Freedom of Speech

[kirsty b]

Just gone back and reread that Christmas Prayer you posted and I still think its lovely.
If anyone feels the need to get their knickers in a knot about it, well its their problem not yours.
Hope you and the Mrs had a nice Christmas.

Kirstyb

[Alison]

There has been a couple of occaisions when I've felt that somebody is being a bit offensive (sometimes to my beliefs / feelings and sometimes to somebody else) however have never felt hurt enough to kick up a fuss although in cases tried to move things on as I hang on to the hope that nobody here MEANS to upset. None of these posts have been connected to religion, the offence has more been down to the general tone. Perhaps there are times when we all need to think of how our typed words could be interpreted as it easy to come across badly when the recipient hasn't got the benefit of hearing voice tone or seeing facial expressions.

That said, I've read Piglet's posting a few times and can't see anything there to cause offence to anybody. I don't consider myself to be connected with any religion despite a Christian upbringing but sign up to the views of many of the guys above who talk about caring for mankind. Furthermore, it's a nice sentiment and obviously said with true feeling. Stop worrying Piglet, whilst I don't think this forum is the right place for a full scale discussion on religion (or politics or any of the other big issues) your post was fine, it's not as though it was a full scale sermon or belittled other beliefs. Sounds like somebody else was a bit over sensitive this time!

[snohare]

Piglet, I have read much, much worse, nay actually odious, shall we say...partisan...Christian prayers on American websites, that do not have a forum specifically set aside for off-topic posting. There was nothing wrong with what you said - the contents heading description for this section of the forum should be enough warning for anyone.
It's one thing to say non-confontational things about a debatable topic, or debate things in a non-confrontational way. It is another to blast someone with vitriolic views where it would be hard not to feel hurt if they demonise opponents, or state categorically that right can only be what is believed by that one person. IF LJ felt that what another person said (for whatever personal reasons, be it past bad personal experiences or present mood of the moment) was going to insult others, then I fully support her move to lock the thread.
And even more, I support the truly OTT humour that followed it, dirty rebellious bunch that they are ! (Just kidding, obviously. )

[madderbat]

Dear Piglet
I read your prayer late on Christmas Eve (I think) but was not compos mentis enough to post a reply to it. Thank you for your thoughts and please do not get upset by reactions. You did fine.
I envy you your faith, as a lapsed Christian I sometimes long for the comfort it brought me, but console myself when I remember that greater minds than I have said that there are 'many rooms in my Fathers house' and I beleive that there are many paths to the same place.
Good luck on your journey, we'll meet along the way.

[nick the grief]

...........And even more, I support the truly OTT humour that followed it, dirty rebellious bunch that they are ! (Just kidding, obviously. )

Which OTT humour would that be Snohare

[yoanbob]

go piglet, its debates like these that keep us all thinking open minded.
we are all people! we may not belive others veiws but it doesnt stop us thinking about them, or being friends, and the moment it did we would all join crazyy sects and terrorism groups. your wishes were obviously well intentioned and bar a small few who may have been taking the p** and being funny, all good wishes any time of year are welcomed by most.
all religions have a connection with the land and THAT at the end of the day is why we all get together on this forum.
what ever way you celebrate the coming of the sun or sun peace be with you all!
we have been celebrating with bobs own brew, which put a quick stop to our parents jiding as it was better than the expensive french stuff bought in.
so there.
go piglet!

[Mrs Dobby]

I am not of the christian faith, but have no problem with anyone who has a faith that works for themselves, and in a land where we are supposed to have free speach, then I will stand besides anyone of any faith if they choose to use their right to free speech! As long as they also respect that others have the same rights as they do themselves!

It may be that I do not agree with anothers point of view, but I hope I am mature enough to look beyond the obvious to find their true sentiments and to connect at some level or other with what it is they are trying to say / do.

I read PW's posts, and took them for what they appeared to be for myself, seasonal blessings and best wishes, which I have no problem with whatsoever!

Stay on the vine PW, keep posting and enjoying yourself along with the rest of us, the vine would be a poorer place without your presence!

[JennieAtkinson]

I have had connection problems so not seen much of this - but PW PLEASE keep posting. I would certainly miss your posts.

[pigletwillie]

Dont worrit Jenny, I didnt express myself very well in the first instance, people will just have to put up with my ranting sermons occasionaly sprinkled amongst my normal posts.

[Mrs Dobby]

PW, if you cant have a rant amongst friends, then where can you have a rant?? Dont worry about it, we value your input, so a bit of a rant every now and then is fine by me, it just shows you are passionate about things, which in todays society of apathy is something that is becoming a rarity!

[lyndap]

I must of missed all this going on,but I cant see why anyone should be offended!You just keep posting.If someone doesnt agree with you,they can go to another thread.I'm not religious but we should all live and let live!(and I enjoyed your xmas message)

[Bex]

Here Here! to all the above Piglet. Best wishes all for the new approaching year.

[smallblueplanet]

Bugger I missed out on all the fighting - what did Geordie post that was sooo obnoxious LJ?

Keep posting your stuff Piggie, as long as it isn't ill-meaning whats the problem?

I'm sure the world would be a better place if more of the people in it did a bit more 'loving thy neighbour'! Not sure what the pagan equivalent is? But I'm an athiest anyway!!! (and illiterate! )

[zebedee]

Piglet
I too, have a faith, but doesn't this sort of thing smack of the political correctness that seems to annoy soooo many people? Keep up the good work, mate, and don't leave the forum. We need freedom, we need opinions, we need tolerance, we need love, we need humanity and we need each other.

[pigletwillie]

I think we have all of those things in spades on this forum Zebedee. I wont get onto political correctness as I fear a "red card" would be issued to me, however most people have certainly been tolerant especially the moderators who have let the threads run and to be fair no "bun fights have ensued.