Pat.Goltz@p4.f3.n300.z1.fidonet.org (Pat Goltz) (05/25/90)
Index Number: 8508
GS> AP> Yes, I know it's difficult for a brain damaged person. I know
GS> AP> three people with your condition. I hate to tell you this,
GS> AP> though, they aren't curmudgeons! <grin>
I agree with you, Ann. Most people can take responsibility for their
problems and work hard to overcome them. Some people prefer to use their
problems as excuses. The world isn't particularly forgiving. Being a
curmudgeon is not a survival trait. You're asking other persons to make
special allowances for you; you are reserving the right to be nasty but
you expect them NOT to be. Double standard.
GS> AP> Are you prepared to let the things that your disability has done
GS> AP> to you remain so? I wonder if you couldn't change, or compensate?
GS>
GS>If you try to say this to anyone with brain-damage, you are
GS>victimizing the victim.
Perhaps. It all depends on whether you are willing to take responsibility
for your actions.
GS>Other brain-damage disorders include schizophrenia, manic-depression,
GS>hyperactivity, and retardation. If ever you get the chance, do a
GS>formal course of study in non-religious psychology.
If a person can overcome any of these, he's far better off if he does
so. I personally do not recognize the validity of non-religious
psychology here, and I suspect I am not alone.
Several of us either have one of these problems, or have a family
member who does. In my case, it is the latter. It is my job to teach
him how to compensate. He has a dismal future if he does not learn
this. Using it as an excuse won't put bread on his table. Nor will it
earn him friends.
GS> AP> with these nerds, why not forgive them?
GS>
GS>You mean, keep on playing the VICTIM-GAME, and not switch into
GS>some other role?
GS>In religious circles (you may know of some) this is a continuing
GS>debate. So is it okay for Hitler to eradicate the
GS>non-christians, in the name of Christianity?
GS>Or is it okay for the Vatican to sit idly be, watching Hitler
GS>being an "Onward Christian soldier!".
Forgiveness is poorly understood. I would forgive Hitler IF he repented,
but I would still hold him responsible for his actions, prosecute,
convict, and judge him if it were my role to do so. Both justice and
mercy must be meted out, but mercy is only for the repentant.
The Vatican did not speak openly, but the Pope gave false baptismal
certificates to around a million Jews, thereby saving their lives. Some
people also found sanctuary in the Vatican walls, or in the homes of
Christians nearby. Hitler was never a Christian; he was a practitioner of
the occult.
GS>I don't think forgiveness is the correct strategy. In this
GS>conference, can we now look at other strategies? No more
GS>bible-bashing please. Let's try to stay ON-TOPIC.
And what makes you think discussing the Bible is not on-topic?
If we want to discuss the Bible, that's our prerogative.
Pat
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