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Assuming that this is will be automatically deemed Strike Two because it is an honest and frank observation, and to the delight of the Hyper Ecumenicalists, and members of the Embrace a Scoffer cabal, I will bless the rest by going on a indefinite voluntary sabbatical from the Religion forum.

Well, that's one route to take. The overall forum actually suffers as a result. Some of the best writers and thinkers have done the same as you're suggesting. You generally notice they almost disappear from FR after a while, maybe stopping by from time to time. Since we've gone to these restricted speech policies, FR has not waged a single major real-world political battle. Actually, it's hard to think of a minor one. I think the two are connected.

I just don't happen to believe people of moderate opinion in politics or religion ever accomplish much. They certainly didn't found this country, a radical Christian nation of Protestant principle. As we stand now, I don't think FR could make a difference in another Battle for Floriduh or contribute to another Clinton impeachment. Most people just stop by for news or chit-chat. The type of strong personal and moral conviction, a prerequisite to independent and determined action, is apparently, indissoluably linked to strong spiritual beliefs. We shouldn't be surprised at this. The Founders believed the same exact thing and believed it was necessary.

When diversity of opinion approaches zero, any forum of free speech achieves inanity. But the upside is there will be fewer people hitting Abuse since discussion is too milquetoast for anyone to object to.

Somehow TR's "Speak softly but carry a big stick" comes to mind. Some of the gentlest and most soft-spoken people have changed history: Telemachus, Mother Theresa, etc.

tenor != strength_of_convictions

Insulting people and making them feel small does little to influence or change minds.

Here is why, contrary to the opinion of some, Jesus' and Paul's words would be accepted on the forum: While they hold firm and unwavering convictions, they did not insult or belittle their readers. And those who would have pressed the abuse button were the Pharisees, who knew the Lord was right in His judgments.

We are not Jesus. But being "nice" (so often ridiculed in this thread), being gentle, being kind, these traits he embodied and "against such things there is no law" (Gal. 5:23). This is NOT the same as either affirming or embracing the doctrines of heretics. It is loving them and treating them with the respect worthy of one made in God's image.

Truly, I'm embarrassed that self-professed Christian people have to be asked by an earthly authority to do the very things Jesus commanded. There. I'll sit down. I've had my say.