Posted by PD - the Earthling on June 01, 2002 at 21:06:26:
In Reply to: Re: the Campolos on homosexuality posted by Bob - the Alien on June 01, 2002 at 17:22:05:
: Thanks for responding... Yes, I agree that I probably do misunderstand. This is why I ask -- when I see something that does not make sense to me, what can I do but ask? (This is not a rhetorical question, tell me if you have a preferred communication method.)
No problem with asking--except that it makes lazy old me have to respond. ;-)
: You say that you have based your beliefs on years of study, and I therefore agree that that cannot be condensed into a paragraph. But can you perhaps point me to some of the readings that you studied? It doesnt have to be condensed into a paragraph if I also take the time to study.
I will think about this. I am looking at hundreds of books here, many of which are best used for reference in conjunction with various systematic studies, and many of which presuppose a position of faith. I will have to consider which would hold validity for you and be informative aside from such presupposition. Give me a couple of days...
: I ask these questions in an honest attempt to understand, hence my request for people to tell me their views. Your response seems to have a tone as if you took it as an attack. For this, I apologize for the confusion. I am not out to invalidate your beliefs, just to try to reach an understanding between us, and ask for clarification when I don't understand.
Yeah, I very often have a tone that seems that way to the unitiated. Sorry. What I lack in tact, I try to make up for in honesty.
: And I will ask you, and everyone here, a direct question -- given that I do not share your religion, would you rather I stay out of these threads? I will respect that if that is your preference, as I know that written communication can be misunderstood much easier than face-to-face dialogue. So let me know whether or not you find my perspective to be something that you want in these discussions or not, as I am not out to offend.
Your perspective is not a problem. Of course you'll surely get other perspectives in return. Sometimes you'll even get mine, and at times I may seem a bit blunt. Misunderstandings are easy enough to clear up, don't you think? (That is, of course, unless one WANTS to stay offended, which I trust applies to neither of us.) I'm a tolerable enough jerk once you get to know me...
... so please don't destroy the earth.