Labels To Identify Your Religious Persuasion.

[rich]

Having a religious label, and revealing it, tells the world, who and what you believe, which may close further dialogue with people who do not like your label. Some people stereotype certain labels as uncompromising, too set in their ways, to have meaningful dialogue.
I probably am guilty of that type of thinking. ;)

Without having a label, people with labels, misidentify why a labeless person would be discussing this topic, in a Religious Forum to begin with.
:D OK, posting now.

[Polaris]

About 5 years ago we had a provincial election. One of our local candidates came knocking on my door to campaign. I had already made up my mind who I was voting for because I had already labelled this guy as a moron before I even met him. Anyhow, he shook my hand and lit into his campaign platform which was basically slinging mud at everything his opponent, (the incumbent and who I was going to vote for), had done in the preceeding years. He droned on and on and I found myself slipping into a trance. I zoned right out like Homer Simpson thinking about food ( aarrrrrg, chips). Evidently, he noticed he had totally lost me because he grabbed my hand and pulled me back from my trance and he actually continued to hold my hand, squeezing it, so that I would pay attention while he finished droning on. Then he tipped his hat and left (thank god). And he went on to win the election for our riding.

Fast forward to present day. We had another provincial election earlier this year and since the last election we moved into a new house. Buddy comes to my door, with a henchman this time to assist him in his rounds. The doorbell rings, I answer. My heart sinks when I see who it is. He looks at me. I look at him. He blurts out in surprise, with a blatant lack of self-control, "Oh! You're the non-political one!!"

So the guy labelled me as being non-political because I was deathly bored with what he had to say the time before, which is fine because it means he mostly leaves me alone and doesn't drone on at me. But anyone who really knows me, and this discussion board might be a bit revealing as well, I am pretty passionate about several issues which I feel strongly about. I like to discuss things and if I'm "non-political" it's only because there are too many idiots in office and it's painful to watch them screw up time and time again. (yes, this moron did get re-elected.. but only by the skin of his teeth) Hmmm apparently I have labelled this guy a moron and an idiot even though he never told me he was. ;)

Oh! Years ago, we had a milkman who was very friendly and very very Christian in a "born again" way. One day I'm chatting with him at my front door and he asked me, "Are you a Christian?" I was dumbstruck. I didn't know exactly what he meant and at this point I was not yet Buddhist (that which I label myself) but I knew I didn't believe in God. I was born and raised Christian though, so I answered an tentative "yes". He said "Oh, I thought so. You're always so happy." I thanked him. :blink: Got to thinking later once I recomposed myself, that this guy thinks Christians have cornered the market on happiness. :lol:

Okay, I don't really remember where I was going with all of this but those are two stories about me that your didn't know about yesterday ;)

[rich]

Thanks for your reply Polaris.

The only label which really counts is the label which you classify yourself. No one should ever force you to stand up and be counted, unless you feel strongly pro or against the object for which the count is about.

If they want my opinion about the war we are in, and want me to stand up to show I supported it, I would remain seated, even if all around me stand.

When I go to mass with my wife, the Priest says, " Let us stand for the Profession of Faith",
I will stand, if I do not have too much arthritic pain, or remain seated. I will not say the parts of the Profession, I do not agree with, for I would not then be professing my personal beliefs, if I say what they want me to say, audidibly.

The main thing I disagree with, is the Divinity of Christ. Am not sure, if he ever wanted to be adored as they do, though I think all those who are Lords, are deserving of respect.

I am thankful for being able to share in Creation,
and all of the wonderous and awesome beauty surrounding us. Am thankful when other beings are kind to me, and hopefully will not be a disappointment to anyone. Thankful for being alive, sven though it sucks at times.

That is about it for now.

Many Blessings. :D ;)

[a random hack]

Polaris,

:lol::lol::lol:

(thought you were gonna tell us the chips won the election)

Fast forward to present day. We had another provincial election earlier this year and since the last election we moved into a new house. Buddy comes to my door, with a henchman this time to assist him in his rounds. The doorbell rings, I answer. My heart sinks when I see who it is. He looks at me. I look at him. He blurts out in surprise, with a blatant lack of self-control, "Oh! You're the non-political one!!"

Hey, he remembered you!

Hmmm apparently I have labelled this guy a moron and an idiot even though he never told me he was.
were you paying attention? ;)

rich,

Guess mostly it takes more courage to sit down for your beliefs :)

[Polaris]

Hey, he remembered you!

:D Too funny! This is a small community and this guy turns up everywhere, to shake hands and schmooz with his constituents. What's been great about this whole thing is that he never wastes a lot of time with me! He moves right along :)

[a random hack]

Doncha lurve a smalle towne? :D

[rich]

Living in a small town is ok, and also has some problems, which i can cope with,like not remembering the names of the majority of people I meet. It seems that so many know me by my name, and I can not remember the names of many who greet me.
The problem is, when one meets a group of people at a gathering, the art of remembering which face goes with which name. While being introduced to a person, I will say to the person, "I'll probably not remember your name the next time we meet, so please forgive me." The
usual response is, " that's alright". :)