Question:
Can we keep religion out of this?
I realize that the post with the scriptures on it, was tried and failed to be able to send to JoAnn individually. I think we should keep religion out of the posts because inevitably someone's beliefs get trod upon. So call me way too politically correct. There are way too many different religous beliefs or atheists to elaborate beyond asking for prayers. Just my two cents for what its worth. — mary S. (posted on August 29, 1999)
August 29, 1999
Thank you very much for the posting. I too feel that religion is not a
necessary thing to put on this site. Personally I find it offensive, as I
am not a christian. I am considered "other". I feel that to ask
for prayers can mean several things. So thank you for voicing my opinion
also.
— Cheri H.
August 29, 1999
I, too, try to be politically correct; however, it doesn't offend me to
have the "religion" thing on the site. Why don't you just ignore
those types of messages and let others who do take comfort from them, read
them as they wish?
— [Anonymous]
August 29, 1999
This WLS is a major decision for me and quite honestly I want God to be
involved in every aspect of it with me, each step of the way. I want the
freedom to post a request for prayer when it's needed and the freedom to
respond to one, like JoAnn's, as well. It shouldn't really be that big of
a deal. If you aren't a person who believes in God or prayer or some other
religion that someone might mention from time to time and are easily
offended by them OR you don't want to respond to such posts then skip them
and move on to the next.
— Brealynn
August 29, 1999
This one is for Mary Skinner...
If we take religion out of our life, when we believe, then we deny that we
have been created. An eye cannot evolve. If what you request is adhered
to, then we need to take the words... pray, prayer, angel, etc. out of
these messages. I think people go a little too far when they ask the
majority of us to leave religion out when most of us believe in God. Why
don't we all just read what people have to say. You don't have to believe
or accept everything you read... but let others have their own belief
system in peace. God, and a lot of people praying for me got me through my
WLS... AMEN.
(All with due respect)
— Alyce K.
August 29, 1999
By requesting for others to 'keep religion out of the site' you are asking
many people to eliminate an important part of their life. I don't think
that is as 'politically correct' as you might think it is, but rather
serving YOUR interests (instead of everyone's interests). Why don't you
just ignore the posts that speak of people's spiritual needs and desires if
they offend you? Personally, prayer and faith brought me to the decision
to have WLS, led me to my surgeon, and got me through to the other side.
The support and prayers of my peers from this site were invaluable, and
still are!
— Jaye C.
August 29, 1999
I am not leaving Jesus Christ or God out of my postings for you or anybody
else. I am so sick and tired of people telling Christians when we can pray
or mention God it makes me sick! You have a right not to belive- I HAVE A
RIGHT TO BELIEVE. By the way, I am praying for YOU!!!!!
— Lynn D.
August 30, 1999
My religion believes that there is truth in all religion. I don't mind the
scripture post because the poster was not trying to convert me or convince
me that my religion was the "wrong" one. When I was having my
surgery I did not say "no christian prayers allowed." Now lets
get back to supporting each other, ok?
— terri S.
August 30, 1999
AMEN to all your WONDERFUL POSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— [Anonymous]
August 30, 1999
I couldn't agree more. This site is not for prosletizing. I
understand you want to be helpful. But it is hurtful to
those of other than the Christian belief. Keep religion
personal, please.
— Barbara F. G.
August 30, 1999
Q: Can we keep religion out of this?
[08/30] Freedom of religion means you have the right not to pray.
I'm glad you felt able to express your
views on keeping religion out of the posts. I love freedom of
religion and freedom of speech, because
that means I get to tell you I disagree with your opinion. One
thing my "religion" has taught me is
tolerance for others' differing opinions. I hope you will allow
those of us who wish to pray publicly and
mention God and all that stuff to do so here. Just as we don't mind
if you DON'T. Thanks a lot for stating
your opinion. If there's another thing I particularly like it's
diversity and we sure have it in this community.
Have whatever kind of day YOU choose. Love, Cindy
There's a big difference between offering prayer and posting a sermon on
this
board. This isn't a religious chat board, it is a weight loss support
board,
consisting of probably any number of different christian beliefs, as well
as Jews,
athiests, agnostics and people who've been "hurt" by religion. I
do not feel and
by the number of posts in agreement, see that many others do not feel it is
right
to be posting sermons on here. Most everyone listed in this support board
has
posted their email address in their personal profile. If you wish to
discuss more
than offering your thoughts and prayers, in a religious aspect, that
should be
done privately. Please do so...
— Sherrie G.
August 30, 1999
Thanks! I agree. Asking for prayers or support is one thing.
Telling me how or showing any preference to a religion is a no no.
You are right we are not all "Christians" on here.
BB
— Jeannette C.
August 30, 1999
We can agree to disagree on religion. Faith is important to many
especially when facing the prospects of life threatening procedures and, or
major life changes. It is important that we as a support group can rely on
each other for just that whether it comes in the form of a spoken words,
prayer: to Jesus/God, Mohammed, Budha, trees, great spirit, or whatever one
may use in a positive and supportive way for one another. But preaching
and proselytizing ones beliefs do not allow us to be supportive. these are
tools one uses for self acceptance. We each find our own personal niche
for religious believes and we should honor all that is love and supportive
with in each while we honor each other by respecting eaches respective
beliefs. Unless, this board and its members at large wish this to become a
religious war we should continue to try to support one another in our own
way without preaching, proselytizing our espoused religion to each other.
Although the use of the word God does not offend me persoanlly it may
others, as my term Great Spirit might some.
May you follow your heart.
— Jeannette C.
August 30, 1999
I say if you don't like the scriptures then DELETE It!! I found them quite
encouraging.You're right though, the world is sure made up of different
people. Maybe if this world had more good in it we wouldn't have the
killings, rape, burgleries, ect. that we commonly live with today. I would
take God anyday before I'd settle for evil!!
— [Anonymous]
August 30, 1999
As much God I can get on here would never equal the amount I would need to
see me through this surgery.
God and Religion are two different things
Religion is manmade.
Scriptures are GODMADE.
— [Anonymous]
September 6, 1999
Hi... Just a comment to your posting. Religion, science, family, diet, our
personal experiences at being overweight, losing weight etc.....the list
goes on forever are all examples of each of our personal beliefs. How I
respond to someones question as everything to do with who I am. Including
me religious beliefs. Just as I may not agree with someones view on diet I
may not agree with their religion. So if you say we can't talk about
religion....What is there we can talk about without potentially bothering
someone else?? I personally believe this is a wonder resource and support
site for us. If I don't agree with something that's OK. Everyone is
entitled to their opinion...that includes religion. I'm wondering why you
feel so strongly about not talking about religion?
— Penny W.
September 6, 1999
This issue has been silenced for over a week, Lets please keep it that way.
This is a Surgical Support Group, that's what we should be discussing.
Please let us not get another major debate going causing the purpose of
this forum, "Weight Loss Sugery Support" get pushed to the
background again. Thank you!
— Sherrie G.
February 21, 2003
i love every single one of you and so does god!!!!!
— Jenny L.
February 21, 2003
i love every single one of you and so does god!!!!!
— Jenny L.
February 21, 2003
I say the same thing here as anywhere, If our american money can say
"In God we Trust" and the last time I checked we are in america,
why can I not tell someone that there surgery is in the hands of God and
there surgeon, and if I want to tell them God Bless, I live in a country
that gives me that right. So God Bless
— cindy
February 21, 2003
America is based on freedom. I have the freedom to take comfort in the
Word of God and you have the freedom to delete it. Please don't take away
my comfort.
— Amy E.
February 21, 2003
If people have a belief of god and scriptors so be it... if you are against
it then go some where else that you do not have FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!!
Enough said!
— Vicki R.
February 21, 2003
I'm neither a Christian or religious, but if people find comfort in God,
let them. I can just ignore it if it bothers me.
— George B.
February 21, 2003
Wow, what a great question, discussion. I want to preface my answer by
saying that I think it is admirable that some people have such strong
religious ties that it creeps into everything they say and do. But what I
think some of us don't realize is that NOT ALL OF US DO. So...my only
request would be this: don't assume that I believe the same things you do,
or that references to Jesus or the Bible are going to work for me. Don't
assume that when you say you are a "Christian woman" that that
has any meaning to me beyond that you go to Church regularly. More power
to you, your beliefs are powerful things. But....mine are too, and when I
post a question about WLS, I don't necessarily need to hear about your
beliefs. A little tolerance and goodness (without proselytizing) will go a
long way.
— Tamara K.
February 21, 2003
As someone said, this is a surgical support group, and personally, God is
my number one support system. I don't believe in forcing religion on
anyone, or preaching to someone who doesn't want it. However, I do think
it's unfair that some of those who DO NOT believe, feel they have more
right to denounce religion then those who believe have the right to praise
it. We live in a country that allows freedom of religion, speach, and
expression. And those of us that want to express our belief and faith,
have just as much right as those who do not. We all can't agree on
everything. But TOLERANCE, goes a long way. Just my 2cents worth. Have a
great day. :-)
— KellyJeanB
February 21, 2003
I find it so interesting how a question has resurfaced after 3 1/2 years.
First of all, I am a 'Christian' and that does not have anything to do with
how often I go to church, it is all about my personal and close
relationship with my Lord. And I really like the way someone *3 years ago*
compared it to differences of opinion with specific diets. If you don't
care for someones opinion on whether they drink milk or not, you just
ignore it and move on. The same attitude should be applied to any subject
matter including religion. It is very simple to scroll over or move on to
the next question. Its obvious that those who are so offended could use
some 'religion'. I just don't hear the 'love' coming from the opposing
party. ><>
— Cheri M.
February 21, 2003
For many of us, our faith in Jesus Christ as our personal savior is at the
core of who we are. Our beliefs are not a separate topic that can be set
aside until the world thinks a politically correct moment has occured. Our
faith, the teachings of the Bible, and personal experiences drive our
actions, speech, and behavior choices. ~ For me my relationship with God is
first and strengthens the core (center) of who I am. Like a three layer
cake, if you eat or take out the center, the sides will surely fall in. ~
Faith gives people hope, stability, and comfort. That is what I pray for
the members of this site. I'm glad you posted the question.
— Kim A.
February 21, 2003
I read your post about keeping RELIGION out of THIS..quite frankly i think
you are confusing Christianity with Religion; there is a difference.....
Christians are not ashamed to praise God in any forum, because no matter
what w e do, say or how we behave, Jesus does not forsake us. Lets see how
much Prayer you ask for and how much crying out to the God almighty, the
night before your surgery, or if you have unforseen complications. To know
Him is to love him, and when you love someone, you can't stop talking about
them. For Christians he is apart of everything we do. Therefore if some
toes get stepped on but God is glorified then its all worth it. You are
concerned about getting to the other side, try getting concerned about the
RIGHT SIDE. You can't Censor GOd.......just my 2 cents
— msschambers
February 21, 2003
"Right side" and "let's see how much you pray before
surgery"? LOL What's that supposed to mean? The poster's is that
everyone doesn't believe in God so they should be beaten over the head with
relgious or Christian verbage. AT THE SAME TIME, they should be respectful
of those who do want that. Telling someone that they should be concerned
about being on the "right side" sounds like you're preaching.
That person my be living a life where they treat all those around them with
love and kindness. In my mind, that's all that matters in the end and not
what we believe or don't believe. I say we just agree to ignore those
references to God, religion, or whatever when they annoy us; and also, not
to preach, belittle, or push your beliefs on those who do not believe.
— George B.
February 21, 2003
george brooks: I pray for you my lost brother
— msschambers
February 22, 2003
If you'll scroll down you'll see this thread is from
<b>1999</b>...why would somebody stir things up like this,
especially now? We have enough problems on this board as it is. Hugs, Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
February 22, 2003
Anyone can be "religious" about anything, Ex. I religiously
follow my diet. I religiously exercise. etc. To be a "Christian is
to be Christlike in all you do. Step said it best. Just my two cents. I
think where the problem comes in is when people try to convert people to a
certain denomination or group without regard to that persons beliefs.
— Delores S.
February 22, 2003
Stephanie: I am not being sarcastic. I do appreciate your prayers. People
did pray for me when I had my surgery. Those are just not my beliefs. I am
not lost. I live my life and do whatever I can to help all I meet. I'm no
less of a loving, moral, or kind person because I am not Christian. I am
just George. Please respect that, as I respect your beliefs. I will stand
up for anyone's right to believe or worship as they feel is appropriate for
them, whether they be Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or whatever. We are all
human beings. We all want to be happy. This goal can be achieved with or
with a belief in a particular faith as long as we love and respect our
fellow man and woman. However, to ridicule, pity, or look down on someone
who
doesn't share your beliefs is not the path that we should follow. However,
that's just my opinion.
— George B.
February 22, 2003
I'm with Cheri McGee on this - I agree 100%.
— Toni C.
September 8, 2003
OK, you're way too politically correct. Keep your two cents. I wanted to
say so much more, but I don't think I'd be approved. Shame on you.
— sandieguy
September 9, 2003
If you don't like the religous writing, don't read them. As for me, I'll
keep God on my side and send his blessing to all. I find it interesting
that those who try to eliminte God think that their rights are more
important than the right of the believers. Equal is Equal. God Bless
— Linda K.
September 9, 2003
you people that believe in god, do you really think he is out there reading
these bords, gimme a break. religion is a personal thing lets keep it that
way!
— s H.
September 4, 2004
I say if you don't like the subject line, don't read the post. JMHO ;-)
— Jane S.
September 4, 2004
this question is back from 1999 and resurfaces perodically.
— bob-haller
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