[(JD)]

<font color="blue"> It amazes me how each year, this holiday season, the media and people in general (and some here at PC) think it means "open season" to attack the belief of Christ. At no other time, for no other holiday does this occur.

There are no attacks on Valentine's act.
There are no attacks on Hannukah, a festival of lights stemming from their belief in a MIRACLE...nothing to question their beliefs.
There are no attacks for Ramadan, nor on the origin of this.
There are no attacks on St Patrick's day.
There are no attacks regarding Father's and Mother's Day.
There have been no attacks on the NEW celebration of Kwanzaa.

BUT it seems quite ok to attack Christmas (and Easter.) AND not only that, but to attack it and us (as believers) during the very time we are trying to have the most wonderful celebration. Well it isn't ok. So tell ppl to stop it! Tell them to get over it!

I wish it would stop raining on our parades

[SeptemberMorn]

Here! Here!

Sky, consider this. Christians are more of a threat to those that don't have a faith than anyone else is. You think, maybe?

We have something they don't have! We have strength in our faith, in what we know to be true. We have a Divine Saviour!

[DenVII]

That's interesting, Sky.

What I've seen here is you attacking Islam and misquoting their Holy Book (saying it sentenced you to death) and then being corrected on it (which you didn't like).

Maybe it's all in your point of view.

Especially at this time of year (which is also Sacred to the Jews and Muslims) we should be careful of such things.

[SeptemberMorn]

Sky, I've been thinking about your post and the attacks that have been made on our beliefs here in this forum. Apparetly, some people don't understand the meaning of Sanctuary and neither do they understand the meaning of respect for others.

Since Christ's time, He and His followers have been attacked and even more so "as the time draws near." If our witness here, as our faith is expressed in our posts is what draws those attacks, then what IMO would be wise for us believers to do is ask ourselves, "What would Christ do?" How did He respond to those that attacked and questioned Him? He didn't attack back nor did He defend His identity. He simply stated who He was in the flesh and moved on.

IMO, I don't think these people that come here for the sole purpose of ridiculing us, calling us names and to make trouble, deserve a response. They state their position. Ok. So? All we can really do is pray for them and pray for the safety of this forum. These people, if they were truly looking for the Truth, would come here with an open mind and read, maybe ask some questions and either accept or reject.

I strongly suggest that all believers that come to this forum be Immitators of Christ. Let's not allow our baser instincts to take over and in doing so, lower our standards for a higher calling.

"Peace. Be still."

[(JD)]

Certainly!

I'm glad that DocJohn has once again suggested to anyone who doesn't wish to be supportive in the SPIRITUAL way ?? not visit the forum. That works for me

[moodyblu]

I don't post too much...unless it's to state a few beliefs/verses or pray for someone.
I was insulted by what a few have been saying...not just about Christians in general..but about our Savior's birth.
What could be more insulting to Christians this time of year?
I liken it to nothing more than a troll under the "bridge of faith" trying to break the "supports".
What other reason is there for someone to come here who is not spiritual and who does not support those who are?
J.M.H.O....m.b.

[nothemama8]

spirituality is also having faith, respecting an others faith and belifs is important

[DenVII]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>

I strongly suggest that all believers that come to this forum be Immitators of Christ.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Den says:

Well, if this were a Christian forum you might have a point. It's not, so you don't.

A "believer" might be from a number of different religions......and all deserve equal treatment.

As has been stated above, one should respect the religions of others.....that respect includes refraining from acting as though YOUR religion is the only one or the only correct one.

Anyone who can't do that should indeed refrain from visiting the forum.

[(JD)]

[mlyn]

Oh my religion is such a catagory topic. I bet if we could talk spiritual there just may be a differance. Are we not all agreed that we are spiritual beings in flesh form? And does not our flesh form cause much prblms. Ooops maybe I should start this in new topic. My belief is in Jesus Christ as my Savior. But does not mean that I choose some sort of Religion. Religion is made of man also. Not so good IMO

[(JD)]

Please do... that's a good topic I think... but I really would like this thread to stick with the hows and whys of bashing Christmas (and Easter) at the time of celebration, and not the other's celebrations.

[mlyn]

I can say that I have learned that many Christian celebrations are not at actual time of when happenings went on is why I am not so sure of the celebrations. why did they hide behind pagan celebrations? Maybe they feared their deaths but is that not what God honors if we are to give our lives for him?

Actually Den's post is precisely on topic.

The problem here is that there are a little group of christians who want to do their thing (which is fine)

But there are people with a variety of other religious beliefs

And there are people who ask some serious questions about faith in general or about how to choose which religion or whether people think it is helpful to have faith / religion at all or not...

And some people here simply seem incapable of participating in those kinds of discussions without posting such things as 'off topic!' or reverting to derogatory remarks about others (such as about how they are 'attacking' or 'condemning' when they are not).

And what happens is that people come to believe... That some people with a mental illness (and many people without no doubt) are simply unable to discuss such things.

And that wouldn't be so bad if they could simply leave the threads they don't like and post to the threads they do. If they could have a little more responsibility for their actions then this board might actually benefit more than a small group of christians (which isn't to be sneezed at but really it could benefit so much more)

Doc John, please could you provide a reference of who is talking about whether God exists or not in this thread? I can't think who you mean...

sky...

what part of:

people who aren't of christian religion should have the freedom to not partake in the celebrations and to continue trading etc

do you take of as an attack on christianity?

i'm really baffled here...

[mlyn]

Don't get me wrong, I know there are many trying to put God out of the picture totally and that is not right. I also know it tells me the time is closer. I will stand for him and it wont be behind Holidays that aren't even close to the dates of our Lord. I will study and learn more but I will not follow any mans way until my spiritual self is assured.

[moodyblu]

I have no problem with anyone here stating their spiritual beliefs...as long as they don't attack mine.
Stating that there is no valid written proof of Christ's existence on this planet is an attack on the foundation of my faith...at a time when it is most critical for all Christians.
Not believing is fine as long as you don't make those who do look foolish by making erroneus statements.
This is supposed to be a place of peace for those of us who believe in a supreme being to gather...not a place for defence of belief. If it continues to be so I will no longer bother to post my affirmations of faith for it will not feel healthy or comfortable for me to do so.
m.b.

[SeptemberMorn]

Mlyn, I know that we celebrate our Saviour's resurection around the same time as Passover. I think the tie is obvious, there... as in the Blood of the Lamb. And Christmas is around the same time as Hannuka.

I don't think we're hiding behind these and personally, I don't see why Christians can't or shouldn't also celebrate the Jewish holidays. I would LOVE to if I had a Jewish friend that could help me with it.

[SeptemberMorn]

Sky, I haven't seen posts made by someone of Jewish faith. Maybe that's why they don't get attacked or questioned?

[biplol]

I'm going to keep believeing that there is good and bad people in every religion.
I wish there could be more respect and empathy for one another, which I think is the whole season's meaning.
</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
moodyblu said:
This is supposed to be a place of peace for those of us who believe in a supreme being to gather...not a place for defence of belief. m.b.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

i wish there could be more empathy and respect too...

there are lots of things that scientists believe in that doesn't have proof...

before a fair few people were happy to say that belief in god was a matter of faith not proof...

indeed it says in the new testament better to believe on faith than to ask for proof (when whoever wanted to see the nail marks in jesus hands)

to say that there isn't much proof for jesus
well there wasn't much proof for genes for a long time
and how much external proof is there for the number 7?

some people are determined that others are attacking them (thats what justifies pre-emptive strike huh)

enough already.

[mlyn]

Amen biplol

[biplol]

"Sanctuary for Spiritual Support"
The first time I saw this forum, I was so happy, not because I believe so much like others do, I do believe, or I should say, I'm trying really hard to believe.
But it felt so good, because I knew there was going to be support; and yes, I have had found support, even when a lot of people didn't share my ideas, and I'm so grateful for those words of encouragement.
SUPPORT, can that be the key word here!?
It doesn't matter in what anybody believes, and please don't take this as an offense. What I mean is that all of us, one way or the other are trying to build our lives in the best way possible, and let me tell ya, there is no way to build without believing.
So please, let us feel respect and support.

[(JD)]

Now I am having to defend my statement that I don't wish to be attacked on my celebration of a holiday others don't believe in, and defend also why I think I'm being attacked?

I wish to either receive support of the frustration we share when our holiday is attacked (and all that goes with that) as many of you have OR a fair representation that other holidays are similarly shredded. Thanks!

Moderator, please edit or delete the offending OT posts.

[biplol]

{{{sky}}} I'm giving you support, I believe talking with a wrong tone about other's belief it's just plain old "wrong"

[DenVII]

Well, Sky.........the only amazing thing around here is that you could start this thread of Christian victimhood immediately after you insulted Islam by falsely saying that the Koran condemned you to death.

You still need to apologize for that instead of trying to throw up this rather obvious smoke screen.