seem to be living the path God would have you live. Jesus was not intolerant of nonbelievers.
I have to say since I studied some other beliefs and read teachings of great spiritual leaders, I feel I have come to know God better and feel closer to him and feel freer than I felt going to church each Sunday. Some will judge me for that, as that is not how I was raised to believe, but it is how I FEEL, and it makes me feel good. I no longer fear God. I have no animosity in my heart for anyone. It is very hard for me to be angry with anyone. If I do have anger it leaves my quickly. I know in my heart, for me, I am on the right path or I would not feel so much peace and love.
Intolerance of others beliefs causes hate and discontent and that is not God's intent. So there it is.

Well, ethics & morals are very important, it wouldn't be enough for me, except in the business world. I was speaking about Churchgoers anyway, how they worship or serve the Lord differently. Some belong to the music ministry. Some sing standing. Some wave banners & sing. Some clap their hands.Some raise their hands. Some speak in tongues. Some close their eyes while they sing.Some dance & sing. I have no idea what Jews do in the Temple. Or Muslims in the Mosque. I just know it would be different.

But I could not be close friends with an unbeliever. It's one thing to help someone who is poor in spirit, but it's burdensome to me when that person's personal creed is "my will be done" instead of "your will be done, Lord." We'd have to part company not just because sinners can corrupt(unbelief is a sin in itself) but I wouldn't be doing the will of God. Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
I could tell you about how the Lord saved my month old from choking to death on formula. How when I called on Him the miracle happened. I could tell you how the Lord saved us during hurricane Andrew(when I really thought He'd forsaken us) I could tell you how my friend & I could have been lunch for a shark as we were on a rubber raft& vulnerable. But I met the black eyes at the same time he saw me.Wasn't our time. My reaction was to take my oar & beat the heck out of it. All it took was me raising the oar & it went away! I couldn't think of reacting like that if I tried.
I could go on but I don't want to bore anyone(including myself) so someone else could speak of their deliverances too.
So basically what I'm saying is that I feel more comfortable knowing that someone else has a religion or faith that they enjoy being a part of. Especially when there are common beliefs and practices involved.

So if God saved you from these perils please be reminded that He put you there also. My god doesn't put me in the those dangers.

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Originally Posted by 31pumpkin

But I could not be close friends with an unbeliever.

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And that makes you intolerant of other people's beliefs.

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Originally Posted by 31pumpkin

I could tell you about how the Lord saved my month old from choking to death on formula. How when I called on Him the miracle happened. I could tell you how the Lord saved us during hurricane Andrew(when I really thought He'd forsaken us) I could tell you how my friend & I could have been lunch for a shark as we were on a rubber raft& vulnerable. But I met the black eyes at the same time he saw me.Wasn't our time. My reaction was to take my oar & beat the heck out of it. All it took was me raising the oar & it went away! I couldn't think of reacting like that if I tried.
I could go on but I don't want to bore anyone(including myself) so someone else could speak of their deliverances too.
So basically what I'm saying is that I feel more comfortable knowing that someone else has a religion or faith that they enjoy being a part of. Especially when there are common beliefs and practices involved.

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I'm sure you believe that these were interventions of a divine power. I'm sure it gives you great comfort to believe that there is a deity that you can pray to who answers those prayers. I'm happy for you that you have found such comfort in your life.

I'm also sure that nothing I could say would disabuse you of those beliefs so I won't even try. All I ask is that you understand and accept that I choose to have different beliefs. That I have found compelling (to me) arguments that have led me to different beliefs. That believing as I do does not make me a bad person, that it does not interfere with your beliefs and that I have the right to have those beliefs. However, if you do not accept those three points then you are being intolerant.

ScottGem - I have no trouble accepting that there are others with different beliefs. However, if I don't choose an unbeliever for a friend, it doesn't make me regiously intolerant(or some other hyped up word that is still just a word) it makes me a Christian. Now that is actually in my belief system. I think you accept my beliefs as well as the next guy, since I have a right to be here too.
I exercise that right also. So peace to you too.
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Now Needkarma - your comment is debatable. People get themselves into all sorts of danger. Even just driving a car(another miracle story there too) So maybe yes, the Lord wanted to show me a miracle, & put me there. But I hardly think going out 20yds. In the ocean to enjoy some water sports would be perilous. I mean one could be in fear to do anything but sit in a box because something might happen to them. :eek:

By 31pumpkin

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So basically what I'm saying is that I feel more comfortable knowing that someone else has a religion or faith that they enjoy being a part of. Especially when there are common beliefs and practices involved.

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I have a faith that I believe in that I really enjoy being part of and the practice of being a good human should endear your friendship, so I wonder what our problem could be. Many of my friends are Christians, and Muslims, some Hindi, more than a few agnostics, some atheists,. seems I get along with other good humans really well no matter what they believe.

Pumpkin, you have every right to be here. But to say you are not intolerant of other religions, but you say you would never choose an unbeliever for a friend. Is that a contradiction in terms? By being their friend you may bring them to your beliefs without pushing it on them. I have had people ask me how I have achieved such peace in my life. I tell them and they have found God because they want an inner peace.
If you choose to be intolerant of other religions, fine, that is your right. Just be honest and say you are. God bless you.

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Originally Posted by 31pumpkin

ScottGem - I have no trouble accepting that there are others with different beliefs. However, if I don't choose an unbeliever for a friend, it doesn't make me regiously intolerant

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Well that's subject to debate. If you refuse friendship with someone solely because of their religious beliefs, then, In my opinion, that is intolerance. But its not them who will be the poorer. By denying yourself fraternizing with diverse peoples, you lose out from learning new things. You tend to stagnate. You become narrow minded and insular. At least that's been my experience with such attitudes.

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

So if God saved you from these perils please be reminded that He put you there also. My god doesn't put me in the those dangers.

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You bring out the inherent contradiction. A deity that interposes itself into a mortal's life to the extent indicated had to have at least let things go bad in the first place, if not cause them. Such a deity sounds more like a mischief maker then a benevolent guardian. But, if someone finds comfort in that, that's up to them.

Woah, Scot, I don't know what "deity" you have in mind, but the quote below is illuminating concerning Jesus Christ, at least, and I think this excahnge started with 31Pumpkin, so we seem to be talking about Christianity.(?)
John 10:10-11
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

It is the devil, (or ourselves, sometimes), that gets us into hot water. Let's not place the blame in the wrong place.

You know what weird? My circle of friends, family and acquaintances are mainly christians and amongst those hundreds of people there is not one who has the belief that 31Pumpkin and Starman have that christians shouldn't associate with non-christians. I have no idea where they get that idea but they must be a very small minority. I thank the stars for that.

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Originally Posted by galveston

John 10:10-11
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

It is the devil, (or ourselves, sometimes), that gets us into hot water. Let's not place the blame in the wrong place.

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That verse says nothing about a devil that is the cause of your troubles.

Just wander through some of the amazing statistics in this site to see how important religious tolerance will be in the coming years in this country.

'We the people' of the United States now form the most profusely religious nation on earth." Diana Eck.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_prac2.htm

NK,
In the context, just who would you assume the thief to be? If Jesus referred to the common petty thief, then His statement about Himself doesn't make sense. But if you don't think that the devil is the thief intended, that's OK, but please don't accuse the one who gave His life willingly for us of doing evil.
But, then, I guess all this has nothing to do with intolerance.