On Religious and Moral Tolerance

[granny]

Mary, if we knew how to stop bullying and intolerance and discrimination, we'd all be millionaires of the heart and soul. Unfortunately, the internet is an anonymous entity, and predators are free to roam and spread their poison. I find most bullies, and people full of hate and bias, are cowards, and do not confront their neighbours, friends and families openly. The usually hide in their anonymity.

[mary]

You may not be a millionaire but your are rich in caring and sharing. You have enriched my life by posting. Yes, bullies may be cowards but how do we protect ourselves and still be open and inviting to those needing comfort?

Mary, if we knew how to stop bullying and intolerance and discrimination, we'd all be millionaires of the heart and soul. Unfortunately, the internet is an anonymous entity, and predators are free to roam and spread their poison. I find most bullies, and people full of hate and bias, are cowards, and do not confront their neighbours, friends and families openly. The usually hide in their anonymity.

[granny]

Mary, the site moderators try to keep the site as untainted as humanly possible. I put my trust in them.
The caring and sharing here is what matters most. We aren't going to let one bad apple hold us back.

[mary]

Yes, it is the caring and sharing that matter most. Thanks for reminding us that we should never let one bad apple interfere with seeing the good apples that share, care, and nurture us.
the site moderators do an unbelievable job of keeping this sire as "untainted as humanly possible."

Mary, the site moderators try to keep the site as untainted as humanly possible. I put my trust in them.
The caring and sharing here is what matters most. We aren't going to let one bad apple hold us back.

[mary]

I just adore the way you said everything in this article. I have often felt alone. Call it superstitious or whatever, but holding a book of quotations has always helped me. Is that faith?
I love quotations and quote books and I am in my 60's. When I feel alone and think no one understands me, I look up quotes. If I look long enough, I find the quote that expresses my feelings and thoughts better and in so much fewer words than I ever could.
One of the best web sites I have found on quotes is quotationscentral.com. I hope you check it out.
God may be that which makes one feel loved, protected and part of a community. I guess with that definition being greedy or haveing the ability to hurt others could also be a God.
I do not want anyone to push their definition of God down my throat but I would love for them to share their definition.
Also, can anyone describe or define the difference between sharing and pushing one's religious beliefs?
God, however you define the person or condition, must truely treasure you as others do.
Mary
Mary

I feel the need to address this issue in light of recent events when members have been very upset with what they see as violations of their own moral code.

Here is our policy as I see it, and I intend to enforce it as I believe that it is the only way for us all to get along, Wellspouses and other members of this small planet.

- No moral or religious code is absolutely right or absolutely wrong. Even mine. Even yours.

- It is immoral for anyone to assume that their beliefs are the only right ones. More immoral still to try to impress your beliefs on others. In other words, there will be no proselytizing on the forum. If you do believe that your chosen way is the only way, you must keep your beliefs to yourself and remember that they are your beliefs, and not the general beliefs of all members of the human race.

- We must not judge the lives of others. We may observe, but one can not really know what another person's life is like. We must support, care, love, and it is unimportant where that sympathy and care comes from. The only important thing is that we take care of one another.

- Finally, it is important to respect the spiritual path of every person, no matter where they begin and where they end. People tend to seek out peace and love, even in horrible situations, and it is our job as humans to help everyone find that peace.

If you feel the need to discuss issues of religious spirituality specific to any religion, you may do that, providing you put a topic header that specifically states that you intend to do this. That way anyone who does not share your beliefs can post elsewhere and not feel uncomfortable.

We are a community of sharing, caring and support. I don't care if you're blue or green, inside or out -- what I do care about is that we help one another in the best way that we can.

I posted this here so that others may respond if they like.

[mary]

I love having the boundaries in place. I love your humor and witty use of words!!!!
You made me smile!!!!
Mary

[granny]

Hi again Mary! If you like quotes and sayings, scroll down to WELLSPOUSES ARE PEOPLE TOO. Then click on THOUGHT FOR THE DAY. People share their quotes there and it is a fun spot to check out.

[mary]

You said "If you like quotes and sayings, scroll down to WELLSPOUSES ARE PEOPLE TOO. Then click on THOUGHT FOR THE DAY. People share their quotes there and it is a fun spot to check out."

You are such a doll!!! Definitely I will check it out.

Granny, here are some web sites that I found helpful ---
www.catholocity.com/ You do not have to be Catholic to enjoy this site and to receive as many free cds as you like. The CDs are helpful for those to travel long distances to jobs and need inspiration.

newmorningtv.tv Please check this out. They will email totally free a daily newsletter full of inspiring thoughts from many different religions if you wish.

www.peoplestuff.com Now this person in Australia will try to sell you a course on positive thinking. You do not have to give out your email address and I would suggest you do not do so. Still, there are a lot of good ideas at this site. He often stresses we can care but not be responsible for another's well being.

www.carepages.com If you have a loved one in the hospital this site will send your postings to whomever you wish them to. People whom have lost a child post here. I am not as wise as you yet or as experienced in being supportive. I know it is helpful for people to express their pain and yet very difficult. Two of my children have lost children. My 15 year old granddaughter died 4 years ago and it is still painful for me to mention. I post to people who have lost a child and just ask them to keep posting.

Granny, I do like you!!!
Mary

[mary]

newsletters@faithstreams.com will email daily totally free inspirational sayings from all the different world religions.
Mary

[granny]

Mary, thanks for all the info!
And I like you too

[mary]

Erin,
do you or anyone know the words to the song "I Did It My Way" by Frank Sinatra?
When people are depressed or down this song often helps them. We often do not wish to change what we are doing in our lives; we just want to change our attitudes. Reminding people that they are doing their life and things their way often cheers them up or gives them comfort.
My angel granddaughter was tested IQ wise in the first grade and declared genuis and brilliant IQ wise. She was so wise and yst so innocent because of her age. I was talking to her about life being hard and unfair and so many people suffering. She looked at me and said "Grandma, if you are doing what you think is the right thing, how are hard and difficult relevant?"
Mary

[Resilience]

Erin:

I, too, would like to thank you for moderating this forum in such a professional and sensitive manner. It is extremely important that people feel safe and open to express whatever it is they need to say without being criticized and judged for having the honesty to express those thoughts.

While I did not read a first hand account of a recent posting, (which I understand was lost once the change to a new format was made,) I understand that I was very harshly judged on religious grounds for an article that I wrote which was printed in Mainstay. The journey that I've taken as a Well Spouse has been fraught with ambivalence and self doubt. I know this to be the case for many other Well Spouses too. I find it sad and disturbing that people who profess to be stand up Christians (or any other religion for that matter) are often the ones with the least tolerance, and the least amount of compassion for the pain and suffering of others. The decision I made to move on with my life while still standing by my IS was made with input from many sources, including my therapist, my IS's therapist, and personal prayer.

That said, I want to thank you, Richard, and the entire WS community for giving me and so many others a "soft place to fall." Bless you.