Good Morning All,
Here is an example of just what I have been trying to say for a long time. fanofVan posts this:
Quote:
I find the ideas and opinions and inferences made here by the originator to illustrate his well known and self defined and personally declared skepticism and disbelief of the Revelation and his own determination that the UB should not be read or studied literally or as book of facts and knowledge...clearly so and repeatedly on many occasions and topics recently and over the years....a difference of opinion with Maryjo who apparently finds nothing skeptical from a well known and self described skeptic.
And then, he goes on to say:
Quote:
But I am more than willing to discuss the issues raised, the ideas and opinions put forth, and the inferences which logic and reason might discover therein. So....let us continue with BB's opinions and ideas here.
Following then, is a very calm, logical, measured response to what he finds objectionable in B_B's post. All well and good...food for thought, and an opportunity for the poster to respond - hopefully without any rancor, but with an equal measure of logic and calm about the ideas raised and objected to.
In my view, the incendiary opening paragraph (and all subsequent references to poster/admin) could have been completely avoided; these statements cast aspersions on not only the poster, but on admin as not measuring up to one man's ideas of right and wrong - throwing down the gauntlet and inviting defensive rancor, rather than a discussion.
When we divert from ideas, we make thoughtful discussion very difficult. We sow seeds of doubt about EACH OTHER which makes participation difficult - especially by those who, after feeling this atmosphere, might feel unsure about their own interpretations of The Urantia Book and wary of posting - wary of incurring the wrath of other, more seasoned posters, lest their own motives for how they think will also be attacked.
For your consideration...
MaryJo