Is God Immoral?

[Adrift]

Oh look, I see the cool kids think I'm stupid for advocating forgiveness to end a cycle of violence. here

Kelp, I'm very disappointed that you find my responses worthy of derision in your treehouse. For a brief moment there, you were a reasonable and thoughtful guy.

While the screwball threads (and the tektonics subforum in general) tends to leave a bad taste in my mouth because it often serves as an echoing chamber of negativity, I think for some folks its used as a place to help resolve arguments that they're presented with that they have trouble reconciling. I think for both theists and non-theists there are far better places to work through these topics (maybe the Systematic Theology subforums for theists and the Theistic Metaphysics subforums for nontheists), but the truth is, the Screwball thread has a much higher rate of visibility, and so questions are probably going to be answered there at a much quicker rate. Its not an optimal system, but if I see something that I can hopefully help people work through relatively quickly, I'll ignore the chaff, and throw in my 2 cents. Its not limited to theists as far as I know, so non-theists can post there, but there is sometimes a gang up mentality that exists there, so I suppose its sometimes considered a safe zone for theists.

[pancreasman]

While the screwball threads (and the tektonics subforum in general) tends to leave a bad taste in my mouth because it often serves as an echoing chamber of negativity, I think for some folks its used as a place to help resolve arguments that they're presented with that they have trouble reconciling. I think for both theists and non-theists there are far better places to work through these topics (maybe the Systematic Theology subforums for theists and the Theistic Metaphysics subforums for nontheists), but the truth is, the Screwball thread has a much higher rate of visibility, and so questions are probably going to be answered there at a much quicker rate. Its not an optimal system, but if I see something that I can hopefully help people work through relatively quickly, I'll ignore the chaff, and throw in my 2 cents. Its not limited to theists as far as I know, so non-theists can post there, but there is sometimes a gang up mentality that exists there, so I suppose its sometimes considered a safe zone for theists.

I did see your contribution there which added some sense. Kelp wasn't asking a question. He was implying my statement about forgiveness was STUPID. I swear I'll never understand Christianity.

[Kelp(p)]

Oh look, I see the cool kids think I'm stupid for advocating forgiveness to end a cycle of violence. here

Kelp, I'm very disappointed that you find my responses worthy of derision in your treehouse. For a brief moment there, you were a reasonable and thoughtful guy.

Not stupid, just acting like a selfish, pampered, moderner.

It was very disappointing to nominate you. I thought you were better than that.

[Adrift]

I did see your contribution there which added some sense. Kelp wasn't asking a question. He was implying my statement about forgiveness was STUPID. I swear I'll never understand Christianity.

Probably more a people thing than a Christian thing.

[pancreasman]

Not stupid, just acting like a selfish, pampered, moderner.

It was very disappointing to nominate you. I thought you were better than that.

What??? are you going for the Paprika award? I have never, as far as I know, stooped to name calling you. I'm flabbergasted. I'm sorry if I don't meet your standards.

[whag]

Not stupid, just acting like a selfish, pampered, moderner.

It was very disappointing to nominate you. I thought you were better than that.

People who bristle at the thought of baby stabbing are "selfish pampered moderners." That's rich.

[pancreasman]

There ALWAYS a good reason to kill somebody. I think true morality is when you have a reason to kill someone but don't. That's what makes the idea of forgiveness so radical.

Here's my direct quote. As far as I was aware, forgiveness is fundamental to Christianity and I was applauding it. We are all deeply moved when the relative of a murder victim forgives the murderer. That takes real strength. Forgiveness needs strength. It's a moral example that I would have thought we all aspire to. I honestly have no idea why I'm selfish for saying it.

[KingsGambit]

While the screwball threads (and the tektonics subforum in general) tends to leave a bad taste in my mouth because it often serves as an echoing chamber of negativity, I think for some folks its used as a place to help resolve arguments that they're presented with that they have trouble reconciling. I think for both theists and non-theists there are far better places to work through these topics (maybe the Systematic Theology subforums for theists and the Theistic Metaphysics subforums for nontheists), but the truth is, the Screwball thread has a much higher rate of visibility, and so questions are probably going to be answered there at a much quicker rate. Its not an optimal system, but if I see something that I can hopefully help people work through relatively quickly, I'll ignore the chaff, and throw in my 2 cents. Its not limited to theists as far as I know, so non-theists can post there, but there is sometimes a gang up mentality that exists there, so I suppose its sometimes considered a safe zone for theists.

I've had thoughts something like this before and it's nice to know that I'm not the only person who has had thoughts along those lines. In the past I'll admit to having posted things there before that would have objectively fit better elsewhere, but that I knew would probably get ignored elsewhere.

[Kelp(p)]

He's exploring eastern orthodoxy and seems a tad liberal. I'm actually surprised he's gravitated to Holding's camp for encouragement.

The Eastern Orthodox are actually in general nearly reactionary, especially overseas. It's just some elements of their theology and pastoral practice are a tad looser (and yes, often more compassionate) owing partially to not developing the Western preoccupation with theological systematization.

But actually I am pretty liberal politically, but I'm used to clashing with super conservatives like my father so I anticipate friction (and keeping largely silent) in that area if I convert. I just go where the best arguments are.

I have my disagreements with some of Holding's choices, but by and large I think he's an awesome guy who only ridicules those who deserve it. I've been a fan of his articles from years past (though I agree about his animation, unfortunately).

[KingsGambit]

He's exploring eastern orthodoxy and seems a tad liberal. I'm actually surprised he's gravitated to Holding's camp for encouragement.

These categories, combined, don't quite seem as contradictory as you might think. There are a number of people who post in the Tekton section who are either Orthodox or have sympathies in that direction. (I'm not one of them.)

[Kelp(p)]

What??? are you going for the Paprika award? I have never, as far as I know, stooped to name calling you. I'm flabbergasted. I'm sorry if I don't meet your standards.

Key words- acting like a. I didn't say you were a selfish, pampered, moderner. I fully admit that I've said many things falling into the same category.

[KingsGambit]

My suggestion is that we not be quick to screwball-nominate posters who generally have a record of being reasonable, nuanced, and honest. I think pancreasman falls in that category.

[Adrift]

My suggestion is that we not be quick to screwball-nominate posters who generally have a record of being reasonable, nuanced, and honest. I think pancreasman falls in that category.

I've gone so far as to advocate getting rid of the Screwball threads altogether. Yeah, that didn't go over too well.

[pancreasman]

Key words- acting like a. I didn't say you were a selfish, pampered, moderner. I fully admit that I've said many things falling into the same category.

That strikes me as just semantics. I've obviously p'ed you off and you had to go show how stupid I was being without the context of our conversation. I'll be honest and say I was really hurt. (Yeah, I know, I should be tough like Darth Executor.)

More generally, as I've said before I think the screwballs thread is childish and nasty. It's one of the main reason I left Tweb in the old days. I believe I had thread about where I got roundly criticised by the 'gang'. It shows complete and utter disdain for the 'other'. You know you're dismissed and thought little of. It's ugly.

[Darth Executor]

My suggestion is that we not be quick to screwball-nominate posters who generally have a record of being reasonable, nuanced, and honest. I think pancreasman falls in that category.

I'm surprised you of all people would say this considering your history of nominating comments just because you don't like them, while frequently not even understanding them.

I don't think the comment was worth nominating either though.