Hi all,
I agree witih Marilyn.
BUT:
All of us have a religious belief in Something, and we all must respect (and
expext) that.
I have no problem when hearing of people sharing their beliefs. I do
however feel that this is not the place for long-winded sermons.
The rule must be that references to a religious belief should be cut to a
maximum of three short sentences.
I know that it makes my heart warm when beliefs similar to my own is
expressed - I also know that this might have a domino-type of
everyone-onto-the-bandwagon effect, and this we should guard against.
The fact is that P'sWP with different religious beliefs will be primed to
react - and all of us will need to be tolerant of that.
So - share your belief, but just to make a gentle short statement, and not
to convert your readers to your own religious fold.
On the subject of death and dying, including chronic illnesses, people will
always be closer to religion than otherwise(unless they specifically
suppress that) and there is no way of stopping it.
I would suggest that people sharing similar views and beliefs should get
together electronically - it could be very enriching to share experiences
etc, but this should be done on another platform (pulpit?) and not on this
list.
Gerrit Kleynscheldt
Tel: 021 947 8918 (International +27 21 947 8918)
Fax: 021 947 1521 (International +27 21 947 1521)
Please note the following:
Because e-mail can be altered electronically,
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-----Original Message-----
From: Shafer, Marilyn [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 1999 4:29 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: G_d, religion etc.
Seems to me if this is a room in which we can share our experiences,
questions, occasionally our sorrows--if we can open up to each other
in
many ways--why should evidence or mention of one's belief in a
higher
power be banned from the conversation? Now, I don't want to tune in
here to listen to some fanatic use the site to proselytize or preach
at
me, but I am not offended to know that someone holds a belief in God
and
is comfortable in saying that he gets comfort from it. Life is
short.
The best thing we can do is help each other get through
it...patience,
humor, respect...and some tenderness. /marilyn
> ----------
> From: Nita Andres[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To: Nita Andres
> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 1999 8:22 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: G_d, religion etc.
>
> You see Gaylon, there are so many of us and therefore many
religions.
> that is why religion as a topic is usually avoided. I know you
must
> have deep beliefs and want to encourage others, but others have
other
> beliefs which are just as valid. Don't have your feelings be
hurt.
> this
> is just why. Nita
>
