What do you think gives people the right to quote "the appropriate" bible verse to just about anyone who might be having a bad day or bad time in his/her life? They are sent via email, and even said in person. I am truly curious about this one. While I am respectful of anyone's views; is it an infringement on someone else's rights to be subjected to another's spiritual or religious beliefs about outcome of a situation? Or, is this the other person's only way of handling a bad day or situation, to look for help and strength in the bible, and perhaps they feel it's also best for the person having the problem?
Well, I hear what your saying , Louise, I have family who do this and sometimes I get tired of it. But I see it as the same as sending out any quotes, rather be from the bible or another spiritual place. We all try to encourage one another through out own ways of coping... Don't you think? for me, as much as it can bugs me, I know it is about them...not me and if I am open to receive, who knows, maybe there would be some kind of insight or comfort for me in it. However there are times....I am just not open and don't want o be bothered with religious stuff.
I guess it depends in part on what quote they send me. I don't have to be Christian to enjoy an uplifting quotation, whether it comes from the Bible, Qur'an, or Shakespeare. Indeed I'm a bit of a student of the Bible because when studied as literature and liturgy as opposed to history and inerrancy, then it is a remarkable collection of works.
On the other hand, if it is sent with intent to move me towards "the straight and the narrow," then they may well get a very different response. I'm not usually rude, but I may gently remind them that not all people follow their religious journey.
Having said this, wouldn't it be nice if people were raised with sufficient propriety to perhaps send quotations that are not so meaningful to themselves, but to the person they are trying to uplift? Clearly that does not always happen. For instance, if I am trying to uplift my Jewish friend, why not a quotation from the Hebrew Scriptures or the Talmud one. In writing the name of the Deity, why not spell it G_d in consideration for that friend. For that Zen Buddhist, how about a quotation from Suzuki-Roshi? I try not to say "I'll pray for you" to my Atheist buddy.
I know I'm asking too much right now, but am I alone in wishing we could create a national ethic once more of civility and politeness? We don't have to agree with someone to be civil towards them. Someday perhaps?
You said it better than I did, Labrys....that's the point I was trying to get across...that people can only 'give' what they are raised to believe....Starry had it right, too...it's about them.
I love a good qoute, and there are thousands of instances of someone having made a particular point perfectly, beautifully, far better than anything I could say would have done. They can be very appropriate in any situation at all. To draw from only one source, to believe have produced only one volume of wisdom and inspiration in all our history, is to put oneself in a box, and the universe is not a box. As Labrys says, the Bible is a remarkable document, unique in many ways, and I too study it. But too have it constantly interjected into every circumstance of life is just tiresome. My favorite quote, ever? Probably: "Hurrah, boys! Hurrah! We've got 'em now!" -- Lt Col George A. Custer on the Little Big Horn, June 25, 1876.
"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." —Louisa May Alcott
"You will never be happy if you keep searching for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you keep looking for the meaning of life without living it." Albert Camus
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - WOW... What a Ride! -- Anonymous
I like that one too, Pancho. Used to live by it, but a few years ago decided to become a "nice" guy. Easier on my blood pressure, they said. Hah! That side still comes up sometimes and surprises the hades out of people.
