Interfaith Group

Htom Sirveaux

(1,242 posts) Tue Aug 5, 2014, 09:31 AM Aug 2014

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It seems to me that people are too complex for labels to be very useful, and yet it's difficult to imagine a world without them. Something gets damaged if people try to stuff themselves into what others imagine when a particular label comes to mind. And yet a label can also be a commitment, and don't people need commitments to know themselves, have a sense of purpose, and build self-confidence? Labels can hurt and create mistaken expectations, but they can also empower and bring people together.

Thoughts?

58 replies

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Labels? [View all] Htom Sirveaux Aug 2014 OP

I agree. I notice as my faith cuanges and grows thst labels don't pinpoint my faith completely. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #1

How have your views changed over time? nt Htom Sirveaux Aug 2014 #2

My ideas on prayer and what God does in the world. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #3

Ah, Justin, I agree that people change as well as their views. No Vested Interest Aug 2014 #4

You put it better than I could. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #5

Have you ever been tempted to idolize a label? Htom Sirveaux Aug 2014 #6

Interesting question. I would have never used the term "idolize" re a personal label No Vested Interest Aug 2014 #12

Any kind of label, but especially religious/spiritual labels. nt Htom Sirveaux Aug 2014 #13

Okay, then. I'll stand pat with answer in #12. No Vested Interest Aug 2014 #14

The problem is when people stuff the labels in their ears. rug Aug 2014 #7

How does one avoid that temptation, in your opinion? nt Htom Sirveaux Aug 2014 #8

Realizing that it's a category not an identity. rug Aug 2014 #9

Is this about cooling one's emotional attachment? nt Htom Sirveaux Aug 2014 #10

Not so much as understanding that human beings do not fit into boxes. rug Aug 2014 #11

Don't we pretty much have to label things... TreasonousBastard Aug 2014 #15

What is a faithiest? hrmjustin Aug 2014 #16

I believe the term refers to an atheist who thinks that some atheists are too harsh on believers el_bryanto Aug 2014 #17

Another attempt at bullying. Just sad. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #18

No, it's not Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #19

Thanks my friend and welcome to our group. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #20

Not a problem. Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #21

That's possibly the origin of the term; but obviously it's being applied wider than that. nt el_bryanto Aug 2014 #22

I think that's pretty much how it is being applied Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #23

Post removed Post removed Aug 2014 #24

So why am I getting that attitude? Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #25

You are getting that attitude because I know who you are el_bryanto Aug 2014 #26

I have posted nothing in this safe haven that violates the SOP Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #27

Than I suppose my comments will be hidden. el_bryanto Aug 2014 #28

Depends on how you posted. Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #29

Your defense of a hidden homophobic post, for starters. rug Aug 2014 #30

I've asked for an explanation of why it is homophobic Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #31

We do not chastice our members in public. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #32

I was chastised in public in this group. Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #33

You camd in here knowing fullwellwhat might happen and started trashing the place. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #35

Started trashing the place? Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #37

here. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #39

Yup Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #40

The head host might not have seen the hide. I don't know. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #41

It just seems that that attitude Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #42

We don't get posters like you coming in here to start in often. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #44

Sorry Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #46

I am a host in this room and ask you to withdraw. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #47

I said no such thing. kentauros Aug 2014 #43

And I told you I'm not parsing gay slurs with you. rug Aug 2014 #34

That response was in the same post. Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #36

Ah, "find something before that that is uncivil". rug Aug 2014 #38

You mean this? Goblinmonger Aug 2014 #45

"the entirety of his post comes across as thinly veiled homophobia" rug Aug 2014 #48

So, you're ignoring the part about the worm? kentauros Aug 2014 #49

A footnote. okasha Aug 2014 #51

Thanks okasha. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #52

You're welcome. okasha Aug 2014 #54

Thank you, okasha. kentauros Aug 2014 #53

I am sorry that this all happened in your thread. hrmjustin Aug 2014 #50

I think labels are necessary. kentauros Aug 2014 #55

I think the cherry-picking is necessary. okasha Aug 2014 #56

Labels can be handy, but a given label can cover a multitude of differences Fortinbras Armstrong Aug 2014 #57

Labels are necessary but limiting by there very nature. cbayer Aug 2014 #58