Religion and Politics (what not to post)

[FmGrowit]

Religion and Politics have always been taboo on any forum I've ever visited. While there is nothing in the rules against posting about either of the two subject, the rules do say "We're all adults here, you already know what the rules are".

As the community continues to grow, so will the diversity of the membership. We truly are a global community and to prevent disassociating anyone from the community, I'm going to ask everyone to refrain from engaging in Political and Religious speech.

Feel free to form a group and only allow like minded members to join. "Groups" are completely private and nobody can view your comments unless you let them. If somebody gets offended in a group, they simply stop visiting that group.

Let's remember the main reason we're here. We are all brothers of the leaf.

 

[Steve2md]

Well said Don, and welcome back!

 

[Chicken]

so true,

because no-one really agrees, on either subject,

therefore bringing it up, will only lead to arguements, or a disagreeance, that cant be settled,?

 

[oldsouth]

I've got no problem with this new policy - if those are the rules, I'll follow them. I hope no one applies this in the broader sense though, offline (in life) or in other forums. Our very nation was founded on freedom of religion, conscious, association and speech. A vigorous debate in the public square on those issues was considered essential in America. My ancestors came here for that very reason - to escape religious persecution and have the right to hold unpopular opinions and beliefs. Until just a few decades ago, speech, debate and apologetics (from the Latin word for explanation - not apology) were taught in high school. The ability to explain and defend your beliefs was considered as essential as math or science. THat is how we prevent ending up with an "emperor has no clothes' situation. Jefferson said,
[h=1]“Question with boldness even the existence of God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear.”[/h]The ability to debate and disagree with respect, intelligence and passion used to be a mark of a gentleman. Of course, only if the situation is appropriate, and the consensus seems to be that it is no longer here. No problem - lots of other things to discuss.

 

[johnlee1933]

I've got no problem with this new policy - if those are the rules, I'll follow them. I hope no one applies this in the broader sense though, offline (in life) or in other forums. Our very nation was founded on freedom of religion, conscious, association and speech. A vigorous debate in the public square on those issues was considered essential in America. My ancestors came here for that very reason - to escape religious persecution and have the right to hold unpopular opinions and beliefs. Until just a few decades ago, speech, debate and apologetics (from the Latin word for explanation - not apology) were taught in high school. The ability to explain and defend your beliefs was considered as essential as math or science. THat is how we prevent ending up with an "emperor has no clothes' situation. Jefferson said,
“Question with boldness even the existence of God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear.”

The ability to debate and disagree with respect, intelligence and passion used to be a mark of a gentleman. Of course, only if the situation is appropriate, and the consensus seems to be that it is no longer here. No problem - lots of other things to discuss.

I totally agree but this is not the place. It's kinds like not urinating in church.

John

 

[FmGrowit]

The ability to debate and disagree with respect, intelligence and passion used to be a mark of a gentleman.

I truly wish that condition would be the rule opposed to the exception. I'm very passionate about the current politics our country is faced with and if I could believe the discussions would be civil I wouldn't have a problem with having a "Politics" forum. I think it would be great to have a place where people could ask real questions and receive answers based on facts and statistics, but knowing the nature of political discussion and having been involved in many of them myself (I was an elected public official once), I don't believe the discussions would remain civil.

As far as debating religion...there is probably nothing less pointless since nobody will know if they're right or wrong until you die...and perhaps not even then.

 

[oldsouth]

Aplomb should have been added to that sentence - I wracked my brain trying to think of that term... I think my vocabulary is shrinking as I age. As I said, I'll abide and respect the rules here. So, no probe lm.

I actually, quite unexpectedly got into a religious debate at the grocery store a couple of months ago - talk about an unexpected place! An older man asked me to take one of his pamphlets. I gave it a quick look and saw several blatant mis-translations of Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin (not even close in meaning, but mis-represented to support his doctrine). I gave it back to him and told him why. It turned into a heated, but goon natured debate that lasted over an hour and drew quite an audience. We parted on good terms, disagreeing, but wishing each other the best. I saw the manager of the store the next day and began to apologize for the incident. He told me that he enjoyed it an only wished they had been able to sell tickets. Apparently people really enjoyed a good debate in the public square.

If you have the desire to see such, why not consider starting another forum, sister-site or something? I've worked for many politicians whose names you would recognize - thought about running for office, but had enough bad experiences to decide not to. It does get in your blood though - especially this time of year.

 

[FmGrowit]

I have no doubt people get into politics for all the right reasons and stay in politics for all the wrong ones. Arguing politics has a very real physical effect on the body. While debating issues, adrenalin flows freely through the bloodstream. The next day is always a wasted day due to the "Adrenalin Hangover". I'm convinced there are people who run for office just for that "high"...I soon learned I prefer bourbon over adrenalin.

 

[oldsouth]

That is an interesting idea - like an addiction..... I think you may be right.

I grew up in it though - my grandfather was an old conservative Democrat. Oddly enough, I never got too worked up by it. But, it did take its toll. After working for politicians, I worked for a newspaper as an investigative journalist. I caught a popular congressman doing some shady dealings. Being in Ohio, you'll know what I mean. He was worth about $200,000 when elected - after 16 years he was worth 9 million! I had (state) supreme court justices calling me in the middle of the night, all sorts of politicians and even little old ladies cussing me out... threats of lawsuits, the state bureau of investigations told me to carry a loaded gun at all times, keep an eye on the mirrors while driving, never leave my car or house unlocked (because drugs might be planted). It got pretty bad. I had two heart attacks before the age of 30 and semi-reitered from it. There are good and bad folks in both major parties... if you follow the money, you are really asking for trouble.

So, here is hoisting 4 ounces of straight Heaven Hill to you, sir!

 

[wazzappenning]

As far as debating religion...there is probably nothing less pointless since nobody will know if they're right or wrong until you die...and perhaps not even then.

well said.

and as for politics, i tend to just keep my mouth shut, because yeah, you end up with an argument or debate that turns into one.

 

[johnlee1933]

As far as debating religion...there is probably nothing less pointless since nobody will know if they're right or wrong until you die...and perhaps not even then.

Yeah, and either way you can't report findings.

John

 

[Michibacy]

Yeah, Haunting aint what it used to be John