The End of the Blogging Buddy Exchange....

 
 journeyman said...
buddy:
I don't need an apology! I was under the assumption, since you confessed to others, (via a request for advice in you blog), that the initial outburst you flamed at me was 'over the top, that you'd be moral. (The fact you asked others for advise, "whether you ought to 'apologize' or not", in some form or another, is proof that you knew you were wrong). Your 'flames' did no damage to me. They were only words. However, having done wrong, and having received my explanations that what you perceived as 'insults', were a)not aimed at you, and b) were OPINIONS about the mindset you hold, (along with millions others). I would have expected one so advanced, morally and culturally (as you presume to be), to be able to admit error. But you haven't/don't, so my conclusion stands; your attack was justified because I expressed opinions that don't agree with your humanism. Therefore, I'm arrogant, self-righteous, and the antagonist. 

Similarly, if you expect me to apologize for what you perceive as attacks, I am not as unsure about my opinions being 'attacks' or arrows, (as you were about yours). If I regret anything, it is that I 'persevered' to express my beliefs beyond the first or second exchange, for all the impact it had, for as little as you understood my opinion. I understand what you believe. I disagree. I believe it is wrong. But that is my opinion. How does expressing that become an 'insult' to you? Or is humanism the 'state' religion, and dissenters punishable? 

You also said:
>>By the way, in what way should I NOT be offended by the line "You have become your own god"? You sling arrows just as liberally as I do, my righteous friend.<< 

I could ask, "why is that an arrow?" Why does that inflict 'damage'? If there is no god, then each person becomes their own god by logical extension; what they believe is right/true is right/true; and anything that doesn't agree is wrong. It doesn't matter that you aggregate those who think like you into that definition, of 'god'; since there is no (other superior)deity to judge you(all/each), you take that office, individually or collectively. Thus, you are your own god.

As for continuing this 'repartee', this exchange of opinions, since you believe you are in a 'battle of wits, with an unarmed man' (me), I'll just put my opinions away. That way, you can stop shooting, and you won't feel like I'm throwing rocks. I won't pass this way again.