Hi everyone... this is a copy of a facebook note I made, but I'd like to spread the message a little wider.



Ok, recently someone on my friends list uploaded some videos with religious material in them. That's absolutely fine, however I commented on them with a sceptical point of view, because they were very much in the position of trying to convert people to their way of thinking.

I normally don't pay attention to stuff like this, because it is, of course, everyone's right to express themselves... however, I found these videos to be very subjective and accusatory. I responded with comments of FACTS, not ideology, though I could have easily done that. I simply presented another point of view, even adding that I respected the opinions of the readers and poster of the video; perhaps it would have been smarter to leave it alone, but if they are going to post videos telling us how to think using very one-sided subjective material, then the other side deserves to at least be heard!

But here's the thing...

Did I get any kind of coherant rebuttal? No. All that happens is my comments are deleted and I'm removed from this person's friends list. And isn't that wonderful? Instead of having a discussion like grown-ups, we're just going to cut each other off and cover our ears to other opinions?? Come on!

I don't want to say this about this person singularly either. There are MILLIONS out there who would do the exact same thing. And this is what makes me sad. Why do we live in a climate where differing opinions drive us apart? And why is it that when religious material goes up on this site, the rest of us sit quietly by because it's the respectful thing to do, but when the other side of the argument goes up, it's a cardinal sin!?

If it weren't for our differences, life would be boring. Debating belief and opinion can be fun, educational, and worthwhile; but unfortunately, there are those that are so unwilling to accept another point of view that it destroys relationships. And this is what it's all about isn't it? This is just a very very small-scale reproduction of millions of religious separations, wars, and hatreds.

Some of my best friends in the world hold radically different beliefs than I do, and we have argued them to the point of shouting. But do you know what? WE'RE STILL FRIENDS!

So please, PLEASE: this is a message for everyone, and it needs to be heard: your beliefs are your beliefs. Though I may not agree, and will generally not hesitate to present rebuttal, I will NEVER try to change this about you, and I will not let it ruin any level of friendship.

So seriously people, WAKE UP!... is the best way to defend your opinions to block the opposing view from being seen or heard? Is it really worth losing a friend because of differing beliefs?

Just something to think about.

Your friend,
Molly





Imagine there's no Heaven,
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
~John Lennon~