Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list
Posted on 05/14/2008 9:06:42 AM PDT by Religion Moderator
In late April, markomalley and gamecock made a trial run at a “respectful dialog” category for threads on the Religion Forum. The trial failed due to the inability of the posters to agree on what is or is not “respectful.” Then in early May, several other posters appealed for the elimination of posts which seek to tear down other poster’s beliefs (iconoclasm.)
Meanwhile, the situation on the Religion Forum has been exacerbated by posters on the News/Activism forum inadvertently being exposed to religious debate as a result of choosing the “everything” option on browse instead of the “News/Activism” option.
In response to the pleas for a “respectful dialog” and/or the elimination of “iconoclasm” (attacks on other people’s beliefs) – I’m opening the floor for trial postings of a new type of semi-open thread which we shall call “ecumenic.”
Unlike the caucus threads, any poster could reply to an ecumenic thread. And the article on which an ecumenic thread is based could include contrasts and challenges of other beliefs. However, on the ecumenic thread, the poster must not argue against any other beliefs. He can only argue for what he believes – or ask questions.
While we test this new type of thread, be sure to tag every article so that posters will know when to avoid a thread. The tags during this trial run are “prayer” “devotional” “caucus” “ecumenic” or “open.”
Devotional threads are closed to debate of any kind.
Caucus threads are closed to any poster who is not a member of the caucus. If it says “Catholic Caucus” and you are not Catholic, do not post to the thread. However, if the poster of the caucus welcomes you, I will not boot you from the thread.
Ecumenic threads in this trial run are closed to all “anti” arguments. Posters who try to tear down other’s beliefs – or use subterfuge to accomplish the same goal – are the disrupters on ecumenic threads and will be booted from the thread and/or suspended.
Open threads are a town square – posters may argue for or against beliefs of any kind. They may tear down other's beliefs. They may ridicule, similar to the Smoky Backroom with the exception that a poster must never “make it personal.” Reading minds and attributing motives are forms of “making it personal.” Thin-skinned posters will be booted from “open” threads because in the town square, they are the disrupters.
When you see a post which is inappropriate for an ecumenic thread, ping me. Do not bother the Admin Moderators with an abuse report unless the situation requires immediate attention.
Just don't abuse the abuse button. It has to be a really stupid post before you bother the moderators. The usual stupid stuff we say around here all day long should not qualify.
Which pope is that???
Sorry.
I’ve prayed over such requests extensively.
And, I’ve not had any peace to comply.
You are welcome to avoid my posts entirely. I have no wish to offend, actually.
It just seems to be part of my . . . thrownness . . . or B.O. or something . . .
But my unique posting styles vis a vis line endings and beginnings and punctuation etc. . .
will remain in most cases . . .
There are precious few ways to help phrases etc. stand out hereon without causing someone to wail about ALL CAPS
or colors or whatever . . .
Besides, it’s my way to help fellow OBCOMS . . . Obsessive Compulsive folks loosen up more on their sensibilities.
sorry . . . somewhat.
I think that's a quote from Christ, in the gospels. It means you can identify the tree by the kind of fruit that grows on it.
You always had an “Open thread” it is just more clarified now!
No one was stepping on the contentious or the combative it was the other way around the combative was trying to disrupt the civil and the peace makers!
It's no wonder people don't like you.
It’s nice to see you again, friend.
That was not only unkind, it is untrue.
Please do not make this personal.
I learned that from one of your colleagues.
I like you Petronski!:)
If you like me, that must make you ‘nobody.’ In that case, you’re but one step away from nothingness, and you KNOW what comes after that!
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if we are offended by it or not. What is the support of it? Scripture doesn’t. For any Protestant, Baptist, or non-denominational person, that should be enough.
Thanks! That’s from a book I recently received as a gift from a coworker after I snagged a ticket to the Papal Mass in DC for him.
I like you too, resty!
No kidding, I do. We have a lot in common.
********************
That I find myself in good company? :)
There are a lot of people on this forum that do not like him.
There are a lot of people who don't like me.
There, I've given you truth. In the words of Petronski "If you have Truth you have no need for reason or common sense."
So I guess you two don't need reason or common sense now, do you?
Sheesh, why did I respond to that post by Petronski in the first place. I should have known better.
Just saw this thread ... apologies if these questions have already been answered.
Question 1: Where do "news" stories of a religious nature fit into these categories?
Question 2: Are apologetics postings (defense of doctrine) considered challenges?
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