What I agree with

[fent]

In the spirit of avoiding contention, I am making this post so I can refer people to it rather than let threads go off topic when religious disagreements come up. So the next time someone tries to prove something to me, pick a fight with me, or is simply unaware of my unbelief, I can post a link to this. Having to remind people that I don't see the world the same way they do quickly gets old for me and for the rest of the forum as well. If I can just do it once and leave it at that, everyone's happier.

As you may know, I am not LDS, or even Christian. This means that I don't worship or believe in your God, don't feel compelled to follow the commandments of your church, don't believe in the LDS or mainstream Christian interpretations of existence, don't view the Book of Mormon as a historical record, and take the accuracy of the Bible with a huge grain of salt. It means that you can use scripture and so on to explain points of doctrine to me, but not use it as evidence to convince me of anything else.

Ok that should cover everything I don't agree with. I wanted to get that out of the way quickly so I can focus on what I do agree with... because there is a lot. I think that the best way to communicate with people who are different is to find common ground. You may find we are more alike than you expected.

I will add to this list as I think of things, so if something isn't mentioned, don't assume it means I don't agree with it. It also does not contain the entirety of what I believe, because I'm focussing on the things we agree on. You can always ask if you aren't sure.

Deity:
I believe that we are alive, and that there was a time when we were not alive, at least not in this form. It follows that we were given life by something, which I will refer to in this post as the Creator. Whether the Creator is an exalted man, an omnipotent invisible being, the abstract forces of nature, or something else, I do not know. I believe that we are alive, and I am grateful for it. I know that there is more to this world than our five senses can perceive, because I've experienced it first-hand and proved it with repeated double-blind experiments. I like to name and personify the divine (just not how you do it) even if I admit that I don't know its exact nature. I fall into the category of "agnostic theist."

The two great commandments:
I believe that we should honour and respect creation, including the world we live in, our fellow human beings, ourselves, and the other forms of life we share the Earth with. Love thy neighbour is the best part of the Bible.

The ten commandments:
I believe that people shouldn't kill, cheat on their partners, steal, or bear false witness. (My definition of cheating is to stray outside of the boundaries a couple sets for each other, rather than the standard idea of adultery.)

Free agency:
I believe that everyone should be able to make their own choices and take responsibility for them.

Sex:
I believe sex is a sacred gift from the Creator and people shouldn't be reckless or abusive with it.

Law:
I believe that we should follow just laws, unless we have a very good reason not to, and we rarely do.

Word of Wisdom:
I believe that people shouldn't drink excessively, smoke, or abuse drugs. I believe we shouldn't overeat meat, and should eat it with gratitude and respect.

Advice from your leaders:
I believe we should all stay out of debt and be prepared for emergencies and disasters.

For the Strength of Youth:
I believe we should go out of our way to help shy people, treat everyone with kindness and dignity, invite those who don't believe the same to activities, choose our friends wisely, dress appropriately for activities, be honest with ourself, honest with others, and honest with the Creator, use language to build up and inspire others, not gossip, treat your date with respect and expect respect in return, seek help and counselling if we become a victim of any kind of abuse, get educated and enthusiastic about learning, and keep our mind, body, and spirit healthy.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World:
I believe that "husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children."

Scripture and religion:
I believe that all religions have some of "the truth" so to speak, they all have something to offer, in varying amounts. There is much wisdom in scripture, even if I don't agree with all of it. I believe that religion is a positive force in the lives of many people. I believe that we should respect the beliefs of others who disagree with us.

[lilered]

Fent: Pray tell, then why would you want to be involved with this site?

[Palerider]

Hey....if everyone on this board does the same thing...we won't have a need for a discussion......or topics or forums at all.

[Moksha]

Originally Posted by lilered

Fent: Pray tell, then why would you want to be involved with this site?

On the other hand, why wouldn't she? Are we not a group of winsome people which much to offer on such a forum?

Besides, Fent's participation coincides well with my theory that it takes a wide variety of ingredients to make a good stew. Has anyone ever contemplated what an all parsnip stew would taste like? It is the variety that makes it delectable.

[fent]

Originally Posted by lilered

Fent: Pray tell, then why would you want to be involved with this site?

Because I like the people here. Most of them, anyway

[Kapeenee]

Fent likes me the most. =)

[Palerider]

Originally Posted by Kapeenee

Fent likes me the most. =)

not a chance...its me............

[siouxz72]

you guys know it's me she like best!

and really..this site would not be the same without you, fent! you are the salt for our parsnip stew...without you'd we'd just be parsnips and water. grody!

[john doe]

You guys crack me up! It's obvious by the way she talks to and about me that fent likes me way more than the rest of you.

[connerific]

Oh man! I was sure i was the most liked person by fent. Oh well, you're probably right.

So, fent, i'm a little confused. Are you saying when we disagree with you we shouldn't discuss it and just focus on discussing the stuff we already agree on or are you just giving us ideas on how to go about discussing disagreements with you, i.e., not using scripture to prove stuff??