A couple of gentle reminders on how to engage on social media without revealing that you don’t think deeply. If you want to avoid being perceived as a fool, I recommend any or all of the following:
- Be open about your religious convictions. Everybody is religious. You haven’t transcended the rest of us mortals into some higher, religion-free consciousness. Your views contain philosophy, faith, and countless beliefs that cannot be proven by ‘science.’ Mocking me for being ‘religious’ is nursery school thinking. You might as well accuse me of having ‘Cooties.’
- Admit your hypocrisy. Everybody is a hypocrite from time to time. When I’m kind enough to point out one of your mistakes, own it. Attacking me is a very human way to respond and it’s also foolish. Humans are the only creatures God created who are capable of foolishness. God also created you with the ability experience humility. Humility will lead to growth. Foolishness will lead to death.
- When you can’t admit your hypocrisy, be quiet. Stop saying words. Nobody wants to be lectured by a fool. If you’re not ready to own your mistakes, just shut up. You won’t do any damage with silence.
- Put your opponent’s argument into your own words. It is childish and rude to fight with me about stuff I don’t believe. Before you scold me for my ‘extremist views,’ make sure you understand my views. If you can’t explain my view in your own words, you don’t understand it…and if you don’t understand it then you can’t possibly know that I’m wrong.
- Quoting someone doesn’t indicate full support of that person. If I quote Adolf Hitler, it doesn’t mean that I love Nazis. If I quote Ghandi, it doesn’t mean I’m a fan of Hinduism. And if I quote Donald Trump, it doesn’t mean I’m a ‘White Supremacy Christian Nationalist who Wants To Lock Kids In Cages and Grab Women By Their Private Parts.’ Sometimes terrible people say valuable things.
- Fully supporting someone you don’t personally know is foolish. Politicians, celebrities, athletes, pastors, and other public figures are not your friends. You learned everything you know about these people from their propaganda machinery which means your opinions about their moral character is warped. It is unwise to endorse strangers.
- Admit that you’re trying to teach me something. The word I prefer is ‘indoctrination.’ When you say, “I don’t want to force my views on anyone,” you just forced your views on me. The people who have nothing to say, actually say nothing. Pretending that you’re NOT trying to persuade me to your opinion is an insult to my intelligence. It’s also hypocritical (see #2). You’re jamming your religion down my throat. Admit it.
(Matthew 5:13) “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise yo
2 Responses
“Out of the heart…”
A dear friend taught me that out of his heart, while he was dying, he was blessing everyone: Christ was truly present – even then, especially then.
I’m not perfectly certain what it means that – while stroking out (spike proteins from Long-Haul Covid), that you still make me smile and laugh, John.
I think sharing in God’s joy – no matter what – is a statement of faith and assurance – a gift that cannot sustain, nor comfort, the atheist.
I feel so sorry for atheists- to not know such love and joy, and for what? To stoke their own worthless egos, because they choose to make themselves prideful gods in charge of the universe? Pfiffle!
I’d rather be a playful Kid and leave it all in God’s capable hands.
John, you and your loved ones have been an amazing gift to this world. Please keep it up – the whole world needs your court-jester’s viewpoint – an honest one!
After reading this post I suspect you are banned frequently, especially by atheist bloggers.