Comment from Gloria ....

Excellent

This is definitely not a rant as you have made reasoned arguments. I remember fondly the informative and respectful debates you and dj engaged in the religion forum before it and a few other categories were removed for a period of time.

Both you and he equally familiar with the Bible IMO and both respectful of each other's POV while arguing the nuance and finer points of scripture. Intelligence, respect, and knowledge of the subject were the critical factors that led to the success of those discussions. And they were indeed at the time some of the best reading on site.

I think as all businesses do the site is catering to a large percentage of the membership/customers who enjoy posting their devotionals and testimonials. That dynamic can create a two-tier system among the membership which should not be. There should not be favoured customers and less-favoured customers. I agree if the content on site is primarily Christian, FanStory should advertise itself as a Christian writing site. They are good people and I see from your responses that you know that.

That said, sad to see you leave as your unique and interesting perspective adds a new dimension to the literary offerings. In the meantime maybe management will add a few contests with the subjects of reason and moral philosophy, as faith and giving kindness are not the sole domain of religion.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Gloria

 Comment Written 10-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 10-Oct-2023

Thanks for your reasoned and balanced opinions, Gloria. Naturally, I expect no less from you. Of course many of the Christians on the site are good people, and I count a number of them among my friends, as they have proved themselves to be.

Also, I'm aware that this site is a business venture, and certain decisions might be made in line with business interests. But, as you say, if that's going to affect how they view customers, or the way their work is received by the site, then it would be best if they were transparent about it.

I miss the chats with DJ. I don't know what has become of him. I hope he is well, whatever he is up to now.

I have had communication from one member who has offered to suggest to Tom that other topics could be introduced to counter the total domination of one particular ideology. I have my doubts that will be successful, but would love to be proved wrong.

Once again, thanks for a fine review.

Craig

Comment from BenThrone

Exceptional

To use a phrase commonly used among Quakers during Meeting for Worship, "This Friend speaks my mind." My tenure on this site has been brief, but already I have keenly noted the trends you speak (and most likely suffered from it in more than one contest). If this site is dedicated to the craft of writing, then at the end of the day that is all that should matter--the writing. Not one's political or religious bent (or, dare I add, whether or not someone chooses to add an image; or daring further into the breach, who wrote the work?). How creative is the work? Does it approach a topic or express a thought or emotion in a new way? Does it make us see something in a new light? How does it sound? Did the author take a given form and elevate it, or produce a humdrum facsimile? This is how I approach writing, and it makes me sad to see that some people here do not--but what is worse is the intolerance shown to those who choose to go a different path. I would like to see more site-sponsored contests that approach faith not as a given, but something to be grappled with.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

I don't feel a need to identify with a religion, but of all the western religions, I think I sympathise most with their (the Quakers') approach to life. There is much to be admired -- from the rejection of religious ritual and ceremony, to abolitionism and women's rights, the abstraction permitted in the interpretation of "God", to the promotion of a simple and unassuming lifestyle. All positives, from where I stand.

As for the rest of your comments, absolutely spot on. If FanStory wants to be a church, then it should declare itself so. If it's a vehicle for the practice of writing, then that should be its primary concern.

One other point mentioned I think is of great importance - originality. How exciting is it when we read something that makes us stop and think, "I've never looked at it that way before?" For some, perhaps not at all, but for me, it's a joy.

Most grateful for the kind and thoughtful response, Ben.

Comment from Rachelle Allen

Exceptional

Nooooo! You can't be leaving now. I'm just discovering you!!!! And I want you to run for president of the universe, please, because you are smart and wise, sincere, honest, cogent, and, most of all, full of INTELLIGENT, UNIVERSAL philosophy. I regret so much that I've been so oblivious!!

This post is BRILLIANT and totally, TOTALLY right-on-the-money.

There was a singer/songwriter from the 70's named Jim Croce, and these lyrics of his that I bet you will appreciate. The song is called "Which Way Are You Goin'"

Which way are you goin'
Which side will you be on?
Will you stand and watch while

All the seeds of hate are sown?
Will you stand with those who say
Let his will be done?

One hand on the bible,
One hand on the gun.
One hand on the bible,
One hand on the gun.

Which way are you looking?
Is it hard to see?
Do you say what's wrong for him

Is not wrong for me?
You walk the streets of righteousness
But you refuse to understand.

You say you love the baby
Then you crucify the man.
You say, you love the baby
Then you crucify the man.

Every day, things are changing.
Words once honored turn to lies.
People wondering, can you blame them?
It's too far to run and too late to hide.

Now you turn your back on
All the things that you used to preach.
Now it's let him live in freedom

If he lives like me.
Well, your light has changed, confusion reigns
What have you become?

All your olive branches turned to spears
When your flowers turned to guns
Your olive branches turned to spears
When your flowers turned to guns.


I, for one, support you one hundred million zillion percent. Good for you for speaking your truth. It is absolutely not "just" yours.
xoxoxoxoxox

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

Hi Rachelle,

I've heard of Jim Croce, and also the "one hand on the Bible, one hand on the gun" line is familiar, but I didn't know where it came from. I'm not familiar with his work, though I probably have heard a number of his songs without being aware of it. I must listen more, as I love those lyrics. Reminds me of early Dylan and Woody Guthrie.

Thanks for the lovely kind words. The cheque (or check if you prefer) is in the mail! ;-) Also grateful for the lovely shiny stars.

One thing I've learned this past 24 hours is that there are quite a few more who feel similarly than I had imagined. Have a great week!

Craig

reply by Rachelle Allen on 09-Oct-2023

That's the "silent" part of the Silent Majority. xo

Comment from Terry Broxson

Exceptional

Craig, if you're leaving, let me say farewell with a six. Oh, not so much for this piece. It's well-written and tame compared to some of your other work. The six is for the body of work. I've only been on site a couple of years, and your adroit approach to writing is a joy to behold. I wish I could write like that.

As far as pondering the unponderable (Grammarly told me I made that word up), I would love to know the truth. And like you, I would never want to take anyone to task for their faith, whatever it may be or how they may have arrived at it.

When my mother died, she was a devoted Baptist and made sure her two boys were raised in a church of her choice. Her minister at her funeral told me and my little brother he had checked the church's records, and I was saved at age 11, and my little brother at 9.

We didn't tell the minister we both escaped the Baptist church when we turned 18 and went to college...it was a Baptist college, but we escaped anyway.

Travel and be well. Terry.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

Got you and your brother beat, Terry. My mother was a Presbyterian, so I was saved at only a couple of weeks old! All those covenantors will be eating their words, no doubt.

Thanks so much for the support. Time will tell whether it's just a holiday or a permanent break.

Either way, FS is in good hands. It needs your sense of humour. Enjoy the ride!

Craig

(P.S. Sorry for misspelling your name in my original response. I'd not long ago replied to Teri, and I guess muscle memory kicked in! Anyway, corrected!)

reply by Terry Broxson on 09-Oct-2023

LOL

Comment from Bill Schott

Exceptional

This may have done well in the RANT contest. Of course, since you are out the door it doesn't matter.

Your anger is displaced. It is tantamount to visiting the U.S. and arguing why no one appreciates your views on totalitarianism as a governing model.

The people in this pool want to swim in warm water, not water made warm from other people pissing in it.

Religion is the opiate of the masses, and you are the cold bucket of water no one ordered.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

Thanks for the extra star, Bill, and for the observant comments.

I'd agree 100% except for one thing -- FanStory claims to be a writing site, not a church.

Then, of course, there is the point that with their own posts, these people piss in my pool every day -- but somehow that is acceptable :)

Comment from Annmuma

Excellent

Well done. It's possible this entry could qualify for both the Faith contest and the Rant Contest. lol I empathize with your thoughts and your presentation is excellent.

One typo: wilfully is misspelled in the sentence below. (I corrected it in my reply below.)

My favorite line:

"You cannot call yourself a sincere seeker of truth if you willfully ignore the other side of the question." Amen! ann

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

Hi Ann,
"Wilfully" is the UK (and Australian) spelling. It's "willfully" in the US.
Wouldn't it be ironic if it got entered in the faith contest, and won?
As for the rant contest, yes... what a shame I missed it :)
Thanks for the fun review.
Craig

reply by Annmuma on 09-Oct-2023

Thanks for enlightening me!!! I did not realize that about wilfully. Sometimes, we Americans think we know it all!!! - I am trying to be more open-minded. lol

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Exceptional

I am sorry to hear that you're going off f.s. again Craig. I have noticed the increasing number of God contests and clubs, but I'm not interested in them. Good on you for stating your viewpoint it's obviously something that's aggravated you. I just continue to enjoy the challenge of different poetry forms and will miss reading your writing. Stay well.
Cheers
Valda

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

Thanks so much for the positive review and kind rating, Valda. I've enjoyed being introduced to new poetical forms as you have encountered them in your writing club and shared them with us.

I'll miss the friendships and creativity of my friends here, but not the partisanship that seems to be becoming more of a thing as time goes by.

All the best to you :)

Craig

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Exceptional

You are absolutely welcome here to my last star! Everything you write resonates strongly with me because, as a Brit, it has come as quite an eye-opener to me the extreme devotion expressed in so many posts. And, to be honest, I feel quite intimidated by it. I am what you could call a lapsed Christian but have a very strong code of conduct and belief that has developed during my lifetime. I'm not scared of dying, have experienced extreme trauma and bereavements and don't believe that this life should be viewed as a preparation for another. Your post, as ever, is like a breath of fresh air. It speaks bravely and truthfully from the heart and, as such, deserves more than I can give you. It's just such a shame that you're now leaving because you'll be sadly missed. Take care Debbie

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

Thanks so much for the lovely words of support, Debbie. And, of course, the glowing rating. Yes, for we who are not accustomed to the endless fixation with certain dogmas, it can be quite overwhelming, can't it? But when other opinions are considered less worthy, it becomes a sticking point.

I'm not certain I'll be gone for good. I do know I don't want to be around right now. If I don't return, I'll definitely miss your fine and painstakingly researched writing.

Cheers,
Craig

reply by Debbie D'Arcy on 09-Oct-2023

You're welcome Craig! I think you might get more support than you expect, if not in numbers certainly in ratings:))

Comment from Wendy G

Exceptional

Your writing Craig, deserves a six, just as one of your other recent religious ones received from me. I hope to be fair-minded, to accept others and what they believe, and I hope that I always judge the quality of the writing when I vote. You are perfectly correct - some of the present contest entries are not written well - it will be interesting to see how the voting turns out. Personally I think you could enter your own beliefs into such a contest, as it doesn't specifically say "religious faith" and I have seen others enter who have quite contrary beliefs to religion. As you say, this is your faith, which directs your words and actions, and your life. It would be quite legitimate. Anyway ... don't stay away too long. Mind you I'll probably only be around till the end of the year myself, as I have a different writing project in mind for next year.
Sending best wishes to you.
Wendy
(And yes, mine will be a yes on Saturday. But the fear campaign has been strong. My attitude is "If you don't know, find out".)

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

Hearing you have decided to vote in accordance with common sense and decency against a campaign of fearmongering and suppression makes me happy, Wendy.

As far as faiths go, it appears the attitude here is that (to borrow an expression) all faiths are equal, it's just that some are more equal than others.

I hope whatever your writing project is for next year, it will be a great success. Will we see a book out of it?

Thanks for your support, it's greatly appreciated.

Craig

Comment from strandregs

Exceptional

I am sad to lose your wot and wonder.
I see the human mind as weak and faith in ...
Fills that that black hole.
Not everyone can do critical thinking.
I was watching 4 professors talking about the language of DNA and how it had to be written by something.
That makes them believers in a creator.
Very persuasive.
But then we ask
Who created the creator?
:-))Z.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

One of many excellent questions that some would prefer remain unasked, Z.

It's a shame we (humans) don't often fill holes with something more appropriate and useful.

Thanks for your support, as always.

Craig

reply by strandregs on 09-Oct-2023

My family in Israel feel like the people of Ukraine now.
My brother just said oh another explosion.
It feel unrealistic.
I wish it was.
And for what?

reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

For what, indeed?

Best wishes to your family and loved ones in Israel, and to innocent and peaceful citizens of Gaza, too.

reply by strandregs on 09-Oct-2023

Amen!