Okay finally have some time.

Quote Originally Posted by cariad(CC)
"So are you saying that a homosexual can be a part of your group and not feel pressured to become hetero? "

Yes
How does that work exactly? I'm very curious because I've never known a group to be able to believe in something strongly enough to think it's wrong who can really accept the thing they think is wrong. There has always been (in my experience) subtle pushings and pressures to 'join up' with the normals.


If I had a magic wand I would also turn all white chocolate into zero calorie dark chocolate. As I had hoped I had made clear, the freewill statement over-rides my magic wand statement (except in the case of chocolate).
This one is going to be a sticking point for me I think because I'm having trouble seeing how your free will statement can over-ride the previous statement, but don't let that bother you.

This I think is the crux of our difference of opinion. It took me a while to acknowledge to myself that I did believe in some absolutes, still in denial about taxes, although the tax man refuses to be convinced. The greyer values become the easier they are everyone to accept, the more inclusive they are. So it is tempting to add nullifying caveats to every statement. But taken to its logical conclusion society will sink to a level where anything and everything is of equal value. Sounds good until you think that it means that a deliberate and hurtful word would be of equal worth as a kind and loving one. That in a court of law a lie would be considered equal to the truth…..
I don't believe that knowing there are exceptions to everything leads to anarchy. Or openmindedness to outright stupidity. Sometimes a deliberate and hurtful word is of equal worth. Have you ever had to snap someone out of a dangerous situation by being deliberately hurtful? I have. Same with a lie in court. I can see dozens of situations where a lie will serve justice.

In the case of encouragement / manipulation not only is it a case of degree, but is primarily a matter of the underlying motivation of the person encouraging or manipulating. There is also a fine line between abuse and between having my arse made so tender that for days I flinch when I sit down. The bruises and other outcomes may be the same, but I have no difficulty knowing where that line is.

cariad
That's good. I personally would. I would have trouble knowing whether or not I am encouraging this religion on someone for their reasons or mine. Put in a BDSM context I encourage people with budding desire, but I always do my best to be careful and back off if those desires seem half-hearted or based on abuse or other reasons. Again not knowing which group you are a part of limits my judgement, but it has always seemed to me that religion only pushes harder if the interest is only half-hearted.

This is very enjoyable. Like Oz says, come play with us in the other forums too.