Christianity Forum vs. Religion & Philosphy Forum (atheist, believer, verse)

[Predos]

I find it interesting that the christians complain about the "invasion" of their sub-forum by non christians, yet feel justified in forcing their opinions into non christian threads. And after their actions of this fashion have the nerve to complain about others.

I have not posted in the christianity forum, knowing that I would find no willingness to listen to anything but the standard doctrine.

[cg81]

Originally Posted by GCSTroop

However, I think it was also the first time I have ever truly been offended by posting on City Data, whether this forum or another. To be quite honest, it was a very good reminder of exactly why I think religion can be such a dangerous thing and exactly why I turned away from Christianity and anything to do with religion or god in the first place. It seems that perhaps there is a "force" behind religion. This "force" seemingly has the power to turn otherwise intelligent, loving, thoughtful people into bigoted, biased, uncaring people who isolate themselves from all others "unlike" them in order to find solace and self-comfort in their own misery.

I think I am rapidly changing my stance based on what I saw on the Christianity forum tonight.

I'm sorry you feel that way, troop. What more can I say? The Lord forgive us...

I mean this from the bottom of my heart.

[Visvaldis]

Having added a christianity sub-forum was a great idea.
Philosophy is an interesting theme because it can cover virtually everything under the sun, with no restrictions, no taboos. That's the way philosphy should be. Philosophy can be intensely discussed because it should deal with ideas that each individual can generate in his head. The human intellect seeks stimulus and can't be insulted. Emotions (including beliefs) are not interested in intellectual stimulus and can be easily insulted and offended.
Philosophy is progressive and mid expanding, religion is not. Religion deals with preconceived notions that should not be questioned.
Christianity is a self-contained little world, a bubble that is enclosed and exclusive. Any religion insists that its doctrines are true, and woe to anyone who dares to question them. Philosophy is for independent individuals, religion is for herds.
I don't venture into the christianity forum because it is stale, but some of the themes in the R & P forum interest me enough to make comments.

[Blueberry]

Originally Posted by Predos

I find it interesting that the christians complain about the "invasion" of their sub-forum by non christians, yet feel justified in forcing their opinions into non christian threads. And after their actions of this fashion have the nerve to complain about others.

I have not posted in the christianity forum, knowing that I would find no willingness to listen to anything but the standard doctrine.

My understanding is that it was never the intent that all things Christian remain in the Christianity forum. That forum was supposed to be one where the topics would appeal mainly to the Christians. (All were welcome as long as the intent was true interest shown by civility.) It would lighten up the burden on the main forum, thereby allowing threads to remain on the first page for a longer period of time so a broader diversity of topics would be more visible. It would also supposedly make moderation easier since the Christianity forum would be somewhat of a no-flame-zone.

It was left up to the thread starter (and some moderation) whether a controversial Christian topic went in the sub-forum or main one; if it remained in the Christianity forum, it was understood that there would be disagreement and sometimes hot tempers.

The main forum was always considered the place where the more general interest or controversial topics would be covered. It was understood that ALL people and opinions were welcomed on the main forum, even Christian ones. If for some reason a thread starter wants to limit the conversation, then a statement needs to be made up front.

[Predos]

Originally Posted by Blueberry

My understanding is that it was never the intent that all things Christian remain in the Christianity forum. That forum was supposed to be one where the topics would appeal mainly to the Christians. (All were welcome as long as the intent was true interest shown by civility.) It would lighten up the burden on the main forum, thereby allowing threads to remain on the first page for a longer period of time so a broader diversity of topics would be more visible. It would also supposedly make moderation easier since the Christianity forum would be somewhat of a no-flame-zone.

It was left up to the thread starter (and some moderation) whether a controversial Christian topic went in the sub-forum or main one; if it remained in the Christianity forum, it was understood that there would be disagreement and sometimes hot tempers.

The main forum was always considered the place where the more general interest or controversial topics would be covered. It was understood that ALL people and opinions were welcomed on the main forum, even Christian ones. If for some reason a thread starter wants to limit the conversation, then a statement needs to be made up front.

Even were this a given, the continual insertion of christian rhetoric into non christian topics is an example of the attempt by christians to dominate everything with their beliefs. It makes some, although by no means all, appear dogmatic and narrow minded. They must always resort to bible quotes to make their points while those that the are criticizing are putting forth their own ideas. Which is the real philosophy?

[Alpha8207]

Originally Posted by Predos

Even were this a given, the continual insertion of christian rhetoric into non christian topics is an example of the attempt by christians to dominate everything with their beliefs.

How is that different from non-Christians participating in Christian discussions?

We, or at least I, welcome that. I don't think they are trying to dominate everything with their beliefs. This is a place to talk with each other.

I guess any OP could say "Non-Christians Only please", but if there were a lot of threads like that, I'm sure we'd have to even limit that kind of thing.

This is a public forum.

Public.

[ontheroad]

Here's one of several keys for me, Alpha8207:

I say this is my belief, no problem.

You say this is my belief, no problem.

Someone says, "this is the single one belief." I start to have problems.

So in a public forum, and this is just that, we all could try to write: these are my beliefs that I share with you...leaving room for discussion.

It can also often be sheer misunderstanding because language is tricky, but some effort on all our parts could possibly relieve a wee bit of the tension across the board(s) and the beliefs.

[ontheroad]

Thanks, Blueberry, for your comments. I am particularly taken with the word "civility." It is this lack that often rouses me to respond or avoid, alternately, discussions here and it is the often lack of civility that raised my OP.

Originally Posted by Blueberry

My understanding is that it was never the intent that all things Christian remain in the Christianity forum. That forum was supposed to be one where the topics would appeal mainly to the Christians. (All were welcome as long as the intent was true interest shown by civility.) It would lighten up the burden on the main forum, thereby allowing threads to remain on the first page for a longer period of time so a broader diversity of topics would be more visible. It would also supposedly make moderation easier since the Christianity forum would be somewhat of a no-flame-zone.

It was left up to the thread starter (and some moderation) whether a controversial Christian topic went in the sub-forum or main one; if it remained in the Christianity forum, it was understood that there would be disagreement and sometimes hot tempers.

The main forum was always considered the place where the more general interest or controversial topics would be covered. It was understood that ALL people and opinions were welcomed on the main forum, even Christian ones. If for some reason a thread starter wants to limit the conversation, then a statement needs to be made up front.

[ontheroad]

Another issue we must all contend with, Predos, is individual capacity to convey and capable writing. Using a bible quote is often a short-hand, and one that easily communicates a thought succinctly. It is difficult often to follow, and when I do engage in the Religion Forum, I often take my bible to the table so that I can follow the short-hand.

Originally Posted by Predos

Even were this a given, the continual insertion of christian rhetoric into non christian topics is an example of the attempt by christians to dominate everything with their beliefs. It makes some, although by no means all, appear dogmatic and narrow minded. They must always resort to bible quotes to make their points while those that the are criticizing are putting forth their own ideas. Which is the real philosophy?

[ParkTwain]

There are plenty of new threads on the R&P forum that should be placed in the Christianity forum because the topic has to do with Christian doctrine, interpretation of Bible verses or themes, or how to live as a Christian in today's world. This means that each topic requires a separate note to an administrator. Discussion or interpretation of Biblical themes or teachings is properly a matter among believers.