Catbert's Religion/Theology Pledge

[catbert836]

I've seen an awful lot of people trying to define other people around here lately. This is a problem that has been going on at least since I've been posting in this forum, and back in the day I was guilty of it myself. The point is, I and many others see arbitrarily defining others' beliefs or what have you as near the height of intolerance. As I can see it, each person's beliefs, or lack of beliefs, are their own, and so only they can tell you what they believe or not. Defining their beliefs for them, in this regard, is sheer arrogance, and it pisses many people off no end, and rightfully so. So, here is my pledge:

I, catbert836, do solemnly pledge to never assume what another's beliefs, or lack thereof, may be, and to never attempt to define them without that person's input. If I break my vow, then I shall be subject to others arbitrarily defining my beliefs in return.

I think it would do us all good to take this pledge.

BTW: Thanks, Goblinmonger, for coming up with the pledge idea. Hope you don't mind that I've stolen it.

[Crunchy Frog]

1. An excellent pledge.

[Goblinmonger]

2. I'll take that pledge.

I, Goblinmonger, do solemnly pledge to never assume what another's beliefs, or lack thereof, may be, and to never attempt to define them without that person's input. If I break my vow, then I shall be subject to others arbitrarily defining my beliefs in return.

Seems to be a nice addition to my pledge.

[trotsky]

3. I wanted to refrain from posting on this

not because I don't think it's a great pledge (I do, and I wholeheartedly agree with it), but because I wanted to see if my suspicions would be proved true. They were - it's sinking like a rock.

Well here's a big kick and hopefully we can get some more folks to sign on!

[catbert836]

7. Yes- sadly, that seems to be the case

the people who need to take it the most are ignoring it.

[Zhade]

18. Yes, the usual suspects ARE notably absent.

And I know they've been around, so I guess they're comfortable in their bigotry.

Catbert, I totally take your pledge! :yourock:

[immoderate]

4. I'll sign on.

What is it?:shrug:

--IMM

[Brilligator]

5. You don't really believe that

do you?




;)

[WritingIsMyReligion]

6. Taken.

I, WritingIsMyReligion, do solemnly pledge to never assume what another's beliefs, or lack thereof, may be, and to never attempt to define them without that person's input. If I break my vow, then I shall be subject to others arbitrarily defining my beliefs in return.

[hunter]

8. I pretty much see people as magic black boxes.

I can see what goes in, I can see what comes out, but too many explanations of what's going on inside don't make any sense to me.

Externally many ethical systems are functionally similar whatever the internal representation of these ethical system might be.

Throughout my life I've tended to work in fields that have some basis in altruism -- teaching, medicine, taking care of the elderly, etc. Some, but not all, of my own motivations are religious.

In all these pursuits I've often been surprised by people -- someone I assume is very religious turns out to be an atheist, and someone I assume to be an atheist turns out to be very deeply religious.

[Random_Australian]

9. I'm with you..... in R/T, at least.

Whilst flamebaiting trolls in another forum is a different matter.

But in R/T, it's an excellent pledge.

I'll take it:

I, Random_Australian, do solemnly pledge to never assume what another's beliefs, or lack thereof, may be, and to never attempt to define them without that person's input. If I break my vow, then I shall be subject to others arbitrarily defining my beliefs in return.

:patriot:

[beam me up scottie]

10. Done.

And I'm expecting you to call me out if you see me breaking my promise.;)

[sutz12]

11. I solemnly swear to abide....

The real reason people do this is not to be insulting or anything. Most people do this to set up an arbitrary straw man and follow it with an attack against that straw man. It's a huge political tactic the fundies love.

"You believe this, which is plainly wrong to anyone of any moral fiber, and so are not worthy of my respect."

"But I don't believe that, I believe something else."

"It doesn't matter what you say you believe. I know what you believe."

Repeat ad infinitum.

[salvorhardin]

12. Ah, just saw this.

Absolutely.

I, salvorhardin, do solemnly pledge to never assume what another's beliefs, or lack thereof, may be, and to never attempt to define them without that person's input. If I break my vow, then I shall be subject to others arbitrarily defining my beliefs in return.

[treegiver]

13. Pledge

I, treegiver, do solemnly pledge to never assume I know anything. You can believe that I believe whatever you like. You'll probably be wrong, but that doesn't matter. If I break my vow, then I shall broil in the fiery depths of hell for ever and ever amen.

You got that down in black and white.

[treegiver]

14. I assumed

I knew something. By mistake. But now I'm really screwed.

[greyl]

15. Me too. :) nt

[Evoman]

16. I'm on it

I, Evoman, do solemnly pledge to never assume what another's beliefs, or lack thereof, may be, and to never attempt to define them without that person's input. If I break my vow, then I shall be subject to others arbitrarily defining my beliefs in return

I also add that if I do assume, accidentally, whats others beliefs are, I will apologize immediatly to them when they let me know it.

[SidDithers]

17. Count me in...

and a kick too!

Sid