www.billnelson.com

I always thought that the strength of a person's faith was measured by how they responded to those who criticized it. I do not believe that Dreamsville is an intentionally rude place, but clearly you have taken offense at the tone of this thread. As someone who is guilty of offending people when the intent was humor, Michael, I recognize that tone here and I would ask that you reconsider.

Considering that there is much written about Scientology that is negative, perhaps you could use this as an oppotunity to right our misconceptions.

Hi Michael

Like you, I don't post very often on DV (simply don't have time).

I am not agreeing or disagreeing with anyone's viewpoints - I tend to take the advice given to my father by my grandfather when he joined the armed forces during WWII - to never discuss religion, politics or money, as doing so almost inevitably leads to arguments and fall outs.

Anyhow, my rather waffling point is that there will be around 200/250? people at Nelsonica, the majority of whom do not post often, or in many cases, at all on DV and whose purpose for being there will almost certainly not be to discuss religion or mock anyone's beliefs.

As you rightly say: ".... music has always been a big love that has transcended opinions ...."

Hope you reconsider, it will be an unforgettable day for all the right reasons!

Jez

This has to be the third most ridiculous result of a thread I have ever seen here at Dreamsville. (It happened this way twice before when both of the previous party’s said the very same thing - I won’t be going to Nelsonica now!) Tears in the pram. Toys on the floor. Embarrassingly weak.

I haven't read the whole thread but I agree with Michael. Attacking someone's belief system is not friendly, it's not civilised and it's not Dreamsville.

Whatever happened to the tolerance and open-mindedness that used to characterise this site?

I haven't read the entire thread but I also haven't seen any direct attacks towards any one individual.

Any religion should be able to withstand criticism otherwwise what kind of foundation does it really have.

Being critical of something is fine, pretty much regardless of the subject . Religion should be able to withstand anything said on this forum.

You are correct MG what did happen to open mindedness and tollerence, it cuts both ways and people quit being babies about it...geez ( go to the damn show will ya !!) no one's left beleeding on the carpet here. We're all friends and there's no bad feeling, least not from me.

I’ll too have to disagree with you there, mate. Don’t you remember the extended religious back-and-forth four or five years ago? Religion is just another preference/personal opinion and is fair game if they themselves bring it up. Especially one that is extremely controversial. Dreamsville has never been controversy-free and it’s very good thing it isn’t as we are allowed the freedom here to have opinions and to state them.

And yes, sometimes someone get offended. And when that happens, those involved usually attempt to work though their differences. But if someone makes a grand statement then pisses off, well that is no one’s fault but their own.

It's all fair game as far as I'm concerned, someone bahaving like a child won't silence me from saying what I think...jesus, where would the world be if every one stopped expressing their opinions when ever someone throws a tantrum.

I agree Next Move, clearly, taking one's toys and running home, not only stops the conversation but denies him the opportunity to defend his beliefs.

If someone believes in a system known to be as suspect and culpable as Scientology, then he should anticipate it will be questioned and forge a response, not run away at the first mild insinuations of mockerery.

Spot on, EERO. He’s lucky I never got the chance to weigh-in. But it’s probably best it ended before I did.

I hope Michael changes his mind and decides to go to Nelsonia anyway. He probably gets flack from certain quarters for being a scientologist anyway. There is no need for anyone to DEFEND the choices they make. I expressed my views and got a response, and I appreciate opposing points of view, as it may trigger thoughts that I failed to consider. I should not have said that EVERYONE is looking for a supreme intelligence, but maybe "many of us" as the respondee pointed out that he does not share my views. Even if he had poked a bit of fun at me, I would not feel the need to justify myself.

I guess that we should just stick to music from now on??