A note on religion...

[boagie]

Originally Posted by Aristoddler

It's different from the rest for the simple fact that religion is a very easily misdirected, misunderstood, and emotional topic to discuss, no matter what end of the spectrum you are on.
I've been on countless forums, and this is the one common denominator amongst them all...Religious debates = chaos and flame wars.

My intent here is not to challenge anyone's topics, or their ideas.
My intent is to help people focus their ideas, by maintaining a level of direction without asserting despotic control as I have seen on other sites.
By the method I have asked of the members as stated above in the OP, I think that we will find that more debates and discussions will come to more direct ends, than those with so many tangents in them that we cannot track the debate with a map and a Gurpa Guide.

Forgive me if I have ever appeared to act in a biased way, it is not the idea nor the image that we wish to project here. We are trying to act as neutral as possible while maintaining some semblance of order while the site grows larger every day.

You are right though in a way, it is a good idea to have this across the board to an extent.
However, the other areas of the board are full of brainstorms. To disallow tangents there, would be to hinder intellectual growth, which would be the antithesis of the goal of the site.

I hope you agree with me on this, and if not, at least understand me.

Pathagorean,

To be sure we will differ here, in my own life I have friends whom claim to be believers, and they are extremly nervous about being questioned about their beliefs. They are up front about though, it is not up for debate. My friend only discusses his beliefs with other believers, its is a closed circle. To pick out this topic for special attention is most revealing, you can deny that it is given special treatment, special protection but boys and girls, ask yourself, why this action directed at this one topic. Pythogrean do you have an idea how many associates are believers---------a lot is my take

[boagie]

Originally Posted by GoshisDead

I was simply making a statement about different forms of reasoning.
To each his own
Live and let live
and other applicable maxims

GoshisDead,

Relax, Boagie. No need to heat things up.


~Ari

I rest my case!

[Aristoddler]

...ask yourself why this action directed at this one topic.

I already answered that question in full.
Please go back and read it again...it was a lot of work, typing all of that stuff.


And please stop quoting full posts, it's unnecessary.

[Aristoddler]

Thread reopened...

Resume the chaos.

[de_budding]

No wonder I avoid all religiously central debate. A very neutral, unbiased and constructive post like the OP is still managing to trigger some upset and tangents.

What bothers me is that I too often see a special case being made on behalf of religious arguments, is this one? If so, why?!

I remember the Kent Hovind and Ted Haggard debates and how sick to my stomach they used to make me, and as a result I just figured that it was the nature of faith that needed to be kept away from any debate. How can it even be remotely fair that the religious parties are allowed to enter the arena of debate knowing full well that their minds wont be changed, moved, pushed; not even prodded.

To paraphrase my Granddads advice to me on the matter: Firstly let the other party know that you are here to debate with an open mind, but that you will leave if the feeling is not mutual.

Dan.


P.s "Thread reopened... Resume the chaos. "
I'm sitting at home on my own and that still got me to laugh out loud (you know how hard that is? ,) chaos indeed *chortle*; you get thanked for the laugh alone.

[boagie]

[quote=de_budding;11730]No wonder I avoid all religiously central debate. A very neutral, unbiased and constructive post like the OP is still managing to trigger some upset and tangents.

What bothers me is that I too often see a special case being made on behalf of religious arguments, is this one? If so, why?!

I remember the Kent Hovind and Ted Haggard debates and how sick to my stomach they used to make me, and as a result I just figured that it was the nature of faith that needed to be kept away from any debate. How can it even be remotely fair that the religious parties are allowed to enter the arena of debate knowing full well that their minds wont be changed, moved, pushed; not even prodded.

To paraphrase my Granddads advice to me on the matter: Firstly let the other party know that you are here to debate with an open mind, but that you will leave if the feeling is not mutual.

bedudding,

Definations: Open and honest debate = Christian baiting!!

[de_budding]

God, this thread is gonna keep me smiling for ages.

^Notice the subtle use of blasphamy.

[boagie]

Originally Posted by de_budding

God, this thread is gonna keep me smiling for ages.

^Notice the subtle use of blasphamy.

Excellent, beautiful!!!!

[Aristoddler]

Now that this has turned into an actual debate with meaning, and not just an attack on the ruling I made here...Boagie, could you start a thread regarding the topic at hand, so I can move the conversation there, and clear the board so as not to cause confusion for the original purpose of this thread.

Make topic.
I will move everything there.
Continue debate about the world vs christianity or the conspiracy that follows it.

Thanks.

[boagie]

Originally Posted by Aristoddler

Now that this has turned into an actual debate with meaning, and not just an attack on the ruling I made here...Boagie, could you start a thread regarding the topic at hand, so I can move the conversation there, and clear the board so as not to cause confusion for the original purpose of this thread.

Make topic.
I will move everything there.
Continue debate about the world vs christianity or the conspiracy that follows it.

Thanks.

Aristoddler,

Actually your posting did not seem like a topic for debate, it sounded more like a notice as to what would happen to someone like me if they insisted on asking difficult questions---its called feedback. I have no desire to go on any campaign. I would just like to see the religious rise to the occasion and debate honestly or go away. This is a philosophy forum is it not? People say all kinds of things but they are held accountable, hold the Christians accountable and I shall be most pleased. There is no need for a topic on this really is there, we know special treatment is afforded, will it stop? Will Christians be accountable for what they say? We will see won't we.