On the topic of topics...

I've been around here a few years now and every once in a while someone comments about the content of posts and the subject of threads. This topic was prompted by a thread currently on the 'latest posts' lists and is directed at no-one in particular.

I'd like to share some of my personal thoughts and observations and then you can do with them what you like.

We are (most of us) here to learn, to improve ourselves, to debate and to discuss. My personal opinion is that the discussions that test us the most are the ones where the topic is controversial or make people passionate. It doesn't matter if that topic is spiritual, religious, or profane.. everyone that takes part in those conversations learns something.. about themselves, about others, about a topic, about what to do or not to do etc etc...

Does it really matter if that topic is health related, television related, or philosophy related? My opinion is that the answer is no... We are tested every day, and how we react determines how we grow. My feeling is that a church shouldn't be afraid when it's members decide that politics or penis size is the most important topic of the week, and that members shouldn't be afraid when a topic takes them out of their comfort zone. After all, behind our computer screens we are all human and we are all trying to live... there is no topic out there which is not a part of life, and we with our lives are part of the church.

Even if the whole of the 'latest posts' list was filled with what some might consider rubbish, there are lessons to be learned.. we still have the IP, we still have apprenticeships and further learning.. we still have clergy, we still have sermons and services.. we are still a church, a community, a family.

There, off my soap box

I concur Edan. I'm glad we as Jedi have moments like this to shine for those in the dark. Today its one tomorrow it's another everyday we can grow... if we choose to. One of the Joys of Jedi ism is we teach and learn from one another, how to see and how to feel differently, if we choose. LOTS of choices, always choices.

Edan wrote: My feeling is that a church shouldn't be afraid when it's members decide that politics or penis size is the most important topic of the week, and that members shouldn't be afraid when a topic takes them out of their comfort zone. After all, behind our computer screens we are all human and we are all trying to live...

I would like to mention that a church itself cannot be afraid because a church does not have direct solid influence over the emotions and feelings of its members. It are the members who can be afraid, but not a church or organisation.. but that is just my personal minding at the moment :blink:

Second thingy, for people who are afraid or just not feeling comfortable:

• Do not see assumption of future possibilities for truth;
• Talk about it with someone, do not rush, but be honest;
• Try to make things understandable for yourself (know where you stand);
• Do not force yourself to be, decide what to do next, and take time for it.

Aqua wrote:

Edan wrote: My feeling is that a church shouldn't be afraid when it's members decide that politics or penis size is the most important topic of the week, and that members shouldn't be afraid when a topic takes them out of their comfort zone. After all, behind our computer screens we are all human and we are all trying to live...

I would like to mention that a church itself cannot be afraid because a church does not have direct solid influence over the emotions and feelings of its members. It are the members who can be afraid, but not a church or organisation.. but that is just my personal minding at the moment :blink:

Describing a group of people as the thing they make up is quite normal... when I say 'the church', I mean the collective.

(Just realised that could have come across in a 'know it all' tone.. totally not what I was going for!)

Edan wrote: I've been around here a few years now and every once in a while someone comments about the content of posts and the subject of threads. This topic was prompted by a thread currently on the 'latest posts' lists and is directed at no-one in particular.

Most excellent Post-it Note...!

One wonders often, how to square the message and the medium....

I couldnt agree more! The problem often times lies in ones own personal prejudice of what a "church" is supposed to be. This can be based on christian or muselum or other indoctrination. However this is in no way reflective of what an all inclusive progressive jedi church can and should be!

i will probably always say the same thing: we all have the freedom to contribute whatever we feel is appropriate, or important, or meaningful to the discussions

no one is obligated to read or post in any particular topic and theres no need to bother with one that doesnt meet your standards

actually i think that those situations offer a great opportunity to exercise a little bit of personal initiative by getting e batter conversation going elsewhere

if youre sick of talking about how big someones "illuminati" is, then by all means post a topic about something you find more interesting

by definition, immaturity is a prerequisite for growth