Test Life.: [[ 59 ]] RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

Alright. So...

Being an Atheist doesn’t include

· Any assessment of your intelligence or the assertion that you can reason well

· Any proof that you are morally or ethically superior to anyone else

· Any rationale that you should wear the title “Atheist” as some weird "Badge of Pride"

· Any authority which allows you to conclude that there is no god. Only - that *you* don’t believe there is.

Don’t ride the high horse. It doesn’t take any intellectual or moral fortitude to not believe in things.

Being a Theist doesn’t include

· Confirmation that you are automatically bound for any version of Heaven

· Confirmation that you are morally or ethically superior to anyone

· That you have the only and fully correct perspective regarding the design of all creation

· That you are in any way beyond reproach of error, vanity, aggression or downright dogmatic maliciousness in God's name

Your faith is an expression of what you believe. How you *live* is an entirely different matter?

I don't know how many times I've met someone claiming to walk in faith, only to see them casting stones with every step.

I don't care which side of the argument you're on -- - you're Human. By nature, you can be wrong. Personal integrity and a duty to your beliefs, pro or con, would require that you constantly review that possibility.

Projecting negative traits at one another is intellectually dishonest and morally contaminated.

It is a trait of failure, utilized by people who lack a love for truth or a deep conviction in their own argument – and thus, need to fight dirty.

Likely, each perspective contains positive intentions, ethical designs and the genuine desire to see right done by all. And why not? It's not uncommon to find that those who irk you the most, have traits similar to your own. Sometimes those traits are good. Sometimes... that's not the case.
Don't hide your face from that truth.

Living an examined life means that you should be able to discuss those details as well as your differences – and be curious when someone challenges you, not angry or aggressive.
Test your understanding of your own ideas. See if they stand up to examination.

An opponent can only cut you if he finds a weakness in your armor. That could indicate that you need to go back and resume your training, or at least consider the merits of the other guy's sharpness.

Without fairness expressed toward those with opposing ideas, any of us would betray the opportunity to see what angles we have left wide open and blind. You forfeit any hope of earning respect or converting one another (if that is your goal).

And your imaginary 'war of nobility'? Your own actions can reduce your presentation to mere backyard brawling or gossipy catcalling.

As I do not believe anyone approaches such matters believing him or herself to be a hooligan, it would be forthright to abide by the practices which speak most highly of those like you, Theist and Atheist. Carrying yourself with honor and representing your clan isn't about smearing the other guy's good name.... but conducting yourself like a warrior.

In the end, you are not fighting flesh and blood - but ideas.

Ways of behavior. Perspectives and Actions.

To make war against a man who does not strike at you is to show the tyranny of fear.

Even a Ronin knows that your strength is not measured in the self-proclaimed glimmer of your sword, but by how reluctant you are to draw it from the scabbard.

- C.D.