For What Shall it Profit a Man?

[_1 Iron]

I recently had a scripture come to mind while reading in a thread I started with the purpose of discussing the Q-Source as it relates to both LDS belief as well as Christian faith in general.

The scripture that came to mind is one that is quoted by all three of the synoptic writers.

Beginning with Mark -

Mark 8: 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Matthew states the same thought as (Matt. 16: 26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

And finally from Luke, who changes the wording slightly more - (Luke 9:25) For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

The reason I think this scripture came to my mind was an inspired thought - what would I be profited if I carried on the conversation beyond this point? I think that all parties have said their piece. I think I have gained some valuable insight into others' thoughts on the topic of the Q-Source, in particular from madeleine. And I can think that anything more I would say would not be significantly different from what I have already said. it certainly isn't likely to change any one else's point of view. Nor was it my intent to try and do so.

In the mean time, I've watched with some interest the other threads on the board. I don't feel that I am the one to participate in most, as I doubt I could really add to what has been said or take much of value away. I suspect this is also not the intent of most threads anyway.

So here is the point of my long-winded OP: what DOES it profit you?

To my friends of other faiths, what profit do you find in these discussions if it is not to exchange respectful views?

And to my friends of my own faith, likewise, what do you hope to gain by participating in most threads you choose to partisipate in?

To my atheist and agnostic friends, the state of the soul probably has no real bearing on your thoughts. But I think there are secular equivalents to the scripture, such as the idea of a person being willing to "cut off their nose to spite their face". In otherwords, while the notion of an immortal soul may have no equivalent in your thinking, certainly you must feel your character and essence of being is affected by the threads you choose to respond to, and the manner you then choose to do so. If so, what profit do you hope to find to your character when you decide which threads to participate in or when you decide to share something?

I'm genuinely curious.

My own thinking tends to mirror the words of George Bernard Shaw - "If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas."

At the end of the day, I hope to come away from my interactions with more ideas than I began the day with. Yet I can only gain ideas or understanding if I can truly say I heard your idea as you intended it; not as it filled my preconceived version of your idea. I recognize it is not easy to do so, and I am not very sucessful in it so this is not a statement of accomplishment, more like one of intent. If you refuse my idea but I am able to gain yours, then who is the better? Even if a person does not accept my idea the way I would have them, I think being able to approach a discussion with the intent of gaining from the other's perspective is the only reason I can justify participating in a thread. Otherwise, I am stealing time from my family and life in general.

My 2 cents.

[_Morley]

...snip...

You seem to be saying that you participate here to exchange ideas and to enrich your mind and soul, while others on this board do not. Others participate for less enlightened, undetermined reasons. Is that your suggestion?

[_zeezrom]

I really need to answer this because I have spent way too much time on this board over the past 18 months. My first or second post on here was my entry way into the online, religious debate club. I had never before seen it. I only had a tiny idea of what an argument was. I think the best thing I've found here is that I have learned a lot about forming and understanding arguments (though I have a ways to go still), meeting friends, venting frustrations, and learning to laugh after my world fell apart. Those are great things but it really is time for me to start distancing myself from this board..

[_just me]

It is cheaper and easier than going to the movies. It engages my brain. It is a method of escaping my reality for a while. I learn stuff and I feel like I can share stuff, too.

Oh, and I feel like it is better than a Farmville addiction.

[_1 Iron]

...snip...

You seem to be saying that you participate here to exchange ideas and to enrich your mind and soul,

...or at least attempt to do so despite my inate bias. But basically yes.

...while others on this board do not. Others participate for less enlightened, undetermined reasons. Is that your suggestion?

No. I was asking, not telling, you what profit you find or what motivates you when you choose to partisipate in a thread.

[_1 Iron]

I really need to answer this because I have spent way too much time on this board over the past 18 months. My first or second post on here was my entry way into the online, religious debate club. I had never before seen it. I only had a tiny idea of what an argument was. I think the best thing I've found here is that I have learned a lot about forming and understanding arguments (though I have a ways to go still), meeting friends, venting frustrations, and learning to laugh after my world fell apart. Those are great things but it really is time for me to start distancing myself from this board..

Interesting answer, Zeezrom, and I really appreciate you sharing it. It is something I'll look for more, myself now.

[_1 Iron]

It is cheaper and easier than going to the movies. It engages my brain. It is a method of escaping my reality for a while. I learn stuff and I feel like I can share stuff, too.

Oh, and I feel like it is better than a Farmville addiction.

I think my own partisipation on other boards is for very similar reasons, just me. Perhaps it has to do with how familar one is with a board when it becomes entertainment or a place to "hang out" on the net?

In some ways I am exploring the idea that much of what is said on boards resembles reverse chatterbot behaviour. At least on boards where strong opinions are held. Or a reverse Turnings test perhaps. The more dogmatic I feel about something, the more I find myself repeating a point over and over, as if saying it again in some nuanced way is going to change anything. It's been interesting to think about.

Thanks again for your insights!

[_stemelbow]

I really want to learn and understand people more. This place gives me a venue in which I can speak freely to those who oppose my religious position. I just feel like its important to hear their voice and see if I can understand where they are coming from. I feel I still have a long ways to go on that end.

[_Morley]

You seem to be saying that you participate here to exchange ideas and to enrich your mind and soul,

...or at least attempt to do so despite my inate bias. But basically yes.

...while others on this board do not. Others participate for less enlightened, undetermined reasons. Is that your suggestion?

No. I was asking, not telling, you what profit you find or what motivates you when you choose to partisipate in a thread.

Thanks for the clarification.