Posted by Jim Henderson on: 03.02.2006 /
While we await (with baited breath) Hemants next fascinating and provocative church survey lets take a break from all the heavy intellectual lifting (going on behind the scenes in the various comments sections) and have some fun.
At Off The Map events we interrupt our seriousness with lots of fun. One of our most requested segments is called “Suddently A Celebrity” where we invite people from the audience to come up to the stage and “tell on someone” they think is cool or kind or whatever.
We turn the spotlight on people we think are modeling behaviors or practices we find particularly helpful in encouraging people to become better human beings.
By this point you have undoubtedly noticed that there are some very interesting and insightful people on this diablog.
Tell us about someone you’ve noticed in our little Atheist-Christians blog-cohort who is particulary bright, insightful, kind,funny,respectful or self deprecating.
Extra points will be given if they are of a belief or non belief system that differs from your own.
Who do you want to “tell on”
Comment by: skikid
1Jim for being an awesome ally (where ally= someone who stands against an injustice or oppression that is not directed at them).
Siamang- for speaking your truth and being open to listening (reading) other ideas in a respectful manner.
Ir and KSG- you guys are so smart! Reading your posts I often find myself looking things up and being amazed at your prowess.
Comment by: Tom in Sacramento
2This is easy. Rick L in Texas. First of all, today is his 50th birthday. Happy birthday, Bro. Second, if it wasn’t for Rick I would not have stumbled across this site. And if that had happened I would not have had the pleasure of some interesting and engaging conversation and reading.
And kudos, too, to all of you who have shared your stories with integrity and vulnerability. It says a lot for Jim and all of you that this place has fostered such openness.
Tom in Sacramento
Comment by: Paul
3Siamang, clever fun guy and of course Hemant - still owning his stuff - get a shout from me - plus pastor Ron - still impressed!!
Comment by: Ir
4Ummm…this game makes me feel uncomfortable. No offense, Jim. I already said somewhere that I’m insecure - well, I’m afraid of not being ‘picked’. I feel bad for anyone else who doesn’t get ‘picked’. I’m usually an ‘outsider’ and it doesn’t feel that good.
I know you mean well by it but it’s about as far from my idea of ‘fun’ as you could get…
Comment by: Jim Henderson
5Ir - Looks like you got celebrated already # 1
I understand…
Comment by: Brent
6I appreciate Ir’s thoughtful questions and ability to discuss an issue in a positive manner. It is a skill to be able to have discussions of this kind without attributing negative motives to those you disagree with or simply fail to understand.
I don’t normally post on message boards because it takes me too long to put my thoughts into writing. However, the other day Ir made this post which I copied into my personal Word doc for further reflection.
Ir’s post:
“I know that there are situations where we really want something for someone else and we want to try to push them into it, yet we believe that pushing them would be counterproductive, so we try to hold off pushing, even though it’s hard.”
My reflection:
What Ir described is not uniquely Christian - it is a part of the human condition. We experience it as parents, family members and as friends. Perhaps anytime we love someone we are open to feeling this way. Yet it also resonates strongly with me as a Christian.
It breaks my heart when a friend is suffering from debilitating anger or fear in their life when I know how God healed me from that very thing - and I know how they could be healed as well. Yet what do I say? What do I do? I don’t want my friend to suffer, and yet I don’t want my friend to think I’m taking advantage of his moment of weakness to “proselytize” him.
Thanks for your contribution, Ir.
Comment by: Ir
7I didn’t notice I was in #1, actually. Ironic, huh?
Ok, I guess I’ll play a little.
TXatheist - I like how kind he was in going with his grandmother to church to help her find one where she’d be happy. I like how he went up to the preacher who said derogatory things about ‘people like him’ and was able to shake hands with her even though they disagreed completely about Jesus. I like how he keeps asking his questions until he gets an answer. I like how straightforward he is.
Comment by: Ir
8One more
skikid - (I was thinking of mentioning you even before I realized you mentioned me!) I always look forward to your posts. I may have some knowledge; but the Bible says that love is more important than knowledge. And to me you come across as a person who is good at being loving (even if you do it in a quiet way, much of the time).
Comment by: Tom in Sacramento
9Not to put too fine a point on it, you’re in #2, too, Ir. There are a number of folks who have displayed courageous vulnerability here. Perhaps Menat would be at the top of my list, because for a person recognized as a leader in the atheistic community to “fraternize with the enemy” ;-) is a huge risk.
But only a step behind is you, Ir. You have copped to your challenges with the faith. And perhaps even greater, in America — land of the rugged individualist — you hae acknowledged your insecurities regarding these things.
And I will surely miss someone but Siamang, Cully,…well, really most of the people here have displayed similar transparency. It is really quite remarkable.
Tom in Sacramento
Comment by: Tom in Sacramento
10Hemant, please forgive that outrageous misspelling…if you could even recognize that as your name above. Don’t know how that happened. Fingers going slower than brain, I guess.
Tom in Sacramento
Comment by: Jim Henderson
11I appreciate Menat/Hemat/Hemint/Hemant for his open hearted approach to this(to put it mildly) really wierd project. I admire his creativity, innovativity (is that a word?) and intellectual balance while still maintaining his ever important edge or point of view.
I marvel at Siamang and Irs articulate insights and often give up in the middle of some of their offerings due to my limited brain power.
TXatheist does have sticktuitivity and will hold any of our feet to the fire of reality (all the while being kind enough to back off when it gets to difficult)
And the Christians (Ir, out of respect I am not clumping you in with them :-)) When I read Tom and Rick and Brent and Lynn and Meagan I am so pleased to be sharing this space with fellow followers of Jesus who really really want to learn and aren’t afraid to admit when they themselves are “wondering” about stuff many Christians would never admit wondering about.
Thanks for the journey so far…
Ir - I know I forgot someone as well and so I feel your feelings :-) but I really like “telling on” at least someone rather than saying nothing at all.
Comment by: Ir
12Jim, you forgot Hemnant :)
Comment by: Stephan
13Hey, can we have a group hug here?
I am somewhat surprised there have not been more judgemental Christians posting here. Thanks to everyone for keeping it respectful and sincere.
Comment by: Siamang
14Thanks for the kind words folks.
I’ve been really enjoying the existence of this community and the diablog going on here. And for that I have to credit the amazing charity of spirit and open-mindedness of Jim and Hemnant for creating this place for us.
We are only as good as our best models, sometimes. And I’m happy to say that I’ve become a better, kinder, more charitable voice because of the standard set by those two.
The fact that so, so, so many others here also hew to a much higher standard of discourse than anywhere else on the internet, let alone on a religion/atheism mixed forum is a testament to the power of a simple, strong idea, well-motivated and brought forth to serve such a noble mission.
So many of the writers here deserve such credit for being part of this. All I’ve done in this post, however, is thank the celebrities of this forum already! That can’t do!
Here’s someone I’d really like to thank, the pastors and speakers of the churches Hemnant visited. How hard must it be for them to put aside themselves, and to do it so charitably, to put their message first, far before themselves, and hear what Hemnant’s said.
It’s a credit to Hemnant and Jim that those pastors “get” the concept of this project, and don’t see it as a bad thing.
They are one of the proofs of the utility and nobility of this cause. The positivity shines like a light through what has been a rancorous relationship between the religious and the areligious.
What an inspiration!
Comment by: Ir
15Jim - I appreciate your participation in the comments pages of this blog - that you’re being ‘one of us’.
I appreciate that, having noticed the problem that Christians don’t always do a good job of being human beings, you didn’t just say “oh well” or pray that God would find someone else to fix it :), but you got involved yourself, putting your time, energy and money into trying to help.
The first time I read your blog I was struck by how respectful and kind you were being to the visiting atheists. I appreciate that you are demonstrably doing your best to live out what you’d like to see in other Christians.
KSG - I appreciate that you kept talking to me after my provocative comments about the Jesus Seminar :)
Tom - I appreciate your taking my questions seriously and posting interesting, thoughtful answers to them.
Siamang - I just don’t understand how there can be as prejudice against atheists as there is, when there are atheists as fun, charming, insightful, respectful and reasonable as you around!
I appreciate everyone who has read comments that offended them in any way and then has managed not to respond in anger, but with patience and respect.
Oh, and I appreciate HM (see, there are ways to avoid the spelling pitfalls :)) for his willingness to be hired by OTM and his diligence and attention to detail in preparing reports on each church he visits.
Comment by: Jim Henderson
16Right - I really love the detailed reports
Comment by: KSG
17Okay, my turn…
I’m amazing that the hardcore fundamentalist (on both sides) haven’t found this site and turned it into a slagging ground so I’ll give props to Jim for that (not to mention trying something with OTM that is sure to take some fairly hard shots from the far right of Xianity).
As well Hemant, dude you are either crazy for trying this or a genius (judging by the scholarship I vote for opt. 2)
All the atheists who are willing to put their beliefs and opinions in a forum where they are sure to be challenged, specifically Mark & Saimang.
My favorite ex-christian (but maybe not as much as he may think)- Ir. dude. what can I say?
All the Xian’s who argue effectively but with respect…Tom, Rick L, Stephan, Winn, etc.
The Xian who’s easy-going manner helps to remind me to think twice and speak once - skikid.
Blessings to you all.
Comment by: Pam
18I was just thinking about KSG and how respectful your comments have been. I don’t post much, but I do lurk a few times a week. I noticed KSG’s kind tone earlier before checking out this celebrity shout out thing…so I’m not playing ya KSG just to play. You have a great blog persona…
Comment by: Tom in Sacramento
19Yet another observation on point (sort of) Here we all are, doing just the very thing Ir asked me about the other day (sort of). If you recall, Ir asked, “If you painted a beautiful picture, and people admired it, would you be mad if they didn’t thank you?” Fascinating question.
At the time, I replied to the effect that it seems to me that the expression of thanks is a necessary included step in the act of appreciation. It was an off the top, spur of the moment, on the fly response. But the question was so profound that it has been tantlizing me ever since. I feel surer now than I did when I wrote it; and I think the principle is much broader than I would have imagined.
All of this to say one more ‘thank you’ to this forum for presenting thoughts, ideas, and questions that make me think. It is the kindest thing anyone can do for me. So this spotlight is swinging ’round the crowd to shine on all of you.
Thank you.
Tom in Sacramento
Comment by: Lynn I.
20Jim, I shine the spolight on you. I thought I was perfectly content to state my heart to Hemant and go…but you pulled out just enough of my words to cause me to move beyond initial reactions and responses - now I think I’m hooked! Thanks (really)! Spotlight moves to Ir - props to you. I have so appreciated your thought-provoking questions. (I’m still working on the last one). You make me think - and dig deeper into myself and that is a very cool thing. Spotlight moves again to TXatheist - your honest and sincere questions & answers are worth coming back here for. Sometimes they’re tough, but always kind. Thanks for keeping me on my toes and I look forward to a greater understanding of our differences and yes, even our similarities. Kudos to you all…
Comment by: Rick L in TX
21A belated thanks to my brother Tom for the birthday wishes which were on time but I haven’t been online for almost a week. My birthday included a visit with the last living member of the production and art staff that made the “Rocky and Bullwinkle” show - see my blog for details. Hemant, you win a prize for being creative and gutsy enought to start this ball rolling. I was cheering you on even before the bidding ended. Jim, you win for handling this in such a creative manner and starting such an intriguing community. All of the posters,esp. Ir, skikid, Siamang, and my fellow TXan - thanks for your great and thoughtful posts. Even those rare individuals on both sides of the conversation whose posts have been - well, let’s say “harsher in tone than was necessary” - have prompted thoughtful replies from many others.
This really has become a very cool environment. -Rick L in TX
Comment by: TXatheist
22Ir and Lynn..thanks for kind words. Both of you have my honors but I’d like to also thank bob at bgenis.blogspot.com because he took the analytical position to sit back and evaluate the faith and evolution discussion. I also got to give a nod to Hemant for coming up with this.
Comment by: Ir
23Everyone who’s mentioned me - thanks :)
Lynn, I’m glad you didn’t just ’state your case and go’ - it’s been fun having you join in the discussion. I appreciate how you’re doing your best to answer the questions put to you.
Comment by: fran
24Sounds like a republican staff meeting , bear claws and all…….
Comment by: fran
25Sounds like a republican staff meeting………..Bear claws and all :)
Comment by: skikid
26Fran~
Why republican?