Passion on these Boards

[jacknky]

I have strived for the equanamity and respect metis displays on these boards with varying success. My least successful posting were recently on the homosexuality boards in the Christian discussion. I obviously had a challenge being respectful toward posts that I thought were harmful. There seemed to be a remote academic tone to the discussion of what I felt were real issues harmful toward real people. I couldn't be dispassionate partly because I know many homosexuals who are being hurt, IMHO, by Christian teaching against homosexuality.

I guess I'm asking for advice in maintaining a balance when discussing issues I feel passionately about. Is part of the secret to keep the discussions so broad and general that no one can be offended? Is part of the secret to let statements go that are offensive? Any advice would be appreciated.

[sobeit9]

I have strived for the equanamity and respect metis displays on these boards with varying success. My least successful posting were recently on the homosexuality boards in the Christian discussion. I obviously had a challenge being respectful toward posts that I thought were harmful. There seemed to be a remote academic tone to the discussion of what I felt were real issues harmful toward real people. I couldn't be dispassionate partly because I know many homosexuals who are being hurt, IMHO, by Christian teaching against homosexuality.

I guess I'm asking for advice in maintaining a balance when discussing issues I feel passionately about. Is part of the secret to keep the discussions so broad and general that no one can be offended? Is part of the secret to let statements go that are offensive? Any advice would be appreciated.

There are two basic approaches.  The easiest and most normal is to learn how to lie more efficiently. The opposite approach is in learning how to become emotionally free to experience relative truth.  Both will allow you to experience a conception of balance.  We must decide though which path serves our goal.

Homosexuality is a good example. The Christian concern for homosexuality deals with energies as they relate to re-birth.  In heterosexual marriage, the ideal union that furthers the course of consciousness is through balancing the Yin and Yang and come closer to re-birth through this balance.  A homosexual relatioship then from this point of view is out of balance in relation to our energies as they unite in the mutual cause of re-birth which is the aim of Christianity.

Of course Christendom has interpreted this in so many ways that even the talented inventive Lucifer himself became envious as to our ability for self deception.  We've created all sorts of secular though shalt nots having nothing to do with reality.

But to begin to discriminate between Christianity and Christendom and their value requires a level of emotional impartiality to recognize the distinction.  Such discrimination is something we have to want, to NEED, to become open to since the attraction to justify our preconceptions with passion is extremely attractive.

I wanted to discuss it but it has been rejected which is understandable.  If you seriously respect this question, perhaps at some point it would be possible to explore which is how to become vulnerable to qualitative inner experience as opposed to enjoying our inner lies and defending them passionately.

[Acumen]

I have strived for the equanamity and respect metis displays on these boards with varying success. My least successful posting were recently on the homosexuality boards in the Christian discussion. I obviously had a challenge being respectful toward posts that I thought were harmful. There seemed to be a remote academic tone to the discussion of what I felt were real issues harmful toward real people. I couldn't be dispassionate partly because I know many homosexuals who are being hurt, IMHO, by Christian teaching against homosexuality.

If you feel that passionate about the subject, then your best bet is refrain from participating on those particular threads and certainly refrain from creating threads on the topic.  Many posters on this forum are interested in the academic nature of discussion, and they read and participate on various threads as a learning exercise and form of communion.  Getting bent out of shape and lashing out because people don't agree with a pro-gay position makes the discussion forum a hostile environment, and nobody likes that -- I know I don't.

The fact that posters like Howie and Metis can engage in respectful discussions shows that it can be done.  The fact that Squirrley, who is gay, can debate the topic while maintaining a calm and collected disposition argues that it not only can be done, but it should be done.

I don't want to see this forum being used as a platform to vent on fellow members.  As long as ideas are expressed in ways that are respectful relative to the nature of the subject, then it shouldn't be too difficult to respond similarly with a respectful tone.  What I mean by "relative to the nature of the subject" is that some topics are inherently inflammatory to some posters.  The position that homosexuality is a sin can be inflammatory to some individuals just as the position that homosexuality is morally correct can be inflammatory to other individuals.  Therefore, topics like these should be handled with wisdom and courtesy.  Silencing a position because it is inherently inflammatory to some parties is not what this forum is about.

[chitown_ninja]

Well put, Acumen. The world itself would be a better place if we had leaders who would actually sit down and have a decent, respectful conversation with others. But that really starts with us. I will not bring up my views on homosexuality on this board, because I believe the real topic was how to have a calm and rational conversation on a hot topic. I always try to remain respectful, but on message boards, it is sometimes hard to get that across .

[jacknky]

"If you feel that passionate about the subject, then your best bet is refrain from participating on those particular threads and certainly refrain from creating threads on the topic."

I didn't realize my buttons would be pushed like they were until the discussion was well on its way. If I recall correctly you and I both tried to put a stop to the discussion but we both were unable to step away.

[Acumen]