Language

[TheBear]

Agreed.

 

[Garnet2727]

I find that lately I'm having more trouble communicating my thoughts as well as understanding others. This is one of the reasons I don't post as much here any more. I think it's because my worldview is still changing, evolving if you will, and common Christian buzzwords and phrases leave me staring blankly at the computer. I think I've crossed a line somewhere that leaves me unable to understand why anyone believes in God or gods. I suspect that believers have the same trouble understanding why I don't believe.

*shrugs* Now I'm wondering if this post makes any sense at all.

 

[David Gould]

I find that lately I'm having more trouble communicating my thoughts as well as understanding others. This is one of the reasons I don't post as much here any more. I think it's because my worldview is still changing, evolving if you will, and common Christian buzzwords and phrases leave me staring blankly at the computer. I think I've crossed a line somewhere that leaves me unable to understand why anyone believes in God or gods. I suspect that believers have the same trouble understanding why I don't believe.

*shrugs* Now I'm wondering if this post makes any sense at all.

I know what you mean about an evolving world view. Six years ago, I was a Christian. Then I lost my faith. Then I changed my view about the existence of free will. Then I changed my view about the existence of the self.

I have lost the context within which to explain some of my new beliefs to people who hold the beliefs I once held. I run into confusion and chaos at times, with people jumping on my use of the word 'I' when I am attempting to defend the idea of no-self. I talk past people, and they talk past me.

One of the problems, though, is that people immediately leap to attack an idea, without first coming to understand it properly. One of the things that I would like to have would be an explanations kind of thread, where people could explain what they believed and answered questions about the belief itself, without being required to defend it as such.

That way, people would have a basis with which to communicate - they would have that common context.

I like the idea of perserverance, too. Patience is one of the keys to this forum, I think. If you take the time and effort, you can get most people to gain a better understanding of your position.

 

[Jason Dollar]

I posted something a little while ago. In the middle of posting it, I realised I was typing out what to me was an understandable way of putting things.

However, I know that this particular way I was putting things has been misinterpreted many, many times on this board previously. As such, I altered what I was typing to avoid such misinterpretations, because I really hate having to deal with them.

Do other people find themselves being more consciously aware of likely audience responses when posting here, or do you just say things any old how and then deal with misunderstandings and cross-purpose discussions as they arise?

Precision is important. Context is important. I try to say what I mean and communicate in a way where others will understand my intended meaning. Did you get that? With the rise of postmodernism, many believe that language is totally subjective. But we all know this is not true. Words, sentences, grammar, paragraphs, these all have the power, if used properly, to communicate what a person is objectively trying to get across. Certainly this is true when it comes to prescriptions! We all expect our Pharmacists to see the objective and intended meaning on the label of medication.

 

[KCDAD]

Six years ago, I was a Christian. Then I lost my faith.

See, this is what I don't get. Being a Christian shouldn't be about faith that one can gain and lose like the freshman 15... it should be about a relationship with the Creator of everything... how do you lose a relationship once you got it?

 

[D McCloud]

See, this is what I don't get. Being a Christian shouldn't be about faith that one can gain and lose like the freshman 15... it should be about a relationship with the Creator of everything... how do you lose a relationship once you got it?

I imagine the same way people lose friendships.

 

[KCDAD]

I imagine the same way people lose friendships.

Do you dare to mean by turning your back and walking away?

 

[Exhausted]

Do you dare to mean by turning your back and walking away?

I thought he meant by accidentily confessing your love.

 

[D McCloud]

Do you dare to mean by turning your back and walking away?

That's the only logical course of action when you find out your friend wasn't much of a friend, possibly even imaginary.

 

[DMA]

I posted something a little while ago. In the middle of posting it, I realised I was typing out what to me was an understandable way of putting things.

However, I know that this particular way I was putting things has been misinterpreted many, many times on this board previously. As such, I altered what I was typing to avoid such misinterpretations, because I really hate having to deal with them.

Do other people find themselves being more consciously aware of likely audience responses when posting here, or do you just say things any old how and then deal with misunderstandings and cross-purpose discussions as they arise?

I agree with you.

since I have started posting here I have had to really be careful with what I say, how I say it, and so on. I realise that people here piece apart every character of your sentence when trying to debate with you even if what you are saying makes perfect sense.

 

[KCDAD]

That's the only logical course of action when you find out your friend wasn't much of a friend, possibly even imaginary.

I agree letting go of imaginary friends is a good idea. But don't walk away from them, just say good bye.

 

[CCWoody]

I agree letting go of imaginary friends is a good idea. But don't walk away from them, just say good bye.

I'm sure there is some important distinction you are making here regarding the loss of faith, but I just can't fathom it.

Recognize that all true Christians will be Calvinists in glory....

Your friendly neighborhood Cordial Calvinist
Woody.​

 

[D McCloud]

I agree letting go of imaginary friends is a good idea. But don't walk away from them, just say good bye.

Not to sure I'm making the connection.

 

[KCDAD]

Walking away means changing your direction, starting over, changing your "facing". That's not necessary. Send your imaginary friend away and carry on....

 

[D McCloud]

Walking away means changing your direction, starting over, changing your "facing". That's not necessary. Send your imaginary friend away and carry on....

I would think losing a belief is essentially starting over though.

 

[Garnet2727]

I know what you mean about an evolving world view. Six years ago, I was a Christian. Then I lost my faith. Then I changed my view about the existence of free will. Then I changed my view about the existence of the self.

I have lost the context within which to explain some of my new beliefs to people who hold the beliefs I once held. I run into confusion and chaos at times, with people jumping on my use of the word 'I' when I am attempting to defend the idea of no-self. I talk past people, and they talk past me.

One of the problems, though, is that people immediately leap to attack an idea, without first coming to understand it properly. One of the things that I would like to have would be an explanations kind of thread, where people could explain what they believed and answered questions about the belief itself, without being required to defend it as such.

That way, people would have a basis with which to communicate - they would have that common context.

I like the idea of perserverance, too. Patience is one of the keys to this forum, I think. If you take the time and effort, you can get most people to gain a better understanding of your position.

In many ways, I think our struggles are similar. I have also changed my position on free will and I'm gradually moving from being a weak atheist, "I haven't seen any evidence that gods exist," to a strong atheist, "Gods don't exist." I find it interesting that my atheism is strengthened by my interactions with believers here.

You are right about patience and perserverance. I'm a little short on those two qualities right now with respect to posting here. It's the old adage, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

 

[Garnet2727]

See, this is what I don't get. Being a Christian shouldn't be about faith that one can gain and lose like the freshman 15... it should be about a relationship with the Creator of everything... how do you lose a relationship once you got it?

Some of us never had that. Speaking only for myself, I never had any indication from God that He existed let alone that He wanted a relationship with me.

 

[KCDAD]

So if you never had it, that means it doesn't exist for anyone else... or is it that it just doesn't exist for you?

 

[Garnet2727]

So if you never had it, that means it doesn't exist for anyone else... or is it that it just doesn't exist for you?

Good question. All I can say is that I'm becoming more convinced that it doesn't really exist for anyone. I don't mean this in a harsh way and I hesitate to use the word "delusion" because of the negative connotations. My opinion is those who claim a relationship with God have convinced themselves it is true. In other words, it's all in their minds and not real. Real to them. I'm not saying these folks are lying. But I don't think there are any such things as the supernatural or supernatural beings.

Take, for example, believers who claim to be influenced by the Holy Spirit. I've even seen people use the wording in-dwelt. If such a powerful force is truly influencing people, I expect that there would be some consistency in beliefs, behavior and statements about the Truth.

What I've observed is very, very different. I started to go into detail here but have changed my mind. Suffice to say that while consistency can't and shouldn't be expected of unbelievers, after all we don't make a claim of divine guidance, consistency and demonstration of the fruits of the spirit should be displayed by those who make the claim to be guided by the Holy Spirit.

 

[Born_to_Lose_Live_to_Win]

Miscommunication is the norm than an aberration in most of my posts.

I find it hard to make myself clear to atheists. I have a feeling that I come off as someone whose ultimate intention is to prove the existence of God when actually it isn't.

I am trying to improve my communication skills.