Lowman,
I appreciate what you're saying, but I don't think you fully grasp my position. I don't hold what you've said against you. However, I think it's a bit ridiculous when one person voices an opinion (for example: "I think He has something to do with the success of LFBG!" not a direct quote), and it's received with applause and amens. HOWEVER, when someone voices his opinion that attributing the success of a publicly traded company in a free market economy to the hand God is (in his mind) silly, it's met with a bunch of stone throwing, fist waving, prayer chanting, "Take your anti-Christian thoughts and go home" responses.
I understand the majority of people that are investors that post ON THIS BOARD are christians, and that this is, afterall, a forum of opinions . However, if I stated a similarly worded, but opposite opinion (which is not my opinion btw, but for sake of example) such as, "Haha, look at this stock! This incredible rise is all hype - pump straight from the devil himself. Satan is smarter than all you Christians, he's pumped this thing up so that you'll invest your hard earned dollars and then LOSE them all when it crashes! See, it's working!!! hahahaha." I WOULD GET SLAMMED.
But someone posted a statement/opinion (which I DO happen to share) that making statements about God and his "helping" LFBG and he was met with some pretty harsh criticism, and then, unfortunately, even witnessing. This board is DEFINITELY NOT the place to ignorantly tell someone that they are full of anger and that they should turn their life over to Jesus. I mean, come on, nobody on here thinks that talk like that is appropriate on here, nor relevant to discussion of LFBG.
To be honest, what would be much easier to swallow would be people's statements of excitement on how the prosperity of LFBG is going to help them do more, give more, help more, feed more, clothe more, etc., as anyone who has studied Jesus knows that his gospel is one of sacrifice, love, care, and meeting people's needs, both physical (Jesus always met the physical need first, and THEN spiritual). But, I digress, as I become guilty of the thing that irks me on this board.
I won't move on, b/c I believe this is a good investment based on the full merits of the company and the economic market for this type of product, etc, etc. However, my brokerage (and I doubt anyone else's) didn't make me check the "Yes, I'm a christian" box before placing a buy order for LFBG, and as this is NOT a christian forum, I think everyone is entitled to respect.
Unfortunately, religion is such a touchy subject, that people rarely afford respect for others on topics that touch on religion, and what I've witnessed is now once again an embarrassment to many of us Christians as anyone with a different opinion just gets bashed on mercilessly. At risk of casting stones, I would dare say it's less than Christ-like.
So all that rambling to say, I wish the topic of christianity wouldn't come up so much, but I also realize that there's probably no stopping it. I originally asked (politely I thought) for people to refrain, and was responded to with what I call the christian middle finger. (If you don't like us bible stompers, pack your bags and leave - attitude) ... which is why I refrained from really making any more comments.
However, when I saw someone have the nerve, on this board, to make a statement to another member out of ignorance and pride telling them that they need to turn their life over to Jesus to have positive feelings in life...I mean, COME ON, nobody in their right mind can think that's appropriate.
I would just ask that those of you who make religious-minded posts...when someone, fully within their rights, disagrees with you (and it won't be me, as I've said my piece and will continue to shift the worthwhile posts from the rest), be so kind as to get your flame throwing, bible beating comments to yourselves (you collectively). You're making the rest of us christians look like intolerant a-holes and it makes me mad and sad and disappointed all wrapped up in one.
Low, thanks for your thoughtful, and honestly, not inflammatory response. I appreciate your thoughts and also the clear effort you put into not adding fuel to the fire.
Ben
