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Why on earth would anyone complain about religious stamps? I mean, actually complain? Really??
Because some of us aren't evangelical and regard these sentiments/thoughts/feelings as private as we do our bank statements --more so. When you hold religious feelings this way, stamp sentiments seem to trivialize them.
The mention of HL music in this thread makes me laugh - my family has a running joke about it. Maybe it's just the HLs in my area, but the music at all of them is really, really bad. To the point that I've probably spent much less $$ at them than I would have if I hadn't needed to get in and out before it drove me crazy with the horrible earworms.
I sort of agree with the original poster - I am a Christian, but I just don't do scripture sentiments (or really any lengthy or "sentimental" sentiments) - it's not my style. So there have been many stamp sets I've passed over because of it, but I certainly haven't had any trouble filling my shelves with more than I really use anyway.
My Mom told me to NEVER discuss religion, politics or money. It's just not polite and everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. The money part is it's just not polite!!
To this day I am uncomfortable when any of those subjects come up.
;-p
__________________ Bev
Organized People are just too lazy to hunt for things!!!
I think there will always be some unloved/unwanted stamps in anyone�s collection, but to me, the one big difference between religious verses stamps and stamps with verses that you don�t like (e.g. "friends" or "enjoy") is that you can use the latter. You may choose to never use them but bottom line is that you can. For non-religious people, I don�t think they can use those stamps�it seems a bit wrong for them to stamp religious saying in their cards (akin to taking God�s name in vain?). Also, if I received a card from someone who is not religious, I would wonder why (i.e., "I will keep you in my prayers" when I know you don�t pray).
I'm Catholic, completely believe in God, Saints, Angels, Heaven. All of it. The only thing I don't always believe in is the manmade rules and regulations the Catholic
Church comes up with. However, I don't like anyone pushing their beliefs on me. Everyone is entitled to believe what they like. I do feel sorry for anyone who doesn't believe in God because to them, this is it. They think you die and you're done. I know that's not the case. The best is yet to come. Sorry if this comes off as being preachy. As for buying stamps sets. If I want a set and part of the set doesn't appeal to me, I either don't buy it or buy it anyway. Depends on how much I like the other stamps.
I have to agree with the thought of not spending money with a company that doesn't provide the types of stamps that you like. There are plenty of others that probably do. I have another suggestion for you though. I assume you have access to a computer, since you started this thread. Create a word document, choose the sentiment that you want to use and print it out on your cardstock. That way you won't have to spend a dime on a sentiment you don't care for. Here's a great tutorial on doing just that. Hope this helps.
Not offended either.
Thanks so much for the link to the Word tutorial. I've always printed sentiments by making two columns of my paper and kind of "guessing" where my text should be, printing it out on copy paper, and then adjusting. This is a much easier, more precise way to do it.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I had to laugh about "bliss" - I won't use it either, but I love the set. At least that's one tiny word. When it's a long sentiment, I feel like I'm really paying for something I won't use, so it can definitely be a factor in my decision on buying a set. If the images are awesome enough and worth the money, I might do it and just not use the sentiment.
I could print the sentiment I want, as someone suggested, but that still doesn't mean you don't have to pay for sentiments you DON'T want in sets you like otherwise. Unless you go to all digital.
And digital is not for me, personally.
Also while I can print words out, it's so much easier to quickly stamp the card, rather than creating them, printing them and sticking them on. For me, that's a bigger production.
__________________ Kathy Wrose "Fun must be always." - Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks "It was fun." - Kirk, Star Trek: Generations
A little late but I agree with the others, if you don't like it don't buy it. I LOVE all the Christian stamps. To companies that produce Christian stamps, don't stop. I've seen stamps that I would consider offensive and did not purchase them. Why, they weren't my style. All I'm saying is...keep it moving, buy that which floats your boat and all else, let it be.
If you're familiar and comfortable with using MS Word you can print the sentiment directly on your card then stamp your image or use a die cut. It's very easy to do the layout in Word for the card front. I use it to print my logo (pawprint) on the back too.
I have that set too! But that stamp has never seen ink and I have zero ideas for it. If you come up with anything let me know!
I just did the 'Great Craft Room Purge', that stamp and many like it found a new home at 'Goodwill'. I am now complete--till next time, an there will be a next time.
__________________ My Blog...I cook more than I stamp!
Why on earth would anyone complain about religious stamps? I mean, actually complain? Really??
Because some of us aren't evangelical and regard these sentiments/thoughts/feelings as private as we do our bank statements --more so. When you hold religious feelings this way, stamp sentiments seem to trivialize them.
You know what? I am evangelical and I "get" this. I really do understand and can appreciate this insight.
That being said, everyone has a right to her opinion and everyone can choose what to purchase. Perhaps if those not wanting to purchase Scriptural sentiments (or any other sentiments for that matter) can email the stamp companies and give them feedback. A company who is worth anything will take customers' evaluations seriously. Request that stamps are sold individually.
__________________
~Oney~
Striving to become an old woman with few regrets.
Come join me for Tea in the Parlor.
My Mom told me to NEVER discuss religion, politics or money. It's just not polite and everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. The money part is it's just not polite!!
To this day I am uncomfortable when any of those subjects come up.
;-p
I agree completely!
On an unrelated note, I wonder how much President Obama donates to his church?
*duck*
__________________ "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint on his knees."
This thread reminds me a little of that Woody Allen movie where the husband and wife are discussing how intimate they are. The wife says "all the time, 3 times a week"; the husband says "never, just 3 times a week."
Those who aren't fond of the Christian stamps see them all over and those who are fond of the Christian stamps can't seem to find enough :-)
The world takes all kinds, but I know how frustrating it is to see a set you really like for the images, but the sentiments are just all wrong to you. It happens all the time to me. Sometimes it's because it's a religious verse, sometimes it's that random "Friend" or "Bliss" sentiment. Sometimes I think that the sentiments just try too hard, you know? I don't need a long drawn out "thank you for all that you do, I will never forget your kind act, yadda yadda yadda" sentiment; I just need a nice, simple "thank you."
So, sometimes I buy a set even if I hate the sentiment and sometimes I pass on sets because I can't stomach the sentiments.
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I'm staying away from the religious thing here with a 10 foot pole (however I want to note I am a Christian...I<3 the big guy in the sky) BUT I seem to be the only person around that likes the "friend" sentiments and the things like bliss or whatever it may be...my current favorite phrase is "fabulous"...maybe because I and my BFF say it all the time. I'll send cards with random words for no reason...they brighten people's days!!! Am I a weirdo???? LOL!
With all of this discussion, this verse comes to mind. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
I am always looking for Scripture stamps, because, many times, I can't say in my own words what is needed to encourage, comfort, gladden. But God's word is powerful, because He is!
Last edited by lulubelle55; 03-25-2011 at 05:24 AM..
I'm staying away from the religious thing here with a 10 foot pole (however I want to note I am a Christian...I<3 the big guy in the sky) BUT I seem to be the only person around that likes the "friend" sentiments and the things like bliss or whatever it may be...my current favorite phrase is "fabulous"...maybe because I and my BFF say it all the time. I'll send cards with random words for no reason...they brighten people's days!!! Am I a weirdo???? LOL!
Nope, not weird at all. I make cards to sell at our church bazaar, and by far the most popular seem to be the ones that have random single words like laughter, bliss, happy, hugs, dream, play, etc. on the front and are blank inside. So, I make the word itself (sometimes it is a rub-on, a sticker or a stamp) the focal point on the front of the card, and leave the inside blank so people can use them however they want.
As for the christian verses in stamp sets, if you don't like them, then steer clear of them and find something else that does inspire you. In a perfect world, it would be great if we could create our own stamp sets from a selection of images and religious/non-religious sentiments, but from a business perspective, I don't think there would be any way for a company to remain competitive if they were to do that. Or, if they were able to assemble sets on order, the wait time would probably be much longer than any of us in our "gotta have it this instant" world would accept.
There have been many times that I have bought a stamp set, but it has one or two stamps that I either hate or know I would never use, so I have to decide if I can justify the purchase knowing I won't use it. This can also apply to page kits, sticker sheets, chipboard sets, etc. If I feel that I love it enough and will use enough of it to justify the purchase, then the item(s) I don't want become donation items, otherwise if I can't justify the purchase, I move on to something else.
I certainly don't think the companies out there are putting out the stamp sets with religious verses to offend - I would hazard a guess they are putting them out that way after extensive marketing analysis, trending analysis, market study, cost accounting, etc. that indicates that is what the consumer is generally looking for. As someone else said, you can't please all of the people all of time, and business is (or should be according to my professors) focused on delivering what the consumer wants for a fair profit to ensure the viability of the business to appeal to as broad a customer base as possible.
Just my thoughts,
__________________ Elizabeth
---------------------------------------
Hand over the chocolate, and no one will get hurt!
While I am christian I don't think I have ever used a bible verse on any of the cards I made.
Maybe the companies that sell them in sets could also offer just the images from the set, that way people could choose if they want the whole set or just part of it without the sentiments.
I'm staying away from the religious thing here with a 10 foot pole (however I want to note I am a Christian...I<3 the big guy in the sky) BUT I seem to be the only person around that likes the "friend" sentiments and the things like bliss or whatever it may be...my current favorite phrase is "fabulous"...maybe because I and my BFF say it all the time. I'll send cards with random words for no reason...they brighten people's days!!! Am I a weirdo???? LOL!
I like them Minders. I make cards for my hubby's unit and they are very popluar. But think of this when they are half the world away and they see a card that has Bliss or Cherish or Kind or Dream on it they think of happy times with their loved ones. I really don't know what they are thinking but they like them and the wifes LOVE them. I have had several wives come up and thank me for the cards.
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#1. I'm a very committed Christian.
#2. I'm very shy, and I really hate the thought of people criticizing me.
#3. I'm very shy and I hate the idea of having to "evangelize"(is that a word Ted?
Therefore...
I don't make Christian cards except for my Christian friends, I don't have a gallery because I think my work isn't good enough, and I don't run around "spreading the word of God" because I think that I am called to be a good role model and spread God that way. If I am asked, I defend my God and my Faith to the end.
"Judge not, lest thou be judged"
__________________ Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.-Albert Einstein
My avatar is my kitty Bonnie as she sits in the dryer full of clean clothes!
#1. I'm a very committed Christian.
#2. I'm very shy, and I really hate the thought of people criticizing me.
#3. I'm very shy and I hate the idea of having to "evangelize"(is that a word Ted?
Therefore...
I don't make Christian cards except for my Christian friends, I don't have a gallery because I think my work isn't good enough, and I don't run around "spreading the word of God" because I think that I am called to be a good role model and spread God that way. If I am asked, I defend my God and my Faith to the end.
"Judge not, lest thou be judged"
I like you. Wanna be my stampin friend?
__________________
~Oney~
Striving to become an old woman with few regrets.
Come join me for Tea in the Parlor.
#1. I'm a very committed Christian.
#2. I'm very shy, and I really hate the thought of people criticizing me.
#3. I'm very shy and I hate the idea of having to "evangelize"(is that a word Ted?
Therefore...
I don't make Christian cards except for my Christian friends, I don't have a gallery because I think my work isn't good enough, and I don't run around "spreading the word of God" because I think that I am called to be a good role model and spread God that way. If I am asked, I defend my God and my Faith to the end.
"Judge not, lest thou be judged"
LOL I believe "evangelize" is a word.
I'm in the same boat, Lemur. I don't always feel comfortable "spreading the word". That being said, I know that Jesus also says (in Matt 10:33): "33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven."
I just don't want to be denied by Him.
I also think that the whole "Fire and Brimstone" approach would further PUSH people away than PULL them towards Him... so in terms of cards... I send Christian cards to everybody... if it offends them, they can find a nearby garbage to toss it out. I did my part.
__________________ "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint on his knees."
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted
LOL I believe "evangelize" is a word.
I'm in the same boat, Lemur. I don't always feel comfortable "spreading the word". That being said, I know that Jesus also says (in Matt 10:33): "33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven."
I just don't want to be denied by Him.
I also think that the whole "Fire and Brimstone" approach would further PUSH people away than PULL them towards Him... so in terms of cards... I send Christian cards to everybody... if it offends them, they can find a nearby garbage to toss it out. I did my part.
LOL, I like this:-) Now, I wouldn't send a Christian card to someone to deliberately offend them....that would not be nice! But unless I know that you are overtly non-Christian I probably wouldn't think twice about sending a Christian card. The way I see it, people "chose" to get offended. If I do something you don't like then chose to get offended about it or you can chose to get over it:-) Different strokes for different folks...and sadly most of my cards probably end up in the trash (maybe the recycling...that makes me a bit happier) in the end anyway:-)
[QUOTE=fiddlerontheroof;18114848]This thread reminds me a little of that Woody Allen movie where the husband and wife are discussing how intimate they are. The wife says "all the time, 3 times a week"; the husband says "never, just 3 times a week."
Those who aren't fond of the Christian stamps see them all over and those who are fond of the Christian stamps can't seem to find enough :-)
Sometimes I think that the sentiments just try too hard, you know?
This is exactly what I think! I find religious sentiments intrusive so I see them everywhere. Also, I think many sentiment stamps do try too hard, especially the religious ones. Many of these sentiments sound preachy or boastful to me --like I'm supposed to be in a spiritually superior situation to the person I'm sending it to. I don't want to brag about my knowledge of scripture or my ability to apply it to other people's needs/troubles/misfortunes. I think it's fine to manufacture these. Just because I don't want to rubber stamp my religious feelings doesn't mean others shouldn't. The OP was talking about how they're included in many sets, and I agree, although I have to qualify this agreement because I may be seeing them everywhere because I don't like them!
I like them Minders. I make cards for my hubby's unit and they are very popluar. But think of this when they are half the world away and they see a card that has Bliss or Cherish or Kind or Dream on it they think of happy times with their loved ones. I really don't know what they are thinking but they like them and the wifes LOVE them. I have had several wives come up and thank me for the cards.
Thank you for a new perspective.
__________________ My Blog...I cook more than I stamp!
#1. I'm a very committed Christian.
#2. I'm very shy, and I really hate the thought of people criticizing me.
#3. I'm very shy and I hate the idea of having to "evangelize"(is that a word Ted?
Therefore...
I don't make Christian cards except for my Christian friends, I don't have a gallery because I think my work isn't good enough, and I don't run around "spreading the word of God" because I think that I am called to be a good role model and spread God that way. If I am asked, I defend my God and my Faith to the end.
"Judge not, lest thou be judged"
That's awesome.
I have older Christmas stamp sets from when I still believed, but I will still make cards using them (most of them; I did give a few away) to send to people that I know are more religious and appreciate seeing Christmas as more than just a consumer's nightmare. To me, Christmas is a cultural experience, so I also make a lot of cards that have stars on them or ornaments, or Santa, or Dasher, or winter scenes, and send those to people of unknown or no belief, as well as to my Jewish friends. I will use my Happy Holidays stamp on those cards.
I'm glad we have choices. I do understand the OP's initial position on sentiments in sets. To me, it's a minor frustration, I'd never bother to try to organize a boycott, and the OP didn't mention a company did she? I mean, I don't bother with some websites because I know that it's pretty much all religious stuff. But when it's just lightly mixed in, well it is frustrating when you see a set that would be way cheaper if you could like just skip the words... At this point, maybe everyone should be encouraged to print sentiments on their computers! Just leave them all out except for the generic greetings (can never have too many styles of Happy Birthday!) and the occasional random word like bliss or charm or .... love live life whatever....
And I don't get the Obama church donation thing. If it's public and he puts it on his taxes, you should be able to find out, and if it's private then... do you think it shouldn't be or is there some implication I'm missing?
__________________ Kathy Wrose "Fun must be always." - Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks "It was fun." - Kirk, Star Trek: Generations
I'm staying away from the religious thing here with a 10 foot pole (however I want to note I am a Christian...I<3 the big guy in the sky) BUT I seem to be the only person around that likes the "friend" sentiments and the things like bliss or whatever it may be...my current favorite phrase is "fabulous"...maybe because I and my BFF say it all the time. I'll send cards with random words for no reason...they brighten people's days!!! Am I a weirdo???? LOL!
Yep, but we love you dearly anyway! :p
Seriously though, you are always such a bright spot here on SCS, no matter the topic!
Regarding the ongoing debate, I'm not a churchey-type person (is that a word Ted?), but I do believe. But what I believe or don't isn't what I base my cards on. I try to make a card that will be best enjoyed by the person receiving it. Mom's Christmas card? As religious as they come. My brother's Christmas card? Absolutely not. Why should it be based on me and my beliefs for goodness sakes???
The Hobby Lobbies here in NE Ohio are all pretty much the same. Religious statuary, christening candles and even jigsaw puzzles of all things......
I used to force myself to go there with my coveted 40% off coupons...... until the last straw was the Christian music being piped all through the store. To the strains of "The Old Rugged Cross" I think I uttered *** under my breath, and I was outta there. Never to return again.
I do have 2 sets of religiously oriented stamps - used sparingly.
I have several sets of political/flag waving stamps - again used sparingly.
I have 1 set of military sets used - never. (that was an impulse purchase, seeing as how I know exactly NO ONE in the military, nor have any family members serving either). But I'll be ready with the appropriate stamp should the need present itself.
I think Hobby Lobby is a good alternative to Joanns and Michaels. I just won't spend my dollars at a store that in MY perception pushes religion at me. Perhaps if they sold items that were meaningful to many other religions ( ie Jewish, Buddist, Muslim......) then I would think they were a very tolerant company and then they WOULD get my dollars. But strictly Christian - - - nope. No way.
So, I took myself off the mailing list. I'll just have to throw my money at Joanns and Michaels. Ugh.
__________________ A good dog, a sewing machine, and an old guitar......
