This may not be the popular response to all that has been going on here, but that's ok. Over and over again I read threads that stand up for "the right to believe whatever the heck you want to believe" That is great, because that is what this church is founded of. But what I don't see is people being allowed to express themselves freely. If we truly believe in equality then why do people get offended when others post a scripture online? Why must people be challenged for sharing a prayer, a Buddhist chant, a spell or ritual? Isn't that the same as forcing our own beliefs by challanging others about how offended we are because they posted that? It makes NO sense to me. If you don't understand, then ask, if you don't agree, then simply choose not to answer as it doesn't apply to you.
I have seen so many wonderful forum destroyed because people are so busy standing up for "the right" that we often get blinded to the whole point of the forum to begin with. If people aren't allowed to freely express these beliefs without getting attacked by those who don't believe then the forum is not being run in love, but ego. If we are going to co-exists as one, then we need to respect each others individuality, because we are never going to be on the same page. you don't need two hammers to build a cabnit. You need several different parts otherwise you can't create the whole.
We're supposed to be different. We haven't been called to simply keep our beliefs in tact and teach it the to the rest of the world. If we chose to do that we wouldn't have choosen this church to get ordained. We are supposed to be an example to the rest of the world, that no matter what the hell you believe, even if it's fluffy pink unicorns up in the sky somewhere, that you still have a place where you will be loved and accepted with open arms.
If we are going to show the world how to be open minded, then we must be open-minded. If we are all brothers and sisters here, then let's work together, give people the benefit of the doubt and if you are offended because someone say's " my christian brother" on the main forum, then don't get mad, let's talk about this. Let's come up with some parameters or guidelines for ourselves so we can co-exsist. Getting mad and personal attacks dousn't solve anything. It pisses people off and divides us.
If we're going to love one another than we must RESPECT one another. Respect isn't agreeing on one doctrine or another, it's sitting back and all parties listening to each other, understanding because the diverseness of this community that NOONE will really agree on anything, so instead we agree to love one another and agree to disagree. If there needs to be changes then compromise on those changes. We're not in kingergarden anymore.
I'm probebly going to get alot of heat for this blog and that's ok. Right or wrong, opinion or fact, whatever, but we all know there is a problem here and this is simply my own personal expression on that, mixed with my own possibilites for resolution. If enough people can actually agree upon something, then maybe we can work towards positive change here before it becomes a bloodbath.
If you agree, that's great. If you choose not to agree, that's ok to. Either way, my goal is simply, finding some sort of common ground.
May the blessings of whoever or whatever you follow be with you.
Blessed Be,
Angel
