Who said it best?

[falafel]

Then *what* are y'all worked up about? The explanation you gave about "the mormon god" tells me more about some people's hypersensitivity than anything wrong on my part. And if that is not it, point to one thing that I have posted in this thread or the other *that is offensive*.

http://www.cougarstadium.com/showthread.php?75065-Who-said-it-best&p=1194828&viewfull=1#post1194828

[Jeff Lebowski]

Is it more important to be nice or honest?

According to this dude, it is more important to be honest!

However, if we engage in religious discussion, I don't pull punches, and I tell them exactly how I feel about their man-made, dysfunctional church.

[wally]

This:

I fail to see how folks are being hypersensitive with regards to your term "the mormon god." It has been expressed that the term is indelicate and might evoke negative response, but this is far from hypersensitivity. also still curious about your allegation that response to your term has been immature.

[wally]

According to this dude, it is more important to be honest!

Ouch, Optimojo. I am really disturbed that if 18 year-old kids came to your door to teach you about something that gives them direction/comfort/inspiration, your first response is to stamp out any fire that burns in their hearts. I wonder, does this give you some sort of satisfaction? Why would you do this?

[YOhio]

Ouch, Optimojo. I am really disturbed that if 18 year-old kids came to your door to teach you about something that gives them direction/comfort/inspiration, your first response is to stamp out any fire that burns in their hearts. I wonder, does this give you some sort of satisfaction? Why would you do this?

One time SU said that he would physically assault the missionaries if they came to his door.

[falafel]

#2 In this case, it would be better for KC to be kinder, but whatever.

Why? Are you hypersensitive on this issue?

[Eddie]

That comment is astounding! Mens rea is irrelevant? Intent doesn't matter for moral behavior at all?

I would suggest that you lack an understanding of our community...

Then *what* are y'all worked up about? The explanation you gave about "the mormon god" tells me more about some people's hypersensitivity than anything wrong on my part. And if that is not it, point to one thing that I have posted in this thread or the other *that is offensive*.

Here's the deal. If you really ever were Mormon, then you would know that throwing around "the mormon god" and "your god", etc., is not going to engender good feelings with members of that tribe.

Then you jump to mens rea and intent. I think many here would agree with me that - again assuming you ever were LDS - you knew that using that terminology would potentially be offensive to some, and at the very least not sit well with most Mormons. You can get away with that kind of talk with people you have a good relationship with - but not people you barely know on the internet. With that in mind, I have a hard time believing that your intent is not to get a rise out of folks here - and really get into the exact conversation you are having. So back to your original question. Yes, intent is important. But I believe some level of offense WAS your intent.

Then you beat the hell out of them by making them follow the "rules" of their religious beliefs, while claiming no religion yourself with no such rules to follow.

Commando may be right that you are getting trolled, but you've thrown plenty of chum in the water yourself.

[Jeff Lebowski]

One time SU said that he would physically assault the missionaries if they came to his door.

Did he really? That's hilarious.

[Northwestcoug]

Commando is offering up some sage advice for online behavior here.

[falafel]

Who wouldn't be sensitive to the suggestion attacking their moral character?

Who wouldn't be sensitive to the suggestion that their core beliefs are imaginary and dysfunctional?

[YOhio]

Did he really? That's hilarious.

Yeah it was a long time ago. Some missionaries woke up his kids and he was all grumpy about it.

[wally]

No, my first response is to tell them not interested, or ignore them. Why wouldn't I do that?

I don't know why you wouldn't do that, but you originally said that if the 18 year old missionaries wanted to discuss religion with them then you would "tell them exactly how I feel about their man-made, dysfunctional church."

Why are you bobbing and weaving here? seems you are talking out of both sides of your mouth. Am I wrong? You want compassion, yet your comments seem to lack it. You want honesty, but only when it is "nice" in your perspective. You want to have rigorous intellectual debate on religious topics, but on your terms only, it would seem.

[wally]

if an aggressive, proselyting missionary came to my door, I would push back.

Are you threatened by 18 year olds who want to share their religion with you? why would you feel compelled to push back?

[wally]

http://www.cougarstadium.com/showthr...=1#post1194813

Dude, I am trying to understand you. You are the one wanting empathy, so I am asking questions to try to get there.

[wally]

Ok, i'm entirely bored of this completely unproductive discussion. So, I'm done.

http://www.cougarstadium.com/showthread.php?75065-Who-said-it-best&p=1194863&viewfull=1#post1194863