A God that knows the future but powerless to change it

[hitch0403]

Jnjm....you have freedom of choice correct?When you see such posts you arent forced to read or view them.But you wanna bash them.I agree there are many different religeous views in the world.Satan wants to blind many.Anyway,what gives man the right to tell God how He should be served?

[jcribb16]

Jnjm....you have freedom of choice correct?When you see such posts you arent forced to read or view them.But you wanna bash them.I agree there are many different religeous views in the world.Satan wants to blind many.Anyway,what gives man the right to tell God how He should be served?

Exactly.  People are free to post threads of different topics in this forum.  No one is asking or forcing anyone else to read topics they don't like.  They can post their own topics of interests if they so choose - you know people will either like or not like them either.  Religion, for some, is not for them, and that's their choice.  Religion, for others, is for them, and that's their choice.  Posters are free to post and reply, within the guidelines. 

Telling Christians to not post or not discuss things of their interests is wrong.  Just as wrong as someone wanting to post another religion topic, and to be told they shouldn't or can't do it.  This forum is for everyone.  I'm not entering those that do not apply to me nor do I believe in.  Unless it's in the debate forum, and if I want to come in and discuss and debate, I will.  But, overall, I'm not telling others they can't post an original "certain type of thread" and then go in and bash them for thinking the way they do.  It's not right for me nor anyone else to disrespect like that.

[falcon9]

Satan wants to blind many.

So, "satan" is responsible for xtian blind faith, not the xtian?

Anyway,what gives man the right to tell God how He should be served?

Non sequitur; the begged question is based upon a false premise.

“You can not convince a believer of anything; for their belief is not based on evidence, it is based on a deep-seated need to believe.”
-– Carl Sagan

[falcon9]

No one is asking or forcing anyone else to read topics they don't like. Posters are free to post and reply, within the guidelines. 

This applies to responses regarding posts made by religious adherents and non-adherents alike, it's not a one-way street.
 

Telling Christians to not post or not discuss things of their interests is wrong. 

No one has posted any such thing, (misinterpretations don't count as direct quotes).

Just as wrong as someone wanting to post another religion topic, and to be told they shouldn't or can't do it. 

No one has told the religious fanatics that they can't post their mythological superstitions or religious proselytizations.  Conversely, there are numerous posts, (mostly from you), which have attempted to inhibit dissenting opposition to religious proselytization, (with the direct intent to stop others from doing so).  This is hypocritical of xtians who are desparately trying to suppress opposing viewpoints, (despite remarks such as "Posters are free to post and reply, within the guidelines", which apply to non-xtians as well).

I'm not telling others they can't post an original "certain type of thread" and then go in and bash them for thinking the way they do. 

Instead, you continually tell others that they cannot reply to a "certain type of thread" as if it were some sort of exclusive xtian country club and not a thread open to comments by any FC member.  The repeated inability to *see* the hypocrisy there engenders the conclusion of 'faith-blindness' on some xtians' part.

“Faith: Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel.”
-– Ambrose Bierce

[jcribb16]

No one is asking or forcing anyone else to read topics they don't like. Posters are free to post and reply, within the guidelines. 

This applies to responses regarding posts made by religious adherents and non-adherents alike, it's not a one-way street.
 

Telling Christians to not post or not discuss things of their interests is wrong. 

No one has posted any such thing, (misinterpretations don't count as direct quotes).

Just as wrong as someone wanting to post another religion topic, and to be told they shouldn't or can't do it. 

No one has told the religious fanatics that they can't post their mythological superstitions or religious proselytizations.  Conversely, there are numerous posts, (mostly from you), which have attempted to inhibit dissenting opposition to religious proselytization, (with the direct intent to stop others from doing so).  This is hypocritical of xtians who are desparately trying to suppress opposing viewpoints, (despite remarks such as "Posters are free to post and reply, within the guidelines", which apply to non-xtians as well).

I'm not telling others they can't post an original "certain type of thread" and then go in and bash them for thinking the way they do. 

Instead, you continually tell others that they cannot reply to a "certain type of thread" as if it were some sort of exclusive xtian country club and not a thread open to comments by any FC member.  The repeated inability to *see* the hypocrisy there engenders the conclusion of 'faith-blindness' on some xtians' part.

“Faith: Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel.”
-– Ambrose Bierce

You are twisting my words around and you know it. I have said many times that both sides have the freedom to post and respond how they want - "within the guideline; Golden Rule."  It does NOT mean people are okay to disrespect and bash others for their beliefs; including getting downright hateful.  People discussing back and forth is one thing, but to continually try and be mean to others because they believe in something or someone you don't, is wrong.  Bashing is wrong. 

By the way, please show where, exactly, I have ever said "they cannot reply to a "certain type of thread" as if it were some sort of exclusive xtain country club and not a thread open to comments by any FC member."  Please do show this.  You think you are free to come in and bash Christians, in particular, yet you don't want me, or anyone else, Christian in particular, to challenge you with your bashing, particularly towards Christians.

You don't bash others' religions, including Wiccan, so why only the Christians?  It's wrong for you to do that.  I don't go in and bash the Wiccans, for example - it's their choice how they want to live their lives.  Our Christianity is not bothering you and their choices aren't bothering you, me, nor anyone else.  Are you that afraid of the idea of God existing that you must take it out on Christians?  There's some reason you are bashing only the Christians and it's just not right nor respectful.

[JediJohnnie]

"Are you that afraid of the idea of God existing that you must take it out on Christians?"

I think you hit the nail on the head,jcribb.For someone so certain in his beliefs,he seems almost frantic at even the possibility that God exists.

In the words of the Bard "Methinks the lady (aka Falcon) doth protest too much."

[falcon9]

You are twisting my words around and you know it.

There's no "twisting"; your hypocrisy stands as is, in your own words.  On the one hand, you claim "that both sides have the freedom to post and respond how they want ..." and on the other, attempt suppression of that "freedom" by misapplying the "golden rule", (in trying to apply it only to responses to religious proselytization posts).

I have said many times that both sides have the freedom to post and respond how they want - "within the guideline; Golden Rule."  It does NOT mean people are okay to disrespect and bash others for their beliefs; including getting downright hateful.

Those are your slanted interpretations/personal perspectives of opposing posts.  The other side of that coin is the "hateful" sanctimonious proselytizing which "disrespects" non-xtians and "bashes" them over their heads with bible-thumping propaganda, (and then getting petulant when their proselytizing is objected to).

People discussing back and forth is one thing, but to continually try and be mean to others because they believe in something or someone you don't, is wrong.  Bashing is wrong. 

By the same token, continually propagandizing with religious proselytizations is not "discussing back and forth".  It's xtians "bashing" those who don't believe with their bible, (which you've just admitting is "wrong" in that context).
 

By the way, please show where, exactly, I have ever said "they cannot reply to a "certain type of thread" as if it were some sort of exclusive xtian country club and not a thread open to comments by any FC member."  Please do show this. 

I didn't state that you directly posted that; as the quote shows, I stated 'as if it were some exclusive xtian country club'... due to the repeated attempts to suppress dissenting replies.

You think you are free to come in and bash Christians, in particular, yet you don't want me, or anyone else, Christian in particular, to challenge you with your bashing, particularly towards Christians.

Bash, bash, bash - you repeatedly characterize opposing viewpoints as "bashing" in order to try suppressing them.  Conversely, you want to be 'free' to proselytize your religion without opposition and that hypocrisy continues to elude you.

You don't bash others' religions, including Wiccan, so why only the Christians? 

No wiccans have repetitiously proselytized their religion on these forums to date.  One thread among how many xtian propaganda threads ... dozens, hundreds?

I don't go in and bash the Wiccans, for example - it's their choice how they want to live their lives. 

Which wiccans?  Have you seen any come into the forums here and treat them 'as if they were some sort of exclusive wiccan country club'?
 

Our Christianity is not bothering you ...

If it wasn't 'bothering" anyone, why are there dissenting replies?

Are you that afraid of the idea of God existing that you must take it out on Christians?   

Are you so fearful that your hypothetical egregore doesn't exist that you lash out irrationally on non-xtians?

[falcon9]

I think you hit the nail on the head ...

On the contrary, there's a far greater probability that you've been hit on the head too many times.

For someone so certain in his beliefs,he seems almost frantic at even the possibility that God exists.

What beliefs do you believe I have?  For someone who has repeatedly claimed to 'ignore' my posts, (off and on), your ignorance appears to extend beyond being ignorant of reasoning ability and flounders on specious speculations instead.  I'm neither "frantic" about nor "afraid" of some hypothetical xtian egregore.  I'm also not "frantic" or fearful of invisible pink unicorns, so there is that.

In the words of the Bard "Methinks the lady (aka Falcon) doth protest too much."

Since you're 'speculating' randomly here; children shouldn't eat paint chips or they might end up mind-blinded like a xtian.

[jcribb16]

You are twisting my words around and you know it.

There's no "twisting"; your hypocrisy stands as is, in your own words.  On the one hand, you claim "that both sides have the freedom to post and respond how they want ..." and on the other, attempt suppression of that "freedom" by misapplying the "golden rule", (in trying to apply it only to responses to religious proselytization posts).

I have said many times that both sides have the freedom to post and respond how they want - "within the guideline; Golden Rule."  It does NOT mean people are okay to disrespect and bash others for their beliefs; including getting downright hateful.

Those are your slanted interpretations/personal perspectives of opposing posts.  The other side of that coin is the "hateful" sanctimonious proselytizing which "disrespects" non-xtians and "bashes" them over their heads with bible-thumping propaganda, (and then getting petulant when their proselytizing is objected to).

People discussing back and forth is one thing, but to continually try and be mean to others because they believe in something or someone you don't, is wrong.  Bashing is wrong. 

By the same token, continually propagandizing with religious proselytizations is not "discussing back and forth".  It's xtians "bashing" those who don't believe with their bible, (which you've just admitting is "wrong" in that context).
 

By the way, please show where, exactly, I have ever said "they cannot reply to a "certain type of thread" as if it were some sort of exclusive xtian country club and not a thread open to comments by any FC member."  Please do show this. 

I didn't state that you directly posted that; as the quote shows, I stated 'as if it were some exclusive xtian country club'... due to the repeated attempts to suppress dissenting replies.

You think you are free to come in and bash Christians, in particular, yet you don't want me, or anyone else, Christian in particular, to challenge you with your bashing, particularly towards Christians.

Bash, bash, bash - you repeatedly characterize opposing viewpoints as "bashing" in order to try suppressing them.  Conversely, you want to be 'free' to proselytize your religion without opposition and that hypocrisy continues to elude you.

You don't bash others' religions, including Wiccan, so why only the Christians? 

No wiccans have repetitiously proselytized their religion on these forums to date.  One thread among how many xtian propaganda threads ... dozens, hundreds?

I don't go in and bash the Wiccans, for example - it's their choice how they want to live their lives. 

Which wiccans?  Have you seen any come into the forums here and treat them 'as if they were some sort of exclusive wiccan country club'?
 

Our Christianity is not bothering you ...

If it wasn't 'bothering" anyone, why are there dissenting replies?

Are you that afraid of the idea of God existing that you must take it out on Christians?   

Are you so fearful that your hypothetical egregore doesn't exist that you lash out irrationally on non-xtians?

There's a difference between opposing viewpoints and complete disregard for someone's beliefs.  You don't offer opposition in the way of viewpoints - you disparage, mock, belittle, and completely disregard their views on their beliefs by saying they don't exist, or are a fairytale, etc.  Those are NOT viewpoints - they are cut downs and deliberate cut-offs.  Then you don't approve of someone saying something to you about what you are doing.  In essence, you are trying to shut the Christians "posts" up, just so "YOU" won't be "BOTHERED" by their postings.  So sad you can't handle the idea that everyone, including Christians, can post in this forum.

There is a current Wiccan thread going on now.  While I don't believe in that for myself, I'm not going to go knocking against Wiccans and tell them they are believing in fairytale practices and not let them discuss their views and ideas.  That is inconsiderate and rude of me to do so.  We can discuss differences like adults know how to do.  I know Wiccans, myself, and I will not stomp on their beliefs.  They don't stomp on mine.  We'll talk about the differences at times, but mostly just accept what we each do, and enjoy our friendship.

However, I do also know the one Wiccan thread going on now is not made by a Wiccan, but by you.  You are not Wiccan, but yet you are posting info about it.  So?  You can post whatever you want, within the guidelines.  I know part of your posting is to try and "aggravate" Christians because of their Bible verse threads.  It doesn't bother me one bit.  Some people are interested in that subject.  But, by you not actually being Wiccan, and believing/experiencing the things they do, you still have not one iota of understanding of the inside workings of what they do, unless you decide to become one yourself.  Same with believing in God.  Unless someone actually becomes a believer, one does not have not an inkling of the inside workings of what they do.  And until that happens, no one can tell them they live in a fairytale world and that they are delusional for believing the way they do. 

Opposition is fine, with back up points, best evidence possible, best proof possible, research, and/or links, and much more - on both sides, without the total disrespect and disregard. I don't disrespect your beliefs, whatever they are, including the fact you do not believe in a God.  What I am apparently annoying you about (which I know I am) is the fact that you do disrespect the beliefs of Christians with the way you word your comments, the posting of quotes, and/or the use of your pictures - which completely tries to make a mockery of the poster/believer and their beliefs.  You are making it to where some do not even wish to try and debate/discuss with you because they know what's coming, and that's just not right, and you know it.  That is the one main thing I am speaking of, and am concerned about, is the disrespect.

[falcon9]

There's a difference between opposing viewpoints and complete disregard for someone's beliefs.

Not really; my opposing viewpoint is that religious superstitions are irrational beliefs, which leads to conclusively disregarding them.  No one is under any obligation to regard any specious belief, (religious or secular), as valid.  There's a thread on the pseud-religion of "dudeism" which no one is obligated to regard as valid either.

You don't offer opposition in the way of viewpoints -

Incorrect.  There are several archived posts in which detailed elaborations of the reasons and reasoning of such opposing viewpoints were posted in reply to specious religious beliefs.  Many of those exchanges occurred with "SherylShado", "Abrupt" and even you.  As stated, if your memory fails, these posted threads are archived  for reference, (if you're requesting it, rather than looking them up yourself).
 

Then you don't approve of someone saying something to you about what you are doing.  In essence, you are trying to shut the Christians "posts" up, just so "YOU" won't be "BOTHERED" by their postings.  So sad you can't handle the idea that everyone, including Christians, can post in this forum.

Your irrational conclusion stems from a false premise; since I'm aware that xtians & non-xtians are permitted to post on FC forums within FC parameters, that precludes 'shutting someone up', (as you've repeatedly attempted - and not denied - doing with your "rude", "bashing", etc. forays into censorship).

There is a current Wiccan thread going on now.  While I don't believe in that for myself, I'm not going to go knocking against Wiccans and tell them they are believing in fairytale practices and not let them discuss their views and ideas.  That is inconsiderate and rude of me to do so.

Such 'self-restraint' is self-serving in that the obvious intent is to *show* that you're not doing what you "believe" I am within the xtian off topic threads.  Doubtless the explicit xtian injunction against 'witchcraft' in general and 'witches' in particular chaffs your hide during the course of your 'self-restraint'.
 

I know Wiccans, myself, and I will not stomp on their beliefs.  They don't stomp on mine.  We'll talk about the differences at times, but mostly just accept what we each do, and enjoy our friendship.

If such discussions about "the differences" run along any of the same lines as in these FC forums, one of you is likely proselytizing, (and it probably isn't the wiccans).  I've heard such things as, "some of my best friends are ______", from bigots before.

However, I do also know the one Wiccan thread going on now is not made by a Wiccan, but by you.  You are not Wiccan, but yet you are posting info about it.  So?  You can post whatever you want, within the guidelines.

One does not have to be self-declared "wica" to post about those concepts, one either is aware of them or, one is not.
 

Some people are interested in that subject.  But, by you not actually being Wiccan, and believing/experiencing the things they do, you still have not one iota of understanding of the inside workings of what they do, unless you decide to become one yourself. 

That's an inherent logical fallacy; one does not have to experience being 'dead' to discuss death. You just stated that you've had discussions with wiccans; does that mean what they told you provided no understanding whatsoever of their beliefs?

Same with believing in God.  Unless someone actually becomes a believer, one does not have not an inkling of the inside workings of what they do. 

Again, that's an irrational logical fallacy promoted by 'believers'.  It is not necessary to hold a "belief" in order to undertand that such are either substantiated, (in which case, belief is unnecessary), or unsubtantiated by evidence, (in which case, "faith" is required to sustain a belief which lacks evidence).

Opposition is fine, with back up points, best evidence possible, best proof possible, research, and/or links, and much more - on both sides ...

That's already occurred and when it has, the xtians have generally avoided discussing/debating those points, (as you have, repeatedly, even in this thread).

I don't disrespect your beliefs, whatever they are, including the fact you do not believe in a God.

A disbelief is not a "belief"; by definition, they're opposites.

[jcribb16]

Fine, you believe it's irrational.  But to consistently do that, post quotes and pictures, and use cutting and disparaging words over and over, is disrespectful.  Period.

Re: Opposition with viewpoints.  I am speaking of the simple Bible verse threads - not the debate and discuss/enter at your own risk threads.

I am not being irrational.  The only reason you cannot shut the Christians up is because you aren't technically allowed.  However, it appears you are doing every thing you can to belittle and mock them, trying to make them just mad enough to blow up and either leave or get booted.

It honestly does not "chaff my hide" about your Wiccan thread.  If I decide or want to go in there I will.  You're only doing it to make a point and many know it.  Maybe other faiths and sects believers will make their own threads.

If you are "implying" (once again) that I am a bigot for commenting I have a couple of friends who are Wiccan, then have at it.  I do have a couple of friends who engage in that and I'm certainly not a bigot for making a true comment. 

People can discuss death, true.  People can discuss the religions.  But no one fully understands any of those things unless they are part of it, experiencing it, believing and partaking in it.  So, yes, you can post info about Wiccan, and learn all about it from the outside of things.  But there's not a "true" understanding of it unless you experience it.  And you can definitely experience and understand religions/sects, etc., because you are able, while being alive.

I know what disbelief is.  You refuse to accept that there are or could be any gods.  But people are meaning the same thing, in their minds, when they indicate that they know you do not believe in a god.  Many are trying to be polite, especially when they do not know if the person has a belief system of anything in particular.  Disbelief, unbelief, non-belief are technically different when getting down to the nitty gritty of the definitions, but most people maybe don't really understand it, may not even think about it, and some may not care.  And non-English speaking people, learning English, have not learned a lot of that yet. 

[falcon9]

Fine, you believe it's irrational. 

No, that's not a 'belief'; it's a logical extrapolation which stems from reading the content of your posts and not seeing any rationality in your propounded religious beliefs.  That's means that the evidence supporting the contention that such are irrational is derived from using reasoning.

Re: Opposition with viewpoints.  I am speaking of the simple Bible verse threads - not the debate and discuss/enter at your own risk threads.

Conversely, I'm not restricting the point about opposing viewpoints to any particular thread or forum.  Instead, I was addressing such opposition wherever some religious adherent happens to post a contentious religious remark, (these have occurred in forums other than Off Topic or, Debate + Discuss).

I am not being irrational. 

Irrational people often claim that however, it does not serve to refute the contention as previously delineated, (despite your making an unquoted reply to what was delineated previously).

The only reason you cannot shut the Christians up is because you aren't technically allowed.

Here's a notion that may surprise you; I'm not an FC moderator but, have moderated online forums before.  The potentially surprising bit is this; I wouldn't silence xtians because that would eliminate a basis for debate & discussion.  Any moderation done would pertain to ad hominem name-calling, specious non-reasoning or, trolling.
 

It honestly does not "chaff my hide" about your Wiccan thread.  If I decide or want to go in there I will.  You're only doing it to make a point and many know it.  Maybe other faiths and sects believers will make their own threads.

It isn't 'my' "wiccan thread" since I don't own it - no one owns FC threads except FC.  As for members of other belief systems posting here, they are as welcome to do so as any other member of FC.

If you are "implying" (once again) that I am a bigot for commenting I have a couple of friends who are Wiccan, then have at it.  I do have a couple of friends who engage in that and I'm certainly not a bigot for making a true comment.

My remarks were not in regards to whether you know some wiccans or not.  They applied to understanding their belief system(s).
 

People can discuss death, true.  People can discuss the religions.  But no one fully understands any of those things unless they are part of it, experiencing it, believing and partaking in it.  So, yes, you can post info about Wiccan, and learn all about it from the outside of things.  But there's not a "true" understanding of it unless you experience it.  And you can definitely experience and understand religions/sects, etc., because you are able, while being alive.

Again, the claim that one cannot "fully understand" a concept unless they personally experience it is a specious one because it relies upon the inherent bias of 'immersion' and not factual evidence, (e.g., experience is largely subjective, not completly objective).

I know what disbelief is.  You refuse to accept that there are or could be any gods. 

What I refuse to accept are asserted claims without evidence, for anything.  If some would claim that there are 'g-d(s)' then, the burden of proof to support such claims rests with them.  So far, there's been a dearth of evidence supporting the existance 'g-d(s)'.

Disbelief, unbelief, non-belief are technically different when getting down to the nitty gritty of the definitions, but most people maybe don't really understand it, may not even think about it, and some may not care. 

Yes, this is why we have different words for different things.  Conflating them can cause misinterpretations to occur, (like equating "atheism" with religious beliefs when atheism's definition includes "disbelief", for instance).

[jcribb16]

Quote from: jcribb16 on Today at 04:47:03 pm
The only reason you cannot shut the Christians up is because you aren't technically allowed.

Quote from: falcon9
Here's a notion that may surprise you; I'm not an FC moderator but, have moderated online forums before.  The potentially surprising bit is this; I wouldn't silence xtians because that would eliminate a basis for debate & discussion.  Any moderation done would pertain to ad hominem name-calling, specious non-reasoning or, trolling.

Well now, isn't that interesting to know.  Pertaining to the rest, you technically would have had to moderate yourself for doing those very things you listed, that you actually seem to enjoy doing in here, particularly towards Christians.
 


Quote from: jcribb16 on Today at 04:47:03 pm
It honestly does not "chaff my hide" about your Wiccan thread.  If I decide or want to go in there I will.  You're only doing it to make a point and many know it.  Maybe other faiths and sects believers will make their own threads.

Quote from: falcon9
It isn't 'my' "wiccan thread" since I don't own it - no one owns FC threads except FC.  As for members of other belief systems posting here, they are as welcome to do so as any other member of FC.

Now see, there you go again, trying to make someone look foolish.  You are quite funny sometimes.  We all know it's not "yours" in the sense of not owning it.  However, for the part of you that so enjoys "pretending" that you don't understand a comment I make once in awhile, we all know, too, that you are the one who "started" the thread, and people, in general, will say, "your thread."  Poor thing - perhaps this day has just been a little too long, and your brain just needs a wee little break.  That's okay, we understand these kinds of things happen, lol.

[hitch0403]

Falcon9,now you claimed to have read the bible.So if you did you would know it says Satan is mis-leading the entire world.But again freedom of choice or 1 with a good heart can discern that as well and fight back.Many are on the devils side because Jesus said the road was narrow to finding life.But also remember Satan made claims in the book of Job and was proved a liar and many have stood up to the devil even with their lives.

Bad association spoil useful habits.

[falcon9]

The only reason you cannot shut the Christians up is because you aren't technically allowed.

Quote from: falcon9
"Here's a notion that may surprise you; I'm not an FC moderator but, have moderated online forums before.  The potentially surprising bit is this; I wouldn't silence xtians because that would eliminate a basis for debate & discussion.  Any moderation done would pertain to ad hominem name-calling, specious non-reasoning or, trolling."

Well now, isn't that interesting to know.  Pertaining to the rest, you technically would have had to moderate yourself for doing those very things you listed, that you actually seem to enjoy doing in here, particularly towards Christians.

Beyond the general tendency for moderators to avoid immersing themselves in any particular debate or 'heated discussion', I don't engage in specious non-reasoning, trolling or ad hom, (the last is only resorted to after extensive ad hominem attacks and strictly in reply to them - not in other discussions).

Quote from: jcribb16 on Today at 04:47:03 pm
It honestly does not "chaff my hide" about your Wiccan thread.  If I decide or want to go in there I will.  You're only doing it to make a point and many know it.  Maybe other faiths and sects believers will make their own threads.

Quote from: falcon9
"It isn't 'my' "wiccan thread" since I don't own it - no one owns FC threads except FC.  As for members of other belief systems posting here, they are as welcome to do so as any other member of FC."

Now see, there you go again, trying to make someone look foolish.  You are quite funny sometimes.  We all know it's not "yours" in the sense of not owning it.  However, for the part of you that so enjoys "pretending" that you don't understand a comment I make once in awhile, we all know, too, that you are the one who "started" the thread, and people, in general, will say, "your thread."

Others have already posted their comments to that thread.  So far, there's been no contention or bible-thumpings, (though that may not last long).  Even you are as free to post to the thread as anyone else is, as you've said as well.  Doubtless you 'suspect some kind of trap' and are avoiding the thread intentionally, (while probably reading it without comment thusfar?).  There's no 'trap'; besides, I have a strict 'catch-and-release' policy concerning xtians.