tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post705225967900981420..comments2023-11-03T08:04:49.280-04:00Comments on Rambling Toward Clarity : Writer's Workshop: Not My Thing...Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16637670293642285740noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-74470199275884295582009-03-29T12:22:00.000-04:002009-03-29T12:22:00.000-04:00Still playing catch up from last week...I definite...Still playing catch up from last week...<BR/>I definitely agree with Ghandi's quote about Christians. It's sad how many horrible things get carried out in the name of Christ. And I, too, have felt arrogance coming from many. I've felt as though people were looking down their nose at me in my own church. Yet, ultimately, I know it's my faith, not my fellow Christians, that define me. In my heart, I believe there's someone out there, watching over us - loving us, despite our faults. And I believe we're supposed to do our best to be as much like Him as possible. That's where so many supposed Christians go wrong. They see it as their duty to judge and condemn. But it's not. It's to accept and love.<BR/>Kudos to you for being so comfortable in your skin and for treating others with respect and acceptance. :)Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01783379570693055648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-41311829368273780372009-03-28T15:08:00.000-04:002009-03-28T15:08:00.000-04:00Ms. Diane, please don't ever see a Christian as an...Ms. Diane, please don't ever see a Christian as an example of God. They will ALWAYS let you down/ill represent. We're just human and no person who loves Christ should ever condemn you or anyone else who doesn't believe.<BR/><BR/>Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and beliefs. I can't get enough of your writing!Moombyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11860100882869540378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-72514466078336742622009-03-27T03:17:00.000-04:002009-03-27T03:17:00.000-04:00What a great post ---and truly from the heart. You...What a great post ---and truly from the heart. You said, "I don’t know what to call myself now...." <BR/>I know you are not into "labels" but I might suggest that you are a freethinker. The FFRF (www.FFRF.org) defines a freethinker as "a person who forms opinions about religion on the basis of reason, independently of tradition, authority, or established belief." Freethinkers include agnostics, atheists, brights, deists, humanists, materialists, milesians, naturalists, pantheists, rationalists, skeptics and other champions of church and state separation. <BR/><BR/>Many people don't realize how many of us are out there. The non-religious are the third largest group out there, below Christians and Muslims, and we number (depending on which poll you look at) between 15% and 20% of the population worldwide. And most don't realize how many freethinkers have done wonderful things, such as <BR/>Philanthropists: Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, and Andrew Carnegie. Founding fathers: Paine, Adams, Jefferson, Madison. Scientists: Edison, Einstein, Carl Sagan. Writers: Asimov, Vonnegut, Twain, Frost, Sandburg, Fitzgerald, Hemingway. Artists, musicians, entertainers: George Clooney, Mozart, Rodin, Ray Romano, Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman, and even Irving Berllin who wrote God Bless America, Easter Parade, and White Christmas. <BR/><BR/>I have a huge list on my blog (five separate posts between 3/3/09 and 3/11/09) of hundreds of freethinkers. So you would be in excellent company.C Woodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13053858627632648020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-82593006914599321212009-03-27T01:42:00.000-04:002009-03-27T01:42:00.000-04:00Oops. The end of the url didn't publish on my last...Oops. The end of the url didn't publish on my last comment. I will divide it into several lines, but they all go together:<BR/><BR/>http://www.elmira.edu/resources/shared/pdf/academics/<BR/>distinctive_programs/twain_center/Conference09.pdfCJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11105598015852813723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-88901171422097376672009-03-27T01:32:00.000-04:002009-03-27T01:32:00.000-04:00Thanks for your reply on my blog (which included a...Thanks for your reply on my blog (which included a comment on Twain.) <BR/><BR/>I read Mark Twain's novels as a teen, but I fell in love with him as an adult after reading his social commentary. I attend a Twain conference held every 4 years in Elmira NY. The next one will be held this year, August 6-9, 2009. Attendees are mostly Twain scholars, but include a handful of "fans" like me. Can you imagine 3 days with a bunch of people who love Mark Twain? <BR/><BR/>Bonuses: the food is to die for, a pre-dinner wine tasting the first night, keynote speaker Russell Banks, a Saturday picnic dinner at the farm where Twain spent his summers writing, a cozy bar on campus, a great place to buy wine just north of Elmira, the Clemens family grave site, & the nearby Corning Glass Museum.<BR/><BR/>If anyone is interested in the conference, go to:<BR/>http://www.elmira.edu/academics/distinctive_programs/twain_center/conference<BR/><BR/>I will be there, so if anyone else plans to attend, contact me so we can meet.CJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11105598015852813723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-36314590115532786562009-03-26T22:29:00.000-04:002009-03-26T22:29:00.000-04:00Thanks for stopping by, I have left a reply over a...Thanks for stopping by, I have left a reply over at my blog to your comment, pleased I could help. <BR/>I have joined your followers list and added your blog to my links list, I hope that was OK. :) ♥diannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06171808338793139579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-52447530191164091512009-03-26T21:12:00.000-04:002009-03-26T21:12:00.000-04:00This was such a wonderful post. I'm afraid I am no...This was such a wonderful post. I'm afraid I am not courageous enough to put myself "out there" as you have done, but I agree with you on almost every point. Your post was beautifully written, too. <BR/><BR/>I hope someone wasn't so closed minded that they stopped following because of this post. I just stopped following a few blogs because I don't have time to visit so many, so I chose the ones I enjoy the most and dropped a few I no longer visit. It didn't mean I didn't like them ---just not enough time to work, take care of an elderly parent, keep up with two public and one private blogs, and read fifty blog posts a day. <BR/><BR/>One of the nicest people I ever met was an atheist. One of the most despicable was a Christian. But, in general, I find most people are good, honest, moral people, be they religious or non-religious. I also find the people who do not have these characteristics come in all religious and non-religious garb, as well.CJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11105598015852813723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-83608596558044939612009-03-26T21:03:00.000-04:002009-03-26T21:03:00.000-04:00A beautiful post as usual Diane, I am with you on ...A beautiful post as usual Diane, I am with you on this one, I think our spiritual journey is a personal thing and I dont like other people trying to convert me to whatever, judging me or telling me what to believe.<BR/><BR/>I try to live my life by taking in all that nature has to offer and appreciating the beauty, helping people who are in need, I know the difference between right and wrong and as I have principles and morals I never cross that line, doing my best to preserve this planet,I do this every day not just on Sundays as I no longer attend church, I do pray but not to a God its more of a meditation to calm my thoughts and ask how I can solve my own problems and also help others who are hurting.<BR/>Most of all 'do no harm' and 'love one another'.<BR/><BR/>Yes I too am hurt when someone removes their support from my follwers list for whatever reason, sometimes it is deliberate to cause hurt. ♥diannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06171808338793139579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-71431031686297557442009-03-26T18:56:00.000-04:002009-03-26T18:56:00.000-04:00Beautifully written. I too, am still learning and ...Beautifully written. I too, am still learning and questioning things that I've been told to believe without questioning since I was a child. I do believe that in the end, it's how we treat EVERYONE, not just the ones who share our views, that matter. I'm the last one to judge anyone. That is what turned me against the denomination that I grew up in.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for being so nice to my daughter last week. (you haven't been sick have you? b/c she's been sick ever since returning. I saw her for about 10 minutes on Sat. and I caught it too.)<BR/><BR/>Heather's MAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-8265384699028696432009-03-26T15:41:00.000-04:002009-03-26T15:41:00.000-04:00I respect your beliefs but I do feel you judge all...I respect your beliefs but I do feel you judge all of us in one lump...and then you complain that other's do that to you!<BR/>There is some pretty awful people all around...<BR/>I am a Christian but I will be honest and say sometimes I am embarrassed to lump myself in this group because we all aren't very good at it and I am including myself in that group. I am humbled by the knowledge...I pray because it gives me comfort...I don't judge others because I am too busy doing the very best I can. For the record I think you are a great person, probably better than I and I hope you haven't ever felt that I ever felt any other way.<BR/>Now...as far as being tolerant...I am working on it...I am uncomfortable with many religions who keep women in certain roles including many Christian denominations. That might seem contradictory to you in terms of "us" all working together in the same faith but I think all major religions disagree on interpretations! I would be considered a liberal minded Christian...and some of my own faith would tell you I am going to hell...<BR/>but my faith tells me otherwise!<BR/>Thanks for the thought provoking post!Ronda's Rantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06847830394540205074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-59914747593591252882009-03-26T14:15:00.000-04:002009-03-26T14:15:00.000-04:00I've gone through many different thought patterns ...I've gone through many different thought patterns on this one. I am a christian, always have been, always will be, but I definitely don't think I fall into the normal definition. I am soooooo open-minded and I'm just not convinced that there's one path and that everyone not on that path is wrong. I think we're all basically headed in the same direction, no matter how we're traveling. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-32851859141884647342009-03-26T13:22:00.000-04:002009-03-26T13:22:00.000-04:00I share many of the same views you do on this topi...I share many of the same views you do on this topic. My main problem is with people who are "good practicing Christians" who treat people of other religions as less then human, because they aren't following the "right" faith. <BR/><BR/>I had an aunt who was "a great Christian women" who treated the rest of us as though we weren't as good as her because we didn't believe the same. <BR/><BR/>I also do understand people who kill and wage war on the idea of "in the name of God". It doesn't make sense.Amy McMeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14020147028703666774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-40690319471364024632009-03-26T12:05:00.000-04:002009-03-26T12:05:00.000-04:00Someone once described our different religions as ...Someone once described our different religions as being different sides of the same pyramid ... all pointing upwards to something larger than ourselves. I think that's what you've described very well - a moral code. It doesn't much matter what we believe if it doesn't make us better people. Organized religion lays down a path. Some of us find that path on our own. <BR/>A religion that preaches tolerance is most desirable - especially in this day and age. Sadly it seems as if crusades and fatwas never go out of style.Sometimes Sophiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10053598560687202583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-91905918605526581342009-03-26T11:26:00.000-04:002009-03-26T11:26:00.000-04:00excellently written and so honestly expressed. i ...excellently written and so honestly expressed. <BR/><BR/>i can't imagine being offended by someone expressing their heart..i guess i'm naive. <BR/><BR/>have a wonderful day!~jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12935983858645366657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-89498143526802966832009-03-26T10:41:00.000-04:002009-03-26T10:41:00.000-04:00One of the things that I admire most about you is ...One of the things that I admire most about you is your willingness to put stuff like this out there -- knowing that you might get some flak for it. I am pretty much on the same path as you -- kind of following my own "made up" path that tries to focus on actions rather than ritual. Universal good rather than specific "good" (no meat on Fridays). And like you, I have no problem with people who find strength in their faith,religion or whatever ... all I ask is that they respect those who aren't in their same path. That kind of "we are right, they are wrong" attitude was very much at the core of what caused me to leave the church I was raised in. Wonderful post (as always).Jennershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08044537551139633301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-53896635101149967632009-03-26T08:46:00.000-04:002009-03-26T08:46:00.000-04:00Wow Diane!! This post touched me and hits me hard...Wow Diane!! This post touched me and hits me hard! I think it is inspiring me to write a post. Something that now I think I have to write. <BR/><BR/>BUT, I am just like you! I am Jewish and proud of that but I believe in just being a good, kind, joyful, positive, productive all the words you used!!! Gosh, this post is just perfect!!<BR/><BR/>I do not pray either. Never did. I may have to email you! Is that OK???Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13012277904032798697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-12999726132990669442009-03-26T06:23:00.000-04:002009-03-26T06:23:00.000-04:00Loved this post.You have a wonderful way with word...Loved this post.<BR/>You have a wonderful way with words.<BR/>I think it is so correct to say that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. And we are also entitled to change them as we go along.<BR/>I agree with you that eventually our actions, the way we live and treat others around us are what matters the most.;)Zuzanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02137958790178864561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-35692757379442138502009-03-26T03:50:00.000-04:002009-03-26T03:50:00.000-04:00I envy you for being so comfortable in "not knowin...I envy you for being so comfortable in "not knowing" :)Rachel Cotterillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08969719330048416996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-14716411566110812142009-03-26T03:09:00.000-04:002009-03-26T03:09:00.000-04:00Thanks for opening yourself up like that, I think ...Thanks for opening yourself up like that, I think that takes a lot of guts.<BR/><BR/>I would love to respond in full, but don't feel I can - I mean not right now - but one thing I will say as a Christian is that humility and grace must be used when speaking of faith. Without them words are destructive.mo.stoneskinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10737422581378328590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-26925907771888948582009-03-26T01:45:00.000-04:002009-03-26T01:45:00.000-04:00It is natural to pray, even if only to a nebulous ...It is natural to pray, even if only to a nebulous universe.<BR/><BR/>But it has always struck me as a bit odd - if God is infallible, what are you doing telling him/her that you think a wrong decision has been made?Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11236459315155380910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-48817472294937026032009-03-25T23:12:00.000-04:002009-03-25T23:12:00.000-04:00Nice thoughts Diane. I feel for the most part, pe...Nice thoughts Diane. I feel for the most part, people need religion to feel better about themselves and it let's them blame G-d for things they don't or won't understand.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-70911056265999549122009-03-25T22:59:00.000-04:002009-03-25T22:59:00.000-04:00I was raised a Catholic, but for MANY reasons remo...I was raised a Catholic, but for MANY reasons removed that label from me. I do believe in God, so I refer to myself as a child of God. I'm spiritual, but religious. I like that we all can have different views, respect those views and exist peacefully.<BR/><BR/>I fully enjoyed this topic Diane.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-27909885510687798242009-03-25T22:54:00.000-04:002009-03-25T22:54:00.000-04:00wrong.Not you, me.I had about 5000 characters on i...wrong.<BR/>Not you, me.<BR/>I had about 5000 characters on it before I deleted and started over.<BR/>What I think doesn't matter, and as much as I like you (and that grinnin' daughter on your lap under the comment box, your thoughts on it don't matter much either.<BR/>Help each other.<BR/>Love the creation.<BR/>You can't go wrong with that.<BR/>I sincerely doubt in the god sitting in the clouds and angels hanging on him. If 'he's' god, he doesn't need boot lickers, eh? The work is here. We are in Heaven.<BR/>We can destroy it or we can make it beautiful.<BR/>Er can hurt each other or we can help each other.<BR/>Show me the CREATOR and that being wants us to be good.<BR/>Show me our own reincarnations through some Spirit, then that Spirit also wants us to help each oter, clean up our 'pigsty'.<BR/>Show me an existence completely void of any grand, immortal design? Will our future look back and say, "man! I sure am glad they cleaned up their act!"<BR/>or will they look back and think, as they drink their last uncontaminated water, kill their last human for meat and blame us for theirs and ours (ultimately) existence?<BR/>Uh-oh. I can tell I'm getting long.<BR/>HA!<BR/><BR/>Tell you what. I don't know how long you've been hanging with Lee, but he was partial subject between three poets (it's an even LONGER story, so, we'll leave it at that) but Paul, a really great fellow poet all competed.<BR/>He's not in the tip top shape, but, has many interesting thoughts following what you're talking about.<BR/>http://www.originalfaith.com/blog/<BR/><BR/>And, if you tell him I sent you, he'll give you a big smile from his bedside!<BR/><BR/>(sure, that doesn't sound like a lot, but, trust me on this, his smile is worth a million hugs.<BR/>Rare indivdual, that.)<BR/><BR/>Hey, do good, love your creation. Can't ask for a better person than that!bonemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10484125049735629611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-53748880850835250022009-03-25T22:42:00.000-04:002009-03-25T22:42:00.000-04:00Very interesting! I'm choosing the same prompt and...Very interesting! I'm choosing the same prompt and had the SAME feelings about whether or not it was such a good idea...maybe I should put a disclaimer on mine too!! <BR/><BR/>I think you did a great job of saying how you feel without offending or challenging anyone's views...very nicely done!KatBouskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11556451375792958743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422526707436212403.post-36159010884312169262009-03-25T21:26:00.000-04:002009-03-25T21:26:00.000-04:00AMEN to that, Diane!AMEN to that, Diane!hebbahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11124266534675825838noreply@blogger.com