Obama and Cain?

[Elok]

What you should be asking is why I don't return the same to you. There's a very specific reason for this, maybe you can figure it out.

Because I don't lie my way through at least 90% of every argument? And then act wounded when I'm called out on it, even though basically the entire forum agrees that I do it? I'm not saying you're a totally bad person, like some here do--except in debate tactics. There, you're a veritable fountain of falsehood. I'm not going to pretend it doesn't happen, or nod along when someone says we rag on you because you're a Catholic, or because of your other opinions. That's manifestly false.

Oh, and that you're passive-aggressive rather than directly aggressive does not make your dishonesty any more Christian.

[Ben Kenobi]

Because I don't lie my way through at least 90% of every argument?

How is the argument that Alexios Angelos was the catalyst for the Fourth Crusade sacking Constantinople a lie?

Yes, you disagree with it, but that's hardly surprising. Just because someone disagrees with you does not constitute a lie.

even though basically the entire forum agrees that I do it?

Elok, question. Do you believe that an appeal for authority from Apolyton is something more than mere pandering? Even if Poly, were say, correct, it's not going to advance your case. Nor is it going to convince me.

I'm not saying you're a totally bad person

So you are saying that it's ok to say that someone is intellectually dishonest? Is that somehow better than saying that someone is outright dishonest?

except in debate tactics.

Debate tactics are a technique. I use a variety of them. I'm not exactly sure why using debate techniques that you have difficulty overcoming is dishonest. Frusterating, sure, but not dishonest. You've resorted to 'ad hominem', which is a waste of your time and mind. I'm calling you out because you are too good for this.

If your goal is open debate and discussion sans the cat and mouse, do you think calling me intellectually dishonest is more or less likely to procure the response you are looking for?

There, you're a veritable fountain of falsehood.

Disagreement is not the same as dishonesty. I've never said that you are dishonest in believing what you do. 95 percent of people probably believe as you do. Coming from that standpoint, do you think that an appeal to authority from Apolyton is the right tack to take?

I'm not going to pretend it doesn't happen, or nod along when someone says we rag on you because you're a Catholic, or because of your other opinions. That's manifestly false.

You notice, I never spoke about Apolyton or my Catholicism. I spoke about you. So, if you care to defend your approach of insulting me feel free to continue. You're doing an excellent job, and you still haven't gotten what I was saying earlier.

Oh, and that you're passive-aggressive rather than directly aggressive does not make your dishonesty any more Christian.

I'll ask the same question to you as MRT.

What is a Christian?

[Egbert]

A man of strong convictions apparently.

Gribbler made a very good point, see post #72.
You don't deserve to be defended when you invite people to brawl in the gutter outside your church.

[Egbert]

What is a Christian?

Just guessing:
Somebody who doesn't engage in fisticuffs at church?

Was I right?

[Ben Kenobi]

You don't deserve to be defended when you invite people to brawl in the gutter outside your church.

That would require a backbone. If they had one, chances are they wouldn't be posting nasty stuff about people behind their backs. I've known lots of people like this, because as a deaf person people aren't as careful about what they say around me. It really gives you an insight into their character.

One of the best ways to get into my graces is to say something nice about someone you don't like or stand up for someone else. I've known a few people like this, and I am very grateful for them. They know who they are.

[Ben Kenobi]

Somebody who doesn't engage in fisticuffs at church?

Was I right?

Nope, that's not what makes a Christian.

[Egbert]

That would require a backbone. If they had one, chances are they wouldn't be posting nasty stuff about people behind their backs. I've known lots of people like this, because as a deaf person people aren't as careful about what they say around me. It really gives you an insight into their character.

One of the best ways to get into my graces is to say something nice about someone you don't like or stand up for someone else. I've known a few people like this, and I am very grateful for them. They know who they are.

I see violence, and offers of violence, as uncivilised. The wrong of violence will not correct the wrong of calumniation. I can not stand up for you if you when you offer violence to anyone. I would not invite a person outside for calling me a racist therefore I can not agree with you offering violence because somebody referred to Floyd as a racist.

"Turning the other cheek" is not without merit.

[Ben Kenobi]

I see violence, and offers of violence, as uncivilised.

That may be so, but the question was not what is or is not civilized, but what constitutes Christianity.

The wrong of violence will not correct the wrong of calumniation.

The Good Book, says that a timely word is one of the most powerful things in existence. We have an obligation to endeavour to build up other people rather then tear them down. You see it as uncivilized, but that's not how God sees it. God sees it as you destroying people.

I can not stand up for you if you when you offer violence to anyone.

That is fine, but I sit here asking myself if such support would mean much.

I would not invite a person outside for calling me a racist

Again, the offense is not against my person. The offense is against that of a friend.

therefore I can not agree with you offering violence because somebody referred to Floyd as a racist.

I daresay you would join in, because tearing people down and slandering them is ok, but stading up for friends is not.

"Turning the other cheek" is not without merit.

We are called to defend others. We can't simply sit and say, "this is ok" when it is not.

Where does Christ argue that one must be a pacifist to be a Christian?

[Egbert]

And; Two wrongs don't make a right.

[Ben Kenobi]

And; Two wrongs don't make a right.

So what makes one a Christian?

[Egbert]

So what makes one a Christian?

Umh. Dunno. If you ask six people you might get six different answers. Take your pick.

[giblets]

Umh. Dunno. If you ask six people you might get six different answers. Take your pick.

Beating up people when they say things you find offensive. Duh.