Some people assume or claim the MESSENGER is offensive, when it is the MESSAGE that offends people.
Now, are you claiming *I* am offensive? Do tell.
And, no not everyone who CLAIMS to be ‘preaching the gospel’ does so, some (like Mormons) preach ANOTHER (false) Gospel and as a Christian I find that offensive.
Do you subscribe to the view that all roads lead to Heaven?
Some offensive messengers refuse to believe that they themselves are offensive. Some people are convinced that offensiveness in a message is a measure of its truth. I find the message of the mohammedans offensive ... is that an indicator of its truth?
Now, are you claiming *I* am offensive?
I have made no personal remarks about anyone on this thread. I will continue that policy.
I CANNOT control what you or anyone else will choose to take personally, nor am I interested in trying.
And, no not everyone who CLAIMS to be ‘preaching the gospel’ does so
Certainly not everyone who claims to be 'preaching the gospel' is preaching what I think is the Gospel. In fact, what many folks preach who claim to be 'preaching the gospel' is contrary to what I think is the Gospel. A third party, trying to discern who is preaching the correct Gospel might have many criteria by which to judge. I suggest that offensiveness, whether of the preacher or the message, is a poor criterion for such judgment.
IMO, the term “offense” and all of its psuedonyms is purely relative. It’s an emotional response to a comment, not a rational or analytical one.
It’s all in how the receiver perceives the message and the messenger.
There will be those who read something seeking to find offense instead of reading to gain knowledge. And there are those who enter into the fray with preconceived notions about the intentions or motives of the poster based on posting history or reputation. Some are well deserved, but it can be used to taint others who give the appearance of or directly support the claim/information of the poster.
No benefit of the doubt is given to the poster, they’re considered a “hater, bigot, lout, etc., etc” because they’ve posted something contrary to what the receiver expects or is accustomed to.
I don’t believe there is any “safe” ground or position from which to posit or opine.
Someone is going to find a way to be “offended”.