Thomas Perdue
Oh, and I'd like to point out that your poem DOES in fact contain rhyme! Yes, well, I'm sure you already know that, of course. :-)
2009-08-17

Thomas Perdue
I'm with Nicholas on this one: I do believe that forcing beliefs on others would be an offense, but I find it hard to believe that any sober person would believe posting such a work as this to be "forcing" a belief on anyone.

I've tried to have spiritual conversation with people online a lot, there was this one time when I tried to discuss things with this one person (it was someone I did not know), he went as far as to tell me that I did not have any place in heaven because I did agree with him on certain issues regarding the Christian faith. THIS was offensive, of course! But I was more saddened than angered by him, I found it sad that he could not even tolerate to hear an opposing view, I still find that saddening, always.

What you have posted is your free will, your free speech, it is your beliefs which you are free to post. It is not in the least bit offensive (even though I know I have some differences in spirituality with you).

I'm sorry to learn of this negative experience you have had recently, and I hope everything is well with you besides this.

Best wishes,
T.
2009-08-17

melanie sue
OK, NOW I can make a comment. IGNORE Oarr.
2009-08-16

Brian Oarr
Respectfully, Nicholas, Phyllis' "poem" contains zero elements of poetry. There is no metaphor, nor simile, no nounce words, no alliteration and quite obviously no rhyme, nor meter. The only thing "poetic" about the piece is that it appears to confuse personification with deification.

This forum goes to Tel Aviv, Cairo, New Delhi, Tripoli and Timbuktu, yet curiously we don't find "Jewish", "Moslem", "Hindi" poetry posted on the board. Why do you suppose that is? Perhaps, because these equally religious people have the social responsibility to keep the beliefs private and not force them upon others?

Phyllis knew she wasn't writing poetry ... she had intent. And her intent was to force her beliefs upon others clear and simple. *That* is offensive.
2009-08-16

NicholasG
I must disagree with Brian Oarr and Jenks. I have far different beliefs than Phyllis as far as spirituality goes but there is no force feeding here. You clicked the title. You got the poem. If you didn't know Phyllis was a devoutly religious person before, you do now.
We all have beliefs but to go as far as to say posting them is forcing them on others I find a stretch of the imagination.
2009-08-16

jenks
I'm with Mr Oarr on this one.
Being force fed makes me gipp.
2009-08-15

Kathy Lockhart
What beautiful poetry. You have the right to write about your faith here as anyone does. If some do not like to read it, they can just stay away. It's that simple. No one forces anyone to read anything on here. It's by choice that we read other's poetry. It takes courage to stand up for your beliefs and I stand beside you. Mr Oarr is being very rude indeed.
2009-08-14

Keiko
Very well written. I love this poem and keep up the good work
2009-08-14

Brian Oarr
Horse pucky, Phyllis! This "public board" has very definite rules about the posting of offensive material, and while I am not, nor will I ever be, an advocate of censorship, I am andvocate of social responsibilty. I do not want my grandchildren reading your offal. And I chose that word carefully, because what you've posted doesn't even begin to approximate poetry ... it is propaganda. It and you are equally offensive.
2009-08-14

Phyllis J. Rhodes
I have always understood this site to be an open forum. People can choose to read or not read any of the works posted here. Neither God nor I force ourselves on anyone.
2009-08-14

Brian Oarr
Guess we didn't get enough sermonizing in church on Sunday, so we thought we'd force our beliefs upon the posting board, eh?
2009-08-14

jenks
I love faith.
I love being able to believe.
But I honestly believe religous beliefs cause wars.
I'm not able to understand how a god can cause such mayhem.
But that's me...
with respect...
2009-08-14