I'm not stalking you, but you post such unbelievable posts that I can't help but respond.
How dare you define conservatives as only reacting to fear and defensiveness?! And how can you overlook the fear reaction of liberals towards conservatives;so great that it makes any actual "fear" that conservatives have miniscule? I am so tired of any criticism that conservatives give, for example over gay marriage or Islamic terrorism, as nothing but "fear of the other". It's absurd! It is the proverbial Emperor and his clothes, or lack thereof, over and over again.
If they are “unbelievable,” then it is fair to explain to me what you mean. I don’t think condemnation and labeling will help me or anyone else do some healthy self-examination.
I cannot change without focused criticism, nor can I understand what a poster really wants to talk to me about.
With that said, thank you for your reply. I know you have real and natural reasons behind your posts.
How dare you define conservatives as only reacting to fear and defensiveness?!
I did not say that. I made an effort to say that fear and defensiveness comes up for
myself I am liberal or conservative depending on the issue. And in my case, I feel that my fears are defensive in nature and represent
to me a reflexive conservatism in myself.
And how can you overlook the fear reaction of liberals towards conservatives;so great that it makes any actual "fear" that conservatives have miniscule?
I have never meant to imply that--ever. But I may be overly focused on my own perceived “perfections” to always be aware of this in me. That’s why it’s so helpful for others to explain why they feel the way they do when I post comments. And I am simply asking for more detail as to how you come to feel the way you do towards my beliefs and thoughts.
I am so tired of any criticism that conservatives give, for example over gay marriage or Islamic terrorism, as nothing but "fear of the other". It's absurd! It is the proverbial Emperor and his clothes, or lack thereof, over and over again.
I am empathetic as far as your feelings about “the other.” And I DO understand your feelings here. I can only say that this belief of mine has come about because of my long history of working with people in difficulties and crisis. I have reached the conclusion that it is an all-too-human quality found in ALL of us to some degree. We are naturally suspicious of others at first--just as the Neanderthals were suspicious of the Cro-Magmon tribes when they first came face-to-face. It’s a necessary quality that every one of us feels. It’s an evolutionary quality that helps keep us safe.
This is an honest question:
Why do you think that Jesus preached so many times about overcoming that dysfunctional fear?
“Give to everyone who begs of you”
“[Shall we forgive only so many times?] Jesus answered,
I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
”Do not judge”
”Love your enemies.”
I think he perpetually calls us to a higher standard.
But that is just my personal interpretation. I am interested in your own--not to attack you but to learn from you. That’s one of the main reasons I was blessed by God for my time on earth. To be curious and open to all of God’s Creation.
I try to approach all posts with an
intent to learn not to reflexively attack others. If it comes across that way, I have truly failed to get across what I believe and think. And I certainly need to change it. So am asking you to show me specifics. I cannot learn new and better behavior hearing blanket condemnations or pejorative labels.
But I need the help of other people like yourself so I can learn what specifically is bothering them. Only then can I truly assure my salvation.
huh, that seems to be a projection
