Comment by Phi 214 Lynn Honegger on November 28, 2009 at 11:28am

The grey area is what gives us the highs and lows of life. The black and white shift as we live our lives and encounter new people and experiences. The black and white of ten years ago has no bearing on my black and white of today.

To have an open mind is more than most people will ever come away with.

Comment by Chandra Fudge on November 28, 2009 at 11:35am

What an excellent view of things. I have learned so much from people that I may not have otherwise even given a second thought too, because of such diverse opinions. I fear that I've lived my life more closed minded than I guess I thought I had, or wished to have had. I have stereotyped all Christians as the *enemy* persay, and that really is not the case, there are so many with similar beliefs and feelings, and just as many who fight for the same things I do. Studying religion has opened up my eyes to many thoughts and feelings and I think it has also matured me some..

Comment by Cally Grissom on December 2, 2009 at 1:46pm

I like how you said you may not agree but can still show compassion, I think that is a big step for someone to do and needs to be done more often by many people.

Comment by Phi 214 Lynn Honegger on December 6, 2009 at 12:44pm

It is hard to let go of long-held beliefs whether it is about a small single item or a large group. To have taken that away with you in any way is an accomplishment. Chandra, I have learned from you, as well. Thank you for being willing to talk with us.

Comment by Chandra Fudge on December 6, 2009 at 12:52pm

Lynn & Cally,

This has been by far my favorite class, there was so much input and vast opinions on the subject matter, and I believe for the most part was met with respect and dignity. People were able to look at different ideas and values, and while maybe not necessarily agreeing with them, a simple...."hmmm what an interesting way to look at that", or otherwise, has been allowed to evolve and grow within us all.

The community here on Redefine God, and the community we've built within our class, has been at the very least, and amazing few months and a way for all of us to learn and grow. I may still be an Atheist, and have a still firm and unwavering belief in religion, but my views and thoughts on Christianity and Christians have changed considerably due to my experiences in this class. There are certainly still crazed lunatic Christians out there, as well as crazed lunatic Atheists, but it is a stereotype and one that doesn't need to be applied to everyone. The gray area is a far more interesting place to live in, and I am trying to apply that gray area more often in life and things I deal with, whether small or large.

Comment by Jim G on December 6, 2009 at 2:19pm

"The gray area is a far more interesting place to live in"

Risk and return are interrelated. In order to reduce risk, we don't move all of our eggs from one basket to the other, but instead move half of our eggs from one basket to the other. For me that might mean not taking religion too seriously, nor taking science too seriously, but not making the mistake of completely abandoning one for the other. I'm half animal and half angel. I suppose then when I die I'll be half dead and half not. I have no proof of that but it seems to be a logical conclusion if I find value in religion but just not taking it too seriously. So while I might not come to the conclusion that I can commit adultery sometimes, I might come to the conclusion that I will avoid obvious mistakes by not committing adultery, Although I may decide to define adultery for me. If I define it as "it's OK if I'm in love," then that is not wrong, but there might be consequences. One of which might be damage to mental health regarding the heart break from the intense bonding and the woman dumping me eventually. The only thing wrong would be the consequence if I experience worsened mental health (or other consequences) if I did not end up marrying the woman. 2,000 years ago, there were no condoms, so the risk of consequences were higher with adultery than they are now. But there are still consequences. If the value of religion is hope and staying out of trouble, rather than earning a ticket to after life nirvana through merit, then we don't need to be completely brainwashed to the point of not being able to have friends who have different beliefs, not to mention being brainwashed to the point of not being able to use our mind to make any decisions, I don't think, in order to have hope and stay out of trouble. Having hope and staying out of trouble may be a type of nirvana on earth, as well. It certainly would make life easier, that is for sure. If we earn after life brownie points that would be a bonus. A lot of Christians it would seem lose the forest for the trees and forget that Jesus said too that the Kingdom (heaven I think) was among/within you. Which means here and now -- on Earth. Or that we are already in heaven when we are born, but that many people don't realize it. And our decisions in life determine whether we remain in "heaven" because of (the reality of) consequences. Buddhism teaches us I guess that we can simply "don't worry, be happy, because nothing is permanent" rather than "don't worry, be happy, because God forgives you." But we might as well prevent mistakes if we have the choice and minimize suffering that way as well. There is Buddhist scripture and commandments as well which is similar to Christian scripture. I suppose the different religions have more to do with different cultures than with different truths.

Comment by Andrea Teal Shinn on December 6, 2009 at 6:36pm

Chandra-
I agree, the grey area is the most fun. Discussion and debate on hot topics like this are quickly being ignored, pushed aside for listening to talking heads and "professional" political opinions....its awareness that ultimately will save humanity, and talking about an active and vibrant discussion is the best way to raise awareness.

Comment by PH214 Lori T. on December 6, 2009 at 9:01pm

Chandra,

I have really enjoyed our conversations. At the outset, it seemed as we were so far apart in our values and beliefs; but come to find out, we agree on a lot of things. It's amazing what we learned from each other. I understand where you're coming from and why you would question the existence of God. I get it. I don't blame you for feeling that way either. I have questioned where He is at sometimes too.

I have really enjoyed this class and it has definitely opened my mind and views. Thank you for the many thought-provoking conversations!

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