Has the Foyer ever changed you?

[wally]

Skimming through some of the threads and topics here in the foyer post GC, I am curious to ask this question:

Have you ever changed your perspective on any particular religious topic through discussion here in the foyer? In particular, am interested in whether have you ever had faith increased, or become more personally compassionate, although if you want to get into doctrine that would be OK by me too.

Please feel free to elucidate.

Thanks

[Sullyute]

Since I am relatively new to CUF and to surveying the land outside of a TBM view, I have actually gone back and read quite a few of the older post in the Foyer. I have been touched by people's openness to share their doubts, fears, trials and personal faith journeys. It has openned my eyes to the multitude of reasons why people believe, stay, or leave the church. I have consciously tried to put myself into their shoes and it has helped to increase my compassion, sympathy, and understading of others. I also hope that it has knocked down my religious arogance and intolerance a few degrees...

I do have a special veneration for JIC's and SoonerCougar's posts, as they seem to have the perfect timing for their blasphemous humor and religious reality.

[Pheidippides]

Since I am relatively new to CUF and to surveying the land outside of a TBM view, I have actually gone back and read quite a few of the older post in the Foyer. I have been touched by people's openness to share their doubts, fears, trials and personal faith journeys. It has openned my eyes to the multitude of reasons why people believe, stay, or leave the church. I have consciously tried to put myself into their shoes and it has helped to increase my compassion, sympathy, and understading of others. I also hope that it has knocked down my religious arogance and intolerance a few degrees...

I do have a special veneration for JIC's and SoonerCougar's posts, as they seem to have the perfect timing for their blasphemous humor and religious reality.

This for me too. I am much more tolerant of the viewpoints of others. I also find much hope in the straight line stalwarts like LA Ute and Art that don't dismiss my views offhand. And I'm more confident that I what I believe may or may not match up exactly with what is.

[wuapinmon]

This is probably the most brilliant post in the history of CUF:

http://www.cougaruteforum.com/showpo...5&postcount=47

[Art Vandelay]

I specifically remember how affected I was reading this thread . Faith's honestly and sincerity literally kept me up pondering that night. This and similar threads around the same time not only made me reevaluate how or why people might dissociate themselves with Mormonism, but it also showed me what a message-board could be. It was about this time I tried very hard, though often unsuccessfully, to leave the snark and schtick of my CB persona behind.

I've always been a good listener. CUF and the foyer have made me a better understanderer (Dubya would be proud of that one).

[scottie]

The Religion forum on CG is where the "change" happened for me. Being able to openly discuss doubts/issues amongst people who weren't anti-Mormon, I can't even tell you how valuable that was to me.

[wuapinmon]

The Religion forum on CG is where the "change" happened for me. Being able to openly discuss doubts/issues amongst people who weren't anti-Mormon, I can't even tell you how valuable that was to me.

Forums with an overwhelming pissed-at-the-Church anti-Mormon vibe are poisonous. I actually was banned from one recently for being too confrontational in my defense of the Church; I felt like Indy. If I got banned from CUF (again), I would miss it. I don't miss this other one at all.

[RobinFinderson]

The Religion forum on CG is where the "change" happened for me. Being able to openly discuss doubts/issues amongst people who weren't anti-Mormon, I can't even tell you how valuable that was to me.

If you haven't, you should mention this to Waters. I'm sure he would appreciate it, since the lack of substantial religious discussion on CB was one of the original reasons for starting CG.

[smokymountainrain]

No question about it. I'd say it's changed me significantly for the better. At least, I would like to think so.

[Indy Coug]

Not. One. Iota.



Period.

[UtahDan]

Not. One. Iota.



Period.

This is 100% bluster. I have watched you soften. You are virtually a marshmallow at this point.

[Jeff Lebowski]

The Religion forum on CG is where the "change" happened for me. Being able to openly discuss doubts/issues amongst people who weren't anti-Mormon, I can't even tell you how valuable that was to me.

If you don't mind, can you clarify this a bit? We were valuable in helping you change in what way?

[Jeff Lebowski]

I have always been a big fan of the religion forum. It is not perfect by a long shot, but I very much enjoy the discussions here. I have learned a great deal from all of you and would like to think that I have a more nuanced and balanced view of my religion. I certainly feel better equipped to respond to questions and doubts raised by my kids. It provides a level and type of discussion that is difficult to get at Sunday worship service or other church activities.

I also feel good about the fact that we have a place where believers, non-believers, and former believers can gather and learn together in a (mostly) respectful environment. I find that valuable and quite rare on the internet.

[Tim]

Not. One. Iota.



Period.

So you haven't learned anything from the Foyer? Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but the tone of your post seems to suggest that you're PROUD that you haven't changed as a result of people sharing their thoughts here. Am I reading you correctly?

[old_gregg]

So you haven't learned anything from the Foyer? Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but the tone of your post seems to suggest that you're PROUD that you haven't changed as a result of people sharing their thoughts here. Am I reading you correctly?

the only thing the foyer has taught him is a great recipe for kitten and puppy stew.

the foyer has been a great source of thought provoking commentary. it is, by far, the most valuable forum on cuf. you don't find guys like solon, pellegrino, pelagius, lebowski, et al., in your sunday meetings. plus, the sunday school reading notes are a great way to cheat on my gospel doctrine lessons.