BenC7

Loomis Here

Thanks so much for backing me up! Sometimes I feel like the own sane person in an insane assylum, making ME start to feel like the nutcase!

In any case, I'm not a Christian as you are, so our respesctive faiths and understanding of God may differ somewhat (Don't get me started on the whole Jesus thing! lol) But all that really doesn't matter. I have no intention of converting the world to any particular faith. That's why in these debates I NEVER insist that MY PARTICULAR understanding of Him is superiour to anyone elses. I have a great deal of respect for all believers (with one BIG exception, those who use the name of God justify the killing of innocents). In fact, I have a great deal of respect for agnostics as well. They have the courage to simply state "I really don't know". And to paraphrase Socrates "The surest sign of true wisdom is to recognize one's ignorance". Yes I believe in God, call it a feeling, a hunch, whatever you wish. Yet being highly devoted to logic, my mind can't help to possess some degree of doubt. The "I really don't know for sure" part of my brain. But not to worry, the former outweighs the latter by a great deal.

Though I have a great deal of respect for agnostics, I take a very dim view of atheists, particularly those who claim to KNOW FOR SURE that there isn't a God, and then proceed to ridicule any believer as no more than a mindless sheep following the rest of the herd to the slaughter. It's insulting, arrogant and downright bigoted. To me atheism is really no more scientific than religion: The belief in something (i.e. the NON-existence of God) without a shred of proof. Even if they said "I don't believe, but I respect your right to believe", that would be somewhat of an improvement. Anyway, I can babble on, but I'll stop here. In fact, I don't think I'll bother posting YET ANOTHER reply on the RefDesk, some people just have to have the last word, and besides, I think you've done a good job of replying yourself.

In any case, thanks so much for your support at the RefDesk. I don't usually end my posts this way, as I consider religion to be a private matter, and I prefer to keep my comments and arguments as secular as possible, but I feel it to be appropriate here: God bless you, and come to think of it, God bless that anonymous atheist who just doesn't seem to get my point! Loomis 11:23, 7 July 2006 (UTC)

Well said. I can see why you're a lawyer! BenC7

Gospels

Thanks for weighing in on the topic I posted on the reference desk. I was wondering, if you had the time, could you perhaps post a third opinion on the Talk:Gospel page, or better yet, be bold and edit the article to make it better! I am not that fond of confrontation and debate when it is just between two editors, so IMO, another perspective is always welcome. Thanks for your time and consideration. --Andrew c 00:16, 13 July 2006 (UTC)

Unfulfilled prophecies

The problem is that Wikipedia has a rather silly habit of saying that pretty anyone who claims to be Christian counts as Christian :/. Now, I assume you know the Watchtower isn't Christian, I know the Watchtower isn't Christian, but unfortunently, Wikipedia will note that they claim to be Christian and consider them as such generally :/. However, in this case, I consider it an instance of rather nice irony that this qualification comes back to haunt the watchtower in the form of their false prophecies being laid out for the world to see along with a bunch of other things, but I don't think there's enough JW material to make up it's very own False prophecies of Jehovah's witnesses article. Homestarmy 04:33, 22 July 2006 (UTC)

Oh, I see what you mean, but is what's in the article now long enough for it's own section? Homestarmy 04:39, 22 July 2006 (UTC)

Thanks

Thanks for the link on my talk page. I will keep it in mind. Looks like the RfC has already reached a conclusion which all parties are happy with and in record time. Lucy 22:49, 1 August 2006 (UTC)

Thanks for the wonderful link and ur answer

thanks for the wonderful link and ur answer on [1]. it was really helpful.

actually, i also have some more anxities about bible/quran and there relationship with modern science. well, i m a Hindu, and wanted to talk about them with someone. probably if u dont mind (i know many, especially muslims, who do mind), i can put a few more questions to u. thanks anyways. nids 09:46, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

Your edit to Jehovah's Witnesses.

Thanks, I really appreciate that you reached out like that. George 02:59, 13 August 2006 (UTC)

Wikipedia Brisbane Meetup - Invite

Brisbane Meetup Invitation The First Brisbane Meetup of Wikipedians in Queensland is in the Planning Stage. If you're interested in meeting other Wikipedians, please join us! edit

-- Chez ^{(Discuss / Email)} 04:16, 13 November 2006 (UTC)

LOGRTAC Editorials delisting - please vote in poll

Hi BenC7,
I'm not sure if you are editing right now. If you are, and are still interested in List of groups referred to as cults please vote in the poll calling for a controversial major change in the rules — the motivation for which is to prevent Wikipedia from being self-listed as a cult, as charged by Charles Arthur of The Guardian. Milo 15:30, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

Hmmm...reply

I understand your concern. There are plenty of anti-Jehovah's Witness sites. I was attracted to editing on Wikipedia because of the consensus editing policy. Now that JW editors are being discouraged from being involved with the editing process this could drastically change the mix. I think this should be noted so that everyone knows. I think the challenge that remains for us is to make sure we uphold Wikipedia standards as we continue to edit these pages. Dtbrown 04:57, 8 December 2006 (UTC)

Three cheers

And a big thumbs up for your extremely helpful answer to the physics questioner. I was worried that that particular thread was going to be all frivolity and n00bashing, THANKS!!!!!! Anchoress 05:31, 27 December 2006 (UTC)

Thanks for the compliment. BenC7 07:36, 27 December 2006 (UTC)

John 1:1

Thanks for point that out! you're right that the old comments probably would been a bit of a mixed signal. I'll keep this on watch for a while, but don't hesitate to message me if you need my eyes again. --Alecmconroy 06:43, 10 January 2007 (UTC)

Reference Desk homework

I removed your precise answer to what was transparently a homework question on the Science RD; I hope you don't mind my attempt to make sure that students learn what they're tasked with learning. You're of course welcome to revert it, but in case you just didn't know the guideline, I wanted to leave it visible for as little time as possible. Thanks. --Tardis 06:43, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

I restored it. I think in an instance like this, where the content is on-topic and appropriately-worded, it is undesirable for another editor to change the respondent's words. I support entreating editors to change their own words, or adding a comment beneath the response encouraging the questioner to take appropriate steps to ensure they learn the process, not just the end result. Anchoress 06:52, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

Thanks. I doubt that it would be a homework question at this time of year. BenC7 09:21, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

No problem! Anchoress 10:42, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

Er, remember that not everyone has school at the same time of year (as you). In particular, that questioner's IP address resolves to an ISP in Georgia, where it is currently quite wintery and nearly all schools are in session. As for changing others' words, I didn't like it either but I didn't see how to get the desired effect otherwise (obviously applying a strikeout or so would have been useless). Regardless, my apologies. --Tardis 15:48, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

OK, my mistake. Assumed all schools had a break this time of year. BenC7 04:20, 13 January 2007 (UTC)

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, BenC7! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Best regards from myself! -- S♦s♦e♦b♦a♦l♦l♦o♦s (Merry Christmas!) Post this merry message on any other user talk page you can find.

Brisbane meetup

	Brisbane Meetup Next: To be decided (watch) Last: Saturday 13 January 2018
See also: Australian events listed at Wikimedia.org.au (or on Facebook)

Delivered on behalf of Dihydrogen Monoxide. Giggabot (talk) 13:54, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Nontrinitarianism

Hello, I hope this works, I thought it would be the quickest way to contact you. I am currently involved in a "discussion" on the talk page of Nontrinitarianism and would appreciate some support from people who believe in the article as I am encountering interferance from a (obvously biased) Trinitarian. If you have the time, and/or know anyone with input, please help. GabrielVelasquez (talk) 19:53, 23 January 2008 (UTC)

Article to be deleted

HELP. This article to be deleted in id.wiki. Can you help me to SAY KEEP in its Talk page, in Indonesia Wikipedia. I don't know why they don't appreciate Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, and Assembly. Thanks for your support. Mikhailov Kusserow (talk) 09:22, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

Brisbane meetup invitation

	Brisbane Meetup Next: To be decided (watch) Last: Saturday 13 January 2018
See also: Australian events listed at Wikimedia.org.au (or on Facebook)

Hey there, you're invited to the second Brisbane Meetup. Please see the page at Wikipedia:Meetup/Brisbane/2 for more details. Hope to see you there!

Automated message delivered by Giggabot (stop!) to Wikipedians in Queensland and known Brisbaneites, at 03:28, 7 June 2008 (UTC).

Remember me?

Just had a look at the article I'm sure you're aware of. Anyway, just wondering if you remember me? So you know, at the time, I was about 15/16 when I wrote those comments on the page. Haven't used my Wiki account in ages... Knuckles sonic8 (talk) 06:15, 26 December 2008 (UTC)

Jehovah's Witnesses project

I have started a discussion regarding the content wikipedia has regarding the Jehovah's Witnesses at Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Jehovah's Witnesses#Comments regarding template and project. Seeing that you are listed as a member of that project, I would appreciate any responses to the material there you would like to make. Thank you. John Carter (talk) 14:35, 8 April 2009 (UTC)

Brisbane meetup invitation

	Brisbane Meetup Next: Wikipedia:Meetup/Brisbane (watch) Last: Saturday 13 January 2018
See also: Australian events listed at Wikimedia.org.au (or on Facebook)

Hi there! You are cordially invited to a barbeque and meetup at Southbank this Sunday (26 June). Details and an attendee list are at Wikipedia:Meetup/Brisbane. Hope to see you there! Lankiveil ^{(speak to me)} 11:12, 23 June 2011 (UTC)

(this automated message was delivered using Wikipedia:AutoWikiBrowser to all users in Category:Wikipedians in Brisbane)

Wikimedians to the Games

I'd like to invite you to participate Wikimedians to the Games :) It is a great opportunity to help improve Australian related content, and potentially to travel to attend the second biggest sporting event of the year. As you're an existing Wikipedian editor, you should have some advantage because you should know how to contribute and improve articles already. :) If you get to a certain point threshold, there is also a possiblity to travel to Canberra to attend a workshop at the Australian Institute of Sport. --LauraHale (talk) 09:55, 16 January 2012 (UTC)

Ichthus: January 2012

ICHTHUS

January 2012

In this issue...

• From the Editor
• What are You doing For Lent?
• Fun and Exciting Contest Launched
• Spotlight on WikiProject Catholicism

---

Ichthus is published by WikiProject Christianity
For submissions and subscriptions contact the Newsroom

Gibbet of Jesus

Some time ago, you participated in Talk at an article which has been variously named Torture stake, Cross or stake as gibbet on which Jesus died, Historical disputes over the shape of the Crucifix, Dispute about the shape of the gibbet of Jesus, Dispute of Jesus' execution method, and Dispute about Jesus' execution method. Editors are considering another name change; I thought you might participate in that discussion.--AuthorityTam (talk) 21:54, 7 March 2012 (UTC)

Brisbane workshop and meetup invitation

	Brisbane Meetup Next: Wikipedia:Meetup/Brisbane (watch) Last: Saturday 13 January 2018
See also: Australian events listed at Wikimedia.org.au (or on Facebook)

Hi there! You are cordially invited to a series of Paralympic History workshops and a meetup next Saturday (26 May) and Sunday. In attendance will be University of Queensland faculty and Australian Paralympic Committee staff. Details and an attendee list are at Wikipedia:Meetup/Brisbane/5. Hope to see you there! John Vandenberg 06:49, 16 May 2012 (UTC)

(this automated message was delivered using replace.py to all users in Category:Wikipedians in Brisbane)

Brisbane meetup invitation

Brisbane Meetup Next: 3 August 2012 - Dinner Last: 26 May 2012 - Dinner @ Southbank

Hi there! You are cordially invited to a meetup this Friday evening (3 August). Details and an attendee list are at Wikipedia:Meetup/Brisbane/6. Hope to see you there! John Vandenberg 01:06, 1 August 2012 (UTC)

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Brisbane meetup with Sue Gardner invitation

Brisbane Meetup Next: 11 February 2013 5-8PM - Drinks and light dinner at SLQ with Sue Gardner Last: 3 August 2012

Hi there! You are cordially invited to a meetup on 11 Febrary 2013 with Sue Gardner.

Details at Wikipedia:Meetup/Brisbane/7. Hope to see you there! John Vandenberg 10:03, 30 January 2013 (UTC)

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ArbCom elections are now open!

Hi,
You appear to be eligible to vote in the current Arbitration Committee election. The Arbitration Committee is the panel of editors responsible for conducting the Wikipedia arbitration process. It has the authority to enact binding solutions for disputes between editors, primarily related to serious behavioural issues that the community has been unable to resolve. This includes the ability to impose site bans, topic bans, editing restrictions, and other measures needed to maintain our editing environment. The arbitration policy describes the Committee's roles and responsibilities in greater detail. If you wish to participate, you are welcome to review the candidates' statements and submit your choices on the voting page. For the Election committee, MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 16:06, 23 November 2015 (UTC)