bump

Plenty and I think I've summarized a lot of it in another thread (which I will hunt up at some point). In the end, it comes down to hearing a lot of different perspectives on various issues (some serious, some not so much) and learning from those differing perspectives.

Mendalla

I've learned there isn't only one "right" way - of anything.

I've learned that I'm not always going to agree with everyone, and everyone is not always going to agree with me.

I've learned respect and understanding for others who are different than I am.

I've learned that I change my mind and opinion about things and that sometimes that is a good thing.

I have learned that generally speaking, I am not welcome. 

You had gone through life before WC without knowing that?  ;)

I'm sure I've learned things on WC, but it's hard to specify what came from here and what didn't.  Unless it's knowledge about a codpiece lol

Sorry you feel that way Redhead.

redhead y.ou were sorely missed when you were ill. The card must tell you that.

I learned that the initial idea appealed to me but that few individual congregations were interested in getting on board.  I learned that my local congregation didn't know anything about the  Emerging Spiritinitiative they could join in with  (though there may have been one or two among the majority of the congregation - the ones who showed no interest in talking to me!).  Presumably the ministers were aware of it but I didn't hear them suggest that people go online and learn  more or even join WC.

I learned that people of different denominations, and no denomination at all, joined in the discussiions.  Some of these people had much to add and others merely practised their copy and paste skill!

I learned that if I lived somewhere else I could find a UC with lively discussion groups of various types.

I learned a lot about the 'layers' of governance - enough to be of assistance to a life long member who was on a local committee and struggling to understand the 'rules'.

I learned that the UC didn't hesitate to make a decision about the future of WC without being civil enough to invite our thoughts about it   (That feels like they don't care about us).  Overall I'd say that I haven't developed a desire to waste time with another attempt at being part of a congregation.

I've learned that the United Church of Canada houses a wide variety of beliefs, from quite dogmatic to damn near atheistic, which causes a lot of infighting as the conservative side clings to power where they can while they're still alive, and the more non-literal side searches for places to call their own within the church, while suffering their own losses. I shouldn't be surprised that there is infighting while the entire organization is in free fall, but I am.

I've also learned that some people may need a form of faith in their lives - especially those who insist that if it wasn't for their faith, they'd go on a killing spree because anything would be permitted. Yeah, you guys go ahead and keep praying. I think what those who genuinely need faith have to understand, is that the requirement of faith is not universal, or likely even applicable to the majority, as we see entire cultures where faith has taken a back seat, without being suppressed by law or other forms of coercion - just disinterest and the general unimpressiveness of faith to those who require more evidence than what the multiple different faith choices can provide.

I've also learned that faith, like sexuality, is not a choice. I can't "choose" to be a Christian, any more than I can choose to want to sleep with a man. Faith is a decision that either passes our own internal tests for plausibility, or it doesn't. That's where education is key in helping young people learn to analyze claims and come to defensible conclusions. As more people are given the tools to analyze marketing claims, political platforms, and scientific results, they'll inevitably apply these skills to religious claims. The best alternative is to keep kids ignorant and homeschooled, but others are to teach kids to compartmentalize faith away from these analytical skills, and indoctrinate kids so young and so thoroughly, that they'll never question it, or at least it will always be a nagging thought in the backs of their minds.

hey, its like being in my elementary again!

(note, for those cynics, no, i mean it in a good way...*sprays the room against cynicism*)

i've learned a bit more aboot canadian christianity

i've learned that we are all avatars of stardust

i've learned that chansen looks like he'd fit right in with a remake of 'father knows best'.  but he probably wouldn't smoke around the children

i've learned more ways of thinking aboot the term spirituality than just 'immaterial spirit farts'

i've learned that the commonage is everywhere.  you just have to learn how to look

i've learned a few new ways of looking at christianity

i learned aboot some new concepts for me, like sophisticated realism, panentheism, process theology

i've found out a bit more aboot what ministry can mean and that here i can feel free to practice it

i've been witness to the creation of a culture, the wc culture

there's more, that should be enough for now

Basically, I've learned to be more tolerant of other people's viewpoints.

I have learned that there are those who bring joy to everything they do, they cannot help but do it, it is their nature.

I have witnessed various styles of dialogue, some respectful, others not.

I have learned about various faiths, incluidng my own

I have learned about unique characteristics of our country

I have had conversations with people from many walks of life.

I have experienced sadness when I can't figure out how to chat with someone, and also frustration through manipulation, where I got sucked off my game.  

I have witnessed good & bad behaviours here which manifest in real life as well.  It is good to be a part of as it can develop skills in communication.

I have explored my faith, Christianity and cultural items from that perspective.

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Kimmio, my god, please.......recognize that the world does not rotate around you.  I have been on wondercafe for many years.

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Sorry pinga, . I have learned when to step up and support someone and when to back down when it makes absolutely no sense Kimmio, this is making no sense.

I learned that on WC, just like in real life, I received many invitations to arguments, and  I'm glad I didn't have to accept them all.

I learned to regret being real with a bunch of people I don't know. I learned they won't like my honesty. I learned they have no reason to believe or appreciate me. I learned that my real friends are the people who want to be in my life. And church people are no better or worse than any other people. I learned that the church does some good work, but doesn't have a monopoly on what is 'just'. I learned to appreciate that the black sheep are sometimes the best sheep.

I learned a lot about theology of various kinds, and different religions. I learned different interpretations of the bible are many. I found out about a lot of books.

I learned I can trust strangers on the internet with my street address.

I learned that internet trolls are people too.

i've learned that if WC is anything like the UCC, then UCC reminds me of my elementary school (again, reminder, a good thing)