Offensive language

[aschleman]

How offensive is "bad" language? I mean... How many people on this site are offended by "bad" words?????? I don't think I have ever been offended by a single "bad" word that someone has said... so why is censoriship such a big deal. Especially on this forum? Over 60% of the people that use it are over 18 and the ones that are under... I must say, are pretty mature... I understand setting an example... being a role model... I appreciate that point of view. I don't cuss a lot and I don't use excessive "bad" language... but I'm trying to understand why censorship has to leak so far out that it effects every aspects of our life... our music, our television, our internet experience... you have to get in trouble in order to express your true freedoms... you know what I mean? I'm not talking about racial slurs or durogatory comments that are said to hurt people and condescend... I personally am not offended by them... But I will put someone in their place if they use them around me becuase racism is just another word for ignorance...

[PRSplaya]

I'm offended when someone say G**D***, but thats about it.

[Cryptic Excretions]

I am not offended by any form of profane language out there. Not one shred of it. There's merely just a concept behind all the words and the concept is only bad if I really think it's bad. Words to describe physical acts of nature between two people don't bother me. Especially not since there are so many euphemisms out there that literally mean the same thing but for some reason people condone them instead. If a euphemism can be accepted then so can anything else. Same with words that apply to the anatomy, condemnation, female dogs and everything else that people seem to frown on. There's always a way to say the same thing with a different word but mean the same thing, so the point of being offended is lost... to me anyway. Of course the world doesn't work this way. There are a lot of people out there that don't see things the way I do and were raised to strictly believe that profanity is bad and that the concept of the words is so harsh that it dare not be spoken. Of course because there are people that were raised like that they'll **** a brick when they see it without it being censored. I think it's all a load, but I guess it's a pipe dream to hope that everyone could agree so I'm not worried about it. I'm not going to clean my mouth up though. I've been cussing since the 3rd grade. That's what happens when your father insists that you help him work on his car. Only thing I learned out of that was how to piss people off.

[Kevin Taylor]

I'm not offended by bad language either.
However, I'd prefer not to read it when I'm trying to find information.
As for GuitarTricks, it's available worldwide, 24/7 to a general audience which includes people under 12 years old with parents who like to get very angry when Timmy reads swear words. Hence the reason for the rules here.

[aschleman]

I'm not offended by bad language either.
However, I'd prefer not to read it when I'm trying to find information.
As for GuitarTricks, it's available worldwide, 24/7 to a general audience which includes people under 12 years old with parents who like to get very angry when Timmy reads swear words. Hence the reason for the rules here.

I understand that completly, and I'm not saying that rules are bad. I'm just saying that if you sit back and think about it... they're just words. Either written or spoken... they're just words. People are so sensitive to allow simple words to alter their emotions... I am amazed at how mentally and emotionally stable people are. It's like a mother who sues a rock band becuase her son listened to their music... then killed himself.... well, be a parent and get involved in your childs life. It's not the words of the band that put the noose around your childs neck. I just think people need to stop pointing fingers at things for the problems of society... they need to stop pointing fingers at simple words... Things will never change and I deal with it... It's just sad................................. I think I'm going to write a song about this......

Sorry for my rant. It's just that amidst all the ignorant people. "Freedom of speech" is a phrase lost in translation...

[Kevin Taylor]

> I understand that completly, and I'm not saying that rules are bad. I'm
> just saying that if you sit back and think about it... they're just
> words. Either written or spoken... they're just words.

So I guess if somebody posted information here about how to manufacture terrorist bombs, or how to molest children you'd be ok with that?
After all, they're just words too.

[Dr_simon]

I totally agree with Schmange.

In addition it also add a sense of decorum which discourages flaming and all those other things that turn a cool, friendly informative resource into a war zone.

[HDJ]

I never understood the concept of a "bad" word....There is a "good" word for every "bad" word, and they have the same definitions.....I want to know who decided one day to spread around these words and start the revolution that they are "bad" words.

In my opinion there is only one curse word, GD!!!

[Leedogg]

I like cuss words a whole big bunch. I like the fact that they are so taboo to use, because if they weren't; they wouldn't be as fun to say. I need close-minded douchebags out there telling me how I should think, live, act, and feel about everything. That way when I do the exact opposite, I feel like I'm getting away with something.

Kinda like all those girls I went to college with who grew up in really strict religious households. When they got to college and realized no one was around to tell them how to respond to everything, because they'd been so excruciatingly sheltered their whole lives, they usually ended up doing really dirty things. And I was more than happy to be there to facilitate said activiites.

[hunter60]

Although I agree that they are just words, when you have a site/forum like this where it is accessible to anyone at any age, any time, well, we really need to keep an eye on what we're posting. If this was an adult only site then the idea of censoring what you post may not make much sense, but it's not.

I've always liked what my 8th grade English teacher said, "Your choice of language use is one of the first and most powerful impressions you leave on a another person. You can choose to sound smart and articulate or course and brash. Choose wisely."

If you can't express yourself without dropping a word that someone else is likely to be offended by then perhaps you have to look at what it is that you're trying to say.

[Dr_simon]

I thing the thing that makes them bad is that people get offended by them. I don't but others will.

[PonyOne]

i swear like a sailor. i am full of profanity. but it's for emphatic purposes, generally... "my head f-ing hurts" or "nah, i didn't take that apartment.... it looks like s---." i have absolutely nothing against "bad words," "cursing," "swearing," "cussing" or "profanity" whatsoever. I also know when it's not appropriate to use it; for better or worse, if you're a politician and you're speaking to a group and you drop the F bomb, people are going to talk. Especially on today's completely and utterly retarded morality kick, people are going to question whether you're a clean enough person to lead.

So at work, I don't swear (until i'm in the break room). I don't when I'm talknig to a group of people, unless they're people like me.

What I don't like is when people use words as insults... racial, ethnic, classist and religious insults that really do hurt people when they hear them. that's not right.

oh and for future reference, i probably will swear around my kids, and won't mind them swearing much either, but, i respect others' desire not to have their kids do it.

[Cryptic Excretions]

i swear like a sailor. i am full of profanity. but it's for emphatic purposes, generally... "my head f-ing hurts" or "nah, i didn't take that apartment.... it looks like s---." i have absolutely nothing against "bad words," "cursing," "swearing," "cussing" or "profanity" whatsoever. I also know when it's not appropriate to use it; for better or worse, if you're a politician and you're speaking to a group and you drop the F bomb, people are going to talk. Especially on today's completely and utterly retarded morality kick, people are going to question whether you're a clean enough person to lead.

So at work, I don't swear (until i'm in the break room). I don't when I'm talknig to a group of people, unless they're people like me.
That pretty much routes to "there's a time and a place for everything." A lot of my coworkers were shocked when I told them how foul of a mouth I actually have. Some of them refused to believe me since I'm (somehow) able to clean it up a lot come business hours. Other coworkers have the fortunate experience of me splurging a damn, hell or **** here and there. But I've never dropped the "F" down.

[Akira]

Personally I'm not offended by swear words. But I agree with the above posts; there is a time and a place.

[t_shirtsnjeans]

One question, why use them?

If intelligence is to be shown then why swear words? I feel that when I hear innappropriate words then I have lost respect for the person using them. I can have a conversation that lasts hours and not one swear word, or cuss word, would be said and emotions could still be expressed, but when one swear word is spoken it makes the whole conversation less valuable.


Well, that was more than 'one question', but you know what I mean, if it needs profanity to make a point then what was the point? Shock? Even biting the head off of bats gets old and then it's a matter of getting a shot so you don't get infected.

[Jolly McJollyson]

One question, why use them?

If intelligence is to be shown then why swear words? I feel that when I hear innappropriate words then I have lost respect for the person using them. I can have a conversation that lasts hours and not one swear word, or cuss word, would be said and emotions could still be expressed, but when one swear word is spoken it makes the whole conversation less valuable.


Well, that was more than 'one question', but you know what I mean, if it needs profanity to make a point then what was the point? Shock? Even biting the head off of bats gets old and then it's a matter of getting a shot so you don't get infected.
True, however, I tend to avoid foul language in my writing more than my everyday speaking. Speaking really isn't critiqued academically, and I enjoy saying **** every other word.

[PonyOne]

If intelligence is to be shown then why swear words? I feel that when I hear innappropriate words then I have lost respect for the person using them. I can have a conversation that lasts hours and not one swear word, or cuss word, would be said and emotions could still be expressed, but when one swear word is spoken it makes the whole conversation less valuable.
what if that mindset makes you lose the point of a very powerful conversation? what makes any variety of profane words different from any other words, other than the fact they show a severe emphasis on a certain thing?

once upon a time, compound words and conjunctions were improper. "don't," "aren't," "can't" were and in some circles still are considered improper english, yet every dignitary from every english speaking country uses them, you hear them at a country club, etc. Ten years ago, "bitch" was considered a bad word, now it's accepted in the mainstream.

[Cryptic Excretions]

what if that mindset makes you lose the point of a very powerful conversation? what makes any variety of profane words different from any other words, other than the fact they show a severe emphasis on a certain thing?

once upon a time, compound words and conjunctions were improper. "don't," "aren't," "can't" were and in some circles still are considered improper english, yet every dignitary from every english speaking country uses them, you hear them at a country club, etc. Ten years ago, "bitch" was considered a bad word, now it's accepted in the mainstream.
And it will only be a matter of time until words that begin with "S" and/or "F" also become mainstream and will then be replaced by other words. I can think of one that begins with a "C" that seems to be offending a number of people.

I'm similar to Jolly on the notion that when I write lyrically or poetically 95% of the time I don't use a single shred of profanity. Every so often I'll come across a song that has a topic that is welcoming, but I prefer to not be obscene in lyrics. Casual talk is completely different though. I don't care about that. It's not formal and if someone seems to think that I must not have anything worth while to say because there's profanity involved then... well, sure, I'll let them have that point if it means they're going to leave me alone.

[The Ace]

One question, why use them?

If intelligence is to be shown then why swear words? I feel that when I hear innappropriate words then I have lost respect for the person using them.

BAM! That's my point exactly. If they are just words, then can't you simply just use other ones? When someone starts to swear, it just makes them seem overly angry.

It can be soooo much more intimidating and devestating even to use more "sophisticated" words.

Which sounds cooler to you?

You're a ****** wuss!

or

how can you look at yourself, I mean you're such a caitiff!

caitiff: despicable or cowardly person.

Pick up a dictionary every once in awhile! Does it hurt you to be educated?

[Meta]

Does it hurt you to be educated?

Yes, Now shut up and make me a sandwich

[t_shirtsnjeans]

Words aren't just words. They have an impact. And if the 'words are just words' then why call them 'profane'? Also, when you train your dog on just 'word' commands and you say 'KILL' or 'ATTACK' as the dog is trained will it do as told due to mere 'words'?
Profanity uses empty worthless words. If you call someone a 'f'ing idiot' are they really an idiot who 'f's? Hmm, ok, that would be descriptive, but would it be a slam?
Totally pointless to use profanity. It takes a little more brain power to avoid those words instead of 'like' this and 'like' that like I know like when like I was in like school and like it was like cool to like 'like' someone without like really loving them and like they'd go like to parties and like be cool ya know, like how would you like like it if like they like acted like you?

Go ahead and use profanity, it'll make you like look like the idiot like that uses other like useless like words.

[Leedogg]

Words aren't just words. They have an impact. And if the 'words are just words' then why call them 'profane'? Also, when you train your dog on just 'word' commands and you say 'KILL' or 'ATTACK' as the dog is trained will it do as told due to mere 'words'?
Profanity uses empty worthless words. If you call someone a 'f'ing idiot' are they really an idiot who 'f's? Hmm, ok, that would be descriptive, but would it be a slam?
Totally pointless to use profanity. It takes a little more brain power to avoid those words instead of 'like' this and 'like' that like I know like when like I was in like school and like it was like cool to like 'like' someone without like really loving them and like they'd go like to parties and like be cool ya know, like how would you like like it if like they like acted like you?

Go ahead and use profanity, it'll make you like look like the idiot like that uses other like useless like words.


They're not useless. They're very charged words that have a tangible connotation just like any other words.

[Cryptic Excretions]

Words aren't just words. They have an impact. And if the 'words are just words' then why call them 'profane'? Also, when you train your dog on just 'word' commands and you say 'KILL' or 'ATTACK' as the dog is trained will it do as told due to mere 'words'?
Profanity uses empty worthless words. If you call someone a 'f'ing idiot' are they really an idiot who 'f's? Hmm, ok, that would be descriptive, but would it be a slam?
Totally pointless to use profanity. It takes a little more brain power to avoid those words instead of 'like' this and 'like' that like I know like when like I was in like school and like it was like cool to like 'like' someone without like really loving them and like they'd go like to parties and like be cool ya know, like how would you like like it if like they like acted like you?

Go ahead and use profanity, it'll make you like look like the idiot like that uses other like useless like words.
Hold the phone here. Profanity doesn't make people look like the idiot. You might look like a jackass if you go into a nursery and tell all the kids Carlin's 7 dirty words. But that's still different since you're violating other peoples' right to moderate what their kids hear. As an adult I am capable of deciding what I say and I have no problem with cleaning my mouth up if it's needed (like at work or some formal situation). But if you catch me when I'm just kicking back at home then you're going to hear verbal filth. Why use the words? Why not? I always find it more pompous of another person to belittle others and assume they're idiots because of their personal use of rhetorics. Especially in an informal situation. If you don't want to use profanity then that's fine. I support your decision to do what you feel is right for you. If you prefer to be in a profanity clean environment then I still support you. But if you think I lack worth while thoughts and knowledge because I use profanity then I disagree.

[Jolly McJollyson]

Go ahead and use profanity, it'll make you like look like the idiot like that uses other like useless like words.
Unlike inexplicably inserting "like" after every word of a sentence, "profane" words can modify, express various emotions (as opposed to merely hesitation and uncertainty), and add an element of humour. If I say "Aw jeez, it's raining again." I sound dissapointed. If I say "It's raining again. F***." It gives the reader a sense of utter contempt, dejection, and bitterness, all with one word. A combination of syllables means nothing, words cannot hurt anyone. It is HOW these words are used that can hurt people. If I say to my dog "Kill!" and it has been trained to respond to that word in a violent manner, it will. If it has been trained to respond to the word "pillow" in a violent manner, it will. Were I to scream profanity at a person in an angry tone "ahhh **** you, you ****ing dumbass! Don't you know where your god damn going, you piece of ****!!!?" Obviously that would be inappropriate. If my friend said to me "Dude, I totally found a twenty-dollar bill" and I responded with "Oh **** YOU!" It wouldn't be at all out of line. Even if my language WEREN'T profane, for example, "What are you, retarded?" "Move it, jackass!" or "Women can't drive, and black people are cretins whose only strength lies in armed robbery," my words could be hurtful, not because each word individually aims to offend, but because the concept as a whole, when uttered to the right people, will shock the hearers and damage their self-esteem. In the same way, if I said "****" entirely without context, it would be nigh on meaningless. However, if I said "**** you, I hate you. You disgust me you ****ing milquetoast prick." THAT is insulting. Hurtful and offensive language doesn't lie in the words you say, it's found in your context and aim to insult.

[iiholly]

I'm offended by curse words. :(

[Poontang_clan]

yea i agree that there is a right time and place for them but younger people wouldn't know when it is and neither do some older people. Thats why there is so much censorship because if the wrong people hear it they think "hey thats a cool word i should use it more often" then they'll start swearing at friends teachers and their parents. I'm sure the average person wouldn't be offended if someone says "f***" out of nowhere but most people would be offended it you say "hey, f*** you". At least thats what i think....

[Andrew Sa]

I am not offended by much bad language, but there are certain things that really bother me...only racist terminology...I cant stand that...the "K-word" in South Africa is still used by lots of white South Africans...the moment I hear it, I just politely remove myself from conversation with the speaker(hopefully never to return)...strangely this is almost the only word I find offensive...I guess it is because the sting of many racist terms has been numbed by the group they refer to...but not the "K-word"(I just cant say or type it...hopefully u all know what I am talking about).

[Jon Broderick]

I have this idea that there is a connection between profanity and flaming.

If you allow profanity, people somehow act worse than if you don't allow profanity. Maybe it is because the profanity filter makes people think about their own behavior a little bit.

In real life, there are controls in place (social mores, employment, cops) that enforce certain speech and behavior. On the web, that isn't always so. Maybe the profanity filter moves people toward one form of behavior and away from another.

This conversation makes me think of the difference between the conversations you have in a coffee place and the conversations you have in a bar.

[Leedogg]

I am not offended by much bad language, but there are certain things that really bother me...only racist terminology...I cant stand that...the "K-word" in South Africa is still used by lots of white South Africans...the moment I hear it, I just politely remove myself from conversation with the speaker(hopefully never to return)...strangely this is almost the only word I find offensive...I guess it is because the sting of many racist terms has been numbed by the group they refer to...but not the "K-word"(I just cant say or type it...hopefully u all know what I am talking about).

wtf is the K word? The only disparaging word I can think of that begins with a "K" references Jews.

[Andrew Sa]

I hoped this would not happen...I dont know if it used extensively by anyone other than racist South Africans hey, so it may actually mean nothing to you...but growing up in a liberal household, it is word I HATE! I think it was initially a muslim term for any "non-believer". but somehow it was adapted to mean "black person"...ok, here it is...I feel like I should be wispering...Kaffir...ok, I said it....now no-one get mad please!

[Cryptic Excretions]

I hoped this would not happen...I dont know if it used extensively by anyone other than racist South Africans hey, so it may actually mean nothing to you...but growing up in a liberal household, it is word I HATE! I think it was initially a muslim term for any "non-believer". but somehow it was adapted to mean "black person"...ok, here it is...I feel like I should be wispering...Kaffir...ok, I said it....now no-one get mad please!
I've never heard of that one before.

[Leedogg]

I've never heard that word before in my life. It's amazing how you have to be conditioned to understand the context of any word.

[Andrew Sa]

thought you might not have...I dont think it is used outside of South Africa really...but it is really so bad because of what it represents and did represent in the apartheid era...and it hasnt been numbed by ibonics etc (like "******" has) it is just digusting! I am unable to explain how much I despise that word!

[Raskolnikov]

I've never heard of that one before.
You've never seen Lethal Weapon 2?


Damn.

I feel old.

[Cryptic Excretions]

You've never seen Lethal Weapon 2?


Damn.

I feel old.
What's lethal weapon 2? Yes, that's a joke.

[The Ace]

Kaffir

It's basically the African equivelent of our "N" word, which has, awfully, been used as a racial slur for African-Americans.

I just don't see why the world needs profane language. In my mind, it's a simple question of morality, more than anything.

Many, many years ago, so I've been told, it was considered extremely rude for a gentleman to wear a hat in a public building, such as a town hall, a school, library, etc... Of course, things have changed since then. Now people think that's ridiculous.

But if we keep going on like we are now, the same things will happen with our profane language. We may think it's rude or "profane," but our next generation will think that we are being completely ridiculous. It will be a sad day when I hear, say, a 5-year old, dropping the F-bomb.

I just don't see why you wouldn't want to sound more sophisticated.

[fretboarddragon]

I'm totally falling into agreement with the "time and place" thing. When I meet someone for the first time, I talk very civilized and watch how the conversation develops. If the other person starts using profanity, I loosen up and use the minor ones, that way he/she might feel a little more comfortable instead of maybe thinking "I wonder if this swearing bothers him?" Then again, they probably don't care or they wouldn't be doing it in the first place. But I'm going to tell you right here and now....I'm a truck driver, and I INVENT new curse words every day. If the general public could hear some of the conversations I have on the CB radio, parents would be poking their kids' eardrums out with sharp objects to alleviate the pressure.
Now, when I come to a place like this that specifically asks for no profanity, I don't consider it a violation of my right to free speech. They're asking a small favor...please be polite and respectful, and I do just that. I can make your ears bleed in half a sentence, but is it necessary? No. Why do I do it then? Good question. Nobody ever commends me on my skillfull weaving of profane tapestries. Just a bad habit, I guess.

[Cryptic Excretions]

It's basically the African equivelent of our "N" word, which has, awfully, been used as a racial slur for African-Americans.

I just don't see why the world needs profane language. In my mind, it's a simple question of morality, more than anything.

Many, many years ago, so I've been told, it was considered extremely rude for a gentleman to wear a hat in a public building, such as a town hall, a school, library, etc... Of course, things have changed since then. Now people think that's ridiculous.

But if we keep going on like we are now, the same things will happen with our profane language. We may think it's rude or "profane," but our next generation will think that we are being completely ridiculous. It will be a sad day when I hear, say, a 5-year old, dropping the F-bomb.

I just don't see why you wouldn't want to sound more sophisticated.
Well, that's where the opinion really takes a deeper impact. Some people really just don't care to be sophisticated. I'll be sophisticated, but leisure. Some friends of mine just don't care at all about being like that. It's not a personality they wish to be. Keep in mind that some of them are some of the smartest people I know in their age range (all of which are about a year younger than me). They just don't have any concern for that kind of lifestyle and for that I support them. If it works, don't fix it, right?

[t_shirtsnjeans]

Anyone in the KKK?


Three little words put together, heck, just three letters, all the same, do you suppose those are offensive?


I'm finding that if I give my Christian views on things regardless what they are I am being offensive by sharing my beliefs.


Sit back and watch. Someone's gonna say something about what I just wrote. Christianity is very offensive to most of the human population, but I am a Christian. Any objections?


(btw, the first sentence is just an example of something very offensive to me.)

[Hammurabi]

Sit back and watch. Someone's gonna say something about what I just wrote. Christianity is very offensive to most of the human population, but I am a Christian. Any objections?

What's up with the persecution complex? Something like three quarters of the population of the United States is christian and you guys have been the most politically powerful group in the west since about 300ad. You can stop pretending like you're still being fed to the lions already.

[CW14]

It's basically the African equivelent of our "N" word, which has, awfully, been used as a racial slur for African-Americans.

I just don't see why the world needs profane language. In my mind, it's a simple question of morality, more than anything.

Many, many years ago, so I've been told, it was considered extremely rude for a gentleman to wear a hat in a public building, such as a town hall, a school, library, etc... Of course, things have changed since then. Now people think that's ridiculous.

But if we keep going on like we are now, the same things will happen with our profane language. We may think it's rude or "profane," but our next generation will think that we are being completely ridiculous. It will be a sad day when I hear, say, a 5-year old, dropping the F-bomb.

I just don't see why you wouldn't want to sound more sophisticated.
I actually find people who use excessive profanity rather ridiculous. They can't think of anything remotely imaginative to say so they fill their sentences with ****. I only use words like that when I'm trying to strongly emphasize something (or if I'm ticked off)

[Cryptic Excretions]

I actually find people who use excessive profanity rather ridiculous. They can't think of anything remotely imaginative to say so they fill their sentences with ****. I only use words like that when I'm trying to strongly emphasize something (or if I'm ticked off)
Unlike the person who might be using excessive profanity to strongly emphasize a lot of things they say.

[t_shirtsnjeans]

What's up with the persecution complex? Something like three quarters of the population of the United States is christian and you guys have been the most politically powerful group in the west since about 300ad. You can stop pretending like you're still being fed to the lions already.
Exactly, persecution, but I'm not having a complex about it. 3/4ths? Nah, just a minority are actually Christians, most others claim to be, and then there are the countries that claim buddha, mohammad(?), cows, etc, and that covers about 8/9ths of the world's population.

But like I said, it's offensive.

[Hammurabi]

Exactly, persecution, but I'm not having a complex about it.

You're pretending it still happens here on a significant level. If the majority found christianity to be offensive do you think we would still have 'under god' in our pledge? Do you think the issue of gay marriage would even still be debated? Do you think stem cell research would be illegal?

3/4ths? Nah, just a minority are actually Christians, most others claim to be,

I don't feel like getting in a debate over what "real" christians are. The actual statistic is that 76% of the Unites States is christian. If you disagree with that you should do your own survey instead of just pretending like it's wrong because it disagrees with your narrow and unjustified view of the world.

and then there are the countries that claim buddha, mohammad(?), cows, etc, and that covers about 8/9ths of the world's population.

I hate to break it to you, but christianity is the largest religion in the world. Two billion people is not a persecuted minority, it's a superpower.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/worldrel.gif

[The Ace]

I was just about to bring up that chart!

[**rodney**]

hello everybody

[Hammurabi]

Hello, and welcome to the forum.

[t_shirtsnjeans]

You're pretending it still happens here on a significant level. If the majority found christianity to be offensive do you think we would still have 'under god' in our pledge? Do you think the issue of gay marriage would even still be debated? Do you think stem cell research would be illegal?



I don't feel like getting in a debate over what "real" christians are. The actual statistic is that 76% of the Unites States is christian. If you disagree with that you should do your own survey instead of just pretending like it's wrong because it disagrees with your narrow and unjustified view of the world.



I hate to break it to you, but christianity is the largest religion in the world. Two billion people is not a persecuted minority, it's a superpower.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/worldrel.gif
#1. "Under God" is under fire.
#2. 'Gay marriages' are still being pushed to be legalized
#3. The stem cell research is being persued regardless of 'laws'
#4. "Real" Christians? That's what I was saying, what are 'real' Christians?
#5. '76%' is just a statistic
#6. 'Narrow and unjustified view', hmmm, so who is on the offensive?
#7. 'Two billion' out of almost 7 billion, still rings of minority, even if those numbers aren't quite up to actual true Christians.

Anyone see the irony?

Thank you.

[The Ace]

#2. 'Gay marriages' are still being pushed to be legalized


Wait a minute, I'm a little confused. Are you saying this is anti-Christian?

[Hammurabi]

#1. "Under God" is under fire.

Under fire? A couple people have b*tched about it, but it's never been a serious issue. It would have been discarded a long time ago without a christian majority supporting it.

#2. 'Gay marriages' are still being pushed to be legalized

By a minority. If there was no christian majority homosexuality would probably not even be a significant subject for debate.

#3. The stem cell research is being persued regardless of 'laws'

"Laws"? What's with the quotes?

It would be legal except for an ignorant christian majority who doesn't know anything about science. The legalization of stem cell research would save lives.

#4. "Real" Christians? That's what I was saying, what are 'real' Christians?

Watch your ego. It's not your place to say who is and isn't a real christian.

#5. '76%' is just a statistic

Just a statistic? The word you're looking for is "reality".

#6. 'Narrow and unjustified view', hmmm, so who is on the offensive?

You started this argument by begging to be attacked for your beliefs. Because I have a deep personal hatred of christianity, I thought it would be appropriate to oblige.

Your view that christians are a persecuted minority is unjustified in that christianity is the largest and most powerful religious group both in the United States and in the world. Your beliefs are narrow in that you are deliberately ignoring reality.


#7. 'Two billion' out of almost 7 billion, still rings of minority, even if those numbers aren't quite up to actual true Christians.

It's the largest, wealthiest, and most politically powerful group. That's pretty stupid of you trying to weight christianity against everything else in one united block.

Anyone see the irony?

Wake up and smell the ignorance.


This thread just got way off topic and I'm getting the feeling that it's about to get locked. If you want to continue this discussion it would probably be better to email me or start a new thread so this one doesn't go down in flames.

[iiholly]

I find it hard to hate Christians. This may be because I was raised a Catholic, and I'm still kind of leaning to Catholicism as my main religion. But most of the view in which Christians believe aren't that bad. There's some dumb stuff like the verses against homosexuality. But The Bible was written for simpler people in a simpler time. Just those who translate everything too literally, there comes the problem. Also, Jesus never said anything (in the bible) against homosexuality.
I dislike a bunch of people some of them are christians, some are islaamic, and one is even buddhist (god I hate that lady, I hope she burns in hell). You can't just a person by their religion, but rather you have to look into their character and personal beliefs.

[Hammurabi]

The problem is where does one draw the line between what should be taken literally and what shouldn't?

[The Ace]

But The Bible was written for simpler people in a simpler time. Just those who translate everything too literally, there comes the problem.

EXACTLY! Although some of us may not realize it, times have changed since the centuries ago these events were written. Unless the religion can be updated to fit the times, how can we take everything in it literally? I'm a faithful Christian, but that doesn't mean I think everything's right about Christianity.

Was Martin Luther a Christian? When he distributed his 95 Theses in 1517, he shocked the Christian world - yet he managed to start a whole new branch of the religion! He showed us that we didn't need to listen to everything the Church said to be Christians. Why did he say that? Because at this time, the Church was becoming corrupt, with Friars such as Johann Tetzels selling indulgences. As the time changed, the religion needed to be changed as well.

Centuries later, we have had no major change. Unlike, say, our government, which has the potential to change everyday, the Bible cannot simply have a section erased. But unless the religion is fitted with the times, some parts of it should not be taken literally, in my opinion.