Help me reply to this because I have wayyy too much to say. Third party advice might help keep emotions separate. A common statement that I would like to reply to in a very impactful way, and I only get one chance.
On my Facebook (and yes, directed at me in response to something humorous I posted, that questioned Christianity) which happens to be full of peace keepers and christians:
"Jesus is real, it all actually happened and we all believe in him so stop making fun of him."
Thanks guys, I really needed that support. I ultimately replied with my usual humor. I found the perfect meme for the job
"I realized that no woman can be turned into salt," my Catholic-raised mother said, explaining why she became an atheist in nursing school.
I wonder what the purpose of being turned into a pillar of salt would serve. The lesson: Don't pray for damp weather? Hope you get turned into a fast food ketchup cup?
"In Judaism, one common view of Lot's wife turning to salt was as punishment for disobeying the angels' warning. By looking back at the "evil cities" she betrayed her secret longing for that way of life. She was deemed unworthy to be saved and thus turned to a pillar of salt. [en.wikipedia.org]
The problem is that they do not know "what all actually happened." What they think they know depends on which Christian group they got their info from. This is why there are so many religious denominations and also why some of us laugh at them. Some religious beliefs are downright funny.
IMHO, the phrasing seems like that of a child of someone not that bright. There is no point arguing, logic doesn't work for believers, they believe despite fact not because of them. Do what I do, I have multiple FB accounts, I have one for people who want to be my FB friends, rather than hurt their feelings, I "friend" them on a fake account to which I ocassionaly make a post. My real contacts are on a FB profile that is completely hidden. I have it to keep an eye on my kids and to plan events. We only post jokes and other important stuff.
Sometimes keeping it simple isn't a bad thing. What exactly bothers you about that particular statement? That they allude to everyone believing in Jesus? You could simply correct them and state that, that isn't so. They can't really argue anything further if that's all you say.
I just tell them he may have been real but we haven't figured out which one. I'm more inclined to believe in the others.
That drives them batshit crazy and might even wake one or two up.
I would respond with, Jesus wasn't real, there is zero historical evidence, the bible isn't moral, god doesn't exist, and what you believe is irrelevant to the truth.
Was it a joke?
Life is full of interesting stories and fairy tales. I have heard people say that they saw a UFO, yet others claim that a man walked on water, some even said that they saw a man flying. I have never seen any of these things and doubt that I ever will and no doubt believers would admonish me to have faith in such matters.
Unless the statement was aimed at you I would simply ignore it. Where would believers be without unbelievers who often unwittingly reinforce their beliefs.
You are correct – Jesus is real, but he is not a god and neither is anybody else.
I have heard it said that cultural perceptions play a role.If you say you are god then the men in white coats will come and take you away. In India if you publicly declare you are god everyone around you will say, 'of course you are, we all are.'
oh yeah and the wolf in the sheep clothes is actually a sheep too
in this scenario to end the discusion i will say sorry and move on
do you know sorry is such a strong word.
I am sorry- did i lose my dignity or shame or pride or ego or etc etc
But sorry -silence is a powerful word
Why do you have reply to something you don’t believe in? Acceptance that others have their own perception is a honorable and good thing.
I certainly don't accept that "others have their own perception" - holocaust-deniers anyone?
@EhMularz if it is serving your highest good go for it. I asked the question because there are numerous moments were we are responding based on Ego perception and not our true self . Hopefully you have or do reach some resolution with the situation.
@GoldenDoll whether you accept it or not they do. That is one of the reasons for the amount of conflict in the world today ,and through out time
@Outsideit67 So if we accept atrocious behavior conflict will be resolved? Denn mussen wir spechen jetzt Deutsch! What a strange philosophy. Accept everything. No matter how bad. Stand up for nothing. Everything will be fine. Not.
@GoldenDoll was saying accept that people have that perspective and belief. We must and protect ourselves and others from the actions behind it the belief or perspective. If someone hates me because of my origin or whatever I should accept that and not worry about trying to change them as though I need their blessings to live. I f they seek to do harm to me or the community I live in that is a different matter.