I ask this- probably boldly, as Religion is a very sensitive subject- because recently I've been a bit more open about more views. Namely in the 2012 thread.
I want to know what you people think of this. It's sensitive, does it offend you to read about others views?

If you're reading a thread, and someone says something about what they believe religion wise, do you think they shouldn't do that, because of the more 'sensitive' people out there?

In my opinion, it should be allowed. I don't want to keep my views inside, I want to be able to be open about them, and not have to worry about whether I'll offend someone or not. I cannot stress how many times I've put 'if I offend you, I'm sorry' in posts. (Mostly other communities, since I've just started being more open about it here). They're *my* views, and my beliefs, I shouldn't be afraid to be open about them, because my beliefs are the most important thing to me. I don't want to sugar coat them, or keep them completely to myself.

Your thoughts on this subject?

Maybe this should be in debates?

Anyway, I like reading other people's opinions, whether it be about religion, relationships, politics or even what colour bed socks keep your toes warmer (purple and blue striped, I say).

The only thing I take offense to is others trying to tell me that my views are wrong and theirs are right, especially when it comes to something like religion. You believe what you believe, I believe what I believe. Accept that, and don't try to belittle my opinions - I'll do you the same courtesy.

If Religion wasn't allowed practically most of what I say wouldn't be allowed on the forums. See almost everything I say or do is influenced by my religion.

I don't think religious topics should be banned because someone might get offended. That's the reason we're not allowed to say dwarfs, or sing baa baa black sheep or celebrate christmas in the workplace... because people might be offended. If they're offended they should really develop thicker skin, or just not go where they'll be offended and I do not believe that babying these people is healthy.

The only time I think Religion is actually out of order is when it's directed specifically at someone. IE pagans are damned to hell, or that certain religions are exactly the same. I think people should just use a bit of common sense.

Angel: I had a feeling you'd be posting here x3 Hi.

And I agree with the fact on not telling others their view is wrong. I would never do that, at least not purposefully, though I don't know how I could ever do it without realizing it...? xD Sometimes I may *want* to, but it's not going to happen. Some people do, but I'm not one of those people to condemn people for the things they do or believe in.

And yeah, I thought that it should go in debates after I posted it x-x I'll ask a mod to move it.

I think that it's perfectly acceptable in forums. I know that others don't believe the same things as I do, and that's fine. I believe that I'm right--and you believe that you're right. I'm not going to waste my time trying to convince you otherwise; it wouldn't work on me, and I'm sure that it wouldn't work on you.

I think that when people randomly drag religion into topics and start trying to shove it down people's throats... That's when it's out of place. Be mature about it. I don't tell you not to believe in your god/goddess/plural/whatever.... So don't tell me to believe in something, and don't go around yelling about how that's what people should believe.

Ex: In an abortion thread, someone says that they're against it because they're Catholic. To my mind, this is FINE--but when they start trying to tell you that you're evil, and constantly posting about how you shouldn't do it because it goes against Catholicism--XP That's when you need to take several steps back. Preferably out of the thread until you can respond relatively objectively.

But, yeah. Pretty much, be respectful and thus probably respected.

It is acceptable to a certain point. It is nice reading different points of view [because I do read ALL of the posts xD] but it isn't acceptable when someone tries to "put religion down your throat" [or something like that... sorry for my unknowledge on slangs xD] and tell you that you're wrong just because a book / "brain-limited" scientists / hobo philosofer / etc said so. I believe this is called Ad Verecundiam xD So~ if you keep it as a theory or an opinion it is ok. But if you try to put unproven "facts" to tell someone else they're crazy or they'll go to hell, that's just mean. Respects someone's beliefs! It's their life, don't screw their day! People need to be happier ya'know...

PS: ... plus I've already had enough with atheist discriminating comments at school xP

::EDIT:: Wordstreamer... you've just put what I wanted to say in a more organized and literarily more beautiful way than me o.o You even used an example and the phrase I was trying to type! x'D Thanks~!

i think that it should be allowed. it's s topic that comes up a lot. personally i like to study and learn about other religions so i always like those topics. of course they also get really out of hand really fast. it's never long until you have people calling each other names, saying rude things, telling people they're going to hell,etc. at that point it is a useless topic and is just one giant my horse is bigger then yours type of argument. then i think it should be stopped. when thing reach that level there is no point trying to say anything of value because it gets washed away in all the angry spam.

Well, most of the time in the avi forums "religion" has their own little sub-forums or what not and usually they are marked in the title, so I say if you don't like reading about other peoples religion or views, don't click on the link or be viewing that forum. It's just a simple answer. XD


And I agree with the others- don't force your religion on me! I don't force mine on you so I accept the same treatment.

And people dissing other peoples religions is wrong too. That kinda goes along with the fact about forcing your views upon other people. I hate to go into a thread to have someone telling another member his/her views are wrong and this is what they should believe.

I think it would be unhealthy to keep your opinion/s on such things to yourself.
D:
Bottling it up can lead to angry outbursts, most of which cause more trouble then speaking your mind calmly in the first place would have done...
I'm a Christian myself, and while I do feel slightly insulted by some of the things that are posted, everyone has their own opinion and I want to do my best to respect that.
:3

EDIT: Sorry, I forgot to actually answer your question properly.
x3
I think it should remain in the forums, as long as it doesn't get too out of hand, yeah?
I'd hate to see arguments everywhere.
D:

I think this belong's in the debate forum, but anyway, I don't think religion should be knocked off the forum, but maybe it should cool down for a little while.

If it's your religion, express your beliefs. The only thing I ask, and this is something that I attempt to adhere to as well, is that you refrain from claiming your religion as the one and only truth and that you keep an open mind to other people's beliefs regardless of their conflict with your views.

If it comes down to it, agree to disagree and leave it at that.

Absolutely not.

Aren't forums places where you can express what you want (as long as the rules permit it). I mean, the website is a place that promotes expressing ideas, religions, etc.

Just because religion is a sensitive subject, doesn't mean that it should be banned. A lot of subjects are sensitive, especially life issues that raise a lot of heated debate.

Besides, what's wrong with expressing what you believe in? o_O.....It's a lot better than ranting, or talking about obscene/gross things. Many religions want you to express it, and maybe its a way to let out what one wants someone else to hear.

There is no reason to ban religion, but that's just my opinion. ;3

I think that if all parties can behave like adults and respect each others right to their own beliefs and opinions that theology discussions can be pretty stimulating and enlightening. I personally am fascinated by all types of religions and discussing them has no bearing on my personal beliefs.

Unfortunately on forums many people are not mature enough to have a conversation of that nature without bashing someone's core belief system. It comes down to a matter of respect, and sadly some people can't maintain a proper level.

I think that any type of open discussion should be encouraged, but flaming and bashing and insulting should not.

Personally, when I get into a discussion about religion, on forums or elsewhere, I will state my beliefs without really caring if I offend other people. I mean, they are MY beliefs, not yours. Why should I care if you're going to get your panties into a twist over something I say, you know? I think this system we've developed of trying to baby everyone so no one gets their feelings hurt is seriously screwed up. People are too whiny and weak when it comes to getting their opinions/beliefs challenged, and its quite annoying. You have your opinions and I have mine and I'm certainly not going to keep quiet just to be politically correct or whatever. :roll:

What I find funny, is that the people who usually get pissed off at my beliefs are other Christians. I guess I'm not tight-laced enough for them or something. xD

Anyway, I guess I really haven't answered your question yet, ne? I think its perfectly fine to have religion in forums. However, I think we should all be able to be mature about it, and not make ourselves sound like close-minded assholes when someone "different" posts what they believe.

I don't mind.. it's usually the thing that tells me whether or not I can get a long with that person.. 8) because I have my strong beliefs too, although religion is not important to me.

I personally would like it if religious talks were kept to an appreciation of those religions. Like talking about Catholic hymns, Hindu paintings, etc. in an appreciative, adult manner.

I despise it when people bash the religions of others. Christians are the ones that take most of the heat; if you believe in anything else, people are like, "Oh, that's cool..." I find that to be incredibly rude and offensive.

Fin Raziel, you raise an excellent point.
I'm going to go make a thread now.
I'm curious to see how many people actually keep to what they've said in this thread.

Religion is a tricky topic.

On another forum, there was a person complaining because they won a religious debate. To win those things, you basically have to destroy somebody's beleifs. That's not cool (Or maybe it is, as its also not cool to believe the 'wrong' thing).

But each to their own. I don't enjoy talking about relegion, but if other people want to, they can go nuts. Not my place to stop them.

I like religion, so I don't mind talking about it. I usually have to stand up for it.

What we believe is very important. It guides the choices we make. You can say you believe in nothing, but still that changes what you do. If you believe nothing, then perhaps to you, it doesn't matter what you do, just live it up. I don't think it is offensive to state what you believe as long as you don't attack other people for what they believe. There is a big difference between stating what you believe, and arguing it. When asked something and the answer is determined by what I believe ( such as a the 2012 thread ) then I think its totally appropriate to say why. You are giving a reason for you answer just like they gave an answer to you. Their answer may be based on current world events and yours may be based on scripture. It is still an answer none the less. You can't argue people into your beliefs. Even if you "win" an argument, I personally have never seen anyone convert after that. You should share your beliefs in a gentle way. If they agree with you, fine, and if they don't, that is their choice. No one should be forced to believe something, you have to make your own decision. I think its fine to say why you believe something but use common sense people, don't be a jerk about it.

I try to keep from discussing religion on forums and games to prevent fights. For some reason trying to discuss religion brings out the worse in people in my opinion.

I'm agnostic, and it doesn't bother me in the least when people talk about religion. If someone says they will pray for me or gives me a bless you I can't take it as a negative thing. To them, that is a helpful and caring thing to do and I would not think badly of them for it at all. People look for the bad in good intentions way to much in my opinion.

Originally Posted by Nissa

I'm agnostic, and it doesn't bother me in the least when people talk about religion. If someone says they will pray for me or gives me a bless you I can't take it as a negative thing. To them, that is a helpful and caring thing to do and I would not think badly of them for it at all. People look for the bad in good intentions way to much in my opinion.

Good point here Nissa. I too don't mind if somebody offers to pray for me - after all, if they believe it works, who am I to say otherwise? Besides, as you said, it shows they care in some way about you - and after all, a little extra prayer or freely offered blessing on your side can't hurt in this crazy ol' world.

I think anyone should be able to express whatever they want. i am sick of all this political correct bullshit that infests human society. I mean seriously. If a subject (such as 2012) Involves religion or science or whatever, it should be involved. If someone has a view about it that includes religion then they should be able to tell their opinion. It is a friendly debate not a biased, politically correct, sugar coated pussy fight.

Yes, if discussing religion was not allowed, many people would be outraged. It would violate our amendment rights.