The Seekers of Illumination

[Silver]

1) Have you been in a situation with a person you thought was close-minded? If so, how did you handle it? If not, how do you think you would take it if you were to meet someone like that?

I have. Me being me, I rush in blindly most of the time. Sometimes I can help someone see another side, sometimes they seem beyond it. Regardless it's almost like I feel I have to try to get them to see things may not be so well defined.

2) Do you think people like that are that way based on personal experiences or on how they were raised?

Some people, mayhaps. Others just have a closed view of the world. But not being open to new possibilities is a major part of it. It most likely can be the result of any number of things.

3) Would you consider yourself open-minded or close-minded? Or a bit both?

Open-minded to an extent. I'm relatively close-minded in some of my ways of thinking. I just find that I believe some things to be utter shite. But then I am the one who questions most things that are supposedly set in stone. Like scientific evidence for example. What does it prove?

4) Would you consider someone being open-minded a bad or good thing?

Good thing. The more open-minded the better. More dice on the table, less major differences of opinion.... Me likey.

[OmniTense]

1) Have you been in a situation with a person you thought was close-minded? If so, how did you handle it? If not, how do you think you would take it if you were to meet someone like that?

I have. I try not to mess with the ethos of others unless they are friends and I think that I owe them my consideration and that I owe them my opinion. Generally, it's a disappointing thing to see, but I do not actively participate with people on such a level.

2) Do you think people like that are that way based on personal experiences or on how they were raised?

Ah...that is a term paper and a half, and I am far too lazy. But in essence you are asking the same question twice. Personal Experiences or how they were raised. Both are personal experiences, I think your question could be answered along those lines.

3) Would you consider yourself open-minded or close-minded? Or a bit both?

Certainly, I aim for balance in all things. But I cannot observe my own actions as well as those who know me can. I.E. You people would be a better judge of this than I would. I would hope a bit of both.

4) Would you consider someone being open-minded a bad or good thing?

Govinda said I put it excellently . I don't know if that's true, but I stand by what I said:

"We must always remember and balance the difference between being so open-minded we let our minds fall out, or so closed-minded it never gets any air."


-Sin

[Azuteor]

Hey everyone, just wanted to say hello! I'm not even sure if I'm still in the club, but I used to be one right? Looks like the club is alive, I'm glad! I hope everyone is doing alright!

I am back! Well, rules are rules, will I have to complete the registration process again?

[T.G. Oskar]

Uhh...

If anyone sought to look for me the past 2 days, my ISP got trigger-happy and d/ced me for no apparent reason. I am not the most diligent of payers, but I often make the full 2-month payment for my service. No explanation, poof!!

Made me rediscover I had more stuff in my computer. Like, emulators.

Anyways...

@Suzu: well...of course you are still in <.< (you could have just asked...) I'd advice a swift re-reading of the rules (some changes are around), and just fill the application. Half of the people here are from the old club, half are new (might want to say Hi to Dimarik, to Aerif, and if for some reason Ann remembers, do so too)

One more thing, the Masters pulled off the thing we sought to do (BoD has self-exiled from TFF, I still doubt they are truly exiling, but well...) Just in case you are a bit off from current events.

As always, do please contribute in the discussion. We've been doing some battles as of lately, and at least the two done have finished successfully. Care for another bout, with switched opponents? That last bouts were quite exciting, considering the relative skill of the RPBers.

[OmniTense]

We could do that, Oskar. Another round, all around? We could start an RP. Now that the BoD is finished forever, I imagine that we could use this club to dominate. Their place is still vacant and a vacuum of power must be filled. We've just yet to step up and claim it.


As far as debate...I wish I could contribute to major discussions, but I just can't bring myself to influence people that way. I would argue for Christianity's sake, but I can't tell anyone that they're wrong and I'm right or even to challenge their view. Does anyone else feel this way? It's not that I think that it's wrong or sinful to argue your point... Well it's a combination of my natural laziness and hesitance.

I am Taoist. That much is true, as far as truth reaches. However, I believe in God and in Christ and I believe that the greater majority of what the Bible says is truth and IS divinely inspired. But from an evangelical perspective, I am useless to God and to Taoism. Besides, when it comes to arguments, I usually lose them anyway. Not very good with verbal confrontation.


It seems we've lost Bro, for a while, at least. Until he settles things. Thoughts and prayers, people.

I'll take on Nathan, Pablo or Aerif...anything's fine.

Everyone be safe.

-Sin

[Govinda]

It's not wrong to fight your point. But if you hold a Bible in front of me and tell me I'm going to your hell for not listening to it, I reserve the right to get a bit pissed and go slightly Richard Dawkins on yo' ass (not wholly Dawkins though, as I think he is a complete, total and utter, chronically, painfully, detrimentally closed minded, opinionated mostly-fascist TWAT who deserves to be ignored by publishers everywhere).

I couldn't find the beginning of that discussion. So I just picked a sentence from Sin's post and said some stuff. Yeah. 'Observing the Obvious: Why Yes, I Am Trained in Sociology, However Did You Guess? Volume One.'

I'd like to try RPB'ing with any of you who will humour me. Will make a new character as the last one was conjured at 4am in a total of 25 minutes and frankly makes me feel nothing but unabashed shame.

Safe return for our friend Dimi.

[T.G. Oskar]

Originally Posted by Sinister

Now that the BoD is finished forever, I imagine that we could use this club to dominate.

Wishful thinking, eh brother? We might, of course, but the dominance should be subtle, quiet. Yet, enrapturing.

We should be the gentle conquerors. Oxymoron at least, but having the same influence without being a bunch of...how to say, obnoxious fools.

Though I still wouldn't say their exodus is definite. Much like temporary. Most of the recent partings from the forum have returned after a certain time (gladly enough, an example is good friend Dimarik. He had his stuff, but he certainly sums the feeling of most of the returnees: he's addicted to the forum. Hopefully he has recovered from the situation. Sith happens*.)

Sin...I'm also lazy for discussion. Very lazy. I can live with that.

Anyways, it's not wrong to stand your ground and make a point. Certainly not. The true problem lies in shoving your beliefs to people for no apparent reason. It's not bad if you want to speak about Christianity or why God is the only one, but if you are to intimidate me into believing, and use fear...that is certainly something I cannot allow.

Same thing as if I say ghosts exist. People say they exist, that they wander upon us, but without empirical evidence, there is no way to place authority upon their declarations. Same thing in religion: most people won't place authority neither in the Bible nor in faith because of a lack of proper empirical evidence. That does not mean it is true or not, that means people believe on it or not based on circumstantial evidence. It is evidence, but it is not a solid one. Now, does always circumstantial evidence proves a case right, or wrong? Not always. That also means that it's wrong to say it never proves a case right or wrong.

Now, all Christian denominations (and Muslims too) promote massive Evangelization, as they deem it a duty to the church. That is not bad, certainly not. But, also remember people have a free will. Also, remember that the first evangelists never preached with fear. Sure, the prophecies can be a bit rough and blunt, but those are stern warnings.

Still, if you are content with your belief, it's unfair that I shove you my beliefs down your throat. It is just fair: if I don't shove my beliefs upon you, you have no right to shove yours down mine. Golden Rule, gents and ladies: Golden Rule. "Do unto others what you want them to do unto you"

Certainly, trying to convince someone to adopt your ways is not bad, but be warned that such a person is equally stated to convince you of adopting your ways. Also, it is not bad to be stubborn in remaining the same: after all, while people flame Christians for being stubborn about not changing their faith, nobody says the same about, say, being a nihilist.

(Gonna have to place a disclaimer around here: I am blunt. Very blunt. Even if I don't like to offend consciously, I do it and often. Please bear with me)

@Pablo: care to pass that book? I can lend you mine (How to be blunt and get with it: a guide to smart cynism and sarcasm.). I have been told I can be a bit cynic at times, not here but somewhere else. Certainly it can be a boon when you are being shoved down beliefs, don't you think?

Also, I can be sour. Not the kind of funny guy. I presume maybe Aerif could help ya? Or Taco, if you see him (yes, I know, he's not a member, but his RPBing style is a joke. In the good sense, mind ya) Perhaps if I could be a bit more flexible, I could be of aid.

Having said that, anyone interested in a showdown?

P.S.: you have a good talent for making characters, Pablo. I liked the idea of a sorceress of ice, certainly you can develop a better concept than I on a first glance. But, be my guest. Surprise us. I know you can!

[OmniTense]

Wishful thinking? It may or may not be temporary, but lets just say I imagine they're arrogance puts the 'statute of limitations' dangerously close to a little bit more than a very long time.


As for discussion. I don't have that problem with discussions in general...just religion. You see? I just don't have that demeanor... I wish I did. But I influence people in other ways, so, in a way, I make up for lacking.

Still, I never was good with sharing. Something I always admired of Christianity. Taoism is not the same. We don't share. By the time we finally understand all of our religion and can practice all of it with mastery...our first impulse is not necessarily to share. Which is why the religion is so...elusive.

People don't like things that aren't handed out on silver platters in this day and age. They are suspicious of work and not ease. Supply and Demand... The demand for religion is shockingly low in this era, but supply is high as always. Taoism balances this.

The biggest attempt I ever made at voicing my religion is a paper I wrote for a grade and the weak essay I posted here.

Actually this site is the biggest religious evangelical effort I've ever made and probably a record somewhere in the Taoist hall of fame. I talk about it all the time, write about it in my journal and am even discussing it here. On the outside world...well...I never talk, let alone on such personal topics as religion of choice.


But if any of you wish to engage in debate... Well, I could certainly use the practice. ^^


And yes, Gov, your Ice sorceress was an impressive character, but if you can do better, exert yourself. Nothing like a stretch of imagination and literary power? That is the point of the thing after all.

-Sin

[Atma-Noah]

I would say that I consider myself an altruist based on the fact that I find it quite easy to esteem others higher than myself. Whether it be via encouraging said individual or taking a step back from the spot light and helping someone step up into it. I do not expect the consequences of my actions in relation to other individuals (well at least when it comes to helping that individual out) to benefit myself. I quite enjoy making others have a good time whatever they're doing.

In regard to injustice I would say I take the stance of abhorring, however some would say that my religious stance is much the opposite, I suppose that is all based on perspective.

I'm sure someone could look at my ability to rp and rpb I've taken part in a few rps and rpbs over the years here, however I've found it extremely hard to sit down and write over the past year or so. I'd like to get back into it but it seems to be very difficult with school.

So there is the application that was asked for. I'd like to join and hopefully sharpen my writing and learn from the discussion here.

[T.G. Oskar]

Well, that is surely a striking proposal, Atma!!

While I hadn't the chance to actually fight you (we tried once, but it never moved to anything in particular save the intros), I do reckon you are a very good RPer. Hopefully this time we'll get ya some dust off from you.

Also, I really didn't bothered to do a full screening from your posts (that is a requisite I often do, just to prevent certain people from entering...y'know, people who would not conform to the standards of respect and camaraderie, fundies and stuff). As far as I reckon, you're a former Moderate, and we've been gone through the way of moderation ourselves, so I'd think you'd be quite at home. Well, the only difference are the discussions...

Therefore, I'd be quite more than happy to accept this application (*places seal of approval several times*), so feel free to contribute to our discussion (which is I believe one or two pages before this one...) We're also waiting for challengers, so if you want to polish your skills, just ask.

P.S.: I knew I forgot something...Nate, could you please, pretty please make a sprite of me and place it right just at Terra's side? Pretty please, with swirling motes of Abyss and Hard Rock Hallelujah on top?

...yeah, for the umpteenth time, I think it's more than evidently obvious I'm a Terra fanboy. I get startled by the photo, that's it...

[Silver]

Heh, I was poking around myself since I hadn't seen much of Atma-Noah.
He seems good to me, eh? And he has a way with words, I loved the Altruism bit.
Welcome aboard dude. ^^

Also of note, I believe I scared the living daylights out of Suzu earlier.
I love a good practical joke...

[Atma-Noah]

Ah quite right T.G, I checked that ole rpb out after you mentioned it. Which lead to me trying to decide whether or not I should try to create a character specifically for the club. Has everyone else done so? If so I will create a new one, after that consider me to be challenging anyone who's up to sharpen this old rusty mind.

Hmm...so the discussion is about presenting religious views to others? And the line between presentation and intimidation? Or do I have to go back further?

A few times the idea has been presented that most people who evangelize in the Christian faith are kinda like people that witness someone's house burning while the owner is asleep. The witness isn't going to casually whisper and be calm about the situation because the other person is in danger.

I think most people have this concept or one close to it and therefore preach fear and intimidation to make their point and stand their ground. Sure it's messy and doesn't always work but that is the only way they think it will leave a mark on another person. I don't really agree with that. I have no problem talking to people about my faith and such but I don't think it is our place to decide what another believes you know?

I guess the other side of the coin is that people should look at the intentions of others and not just at their methods.

Ok folks Abel Tafiti is primed and ready now. Here's a link if you'd like to give him a look over.