re: #51 uriel

I think part of the problem is that, while all of us are communicating in written form here on the internet, we are usually composing those posts using a mental narration that doesn’t necessarily come across in a nonverbal form. So, while one may be using a reasoned and patient tone of voice in one’s head, simply describing the issues you have, that doesn’t necessarily come across in the acsii text we’re putting out.

When you add to this the very serious discrimination atheists encounter in real life, combined with the also very real apprehension and fear at the bizarre influence that figures like Osteen’s or Falwell’s “gospel of self interested, hyper-focused hate” have on the public at large- well, that can rub you raw enough to forget that the specific person you are replying to is not, necessarily, a part of the problem you are trying to address.

But that’s just me. I’ll admit, “tone policing” is something I’ve learned to live with.

Very aware of the the limitations of written-only communication, as witness I’m sitting here now wondering if the reference to “tone policing” indicates that you feel I was doing that in my post. If so, I apologize!

And yes, it is frightening and sickening to watch the Pharisees leverage the out-sized influence they’ve gained over the past four decades to consolidate their power, in the name of a religion whose precepts they don’t even try to pretend they practice.

It’s a sore subject, rubbed raw on most of us by now. But grateful for this site where we have bonds that cross disparate viewpoints, and most of the discussions stay thoughtful and reasonable. At least till pineapple and eggplant come into it…