Progressive people of faith: Jimmy Carter

[guillaumeb]

From the article:

Carter, who is now 91, famously described his life and motivation with one overriding theme: faith. "I have one life and one chance to make it count for something... I'm free to choose what that something is, and the something I've chosen is my faith. Now, my faith goes beyond theology and religion and requires considerable work and effort. My faith demands - this is not optional - my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference."

To read more:

https://www.christiantoday.com/article/god-the-presidency-jimmy-carter-on-the-demands-of-faith/98016.htm

[yallerdawg]

1. Many consider peace between Egypt and Israel a miracle.

Ongoing all these years later.

The power of faith lives on.

[guillaumeb]

2. If only that peace could be extended

to more of the Middle East. In my opinion, Carter is an excellent example of an imperfect person living his faith.

[Voltaire2]

3. So you believe that one of your gods intervened?

Or you aren’t in those “many”?

[yallerdawg]

4. Maybe one of the gods of...

Carter or Sadat or Begin.

Or maybe it's just the one God.

[Voltaire2]

5. Do you believe it is a miracle?

[yallerdawg]

6. Indisputably!

Miracle: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment.

Are you saying it isn't?

[Voltaire2]

7. So you are using the non-religious definition (generally the second one)

and that is what you meant originally, of course. My mistake for thinking that in the religion forum a self-identified theist using the term miracle might mean the primary definition of that word:

an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs

But no, it isn't a miracle by either definition. Israel and Egypt are each paid billions by our government each year to not attack each other.

Carry on.

[yallerdawg]

8. I really appreciate you defining my beliefs and definitions for me.

If you were denigrating black people, would I have to be black to be viably concerned?

If you were denigrating LGBTQ persons, would I have to be gay to have valid concerns?

But in the ongoing dismissal and assault of religious beliefs and in my personal desire for more tolerance and inclusion of those you might disagree with in general, I have to be of a particular faith and orientation?

If you are seeking religious guidance in some form, I am not that guide. Oh, no. Far from it!

[Voltaire2]

9. Oh so you do not believe in gods?

[yallerdawg]

10. It's like I didn't even comment before your response.

[Voltaire2]

11. Its like you never engage in honest discourse.

[yallerdawg]

12. What discourse?

"I believe in nothing" vs. what?

Just keep it general and generic.

Attacking individuals is frowned upon at DU. Isn't it?

[Voltaire2]

13. None from you so far.

Your pattern here is that you make assertions, and then refuse to honestly defend them. For example the Israeli Egyptian “miracle” upthread.

[guillaumeb]

15. Have you ever heard of metaphoric language?

Your responses are very revealing of much about you.

[Voltaire2]

20. so do you think that your gods ever intercede in the world?

[guillaumeb]

16. Indeed. Sometimes the responses and the assumptions can amaze.

It would be a miracle for a thread in this group to escape such comments.

[yallerdawg]

17. I only comment in support of positive, inclusive, tolerant threads.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Well, almost "everyone."

[guillaumeb]

18. Expect an irate response to that comment.

But not from me.

[yallerdawg]

19. I expect nothing less!

Welcome to your world?

I thought they had an 'ignore' button? Oh, well!

[Voltaire2]

21. The RCC regularly grants sainthood to individuals based on "miracles"

and they are not using the second, metaphorical definition, they are using the first one, divine intervention. But you know that. Equivocation is your game.

[guillaumeb]

14. All aspects of the Creator.

God is many things to many people.