Many Worlds Interpretations

[Michael_Callen]

@MarkD

I do. When I think people are being too coercive I almost always say something to poke a hole in their presumed authority. But really I find the best way to get honest dealing is to lead with it yourself, plus you’ll feel better about yourself no matter how often it inclines others to do the same.

Know that for most of us, being coercive to any degree really does mean caring. We’re not always so observant, though. Just enthusiastic.

[MarkD (A Whateverist, not a Christian)]

@Michael_Callen

Know that for most of us, being coercive to any degree really does mean caring.

Well if you’re an example of coercive caring I’d say it is a non-issue. But I take your point. Christians do want to share their good news and some are sincere in their concern regarding the perceived consequences. I recognize that many Christians feel charged with spreading the word and I try to be tolerant when it comes up. But I would push back -in a discussion like this- that we all need to adapt to living in a community of diverse values and beliefs, and really none of us should insist that everyone must reconcile with our own. No one wants to be on the receiving end of that . Mutual respect, seeing each other as peers each entitled to stand by their values, is fundamental. Perhaps that is me imposing my values on others?

@Michael_Callen

We’re not always so observant, though. Just enthusiastic.

Well when you’re infused with God what else can you do? Holding it with some humor and perspective like this certainly does help.

[Michael_Callen]

@MarkD

Mutual respect, seeing each other as peers each entitled to stand by their values, is fundamental.

Absolutely.

@MarkD

Perhaps that is me imposing my values on others?

Perhaps we all do this without even realizing it. I think that nearly all who share are concerned with the reality of consequences and do so altruistically. There are those who are merely trying to win arguments, but that comes off entirely differently and is probably never confused with sincere sharing.

[Laura]

@MarkD

Mutual respect, seeing each other as peers each entitled to stand by their values, is fundamental. Perhaps that is me imposing my values on others?

It has been a common rallying cry in the circles I grew up in that those promoting “tolerance” stop being tolerant of those they deem not tolerant enough.