tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post5114993218218748101..comments2023-06-14T10:38:45.174-05:00Comments on A Nerd's Country Journal: The Purpose of This BlogJeff Heberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732306951663286466noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post-64871893550995584582007-06-24T15:14:00.000-05:002007-06-24T15:14:00.000-05:00Jeff,Amen, brother!(Or whatever the atheist equiva...Jeff,<BR/>Amen, brother!<BR/><BR/>(Or whatever the atheist equivalent to that is :D)<BR/><BR/>I grew up as an atheist in Texas. Even worse, a transplanted yankee atheist. I might as well have been the antichrist. So frankly, I enjoy your perspective. It kind of reminds me why I'm glad I live in New England now :)miz_geekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06646076726240900794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post-41009365096539201692007-06-24T11:10:00.000-05:002007-06-24T11:10:00.000-05:00It seems that geopoet is over-sensitive, as his la...It seems that geopoet is over-sensitive, as his last post proves. It's one thing to be able to respond--even spiritedly--to positions, like Jeff's, that contradict one's own. It's another to worry about the whole of one's metaphysical ego-supports being attacked and lashing out in anger. I don't get to read really often, but I disagree with A LOT of what Jeff says on religion, politics and civilization. But, let's work on articulating what we do believe and sharpening our views, without defensiveness. (Otherwise, we give Jeff more ammunition--lol!)Acroamatichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07937773105656986392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post-87189150514555190412007-06-22T07:10:00.000-05:002007-06-22T07:10:00.000-05:00You're welcome to post here, or not, as you wish. ...You're welcome to post here, or not, as you wish. Everyone is. I'm not kicking anyone out. I can see how a break for a breather might be good for all concerned, and if that's what you want to do I'll understand. You're welcome back at any time, however.Jeff Heberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13732306951663286466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post-64176482087245671622007-06-20T23:29:00.000-05:002007-06-20T23:29:00.000-05:00Jeff:I appreciate your honest feelings, and it is ...Jeff:<BR/><BR/>I appreciate your honest feelings, and it is truly regrettable on my part that I have made you feel that way, exactly the opposite of what I intended. For I honestly and truthfully thought I was being as respectful as possible in offering an alternative view for reflection and personal growth, but purposely trying to avoid offending anyone personally, especially my loving brother whom I cherish and respect. To respond to your question though, your anti-religious posts ARE often received by me a personal attack as well, so it is apparently very difficult (especially in writing) to separate generalization from personification; our sensitivity levels may thus demonstrate some family similarities to our detriment. <BR/><BR/>Yet, it is the effect that's important, and since I have obviously offended you (and apparently continue to do so), then I have failed to show the depth of my intense love for you, for others and for Christ. Everything I have offered in defense of Christ, Catholicism and traditional values I stand by. However, at this point I am a bit shocked and obviously confused in how to be more articulate and effective in the future. It is maybe best that I discontinue posting to your blog until such time that I figure out a way for our discourse to be more constructive and to be an example worthy of my Lord. In the meantime, I would emphasize to you again of my pride, my joy and my love for the gift that you are in my life. <BR/><BR/>Peace,<BR/><BR/>JohnnyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post-34201307150417159812007-06-20T19:38:00.000-05:002007-06-20T19:38:00.000-05:00Do you read the words you write? Do you stop and t...Do you read the words you write? Do you stop and think "How would I take this if it were directed at me, or at theists in general, or at Catholics in particular?" <BR/><BR/>You need to, because I don't think you're really hearing how you sound. I call you a bigot because when I read your words, that's what they scream at me. I do not take that same feeling from what others have said who have commented here disagreeing with me -- sometimes vociferously. You come off as a bigot, not because of your disagreeing with me, but because of what you actually say. I might be overly sensitive, but that's how it comes off, as rude, insensitive, intolerant, and just about as opposite from the way Christ lived his life as I can imagine.<BR/><BR/>I'm going to leave it at that, because as I said above, I consider commenters on this blog to be like guests in my home.Jeff Heberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13732306951663286466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post-46150786788128023102007-06-20T19:05:00.000-05:002007-06-20T19:05:00.000-05:00Sigh... Obviously your extreme reply is not what w...Sigh... Obviously your extreme reply is not what was meant by my reference to "balance". The lack of balance is actually in your own views and statements that you are making (often in rather absolute and proselytizing terms), for all the world to read. <BR/><BR/>Thus for example, if you were to say to the world "George Bush is murdering children", don't get upset if someone refutes it. If you say the country is economically falling apart, but ignore all the contrary statistical evidence, someone is going to pick up on it. If you were to say "science has proven there's no God" or "Jesus never actually lived", you better not be surprised when a little truth gets thrown back at you. It's what you should expect when you have a blog. Otherwise you should have just put it in a diary. <BR/><BR/>One last one (which actually applies), if you continue to say that anybody who disagrees with atheists (or any specific moral or religious or political belief system) are "bigots", you had best expand the blog space for dissident responses. It is inflammatory and ludicrous to say that disagreeing with a philosophy, religion, political system or moral position is bigotry. I know this scare factor works for some, but it also erroneously shuts down dialogue on the real topic. <BR/><BR/>This brings us to the heart of the issue. Your noble cause (e.g., in the support of atheism) appears to say that "tolerance" is the supreme virtue in your world - all values, all beliefs, all moral systems - are equal and should be accepted and applied. You thus pretend to take a higher moral road, which is ironic. Of course many will disagree with such a philosophy - no surprise most will have a concern regarding the effects of such humanist philosophies; even you have issue with certain belief systems (I don't think you want Hamas running our government, and I don't think you'd agree that children should marry, for example). In calling people names, I suggest that you distinguish between differences in values versus actual injustice regarding individual rights in society; I think we both agree the latter is wrong; the former is not. <BR/><BR/>"Bigoted tyranny" sounds frightening indeed, but it doesn't exist only because you say it does. Tolerance and critical thinking goes both ways. There is power in words, let's use them wisely.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post-24939603548817449552007-06-20T18:29:00.000-05:002007-06-20T18:29:00.000-05:00I'm always happy to hear other viewpoints, absolut...I'm always happy to hear other viewpoints, absolutely, especially well-thought-out ones like you, Johnny, and Denise bring to the table. <BR/><BR/>My general policy when posting on someone else's blog is to act like I'm a guest in their home. I feel free to speak my mind, especially on a topic I feel strongly about, but at the end of the day it's their house, you know? I wouldn't walk in, kick the dog, insult their wife, tell them their couch is ugly, eat all the food, then bug out. <BR/><BR/>Well, I did all that once, but it was a full moon.<BR/><BR/>A blog (at least personal ones like this) are like a private diary, but you can't escape the fact that it's being published publicly. The author must be aware of that, and must be ready to deal with the thoughts and opinions of the reader, otherwise he or she is seriously deluded.<BR/><BR/>I am trying not to post rants any more. Jimmy McGarry (my brother in law for those not in the clan) made a very good point a few months ago that writing about what I believe and feel is more interesting than writing screeds <I>against</I> what someone else believes. On the "deeper" or more personal subjects, I'm trying to constrain my writing to what it's like, for instance, to be an atheist when it comes to situations where religion is usually called on (like plane trips, visiting someone at Christmas, that sort of thing), or what it's like to be a computer geek trying to shear a sheep after having been in New York City the day before. <BR/><BR/>I have a lot of thoughts about other aspects of religion in general and Christianity in particular, but I think there's probably more than enough discussion of those things already on the Net. My contribution wouldn't really add much to the body of knowledge, as it were, whereas my personal experience is more unique.<BR/><BR/>But yes, I think one of the really great things about writing on the Internet is that the author and reader can engage in a real-time dialog. That's something no newspaper can replicate, and radio call-in shows only in the most superficial way. If I refused to listen to opposing viewpoints I'd be shutting out one of the things that makes this whole thing so valuable.<BR/><BR/>Having said that, the comments I find most helpful and relevant are those that also explain the commenter's thoughts or beliefs, rather than being presented as "You're evil and here's why." Jimmy McGarry's observation is as relevant to comments as it is to the poster -- avoid attacks, speak from personal experience, and strive to explain yourself rather than tear down the target.<BR/><BR/>I hope that makes sense. It certainly is not my intent to strangle off all opposing viewpoints, that would be dreadfully dull. If I want to hear myself drone on, I can close the bathroom door and start ranting.Jeff Heberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13732306951663286466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post-65883015160100866712007-06-20T17:08:00.000-05:002007-06-20T17:08:00.000-05:00Do you mind hearing different viewpoints? Only if ...Do you mind hearing different viewpoints? Only if asked? I would think that some posts are "letting off steam" and/or streams of concousness. I always thought of this blog as being given access to your private diary.<BR/>JimmyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post-17944405567348262582007-06-20T09:35:00.000-05:002007-06-20T09:35:00.000-05:00I am fairly certain my hands would fall off as the...I am fairly certain my hands would fall off as they approached the keyboard were I to attempt such a work of blasphemy, John. <BR/><BR/>On a related note, it warmed my black and silver heart during the playoffs to hear so many debates about "Is Tim Duncan the greatest power forward of all time?" during which, inevitably, the debaters would snub Karl Malone. Good times.Jeff Heberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13732306951663286466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post-8648690284465280512007-06-20T09:32:00.000-05:002007-06-20T09:32:00.000-05:00I will know Hell has frozen over when Jeffrey post...I will know Hell has frozen over when Jeffrey posts his masterpiece thesis, "Twelve Reasons Karl Malone Makes Me Feel Like Makin' Love." That's fair and balanced for a Spurs fan!Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07168723389553636372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post-89593542667305318392007-06-20T09:09:00.000-05:002007-06-20T09:09:00.000-05:00Thanks, Allen, you always make me laugh, I appreci...Thanks, Allen, you always make me laugh, I appreciate your comments very much.<BR/><BR/>Taking your advice to heart, tomorrow I begin my Twelve Point Defense of Broccoli. I think it's going to be a real winner.Jeff Heberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13732306951663286466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20794947.post-21248652843144227062007-06-20T09:04:00.000-05:002007-06-20T09:04:00.000-05:00What I can't understand is why you won't represent...What I can't understand is why you won't represent and vehemently defend opinions, beliefs and interests that are not your own. You know, the way all other personal blogs do. ;-)<BR/><BR/>Just keep doin' what ya' do. Thanks for the link to that Google thing. Something like that could really catch on!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com