On the eta, from experience that can get you into trouble (can I get a witness?)I would not *accuse* you of witnessing, as that implies it's wrong. It's merely not the best fit for this forum. But yes, sharing anecdotal evidence to support a religious point *is* witnessing, as I was brought up to understand (and practice) it. The same goes for trying to convince. Again--nothing wrong with it, it's just going to have a limited audience.
That's what I thought you meant. "Accuse" was a bit strong. However I can assure you that that was not my intention (which you are still sort of implying it was, though I say it was just your perception ). You will not see me at your door with a bible in my hand any time soon (or ever as far as I can tell). It is not my style, nor am I interested in that role.
I do like to discuss ideas though.
What I would say TE is for is figuring out why people believe as they do and act as they do on those beliefs.
By people do you mean people we read about in the news, or who respond to polls, or do you mean each other? Because in the latter case I can re-affirm that I do not understand how we can do that without also being perceived to be "witnessing" or trying to convince people of something. Are you sure it was me?
If I am guilty of trying to convince anyone of anything it is that I believed it was possible to discuss certain kinds of ideas, and their source without people feeling I was impinging their rights. Obviously if I was a hate criminal trying to justify my belief system it would be foolish not to expect some hackles to be raised. But I am talking about love here...
So without further ado I will take my leave. I'm available via pm. You of course are free to continue talking amongst yourselves (no claim to management implied).