Do you ever feel intimidated?

I agree with jane about locking the thread. It wouldn't be fair to anyone to edit it or wipe it out completely, but we do need to move on from it now.

Agreed

In the interests of democracy, perhaps everyone who took part in this thread should have their say and vote? I vote for lock and keep.

But people seem to like posting on it . Besides, there's nothing on the thread that breaks the very good gransnet forum rules, otherwise HQ would have deleted stuff already. It will fizzle out eventually.

For Elegran and a bloody big gold "gong"...

Lock it, but keep it as a warning to future posters about the folly of continuing with discussions, and disagreements and perhaps some pointscoring, when a thread has clearly reached a point of bitterness and is causing distress to others all.

These comments are not, repeat not, aimed at any particular person. If anyone thinks it is, that is their own supposition and not my intention.
Let's have some and about here and less as is making everyone [white doves emoticon] Please.

XXXX NellieM

As the person who started this thread I'd like to make a final observation and then I'm saying no more. More has been said than was perhaps wise. Let's just leave it at that. [peace dove emoticon]

Respect! Nanadogsbody

I remember somone commenting somewhere a while ago that a thread dedicated to continuing and unwinnable battles (or something like that) was a good idea.

I hadn't intended posting on this thread again but would like to add my voice to those who think we should move on now. Healthy debate is fine and I am all for it but I think this has now run its course.

As I have posted elsewhere I believe in God but I have a friend who does not and we have some very lively (and sometimes heated) discussions but we never let it interfere with our friendship.

She accepts I have an invisible friend and I accept she is going to burn in hell for all eternity (By the way that last sentence is meant as a joke as, of course, I would not want her to burn in hell and annoy her greatly by praying for her on a regular basis)

I had a Methodist friend that I used to walk with every day. We had an agreement that she would tell me about her latest sermon and then I would tell her who I'd backed in the 2.30 at Pontefract. We then talked about books, films, men, dieting etc etc . It worked very well.

Barrow, I am a total agnostic but some of my closest friends are sincerely and profoundly religious - they also like to 'annoy me by praying for me'

But I do hope you don't do this in public! Two of my ex neighbours are born again Christians and insisted on 2 occasions on grabbing my hands and starting praying loudly, one in the street and the other in Waitrose!! Please, NO.

granjura never - I believe prayer is like a personal conversation with God. I accept many people do not believe as I do so would never try to force my beliefs on them. I respect their non-belief as I would expect them to respect my belief.

I tend to think of myself as being an atheist, but there have been many times when I've prayed for help. I'm not sure who I'm praying to, but it always makes me feel better [very two faced of me, I fear]. And churches are the most beautiful places. I'm quite happy for people to pray for me [but not in the supermarket!]....

I don't mind being prayed for in private or in church, but in WAITROSE!!!!!!!!

No way!

Which waitrose? So I can avoid it!

I don't really believe in a supreme being, but I don't mind who who prays for me. If someone from any religion who believes deeply in something, wants to send me a blessing, pray for me or whatever, I just see that as a mark of their kindness, and concern for me, nothing else.

If one doesn't believe in a supreme being how can it make any difference to you if someone prays for you?

From time to time at work I had conversations the Salvation Army and usually got a "God bless" at the end of the conversation.

A dear brother in law has been very ill. Whilst in Coventry Cathedral last week I lit a candle for him and put him on the prayer list. I'm not a believer but he is very devout so it seemed appropriate.

crimson Whether you are praying to God or to the general universe - as long as it makes you feel better what does it matter and don't worry jeni I promise not to grab you in Waitrose and start a revival meeting!

I think I'll go away again............

barrow thank God for that!

NO Carbon you've only just come back.

I know there is another thread about 'The Prophet', but when I was trawling the Glastonbury bookshops, and buying such books, I think I was an aimless middle-aged woman then, I came across a little gem (to me, at the time) called 'Each Day a New Beginning'. I had forgotten about it until the great sort-out started a couple of days ago.
I read the entry for today.... here are a few edited comments to add to Elegrans (the peacemaker):

'Admitting we are wrong.Owning our mistake in either a big or small matter. Asking for another chance. All very difficult to do and yet necessary if we are to grow.
The difficulty is our pride, the big ego. We think we need to always be right. If we're wrong, then others may think less of us, look down on us, question our worth. 'Perfectionism' versus 'worthlessness'.
If we are not perfect ( and of course we never are), then we must be worthless.
In between these two points on the scale is 'being human'.....
With humility comes a softness that smooths our every experience, our every realationship. Pride makes us hard, keeps us hard, keeps others away and sets us up for a fall.

And todays 'mantra':
I will let myself be human today. It will soften my vision of life.

Lots of love to ALL Gransnetters from an aged hippy

For reasons beyond my control I just saw the beginning of the postponed Poland/England match this afternoon and I noticed: all the Poles except one gave their national anthem everything they'd got while most of England didn't seem to know the words and nearly all the Poles and the Italian referee crossed themselves before the kick-off. Can't believe this thread is still going!

Nanadogsbody

I think you made a very considerate, respectful post.

Me to nanadog

jeni - you are safe. That Waitrose has now been pulled down (Evington, Leicester) and replaced by a brand new one in Oadby