is Christianity a force for good? - Page 6

Eric · 22-12-2013, 17:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

yes, we do put ideas into words.

But are not your ideas already in words when they pop into your head? If not ... what form are they in? And if words generate more "ideas" are not those ideas also in words? There are no ideas independent of language. If there isn't a word for it, you can't "think" it.

Margaret Pilkington · 22-12-2013, 18:18

yes, of course my ideas are in words when they pop into my head....but my point was that when we need to convey our ideas to another person how they perceive the words may be different to what we actually meant.
I think you are just toying with me...the way a cat toys with a mouse before it bites the head off

Eric · 22-12-2013, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

yes, of course my ideas are in words when they pop into my head....but my point was that when we need to convey our ideas to another person how they perceive the words may be different to what we actually meant.
I think you are just toying with me...the way a cat toys with a mouse before it bites the head off

No ... not toying with you at all, hon. The question of what people understand when they read or hear something is a whole new ball game, independent of intended meaning. In terms of the written word .... (this gets us back to the Bible

) .... A literary critic .... Terry Eagleton, from Cambridge .... wrote that every reading is a re-writing. So ... everyone's Bible is different from every other Bible. Maybe Jesus' use of parables was an attempt to convey complex ideas

in simple terms. But, if you are at the back of the crowd you might hear, "Blessed are the cheese makers"

Margaret Pilkington · 22-12-2013, 19:08

I think I have heard of Terry Eagleton......I just can't think of why I would know that name.
And yes, I agree with what you say about every person seeing a different perspective in the Bible......well, it applies to any written work.
Some people will pick up on sub plots, some won't see them at all.
I think that how we interpret something will depend on our experiences.

Margaret Pilkington · 22-12-2013, 19:10

We have strayed quite a way from the original question in our search for the answer.

Eric · 22-12-2013, 19:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

We have strayed quite a way from the original question in our search for the answer.

We can never know what the question is ... but the answer is always "42".

Margaret Pilkington · 22-12-2013, 19:53

So if someone asks my age......I can tell them 42?
But I'm only 14 in my head!

Eric · 22-12-2013, 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

So if someone asks my age......I can tell them 42?
But I'm only 14 in my head!

Works for me

DaveinGermany · 22-12-2013, 20:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Less

You never know, he may just make a comeback over Christmas

I'd be more inclined to put odds on for Easter, well it's more Biblical, innit?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric

But, if you are at the back of the crowd you might hear, "Blessed are the cheese makers"

You mean like this?

Less · 22-12-2013, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric

But are not your ideas already in words when they pop into your head?

I'm getting a bit worried, my ideas don't come in words, they come in voices, multiple, haunting, slurred and commanding voices!

Am I becoming a George Bush think alike?

Eric · 22-12-2013, 23:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Less

I'm getting a bit worried, my ideas don't come in words, they come in voices, multiple, haunting, slurred and commanding voices!

Not a problem ... unless your local Walmart has a sale on assault rifles, and you have a bitch with your boss.

kestrelx · 28-12-2013, 13:42

Put it this way, if there were higher intelligences or Aliens and they witnessed what we get up to at Christmas they would think us insane!

Adults buying presents for their children in the name of some Fantasy character called Santa Claus - who comes down chimney's to give the gifts. "Oh but don't tell the kids he doesn't really exist!" Lol Then men in frocks giving sermons about another fantasy chracter called Jesus Christ - who died on a cross for our sins and wasn't really born on this day that this funny fat geezer with a beard brings prezzies on a sledge pulled by Reindeer and puts em down chimney's! Now think again - are the human race really intelligent? Is lying to Children about some fantasy character - a force for good?

Margaret Pilkington · 28-12-2013, 17:08

Like the concepts of faith, commercialism has hijacked the spirit of Christmas.....and that fantasy figure you talk about is just an icon on which to pin the spirit of Christmas.
The spirit of Christmas is about generosity(and I am not referring to material generosity - though that is what it has now become) I am talking about spiritual generosity, kindness.

Don't tell me, that as a child, you were not excited about Christmas.....or that having been 'lied to' has damaged you in some way.
The spirit of Christmas is having faith, and a belief that things can be better.

If you, yourself have no faith....then that is sad, ( but your choice) do not deride those who do have faith because that is their choice.

cashman · 28-12-2013, 17:21

It aint the story of Christmas thats damaged yon mon.

Margaret Pilkington · 28-12-2013, 21:41

The lack of any kind of spirituality(and this isn't the same as organised religion) leaves a vacuum that, if we are not careful, could be an opportunity for other beliefs to take hold.
This is still a predominantly christian country.....and derisory comments are an affront to those who do hold firm beliefs.
This doesn't mean that comments are not allowed, but they should be in terms that accept anothers point of view.