Comments on: Instruction Manual for Life [Video]

By: Maxo

Maxo — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:27:44 +0000

It is an idea I have visited time and again. When I look at what other “splinter” groups such as the Mormons and the Jahovah's Witness believe, I find that I am more of a mainstream protestant than I sometimes realize. Though in my Methodist church I find myself arguing with the preacher in my head all the time.

By: Maxo

Maxo — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:27:44 +0000

By: Daniel Miessler

Daniel Miessler — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:19:29 +0000

I would argue, Maxo, that you've built your own religion. I'm not saying this is a bad thing; I'm just saying it's something you should consider and/or be aware of.

By: Maxo

Maxo — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 02:07:06 +0000

I don't think (m)any of the parallels between Christianity as it has been presented in my life and as it is presented in the video.
Speaking specifically to the part where the boy reads the whole thing and comes up with a mess, I have found that by reading through the bible I have come up with something completely different than what is mainstream, but that it all fits together better. What "the establishment" presents seems to be an incoherent mess to me. I have also found that my challenges to those who consider themselves part of the mainstream thinking on Christianity to be well received.
I just can't take any of the intolerance that was displayed in that video to accurately portray any of my personal circumstances dealing with Christianity and those of other (or no) believes.

By: Daniel Miessler

Daniel Miessler — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:53:03 +0000

I interpret this video as being pro-tolerance, yes, and not anti-religion.

By the way, could I trouble you to make a DISUS profile? It just looks better when the main commenters have avatars. :) You already have one at ID, so this should be the last time I have to ask. :)

By: Carl M

Carl M — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:45:15 +0000

Daniel, I'm curious how you interpret this video. From your previous statements on the blog, I'm guessing that you're interpreting it as anti-religion. (Perhaps I'm wrong.) I don't think that's the intent. I think it's simply anti-intolerance.

You and I have had this discussion before (on the blog and in person) .. we have different estimates of the percentage of religious people who are intolerant of the "other." My estimate is probably too low (because of the people I know and associate with -- and I include some very religious people). I have maintained and continue to (hope and) believe that your estimate is too high. In any case ... nice video.