I had the thought on Saturday about fundie Xians, and how they believe

[raccoon]

THEY are going to live forever and ever in some wonderful Heaven, and YOU, if you don't believe exactly what THEY believe, are going to burn in some horrible Hell forever and ever.

And I thought, that's really mean-spirited.

In case you are wondering, why did I post this, or thinking, no, shit sherlock, I guess I posted this because I am suffering from PTSD from close encounters with fundies and their totally unexpected attacks (under the guise of attempting to "save" somebody who doesn't believe exactly the way they do).

[slackmaster]

1. What's going on inside of their heads is of no concern to me

I care only about their overt behavior, and how it affects other people.

[RandomThoughts]

2. Here is what I found.

Almost ever religion says the same things. When you distill down to the what it says.

False accusations against someone, and the accuser suffered the penalty they tried to apply <- rules applied back

How you judge, you shall be judged <- rules applied back.

Karma <- rules applied back

All for one, one for All <- rules applied back

What you free on earth you free in heaven <- rules applied back

The Golden Rule, do unto others as you would have done to you <- rules applied back.



So I think different people see the same things in different ways.


And both ways also, so how would you find life in heaven, by giving to others life in heaven. Even if heaven on earth, by helping those in hardship.



I actually agree with you that the rules applied back on those that only want to get to heaven, would be being left behind. If you were willing to leave some behind by some claim of being righteous and only thinking about heaven, then what would happen from you actually not being righteous. Also explains following in footsteps. Although for many 'getting to heaven' is a comfort thought while in hardship, not just for self ideas, but as a concept of understanding there is justice when they strive for what is better with little reward.


This song is seen in so many ways, a plea and teaching, then 'a cleaning' and 'Once Again' the going home.
Mandolin Rain
http://www.videocure.com/video/17623.html


Also probably why Huey Lewis knew immediately when hearing him at a piano in a small bar that he should be heard by many and backed him.

The Way It Is.
http://www.spike.com/video/bruce-hornsby-range/2791092


Wow, and in rules applied back.

"Did you really think about it before you made the rules?" 2nd and 3rd defense, and rules applied back.


Then there is mercy, grace, and love, since nothing is impossible with God, allowing for none to be left behind, in my belief.

[LiberalEsto]

3. Catholics also think non-Catholics will burn in hell

I remember the Catholic kids telling me that very smugly when we were 7 or 8. I was the "godless" Lutheran of the neighborhood.

The difference between Catholics and Fundies is that Catholics also believe you have to be good in this life. Fundies don't give a shit about being good.

[niyad]

4. my standard response to those who are trying to "save" me is this:

if being saved means spending eternity with the likes of you, I am DEFINITELY going the other way"

the stunned looks on their faces amuses me.

[EC]

5. I always tell them that I haven't done anything to be "saved"

from...that I know right from wrong and don't need absolution every time I stray as they evidentially do..since I never stray...

[cleanhippie]

7. I have used that same reply myself!

Works like a charm, everytime!

[Igel]

6. Eh.

In college I kept having run-ins with fundies. The religious were focused on post-humous pain and suffering, and how if I didn't do as they wanted I'd condemn myself to eternal pain and suffering. The secular fundies were a bit worse: They wanted me to do as they said, and if sufficient of us didn't not only would we condemn ourselves to pain and suffering in this lifetime but we'd also be responsible for all the pain and suffering we caused in Africa, South America, etc., etc., as well as for all the pain and suffering to be endured by our kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, etc.

I found both sets of arguments to be pretty much without foundation. It was easy to confuse--and in so doing, silence--the fellow-travelers in both groups. The true die-hards couldn't be silenced but could have their volume reduced by means of the judicious application of a closed and locked door.