Pacifist - Christian - Unquote - No Problem

1. Unabashed Pacifist

In times of peace, who says: "What we need is a brutal, destructive, wasteful, people-devouring war?" So, how can war be a lesser evil?



2. Unabashed Christian

Holy One,

No one lives without pain and suffering.

Not even you.

No one lives without surprise and joy.

Not even you.

No one lives without love and companionship.

Not even you.

No one lives without beauty and creativity.

Not even you.

It seems we have a lot in common.

Amen



3. Unquoting Jesus

"I hate it when people put words in my mouth." (So, this is not a quote from Him.)



4. Unabashed Rant/Blog: "No Problem" vs. "You're Welcome"

“Hey, God, thanks for the awesome creation.”

“No problem. Well, actually, there were a few problems getting the big bang to work. And having evolution forge living systems that weren’t monstrosities caused some headaches. But, never mind all that. You’re quite welcome.”

“Hey, and thanks for my amazing life so far, with so many blessings.”

“No problem. Well, actually, it took some effort to line up the DNA correctly over countless generations. And getting your parents together involved some tricky issues. But never mind that. I should have said, ‘You’re welcome!’”

“One more thing. Thank you for being so understanding of us humans.”

“No problem. Well, actually, sometimes you are hard to understand. The war thing, for instance. Or your reaction to natural disasters. Why would you blame me for these things? And, as you might imagine, the crucifixion thing presented a major problem. But it did help me understand you humans better. Never mind. I should have simply said “You’re welcome!”

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Talking Points:

Raising the notion of a “problem” diverts from and dismisses the appreciation being expressed in a “Thank You.”

Why call attention to whether it was a problem to provide a service/gift? Someone has just expressed gratitude; they did not apologize for making you do something.

If I say “thank you,” I want you to know I appreciate your gift or service. Your response should be a comment on my gratitude, not a suggestion that if there had been a problem, you might not have offered the gift/service.

Raising the notion of a problem shifts attention from the recipient (“It might have presented a problem for me, but fortunately, it didn’t”). "You’re welcome" keeps the attention on the recipient. In other words, it’s not about the server/giver.

Raising the notion of a problem also suggests that the gift/service was not given gladly, but on the condition that there was no problem. If the gift/service was given gladly, “you’re welcome” says that far more clearly.

Raising the notion of a problem seems like an ungracious response to gratitude. (“It was no problem for me, so no big deal.” It borders on “no skin off my nose.”)

“No problem” might be an appropriate response to “Sorry” or “Excuse me” or “Pardon me.” What about as a response to “Please” or “Forgive me”?