On whose authority?

[sentipente]

SDAs with whom I've had the opportunity to dialogue in this forum, I've found you to be the most fair and the least likely to resort to personal attacks. BFA

Just curious. How are we defining "personal attacks" today?

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Just curious. How are we defining "personal attacks" today?

Let's start with stupidland.

BFA

 

[StormyOne]

Actually, of the progressive SDAs with whom I've had the opportunity to dialogue in this forum, I've found you to be the most fair and the least likely to resort to personal attacks. I would not refer to you as "mean."

However, your point is well taken. I am certain that I have misunderstood a number of things you've written. That's why I keep asking so many questions (and I do genuinely appreciate your patience with my questions).

BFA

misunderstanding happens often, feel free to ask whatever it is you want to know and I will do my best to correct the misunderstanding....

 

[sentipente]

Let's start with stupidland.

BFA

I said I would not follow any detours into that geographical region. I was not identifying you as being of that nature but indicating where the discussion was going. We can't always be identified by the places we may visit on occasion.

 

[Byfaithalone1]

I said I would not follow any detours into that geographical region. I was not identifying you as being of that nature but indicating where the discussion was going. We can't always be identified by the places we may visit on occasion.

Good. Then my alleged "black-and-white thinking" should create no division between us, as you have confirmed that I am not identified by it.

BFA

 

[sentipente]

Good. Then my alleged "black-and-white thinking" should create no division between us, as you have confirmed that I am not identified by it.

BFA

You have not been listening. I don't believe in the fragmentation of the species so there can be no division from my end.

 

[Byfaithalone1]

You have not been listening. I don't believe in the fragmentation of the species so there can be no division from my end.

Good. Hopefully our future dialogue will reflect that.

BFA

 

[Byfaithalone1]

is it possible that we are perceived a certain way and not realize it?

Is perception always reality? Do people ever make judgments about others that are incorrect? Is it even remotely possible that some of the judgments made about me are inaccurate?

BFA

 

[StormyOne]

Is perception always reality? Do people ever make judgments about others that are incorrect? Is it even remotely possible that some of the judgments made about me are inaccurate?

BFA

perception to a degree is "a reality." It may not be objective reality but it is the perceiver's reality so we make allowances for that.... it is possible that the perceptions that everyone here has about everyone else are incorrect.... only meaningful dialog will help to clarify and inject objective reality into those inaccurate perceptions....

 

[Byfaithalone1]

perception to a degree is "a reality." It may not be objective reality but it is the perceiver's reality so we make allowances for that.... it is possible that the perceptions that everyone here has about everyone else are incorrect.... only meaningful dialog will help to clarify and inject objective reality into those inaccurate perceptions....

Well said. And, as we discuss previously, it does us no good to worry about the perceiver's reality, as there is often little we can do about it.

BFA

 

[StormyOne]

Well said. And, as we discuss previously, it does us no good to worry about the perceiver's reality, as there is often little we can do about it.

BFA

depends.... if my perceptions of you are inaccurate and I am talking with you then it is possible that through our talking my perceptions will change.... then again the perceptions might be confirmed... while we can't always control how others perceive us, we can be available for clarification IF (yeah I know big if) people want to know more...

 

[Byfaithalone1]

depends.... if my perceptions of you are inaccurate and I am talking with you then it is possible that through our talking my perceptions will change.... then again the perceptions might be confirmed... while we can't always control how others perceive us, we can be available for clarification IF (yeah I know big if) people want to know more...

I agree with that.

I've noticed that I've been asked very few questions in this forum about the things that I believe, and yet there has been evidence that many conclusions have been drawn. I'm here to answer questions, but cannot answer them if they aren't asked. If they aren't asked, then one might wonder whether folks simply reach the conclusions they want to reach, and have little regard for whether the conclusions are accurate. I honestly don't know.

I also wonder if we bring our past experiences into the conclusions that we reach about people. Is it possible that those who have frequented forums in the past bring their past experiences into their dialogue with current posters? Is it possible they are anticipating certain beliefs and behavior based on the beliefs and behavior they have seen in the past? If they are incapable of looking past their preconceived ideas, is this an example of black-and-white thinking?

BFA

 

[sentipente]

If they are incapable of looking past their preconceived ideas, is this an example of black-and-white thinking?

BFA

You are trying awfully hard to turn the tables. Why is that?

 

[Byfaithalone1]

You are trying awfully hard to turn the tables. Why is that?

This would be a case in point. Rather than asking questions about my motives, conclusions were reached regarding them. One might wonder whether such conclusions are accurate or could ever really be abandoned if they are inaccurate.

Thanks for the real world example, Senti.

BFA

 

[StormyOne]

I agree with that.

I've noticed that I've been asked very few questions in this forum about the things that I believe, and yet there has been evidence that many conclusions have been drawn. I'm here to answer questions, but cannot answer them if they aren't asked. If they aren't asked, then one might wonder whether folks simply reach the conclusions they want to reach, and have little regard for whether the conclusions are accurate. I honestly don't know.

I also wonder if we bring our past experiences into the conclusions that we reach about people. Is it possible that those who have frequented forums in the past bring their past experiences into their dialogue with current posters? Is it possible they are anticipating certain beliefs and behavior based on the beliefs and behavior they have seen in the past? If they are incapable of looking past their preconceived ideas, is this an example of black-and-white thinking?

BFA

I think part of what is at play is the issue of how we dialog, or don't dialog... I have known a couple of the people here and I know that usually when they share they are attacked and attacked, then personally attacked.... dialog does not take place when people are being attacked... likewise in periods of calm the question will be "is this a calm before more attacks" or are people really ready to get to know me?

Yes we bring our history of interactions into our current interactions, hopefully though we will not allow it to derail meaningful conversation..... hopefully.....

 

[Byfaithalone1]

I think part of what is at play is the issue of how we dialog, or don't dialog... I have known a couple of the people here and I know that usually when they share they are attacked and attacked, then personally attacked.... dialog does not take place when people are being attacked... likewise in periods of calm the question will be "is this a calm before more attacks" or are people really ready to get to know me?

Yes we bring our history of interactions into our current interactions, hopefully though we will not allow it to derail meaningful conversation..... hopefully.....

Very well said. I agree. Thanks, Stormy.

BFA