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I am posting this comment to everyone who has posted to this thread to inform you all that the thread will be locked about 12:30 EST, roughly three hours from now. The thread will not be taken down, but after it's locked no more posts will be possible.

Again, I invite anyone who would like to have any of their posts to this thread deleted, simply send a "signed" abuse report to that effect. Abuse reports which are "unsigned" will not be removed.

A couple of added comments, if you will, one a reiteration, and the other a disappointment.

First, I still do not detect a sweeping spirit of forgiveness flowing through the Religion Forum, and I have to wonder what the future will hold without that happening. I won't repeat any of my words here, but any of you who have not read Post #881 should avail yourselves of the opportunity to do so.

Obviously for some of you, subtle suggestions from me have no effect. So - I will drop the subtlety.

In my future efforts at moderation when I find off-topic posts to any thread they will be removed. I haven't counted but my best guess is that roughly 200 posts could be removed from this thread as having nothing to do with the rules of the forum. Second subtle suggestion that didn't work: arguments - debates - differences - fights dragged from one thread to another will be deleted as found. And third, the on-going Mormon vs. non-Mormon war (and that's what it appears to be) has to stop. There is no way I can go back to the beginning and determine "who started it", even though I've received FReepmails from posters on both sides pointing fingers the other way. Not that "who started it" makes any difference, since the antagonists just keep it going. From my perspective the guilt is equally shared, and it's time to agree to a truce or accept an imposed armistice. This war is childish, folks, and it's a blight on the Religion Forum. It must stop. If you can't forgive and forget past transgressions, at least have the maturity to drop it and go on. In future, when I see hostilities breaking out anew I will ask once for it to stop. If it doesn't, then I'll have to stop it.

I'll "see" you all around the forum.

P.S. For whatever reason the 'ping' system did not pick up the following posters: 'cprfld'; 'eastrider'; 'Jmouse'; 'MarMena'; 'Unam Sanctum'.

***And third, the on-going Mormon vs. non-Mormon war (and that's what it appears to be) has to stop.***

I assume this does not preclude vigorous debate of Mormon vs. non-Mormon theological and historical issues as long as rules are followed.

I also assume if an issue has been discussed in the past (ex. the LDS view that the keys of the priesthood were granted to Joseph Smith OR that early LDS porphets taught the Adam-God doctrine later rejected by many LDS) that it is still a valid point for discussion in the present and future.

If truce means no further discussion or disagreement, then I see this as contrary to your original statement beginning the thread.

***It must stop. If you can't forgive and forget past transgressions, at least have the maturity to drop it and go on. ***

I am in agreement with this and assume it means to drop past violations of posting rules (whether perceived or actual) and discuss the issues within the limits you have set.

Please correct me if I am misunderstanding the meaning of "truce" and "armistace."

Thanks for your efforts.

I, for one, do appreciate your efforts to bring about more of a tone of civility on the religion forum. I don't post here much, because, quite frankly, the hostility seems to run deep and the spirit of religiosity seems to cloud both the judgement and good will of many posters on this topic. What I would hope to find here is a building up of the community of saints to the edification of all, not a "my church is better than yours" mentality that was pervasive in elementary school.

That is not to say that there havent't been some good discussions and some which have been very helpful and informative and I will continue to post from time to time on threads I perceive as such. There are some points at which I personally have to draw the line though, as a matter of conscience. I cannot give respect to doctrines of demons that are held to be of equal value as the scriptures. My background in comparative religion is extensive and I have prayerfully reached solid conclusions many years ago about what truth is and isn't, and while I might occasionally expound upon that, mostly I am at peace and have no desire to be drawn into the noisy contentions of others. The scriptures instruct us to speak the truth in love and that the wrath of man accomplishes not the righteiousness of God. It doesn't take too long to see whether the message of a thread is a testimony to the wrath of man or to the love of God. It's a good gauge in deciding whether or not to take part in the discussion.

Anyway, thanks for your effort. I hope it accomplishes what you've set out to do. It won't be overnight, but perhaps over time and with prayer, we can come to look more upon one another as fellow travelers and when we see a brother or sister in error or who is stumbling, we will seek to encourage and correct in a spirit of love and compassion instead of beating them up with our own understanding of truth.

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel." (Prov. 12:15)

"A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind." (Prov. 18:2)

"Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel." (Prav. 20:3)

"Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words."(Prov. 23:9)

"Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is {considered} prudent." (Prov. 17:28)

First of all, thank you Sidebar Moderator for your efforts, tolerance and even-handed use of authority. I hope not to run afoul of the rules. But, I am human and yes, a sinner. So, I ask to be endured as much as any poster.

As to the 200 or so off-subject posts on this thread, I’m guilty of about half of them. Why did I post them? Well, some of them because I just can’t sit quiet while my Church is attacked and others, because I was a bit of a class clown and that carries over into adulthood.

I originally came to Free Republic because it is a place for Conservative camaraderie. It has provided that and so much more. One of those things is making the acquaintance of people of faith and sharing knowledge, faith and prayers with them. That has evolved into as much a blessing or more than the political aspect of the site for many.

Being a Catholic, I found solace with others who are suffering the pain that the cases of homosexual abuse have inflicted on our Church. It has been an immeasurable resource for maintaining a hopeful perspective as we suffer together and bring about justice in those cases.

On the darker side, I’ve discovered that there exists a mindset in America that I thought was to be found only in history books with tales of burning crosses. I was initially shocked not only by the existence of anti-Catholic bigotry expressed on Free Republic, but its prevalence. Though it appears to have gotten better in the last year, it is in these instances that I’ve taken my gloves off. After all, how could I possibly believe that I would be a martyr if needed, if I were too cowardly to defend my Church here?

To some I say, my words have been harsh at times, and I ask forgiveness for the times I may have gone too far. To some others, I say, if you can’t take the lumps, don’t throw rocks at our stained glass windows. For I want all to know that my motive is not been one of offense toward any, but of defense of my Church.

I regret the sad irony that the religious forums have become an embarrassment to the Free Republic. Our country is founded on our belief in and our adherence to God. He has already been driven from our public schools and popular culture. It would not only be of great personal loss to many, but a terrible and incomprehensible tragedy if the cornerstone of Conservative thought were to become taboo on the premiere Conservative Website.

Mr. Robinson, thank you for this site. And thank you for assigning such a such a judicious Moderator in the hopes of retaining this most integral aspect of the Free Republic.