I'm not a big one for religion, since it makes people fight too much and you can't win in a religious batttle. I don't think it matters whether it's in a forum or not, as long as someone isn't being insulted. Also, everyone's a little racist or soemthing at times so I don't pay it too much attention. it seems to me that all our world problems would be solved if everybody stopped worrying about politically correct shit and gave up pissing each other off over religion. If religion didn't exist, then maybe people could forget their differences. Trying to convert people doesn't do crap, but givin up your own pride and letting the little man work soemthing out once in a while is the only way we're ever going to get ourselves out of this hole we've dug ourselves into. Hey, I'm deep. Deal with it.
Religion should be allowed in forums just because it holds no real value.

As long as they're not using their statement about Religion in a way that attacks another person or in any way demeans the other person, speaking about religion should be okay not just for ethical reasons, but because that person has a right to exercise the first amendment.

Originally Posted by MrNotSoBright

As long as they're not using their statement about Religion in a way that attacks another person or in any way demeans the other person, speaking about religion should be okay not just for ethical reasons, but because that person has a right to exercise the first amendment.

exactly. The first amendment says that you have these rights as long as they don't impose on other people's rights.

Umm, whether it's allowed or not people are going to want to debate it anyway. People always want to express their opinions, and the internet is one of the easiest places to do so. Not letting them would be very stupid.

I go to a few forums where religious discussion is as much of a warning offense as spamming or chain letters and the like. their debate-like thread group is a bit slow, because they also have rules against repeat threads and there are only so many questions that are ask-able without referring to religion at all, and only so many responses that also don't refer to religious beliefs. I realize that the idea is to prevent people getting into great flame-wars over religious differences, but personally I believe that not allowing any religious discussion at all is a little overboard. Many forums get along fine with minimal instances of hateful people being generally ignorant and spiteful over religion and, even though I am Agnostic, I am very interested in people's views on religion and the whats and whys of their faith or lack thereof.

My view, Personally i don't care for ANY religion but people should be free to belive what they want to belive, i just don't like it when people try to shove it in your face. saying that either your own religion is wrong or that you are going to hell for not beliving in some higher power.

You don't have to read them. So no they should not be kept off. Besides if you are open minded, you might learn something.

I don't see why religion shouldn't be allowed in the threads? I mean there's different religious threads on gaia and no body really has any problems co-existing with each other, as long as people stay respectful there shouldn't be any problems.

I think it depends on the forum. Who it's targeted at, the kind of discussions involved, that kind of thing...also the general maturity level of the community, as the site grows.

I don't think religious discussions should be allowed on children's forums (targeted at those under 13 years old), since it is a touchy issue, and easy to offend someone particularly young...not to mention, some parents tend to get their panties in a bunch over their children and religion and all.

For those targeted at (or consisting mainly of) young teenagers, it really depends on the forum. What the forum is there for, what the other rules are, how the users tend to treat each other, other things like that. USUALLY I'd say yes (99% of the time, probably)...but I'd love it if Gaia banned religious discussions, just because so many people are so IMMATURE about it there. >.<;

For those targeted at (or consisting mainly of) older teens or adults, then yes. Absolutely yes, as long as there's a place for it. After all...it's one of the things that makes things interesting, now isn't it?

The thing is; the more people discuss religion, the less sensitive of it they become, and the easier it is to respect other peoples views if you hear them talking about them in different contexts =3

religion isn't the only topic that's controversial. every opinion of mine at my website is controversial. that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about it. it is good for opening our minds to engage in debate and consider different opinions from time to time.