[Greenleaves]

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Rapunzel said:
In this forum, where people are talking about something so personal as their beliefs and values and faith, we need to be careful not to sound like we are being invalidating about something that is so close to someone's heart. So, to the person who thinks cats are the best (remember we're really talking about expressing their heartfelt spiritual beliefs), it could be hurtful to say "I dislike cats because I am allergic to them." It isn't necessary to say anything at all against cats, or to be in any way critical of a person's stated belief. In the cat example, the person originally said "I believe that cats are the best." That is a personal belief. You may not share that belief, but you being allergic to cats is not relevant to their belief that cats are the best.

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My belief is atheism, does that mean that if someone posts they believe in a god/gods in my thread about athesim that it is not supportive? I love atheism, and I still think I am a "spiritual" person.

[nothemama8]

perhaps in your threads we plain and simple reply on spiritual feelings, then we can be supportive on that topic, sounds good to us
Angie

[Greenleaves]

Good idea Angie!

Thanks for replying Angie.

(((((Love))))))

[kimmydawn]

Yep, so in this case you'd be be apt to post what you do believe in, or that is a "feel good", with regards to your spirituality.

Those that have something to share can chime in.

KD

[Rapunzel]

GL, I think it would depend on the context and how they say it. You could certainly talk about your spiritual feelings and what atheism means to you. It would be invalidating for anyone to come in to your thread and say that you are wrong for believing as you do. I don't see the point in coming to a thread about atheism and saying "I believe in God." Hypothetically, was there a request for everyone to contribute what they believe or don't believe, or is it just out of the blue? I think we would have to know the context - It would certainly be inappropriate if they said that there is something wrong with you for not believing in God, or that you can't be spiritual, or anything that invalidates your feelings and beliefs.

One difference is that "I believe in God" is stated positively and is about that person's beliefs. It doesn't change what you believe, or suggest anything against what you believe. Something like "I don't accept that atheists can be spiritual" would contradict your statement of your beliefs, and that would be inappropriate.

Does that make sense?

[Greenleaves]

Thanks for the clarification Rap!

I'm glad to have discovered this part of myself. I'm glad to feel welcome in this forum. ((((everyone))))))