Drilldown #1: TBMs, details re your spiritual experience

[_Some Schmo]

And you wonder why people often won't share these types of experiences on this board.

Good grief.

Taking offense where it's not intended again? I hope it's as good for you as it is for you.

[_Chap]

And you wonder why people often won't share these types of experiences on this board.

Good grief.

I really don't see anything unpleasant or disrespectful in the posts that have reacted to what Liz said. Quite the reverse. What is more, I suspect that when and if she tells us what she thinks of the responses so far she is unlikely to complain about them.

[_Yoda]

And you wonder why people often won't share these types of experiences on this board.

Good grief.

Taking offense where it's not intended again? I hope it's as good for you as it is for you.

Harm is a protective friend. I appreciate that. Buffalo doesn't really know me that well, so I can understand his skepticism.

As far as why I decided to share the experience, I suppose I feel like I have known most of you for quite a few years, and that, in spite of what happened in recent events, I do consider myself among friends. This is a very interesting topic that SP has initiated.

And my experience is unique because, as many of you know, I am not what you would consider a TBM, but rather a NOM. However, just because I am a NOM, that does not mean that I don't believe in spiritual experiences.

Harmony stated something on a thread several weeks ago, and it hold true for me as well. I see the potential of what the Church could be, and it is frustrating that we will not simply own up to the mistakes that have been made in the past, and move forward in a more progressive, and, in my view, spiritual direction.

[_Buffalo]

And you wonder why people often won't share these types of experiences on this board.

Good grief.

No offense was intended, Harmony.

[_harmony]

And you wonder why people often won't share these types of experiences on this board.

Good grief.

I really don't see anything unpleasant or disrespectful in the posts that have reacted to what Liz said. Quite the reverse. What is more, I suspect that when and if she tells us what she thinks of the responses so far she is unlikely to complain about them.

I don't personally buy Liz's story, but out of respect I won't try to dissect it.

Buffalo is smarter than Liz.

I agree that it seems likely she sincerely believes the story she shared

Patronizing.

... there are many other more reasonable explanations than "ghosts."

(it wasn't a "ghost"; she wasn't dead at the time)

Buffalo is certain he's more reasonable than Liz.

Good grief.

[_harmony]

And you wonder why people often won't share these types of experiences on this board.

Good grief.

No offense was intended, Harmony.

Then work a little harder to make sure none shows up in your words.

[_Tamp]

And clearly, I agree that there are better explanations than supernatural ones

Such as?

Liz, I've been lurking since 2005 and that is the most honest, soul opening post I think I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing.

[_Buffalo]

Then work a little harder to make sure none shows up in your words.

Am I supposed to pretend not to be skeptical in order to avoid giving offense? Liz didn't take offense. Why do you?

[_harmony]

Am I supposed to pretend not to be skeptical in order to avoid giving offense? Liz didn't take offense. Why do you?

I don't take offense, Buffalo. The patronizing wasn't directed at me. But that sort of tone is virtually guaranteed to freeze anyone who might have been brave enough to share their experiences. It certainly stops me.

A person can be skeptical without being patronizing, without the "I don't buy it" (which implies that Liz is trying to sell something icky or stupid), without the "more reasonable" (which implies that Liz isn't reasonable).

[_Some Schmo]

And clearly, I agree that there are better explanations than supernatural ones

Such as?

Out of appreciation for and friendship with liz, I will decline to answer this.

Liz, I've been lurking since 2005 and that is the most honest, soul opening post I think I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing.

...and because of this.