The self-titled gentleman known as The Raving Atheist has handed me a lesson in Christian humility. Well, it was not geared to me personally, but it displays a Christian attitude that I forget sometimes.
(1) The post will say at least one kind or favorable thing about the person and/or group under discussion. If I reject the relevant ideology completely, the compliment may pertain to some unrelated talent, accomplishment, or memorable post.
(2) All compliments will be sincere, not sarcastic or backhanded.
(3) The post will identify at least one false, cruel, inappropriate or unnecessary statement I have made about the person or group in the past, and explain why I was wrong to say what I did.
(4) Criticism or commentary will focus solely on ideas, not upon the person or people comprising the group to which he or she belongs.
(5) When commenting on a post that criticizes or attacks me I will not retaliate in any way, no matter how unkind, untrue or even vicious the commentary. I will not quote language from the offending post, or link to the post at all, if I believe that doing so will ultimately make the person look foolish or otherwise embarrass him or her.
(6) If I believe that there is a possibility that the person will be offended or embarrassed by my post, I will forward a draft and seek approval before posting.
(7) These rules will apply with equal force to religious people, atheists, agnostics, and political and social organizations, including pro-choice advocates or organizations.
Wow.
I don’t think I have a problem with this in blog life as much as with real life and what comes out of my mouth verbally. My blog life is not that intriguing. The fact that RA’s post had me thinking “oops” probably means my self-assesment is correct.