I am sick to my stomach after reading this story about some High School punks sexually abusing a 16-year old disabled girl while other students stood by and watched. Rather than rehash the incredibly disgusting story (and the castrated administrators and teachers who have NO business being in the educational system), I want to address the real problem.
Our society has not only become to permissive, but corporations and many leaders are now endorsing immoral behavior as acceptable. Why are kids engaging in sex at incredibly young ages, and why is oral sex among children on the increase? I think we have Bill Clinton to thank for this marvel of modern stupidity. Sure, he's not the sole reason, but just another symptom of a broken moral compass.
Who are the pop stars of today? Among others, some idiot named 50 Cent sets back the cause of racism and female equality by about 100 years with his incredibly vile lyrics. Not only does the music suck, but this moron has absolutely no redeeming value in any of his lyrics. Want a taste? Tread cautiously, but be aware... This is what kids are listening to.
Yet, the incredible irony is that people on one end of the political spectrum defend this idiocy and claim that it is conservatives and Christians who are holding back progress for African Americans and woman's rights. The hypocrisy is glaring, but there are those who are ignorant of the facts or just blinded to the truth.
Today's pop role models have abolutely no modesty in dress, revealing more and more of their bodies. So how do the kids want to dress? Like little sluts.
And here is the kicker. There are enough STUPID parents out there who are completely out of touch with reality. When parents don't have the intelligence to know right from wrong, it only makes sense that they are going to pass this same deficiency on to their kids.
Meanwhile, sexually transmitted diseases among children are at an epidemic level. Planned Parenthood and the public school system refuse to teach abstinence, instead teaching kids that they should just "use a condom". This is insanity!
Abstinence DOES work. Condoms do not. Do the math.
I know, I'm ranting... venting. This story out of Florida is just symptomatic of a severe illness that has taken hold of our once-great nation. As our moral compass continues to lose its direction, we will continue to stray until common sense will be a rare thing indeed.
Off to remind my kids of the difference between right and wrong, universal moral absolutes that exist whether people choose to admit it or not.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
April 13, 2005 02:18 PM
Using the word "sucks", cheapens your article, and any credibility you built up by your article.
In case you don't know young man, "Sucks" is short for "sucks a big dick".
As a parent, you should refrain from using these so-called "cool" expressions of teens (and adult TV zombies teen wannabees), and be a parent instead, a guide, an example to your children.
April 13, 2005 07:38 PM
I agree wholeheartedly that our society is deteriorating and that most have a skewed sense of sexuality. I agree wholeheartedly that rap music and the general cultural trend of the dumming down of America is a problem. However, I must point out that the way people dress is freedom of choice, and that CLOTHES do not make bad moral decisions. Also, teaching ONLY abstinence can sometimes only breed more rebellion in kids. Kids need choices, and if they are ONLY forced to listen to abstinence, they are only going to make wrong choices based on rebellion instead of good sense. The key here is to teach kids the foundation to make good choices and be an UNDERSTANDING parent instead of saying no, no, no. KIds might make better choices if they are well educated and ALLOWED to make the right choice. When told ABSOLUTELY NOT ( as in abstinence ) they never learn to make the choice for sex when they are ready, when it is the best time for them. Most people I know who told them never to have sex until marriage rebelled because they were forced and controlled into something and made extremely bad choices. Besides, what it so wrong with clothing anyway? Clothing DOES NOT control a person's actions. If they have good morals, they should be able to wear anything and still make good choices.
April 13, 2005 09:20 PM
Nadie? WTF is up with all these posters on here?
Joel wrote over 440 words in this entry and you are focusing on one word that I'm sure he didn't use in the way you imply.
Talk about losing credibility.
Oops. That would imply you had some in the first place.
My bad.
April 13, 2005 09:57 PM
being a 19 year old? i do agree. i, for one, have never had sex, and don't count on doing it anytime soon. and just for the record? my friend's the same age n she started sleeping with her boyfriend when she was 15. and since then she's slept with dunno how many guys. i think abstinence is the key. that same friend? flunked first year in college, and im on my way to the uni to get a god degree. talk about comparisons eh?
April 13, 2005 10:27 PM
Marco, I believe what Nadia did is a perfect example of "straining at a gnat". Thanks for your support.
Good for you Lianne!
I know of SEVERAL examples of young men and women who have made a commitment to remaining pure, not falling for the false bill of goods sold them by our society.. they are smart, happy and successful...
April 13, 2005 11:15 PM
BTW - the lyrics you listed from 50 cent are actually tame compared to some of his other lyrics. It certainly is pretty disgusting - a large majority of rap music is now about treating women badly, as objects, and getting rich. Unfortunately, in some ways, even though many Conservatives do not like to admit it, America in a small way always has been about those two things - controlling people and making money. It is sad, but America is still quite a bit patriarchial, and men are still calling the shots to keep women subservient. And then the women are now getting just as bad, taking on the traits of these Neandrathal men. Our society still values men who are outgoing and egotistical more than those who are shy and sensitive, and rap music only intensifies this trend. What happend to GOOD African-American music, like blues and jazz? Those styles of music at least tried to be intelligent instaed of ignorant. Oh well, I guess times change. But we should try to educate our children better - but remember, that education also means CHOICE, not control. Give them the opportunity to make their own best decisions and be supportive of them. DO NOT dictate to them, even if you might think it to be God's rule. They will figure things out on their own if you give them time and support and guidance, and do not shove right and wrong down their throats at very turn without giving them space enough to think for themselves.
April 14, 2005 08:43 AM
Who were your role models growing up? Hopefully Mom and Dad were, but also the people you saw and idolized on TV. I loved Billy Idol, Pat Benatar, Loverboy, U2 - that's what was on MTV all the time. Who are kids watching and looking up to today? You've got thugs and gang-bangers everywhere you look. The lifestyle of the gang is being glorified and spoon fed to our youngsters by Eminem, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, etc. Girls get to see the slutty image of Christina Aguilera and Brittney glorified. I wonder why its cool to dress like a ho? How about sports? When I was young I don't remember NBA stars beating up fans because they didn't want to "lose any street cred". Today players spit on officials and do jail time. Dante Culpepper was asked who his heros are and he said Tupac and Biggie. Come on!
With all of the bad influences out there for our kids, the onus of keeping children pure falls directly on the parents - or more often, the parent. If you're not up to the task of raising a child (and it is a monumental task), don't have any.
-LV
April 16, 2005 04:17 AM
Robet,
either you have never raised any children, or you are an example of the saying that "With age comes wisdom, but sometimes age comes by itself".
Lianne is 19 and by what she has written, she shows that she is far wiser than you, by what you've written.
1st concerning dress and your comment "CLOTHES do not make bad moral decisions", - you show your naivety about fallen man and human nature. Dressing provocatively and then being "surprised"
at men’s reactions are like re-building your house over and over in a flood plane and being surprised at why you have to keep rebuilding your house. Dress provocatively and you will attract men with one intention. Take it from a man. Take it from the flood waters.
2nd- you say "ONLY forced to listen to abstinence, they are only going to make wrong choices" -
Bad advise, it is the lazy way out, and irresponsible. It sounds like you want your kids to get on with their promiscuous lifestyles, but to fine tune it, so they can perfect the enjoyment. Just because Joel says abstinence, it does not mean he tells his children to abstain (or else!), with no explanations, foundations, setting an example, right friends, surroundings, protection from wolves, manful fatherly protection of chastity, etc.
3rd, you say - and "they never learn to make the choice for sex when they are ready, when it is the best time for them"
Mindless clichés. Choice for sex? The best time?
You make it sound like if a person abstains, that they will become sexually dysfunctional in bed for the rest of their lives. Again, I have to say that it sounds like you want your kids to get on with their promiscuous lifestyles, but to fine tune it, so they can somehow perfect the enjoyment.
No your advise is no advise.
April 16, 2005 05:01 AM
LV,
You say "I loved Billy Idol, Pat Benatar, Loverboy, U2 - that's what was on MTV all the time. Who are kids watching and looking up to today? You've got thugs and gang-bangers"
The only difference between the musicians you "loved", and what the children listen to today, is that today’s music might (might?)be more obviously evil, more raw. I say might, because I bumped and grinded with Hendricks music, much more than these kids today. There were no sexual assault charges for reaching into any attractive girl's low cut jeans (as long as you did it with passion). It was a time of free sex. If boys did that today, they'd get accused of sexual assault.
No, I've wised up since then. Jazz, Blues, or Rock & Roll, and hip-hop, it's all the same.
In Spanish we have a saying "misma mierda, diferente envase." That translates to "same dung, different packaging". All those music types open the door to impure thoughts and deeds.
My parents were caught by surprise by the revolution. I, on the other hand, have been there and done that. I wish I had never known those things, but now, at least I know what is coming at me. No surprises. Misma mierda diferente envase.
If parents don't wise up and dump all of "their" useless errors of the past (music, clothes, hair styles, sloppy clothes) they will find that they will have no argument against their children, when they in turn accumulate their own brand of the same dung (boys-shaved heads, body piercings, tattoos, over sized and underwear hanging out clothing. Girls-body piercings, low cut jeans, morbid make-up, breast implants etc.) underwear. If parents don't dump their dung, the children will see there advise for what it is, hypocrisy.
April 16, 2005 04:44 PM
Nadie, You are entitled to your opinion, but I have known countless women who have been raped and molested and abused in all sorts of ways. People who rape do it because of a skewed mindset, not because of clothing styles or music. What I am saying is that clothes do not make decisions, people do. It is mst important to educate all children the best that we can. That means UNDERSTANDING THEM, RELATING TO THEM, but also setting good standards and a good example. Abstinence is not wrong, but by setting COMPLETE ABSOLUTES without trying to understand the kid's point of view is setting yourself up for failure. How many mistakes have you made in your life? The idea is to LEARN FROM mistakes and try not to make them in the future. In many cases, parents PUSHING religion down their kids throats and saying NO NO NO causes many kids to rebel. Guess what, religion and the teachings of Christianity are not ALWAYS the ONLY answer to something. I have heard of many PREACHERS who have RAPED their own daughters because of their own sick, pent up sexual urges and urges for POWER. Look at how many priests have been found molesting chldren. I guess their vow of celibacy did not work, they simply turned their attention to children. The idea here is to be understanding, not CONDEMN kids for bad choices. We need to teach them BETTER ways without dictating to them absolutes. Teach them the best you can, then let them make choices on their own. Otherwise, they might resent you more and rebel, making WORSE choices because they felt you did not trust them.
BTW, since you say all forms of music are so evil, maybe you feel that rock and roll is devil's music? That is ridiculous! Apparent you never listened to the heavy metal that I do, that is about history and science fiction and politics and very EDUCATED music. In fact, one band I like, Dream Theater, are INCREDIBLE musicians and went to Berklee school of music. Oh, but heavy metal is devil music, right, about sex and drugs, and horrible ungodly things. Not always. Jimmy Hendrix, since you mentioned him was a LOSER and a drug addict. But not all music is like that. You sound like a typical person who made a lot of bad choices and then suddenly got SAVED. My question is this, if that is the case - why didn't you make good choices on your own, before getting "saved"? I have, many people have - without religion. Why is it that saved people think they have every right to be judgemental and tell others how to live? I wonder. You can do it on your own, with help from other loving people, and you can be understanding and not dictate to people what is right and wrong. Always remember, the right decision is always different for different people, and the best way to help someone is to SUPPORT them, not judge them.
April 16, 2005 08:18 PM
Robert,
You are PARTLY right. The best way to support people is to LOVE them. But sometimes that means loving them enough to tell them the truth.
Your take on Christianity is a bit tainted because you are looking at what Christians do instead of what Jesus did. You say Christianity is not the answer to everything because you see wrongful behavior from those who profess to be Christians.
May I suggest that instead of looking to fallible people as your model of perfection, you instead look to the author and perfector of the faith, Jesus Christ.
He met people people at their point of need, loving them and accepting them as they were. Only after doing so did He point out the wrong path they were taking. Jesus never raped, stole, murdered, lied, sinned.. period. He is the example of Christianity.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. NO man comes to the Father but through me". He was saying without reservation that He is the only way of salvation. Not Buddha. Not Mohammed. Not Joseph Smith. Not Abraham, Isaac or Jacob. Not Shirley Maclaine. Not Rev Sun Yung Moon (sp?).
People make varying levels of "good" and "bad" choices by human definition. But the truth is that every one of us is still a sinner. No one escapes that truth. And there are consequences to sin, both now and in eternity.
Jesus either is or He isn't who He said He is. On judgment day, the only question that will truly matter is when God the Father asks each of us, "What have you done with my Son?"
A sinner saved by grace,
Joel
April 16, 2005 09:08 PM
I agree in some ways with you, but again, the question is - WHY cannot a GOOD and JUST person who lived by the BEST morality they could see and a good bit of the teachings of Christ NOT be accepted at the end, just because they chose to have an OPEN MIND to ALL possibilities that may exist in the Universe. I am sorry, but I refuse to believe that whatever ruth may be out there is so SHALLOW that BILLIONS UPON BILLIONS of people are rotting in Hell just because they chose to see a different path. How many of those people were GOOD people? And people complain abour America's justice system! How corrupt must a system be that lets BILLIONS of INNOCENT lives burn for all eternity? That is UTTER insanity and certainly not LOGICAL. Maybe Christ simply meant LIVING like him - peacably and to the best morality they could achieve. Some of the things that I think COULD be possible s that Jesus Christ was one answer, one key to a Universe that is much bigger and much more wonderful than anyone can imagine, a Universe that accepts ALL good people, regardless of what church they attend. Did you ever think that Christ might have been just a man, a man with certain gifts that noone could understand in that time period? Like psychic powers? Think about it, if people in Biblical times saw the technology we possess today - your Ipod or cell phone, for instance, they would either go crazy or call you a God. Doesn't logic stand to reason that it just might be possible that Christ could have been just a man, but one with special powers or something that more primitive people could not understand? To me, Star Trek technology, time travel, aliens, and psychic powers make JUST AS MUCH logical sense as the "miracles" that Jesus performed. Science can at least srat to prove some of these theories. At this moment, we can "immaculately conceive" people by invetrofertilization. No father needed. Presto, the Virgin Mary gives birth. Think about it. Look at science today - cloning, computers, etc. - Jesus' "miracles" are VERY underrated by some of today's technology. We can even start to help blind men to see. But I guess it is really all just a matter of faith, isn't it? Live the best you can, and do you best for others - THOSE are the keys to salvation. Hope, love, and perseverence will maybe save us all....
April 16, 2005 09:40 PM
Sorry, just a quick thought I forgot to note - Jesus is NOT the author or Christiaity, otherwise it would have been called "MEtianity. Others INTERPRETED his words and wrote them down at a LATER date, maybe CENTURIES later. Are you telling me that there could NEVER have ever ever ever been even ONE small mistake in how they interpreted his words? I would have thought that the childhood campfire game where everyone tells a story and when it gets back to the story's origin it is a completely different story would have educated you about this fact of interpretation. Do you honestly think the Bible is in its ORIGINAL form? I highly doubt it.
Besides, "God loved the world so much that he gave His only begotten son" - Hmmmm, you sentence your son to death so that humanity is saved, yet the catch is that only the few who believe your way are saved. That is not CONTROL? "I only care about you if you agree with me?" All of the BILLIONS of other souls are damned to Hell because they dsagree? How EGOTISTICAL! If God is omniscient, He has the power to change this at ANY TIME! Why must innocent nonbelievers go to Hell? It is ridiculous, and if it is true shows a VERY controlling and EGOTISTICAL God. NOT a loving and caring God. GOOD people should be loved, PERIOD, even if they feel differently. Christians are NOT the only "good" people in the world and Christianity is NOT the only way to be happy and the only truth that could exist. I don't care if people are Christians. I think it is a good thing. But there are good Buddhists (many live much better and less judgemental lives than Christians), Hindus, etc. These people should NOT be shunned by God (if he exists. If they are, then God is NOT as loving as you think.
April 17, 2005 12:02 AM
Robert, you make some EXCELLENT points and they merit further discovery.
First, because you make the point that the Bible was just written by men and could have been changed over the years, we must take a look at historical accuracy and reliability of the Bible. Many scientific studies have been conducted, and they have found out something remarkable. Not only do other historical documents (such as by the 1st century historian, Josephus) validate the historical claims of Christ, but ancient documents (such as the Dead Sea Scrolls) validate that while insignificant changes related to punctuation and such have changed over the years, the doctrinal foundations of Judaism and Christianity remain solid.
There is a big difference between what mankind defines as "good" and what God defines as "good". How naive of us to believe that we know better than God? The Bible tells us that every one of us is a sinner. That means we are SEPARATED from God. (there goes any religion that says all paths lead to God) The Bible also says that it is appointed for man to die once and then face judgment (there goes any religion that claims reincarnation)
Anyhow, reading back at your earlier post made me realize the futility of this discussion. If you wish to seek, you can certainly do so on your accord. The information is out there for those with a truly open mind. :-)
Best,
Joel
April 17, 2005 12:48 AM
Just a thought, you an I both used the phrase "Open Mind". I guess that openmindedness, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. This I say since my "openmindedness" views a world with many wonders and many possibilities. Your "openmindedness" views a world with only ONE possible answer and those that do not believe that answer as "closeminded to the TRUTH." But ask yourself, by the very definition of "openmindedness" whether "open" means more than one possibility or just ONE possibility. I think that Webster's dictionary will favor the "many different views" approach. Also, the HISTORICAL ACCURACY of other religions remains solid as well, otherwise those other THOUSANDS of religions would have ceased to exist long ago. They are JUST as valid as Christianity. Other religions have JUST AS MUCH proof as Christianity. Also, I bet that you did not know that Christianity was loosely BASED UPON Sumerian myth, did you. The Elohim in Genesis are Sumerian in origin. Maybe you should research some history as well. In fact, Christianity was based actually later on Judaism, and Jews do not necessarilty believe that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way - their messiah has not come yet. Try clashing horns with a Jewish person and see wat they believe about Christ. Anyway, I mean no harm here, just pointing out that there are many different people with many diffeent views in this world, and that we should try our best to understand and be tolerant of ALL points of view, unless those beliefs harm others or infringe upon their rights. I want America and the world to be a "melting pot" of ideas, where there IS true freedom of religion, and not see America become what a lot of Conservatives seem to want, a Christian Theocracy. Take care, until we clash swords again.
April 17, 2005 02:12 PM
Robert,
Your definition of open-mindedness is a mind that will fall for anything. My definition is one willing to expore truth and come to conclusions on which one might base one's life, regardlesss of the courage it might take to confess that truth. On these grounds, I would label you as narrow-minded. Narrow in that you accept everything that comes your way without discernment or application of facts. Narrow in that you have created a man-made religion, Robertism, that determines that world must be as you think it is because it "feels" right to you. In my estimation, this is foolishness, and nothing less than thoughtlessly rolling the dice of chance on your eternity.
A closed-mind can be a decided mind. A mind that has examined the facts and come to conclusions based on those facts. For example, I am closed-minded about fire. I know that if I put my hand in it, it burns. I have decided not to ever do that voluntarily. I am closed-minded about abortion. I know enough about the topic to know that it is wrong. Nothing will ever change my mind. It is an absolute.
I understand your perspective, as I have been there myself. Only after doing some deep, honest searching did I come to the place where my mind was "decided" regarding the truth of God.
If you put stock in Webster's to determine your belief system, it explains an awful lot!
Oh, by the way, I AM Jewish :-) There are many Jews who reject the Messiah, but there are growing numbers of those who see that Jesus Christ is indeed the Messiah who was foretold throughout the Old Testament. Those who don't see it now, will one day. As will you :-)
Joel
April 17, 2005 04:07 PM
Fair enough, I suppose. But for the record, I do not "fall for anything" - I just see elements of truth and elements of fiction in ALL religions. I have spent my entire life, 30 years, searching and looking VERY carefully at facts, and have come to realize that yes, there are some truths that can be proven, SCIENTIFICALLY proven, but that even science has its limits. I do not believe that every scientific fact is truth either. Many scientific theories have already been disproven. But so have many religious theories as well. As for a man-made religion, I don't believe that is the case at all. I simply see that there are too many wonders in this world that cannot be proven with just ONE philosophy. I am not arrogant enough to believe that ONLY my way of thinking is truth. I believe that many people have got it right, but we only have pieces of the puzzle, STORIES to explain why things happen and are the way they are. EVEN science is simply a way of explaining the world around us. I simply wish that our children can be educated in ALL alternatives, and choose for themselves the best path for THEM. I don't REALLY KNOW what exists out there, and neither do you, no matter how hard you try to believe otherwise. Belief and faith are NOT knowledge, but they are a way to explore different ideas to gain knowledge. Maybe in 100, 200 years we will understand more about the Universe than we do now, but unless you are alive 200 years from now, how will you REALLY know? Maybe in death we will know. But I bet you all of the gold in Fort Knox that the world will be a VERY different place 200 years from now, and the belief systems of people VERY different. Call me foolish if you want, I choose to think that I am well-educated and NOT foolish in the least, but I AM NOT perfect, nor do I profess to be. I am simply man enough to admit that I DO NOT KNOW all the answers. Why is that so wrong? You hav your beliefs, I have mine. In the end, I really do not think it matters who is right or who is wrong, it is really all shades of grey. And if a God makes us suffer and burn in a Hell that I do not believe in for not sharing his opinion, then I feel that that is CONTROL, not love. You call others sheep, but tell me, who really is a sheep, one who is willng to accept that this is a diverse world, or one who is ready to "fall for" ONLY their way? By the way, if all of those "unbelievers" are going to Hell anyway, why bother to help them, why bother to "love thy neighbor" as I try to do? Unless you wish to CONVERT them. Sounds like a cult to me. If there is a God, a loving God, he WILL accept all of his people, regardless of their race, sex, and belief systems based on their good deeds and merit as human beings. If not, then he is not very "loving", is he? Fare thee well, maybe one day we will all know FOR SURE what Universal truth is. Until then, do good deeds and love humanity, because we ALL need EACH OTHER to make this world go round. That is not shunning God, it is simply using good sense and a heart. Why not go out and take a walk and LOVE you fellow Buddhist or atheist or Native American today and focus on people, because PEOPLE matter most right now. Take care....
April 17, 2005 04:41 PM
Who said people don't matter? People are of the UTMOST importance! In fact, according to Christianity, there is nothing more important than loving people, apart from loving God. That's exactly what Jesus did and it is the entire basis for the faith. You and I agree much more than you think.
However, food for thought...
Jesus said He is God. That's why the Jews wanted Him dead.
Take Pascal's wager. Was Jesus a liar? A crazy person? If not either of the above, you are left with no additional options other than to agree with Him.
Joel
April 17, 2005 04:46 PM
Hello again, sorry for being son long-winded, but I thougt you might enjoy this article:
http://www.world-mysteries.com/awr_1doug1.htm
I know that you will probably come up with any numer of names for this guy like "crazy" "nutcase" "blasphemer" or maybe even "insane, loser liberal", but this is an article that states you favorite belief - the Bible IS absoultely true. All he is saying is that it was interpreted at a lower level because primitive people in Biblical times could understand it better that way. They would never have been able to fathom advanced technology otherwise. This way of thinking is closer to my views, but remember, it is only ONE theory of many thousands of theories about the world. Just think, when you finally do meet Jesus Christ, he may be wearing a space suit. Enjoy.
April 17, 2005 09:23 PM
1) God doesn't need technology to do miracles.
2) I've already met Jesus Christ. Have you? If not, I'd be happy to introduce you :-)
April 17, 2005 09:25 PM
Oh, one more thing. Mr. Yurchey's article lost me in the second paragraph when he stated that the angels were "human". The Bible is quite clear that angels are NOT human. I didn't bother reading any further.
April 18, 2005 01:37 AM
Unfortunately, that shows the ARROGANCE of your standpoint and the NARROW-MINDED view that you have. You REFUSED to even entertain a notion that is different from your own and "did not read any further." Sure, this guy may seem a little unbalanced to you, but I thought the article was interesting and insightful and worth reading, even if you read it simply for a laugh. I for one, find that it contains some very interesting points. You, however, refused to give it a try, but you expect everyone else to read and swallow YOUR Bible. Utter hypocrisy!!!
I seem to have proved my point that you have a VERY ARROGANT AND SELF_CENTERED viewpoint and that your refusal to even LISTEN to a point of view other than your own. Well, Christians always talk about HUMILITY. Where's yours??? I never said you had to like the article, or believe it, but your arrogance to not even read it shows how JUDGEMENTAL you really are!
April 18, 2005 01:50 AM
Ooops, sorry Joel - whatever reply you may have to my last post, um, you lost me. I STOPPED READING after your first words, because I could care less what you think, since you are WRONG, no matter WHAT you say. You are FOOLISH, and you point of view is INVALID and RIDICULOUS because it is DIFFERENT from mine. I won't raed any further in anything you say, because I KNOW THE TRUTH and I am far above anything you can say, because I am better than you because I KNOW THE TRUTH!!!
Hmmm, how does it feel, Joel? To be treated as you treated others, like the guy who wrote the article? Like th mirror I showed you. The difference here is that I actually DO care what you think, because you are a human being and your beliefs, NO MATTER what they are, are VALID and TRUE and IMPORTANT to other people!! Just like mine, just like Doug Yurchey, just like Mohammed, just like Gahndi, and just like Buddha. We are ALL in this together - stop thinking that you are ABOVE others and RESPECT their beliefs. If you do not RESPECT those beliefs, you are the very definition of arrogant. Think about it long and hard, pray if you must, and know that the real truth is that ALL people of ALL faiths are EQUAL. PERIOD!
April 18, 2005 03:55 PM
I'll take Beethoven over 50 cent's garbage any day of the week!!
April 18, 2005 08:00 PM
Just one final comment here. I apologize if my last remarks sounded harsh, I was using that for effect to state a point. I guess the real truth is that we will just have to agree to disagree. Just remember one thing, though. It is of UTMOST importance to hear people out and RESPECT their beliefs, even if you do not share them and feel that they are wrong. You can still show an interest in someone's feeling and beliefs without agreeing with them. This is something that I think many Christians, many PEOPLE (liberals included) need to work on if we ever expect to have a planet where war does not exist and people TRULY love each other. But, alas, I think that w will blow ourselves up long before that happens. The end of times probably IS near, the way Conservatives and Liberals are at each other's throats all the time. If we cannot find COMMON GROUND, we WILL perish. Why not work TOGETHER to make peace happen? Fare thee well, and try to find room in your heart for tolerance of others. Please, before it's too late....
April 20, 2005 02:38 PM
There is a huge difference between respecting an individual and their right to believe...vs respecting what they actually believe. I do the first... it is foolishness to do the other when you know the belief is erroneous.
April 20, 2005 03:21 PM
Okay then, the most simple answer is this then - PROVE to me and to all, SCIENTIFICALLY and BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT whch NO PERSON on this planet, ABSOLUTELY NO person, can question, that Jesus Christ is God and the ONLY way to believe. That means it must be ABSOLUTE, IRREFUTABLE truth that EVERYONE believes and ABSOLUTELY CANNOT be questioned by even the most intelligent person on the planet. Even Albert Eienstein, if he were alive, would have to KNOW BEYOND ANY DOUBT AT ALL that Christianity is right. When you or anyone else can show me this ABSOLUTE and IRREFUTABLE proof, then maybe I will believe. But I don't think you can come up with that kind of proof, because it does not exist. If it did, then there would be NO other religions and EVERYONE would believ the same. Think about it. The incredible diversity of the world and the people in it rule out that ABSOLUTE proof. Do you REALLY mean to tell me hat BILLIONS UPON BILLIONS UPON BILLIONS of people througb the ages are THAT stupid and that naive? If you do, then you have a very LOW expectation of humanity and a very HIGH opinion of yourself. Use scientific logic of probability to think aout that. WHY do other religions exist?WHY? Show ABSOLUTE proof, and maybe EVERYONE would believe. Without that, you ONLY have faith.
April 21, 2005 07:45 AM
Joel,
I dont know why u bring everything down to the Democrats !. You saw Bill Clinton was not the sole reason for this ???..
how is he to blame at all for this ?...u talk as if have never had oral sex...shame on u little kid...
March 21, 2006 02:45 PM
hi im doing a term paper on the effect of music and todays teens because i believe that in todays world MTV and BET are giving off a lot of the problems that wde have in todays world. So if anyone has a great comment and if you would like for me to put it into my paper than just let me know