Discussing Religion

[Mavericker]

Why is discussing religion here against the rules? I'm a Christian-so why can't we say we don't like certain cartoons or movies because they go against our beliefs?

[Silverstar]

Because the world doesn't move to the beat of just one drum; what might be right for you, may not be right for some. (Cue Diff'rent Strokes theme....)

Seriously, though, while there's nothing wrong with having a belief system, by discussing your religious beliefs publicly you run the risk of offending someone who's beliefs may not coincide with your own, or you taking offense to someone else with another belief system. It's hard to talk about religion without coming off like you're preaching, trying to impose your belief system on others or acting 'holier than thou', even if you mean well.

Religion is like politics and sex, it's a hot-button topic and a very personal matter which is best left private or only discussed with those you're really close to. Public discussions on such matters is like opening up the floodgates; they tend to lead to posters flaming each other until both sides are extra crispy, so those topics are usually off-limits on most public forums, just to keep things civil.

[Mavericker]

Because the world doesn't move to the beat of just one drum; what might be right for you, may not be right for some. (Cue Diff'rent Strokes theme....)

Seriously, though, while there's nothing wrong with having a belief system, by discussing your religious beliefs publicly you run the risk of offending someone who's beliefs may not coincide with your own, or you taking offense to someone else with another belief system. It's hard to talk about religion without coming off like you're preaching, trying to impose your belief system on others or acting 'holier than thou', even if you mean well.

Religion is like politics and sex, it's a very personal matter which is best left private or only discussed with those you're really close to. Public discussions on such matters tend to lead to arguments and flame wars, so those topics are usually off-limits on most public forums.

Not necessarily true-but can't I say something goes against my beliefs?

Can't I say something is demonic or full of witchcraft? A lot of cartoons are.

I don't have to necessarily bring up the Bible but point out why I don't like these cartoons.

[Blackstar]

I agree with Silverstar (surprise, surprise). Most works of fiction are a-political and non specific religion wise, and I personally feel that religion has no place being being discussed on public message boards, primarily because no one can ever discuss such matters on a civil, intelligent manner and also because everyone takes his/her religious viewpoints VERY seriously. It just creates too many arguments and ill feelings. There was a thread about homosexuality in the DC animation forum that led to lot of bad blood among certain members. I think that religion, like sex and politics is best left as a "no-no" topic.

[Dub C]

The reason why religion, politics and whatnot are not discussed is because of all the time I've been on the internet, I've yet to see a topic on either subject end in a civil manner. Very rarely will you get a interesting discussion/debate from both sides, but they're so few & far between I just don't bother with clicking on such topics anymore.

[AlgeaX]

Why is discussing religion here against the rules? I'm a Christian-so why can't we say we don't like certain cartoons or movies because they go against our beliefs?

Because every time someone tries to discuss religion on the Internet, nine times out of ten it devolves into a childish shouting match where both sides doggedly refuse to even try and understand the other's point of view. In an ideal world we should be able to discuss topics like this in an intelligent and respectful manner but this is hardly an ideal world.

If you really want to talk about your religion then I suggest you seek out some Christian message boards. I'm sure plenty of them exist.

[Mavericker]

Because every time someone tries to discuss religion on the Internet, nine times out of ten it devolves into a childish shouting match where both sides doggedly refuse to even try and understand the other's point of view. In an ideal world we should be able to discuss topics like this in an intelligent and respectful manner but this is hardly an ideal world.

If you really want to talk about your religion then I suggest you seek out some Christian message boards. I'm sure plenty of them exist.

There are other public forums where I can discuss it.

No one has answered this-can I just say I don't like certain things because they go against my beliefs?


How is magic and witchcraft anti-Christian? I never understood that. With all due respect, if you're going to black list magic as being anti-Christian, you might as well declare Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, genies, leprechauns and unicorns to be blasphemous as well.

But I agree with Silverstar (surprise, surprise). Most works of fiction are a-political and non specific religion wise, and I personally feel that religion has no place being being discussed on public message boards, primarily because no one can ever discuss such matters on a civil, intelligent manner and also because everyone takes his/her religious viewpoints VERY seriously. It just creates too many arguments and ill feelings. There was a thread about homosexuality in the DC animation forum that led to lot of bad blood among certain members. I think that religion, like sex and politics is best left as a "no-no" topic.

God condemns witchcraft and it's demonic that's why.

[MonkeyFunk]

No one has answered this-can I just say I don't like certain things because they go against my beliefs?

Well, I've seen people do that quite a few times, generally without ill-effect.

Although since this topic's in danger of sliding into a discussion of Biblical views on witchcraft, I think you can pobably see why you need to be a bit careful...

[Mavericker]

Well, I've seen people do that quite a few times, generally without ill-effect.
Fine- I don't like a lot of the programs they run on Adult Swim because I am a Christian and they go against my beliefs.

Some shows even go out of their way to mock or belittle Christians, or God or the Bible.

The Bible Game is one of the most sacreligious things I've ever seen. :mad:

Monkeyfunk- I answered the other person's question and I am leaving it at that.

[Ajax]

There are other public forums where I can discuss it.

No one has answered this-can I just say I don't like certain things because they go against my beliefs?



God condemns witchcraft that's why.Well I pose this question. If theres something being discussed that goes against your beliefs, then stay away from that discussion. And if it is something that you really want to discuss then leave your beliefs and religion at the door. Nothing good has ever come when someone says "a lot of cartoons are demonic and full of witchcraft". Because thats just your point of view and your belief which in the end mean nothing to the person next to you.

[Mavericker]

Well I pose this question. If theres something being discussed that goes against your beliefs, then stay away from that discussion. And if it is something that you really want to discuss then leave your beliefs and religion at the door. Nothing good has ever come when someone says "a lot of cartoons are demonic and full of witchcraft".

Fine-I'll just say I don't like them 'cause they go against my beliefs.

[Blackstar]

There are other public forums where I can discuss it (religion).

Then I would suggest that you only discuss it in those particular forums. Regardless of whether or not you agree with the rules of this forum (or any other, far that matter), you still need to respect them. I should never have brought up the magic thing. I regret doing so. I knew that I was asking for trouble with that, and I apologize to the mods for mentioning it. Please delete the passage if you feel the need to.

We're starting to tread into some dangerous territory here, and I think it would be best to simply leave it here.

[Mavericker]

Then I would suggest that you only discuss it in those particular forums. Regardless of whether or not you agree with the rules of this forum (or any other, far that matter), you still need to respect them. I should never have brought up the magic thing. I knew that I was asking for trouble with that, and I apologize to the mods for mentioning it. Please delete the passage if you feel the need to.

We're starting to tread into some dangerous territory here, and I think it would be best to simply leave it here.

I already went as far as I was going to go-I made my point.

[SirLemming]

No one has answered this-can I just say I don't like certain things because they go against my beliefs?
Well, that's kind of a different issue.

Technically, yes, you can do that, but if that means going into a discussion thread about a show and proclaiming that you don't watch the show because you think it's evil, that will just stir up trouble. More often than not, such threads are intended for people who watch the show on a regular basis and want to talk about it, without people coming in and stating that they object to the show's existence. Why? Because you could theoretically do that for each and every episode of the show, which leads to unnecessary repetition of an already unnecessary argument.

In the somewhat rare case that someone starts a discussion thread to discuss the merits of a show or group of shows in general, inviting the opinions of people who like the show and people who hate the show, then I can imagine such points being raised. Usually, though, a thread about a show is intended for fans only, or people who are giving the show a chance. People who decide that the show isn't for them are generally expected not to watch future episodes, or at least comment on them, unless they have something specific to say about that episode.

So for example, a thread called "Do you like Family Guy?" would be open to comments that bash the show. But "Who is your favorite Family Guy character?" would not, because the subject of discussion already assumes that you like the show. You can't have a favorite character if you don't like the show, so you would have nothing to contribute to the conversation.

[Shawn Hopkins]

Why is discussing religion here against the rules? I'm a Christian-so why can't we say we don't like certain cartoons or movies because they go against our beliefs?

The big problem I can see with that is that if you come into a thread just to say you don't like something because of your beliefs, people who like the thing you are bashing and don't hold your beliefs are going to be sorely tempted to rebut that your beliefs are stupid and wrong and based on irrational ancient superstition. It's just human nature to want to answer criticism and that's a logical path for the argument you've set up to follow. No good can come from it, so why not be civil and live and let live?

[Harlan_Phoenix]

There are other public forums where I can discuss it.


Then discuss it on those forums.

Problem solved!

[Jave]

Fine-I'll just say I don't like them 'cause they go against my beliefs.If you start going into topics meant for fans of the show to post in with nothing to say but "I hate this because it goes against my beliefs", there's a very good chance you might get an infraction. Not only it brings religion into the topic but it might also be seen as flamebait.

[Mavericker]

If you start going into topics meant for fans of the show to post in with nothing to say but "I hate this because it goes against my beliefs", there's a very good chance you might get an infraction. Not only it brings religion into the topic but it might also be seen as flamebait.

I wouldn't do that-if I was asked why I didn't like certain shows that is my reason-I'm not going to lie.

If they were discussing what shows they don't like or what they don't like about certain shows that is one of the things I would say-that wouldn't be an only reason.

[James]

I'd say just use your common sense and a little candor.

No one has a problem with your faith - it's all about candor and not letting your personal ideology hijacking a thread which isn't about you or your religion.

For instance, there is a difference between saying "I hate South Park, it's the devils spawn because it mocks my faith," and saying "I find South Park hard to watch as I don't find the humour sits well with my personal belief on life." The former is unnecessarily condemning a show simply because you find it offensive (and suddenly the thread is about you) and the other is explaining that the brand of humour on certain topics in the show doesn't sit well with you (and the thread remains on the show).

I'd say it's about making sure YOUR reasons for bringing religion up are objectively relevant to the topic. The topic isn't about what is important about what YOU believe - be you Catholic, Atheist, whatever - but how you react objectively to the show.

After all, not all Christians would agree that South Park is insulting. Some will take the humour in its stride and not find the comedy at all personal. Some might not. But religion on its own is no real benchmark to a show's quality - as those who are religious don't necessarily agree on the same viewpoint.

That's the candor issue. As for common sense - well, use your noggin. I'm sure you can tell whether a post is worded in a way that is going to distract or twist the debate. If it might do that, for the greater good of the thread, perhaps refrain. Is your belief so important (be it religious or atheistic) to derail a thread? Common sense will tell you no. If it tells you yes, you will be an example of why religious debate is generally looked upon cautiously here - because it de-rails topics and causes big unnecessary arguments.

This belongs in Feedback.

[J'onn J'onzz]

Because the world doesn't move to the beat of just one drum; what might be right for you, may not be right for some. (Cue Diff'rent Strokes theme....)

Seriously, though, while there's nothing wrong with having a belief system, by discussing your religious beliefs publicly you run the risk of offending someone who's beliefs may not coincide with your own, or you taking offense to someone else with another belief system. It's hard to talk about religion without coming off like you're preaching, trying to impose your belief system on others or acting 'holier than thou', even if you mean well.

Religion is like politics and sex, it's a hot-button topic and a very personal matter which is best left private or only discussed with those you're really close to. Public discussions on such matters is like opening up the floodgates; they tend to lead to posters flaming each other until both sides are extra crispy, so those topics are usually off-limits on most public forums, just to keep things civil.
Wait, can we not discuss sex now? All the topics about it have gone pretty out of control...

Fine- I don't like a lot of the programs they run on Adult Swim because I am a Christian and they go against my beliefs.

Some shows even go out of their way to mock or belittle Christians, or God or the Bible.

The Bible Game is one of the most sacreligious things I've ever seen. :mad:

Monkeyfunk- I answered the other person's question and I am leaving it at that.
I don't mind if you don't like the show because you disagree with it on an issue. Yeah, it's kind of petty, but I do it too. Penn and Teller, for example, bug me when they bash environmentalists. But... come on, I don't claim they're posessed by the devil, or anything ridiculous like that. Claiming that anyone who disagrees with you on an issue is "demonic" is ridiculous.

Not necessarily true-but can't I say something goes against my beliefs?

Can't I say something is demonic or full of witchcraft? A lot of cartoons are.

I don't have to necessarily bring up the Bible but point out why I don't like these cartoons.
The thing is... witches... don't exist... and even if they did, I doubt, say, Seth MacFarlane is one.

There are other public forums where I can discuss it.
I know everyone's already said this, but POST ABOUT IT THERE. This isn't the only forum on the internet.

God condemns witchcraft and it's demonic that's why.
Hahahaha. But... making a few jokes about Christianity isn't witchcraft... that makes no sense...

[Peter Paltridge]

Some shows even go out of their way to mock or belittle Christians, or God or the Bible.

The Bible Game is one of the most sacreligious things I've ever seen.:mad:

How did a video game get into this post? How did a low-budget title for the Playstation 2 made by Christians get into this post?

If you're looking for a blasphemous video game, try "Left Behind."

That aside, though, I know how you feel. I think the strongest evidence for a sinful nature is that people can't just leave the faithful alone if they don't agree; they have to be as gargantuanly rude to them as possible, sometimes at the cost of millions of dollars.

...anyway, I don't see this thread ending any better than the other billion have. That's my two cents before the lock.

[James]

That aside, though, I know how you feel. I think the strongest evidence for a sinful nature is that people can't just leave the faithful alone if they don't agree; they have to be as gargantuanly rude to them as possible, sometimes at the cost of millions of dollars.

See this is why the arguments end so circular. You've just called people who can't leave the "faithful" alone (a group that is hardly singular in its ideology - even among Christians) "sinful" - especially shows that are only catering to a market of people who are interested in the topics they present - serious or humorous, philosophical or theological.

There is a very objective argument - that theology is not the ownership of those who believe in its attributes, but a foundation of our society and thereby as relevant and as "owned" by everyone. It is a building block in our history and quite often in the evolution of morality. There is a very strong argument shouldn't be considered "sinful" for anyone to have an opinion on its nature, religious or not - that no party should be able to dictate whose voice on theology is inappropriate. It would be deeply perverse if those feeling persecuted for speaking about their faith believe that those who speak differently of said faith should be silent. And of course, the argument applies vise versa.

But here we go - this is why religion is never a good thing. Invariably people get insulted. You clearly feel insulted by others, I feel vaguely insulted by your post. And on we go, ad infinitum. Perhaps if our faith - or lack thereof - is a personal choice, perhaps, just perhaps, we should all keep it that way and avoid expressing what is so personal in objective topics about cartoons. :)

[Style]

As a Christian myself, (and my, what a vague label that is. I find it is usually used by new school protestants and evangelicals,) I agree with James and also add that it's also a world view issue.

Your personal Religion, (and many people who explicitly self-identify ONLY under the Christian label dislike using the term religion or religious, so I mean the word as a belief system) is key in your understanding of how the world works. It shades your perceptions on many topics, to the point that people of opposing views can't understand each other when they try to "debate." Such times the opposing sides might as well be speaking Klingon to each other.

And sigh... I hate to say it, but yeah, it really is the religious side that can be more obstinate about our world view in public discourse. a couple of examples. I remember being taught in Sunday school that God was real. And how were we to know God was real? Because the Bible told us so. And how were to know the Bible was reliable? because it was the inspired Word of God. Well, my 5 year old mind sensed there was a flaw in that logic, but couldn't deduce it. My 6 year old mind did, however. It was, "If I were such a person that did not believe in God, then I would not believe the Bible were inspired by God. There for, I would not accept the Bible as evidence of God." My twelve year old mind would find the proper term for this: "Circular reasoning." A second example I encountered today while driving today. A bumper sticker on a car that read "Jesus is alive... Deal with it!" And I pondered it, and decided the only people it would really get an effective rise out of is the converted. the unconverted would shrug it off. After all, it makes a very debatable statement in a "The Sky is Blue" sort of tone. Would not a cynic, if confronted with this question, respond, "okay, prove it, and don't go to the Bible to do so, as I won't accept it until you prove your statement."

I suppose what I'm saying is that the religious like to use terms and language and arguments that seem perfectly reasonable with our little groups but seem batty to the outside world. And when they comment how batty we sound, we get offended that they think we sound batty! For that reason, maybe it is best left outside the public discourse, because we often find little common ground to discuss.

And I also hate to say it, but going out of your way to declare a show demonic is a bit like the big "t" word. You know the one I mean. It starts with a "t" and is followed by an "r" and then there's a couple of other letters and then it ends with an "l". That's a bad word to throw around on the internet, so I will not do so lightly. I'm just saying, be careful.

Hopefully I have not overstepped bounds with this post. I did not mean anything malicious by it, but if a mod thinks it's inappropriate please let me know and we can delete it.

[Tay the Cat]

Wait, can we not discuss sex now? All the topics about it have gone pretty out of control...

I don't mind if you don't like the show because you disagree with it on an issue. Yeah, it's kind of petty, but I do it too. Penn and Teller, for example, bug me when they bash environmentalists. But... come on, I don't claim they're posessed by the devil, or anything ridiculous like that. Claiming that anyone who disagrees with you on an issue is "demonic" is ridiculous.

The thing is... witches... don't exist... and even if they did, I doubt, say, Seth MacFarlane is one.

I know everyone's already said this, but POST ABOUT IT THERE. This isn't the only forum on the internet.

Hahahaha. But... making a few jokes about Christianity isn't witchcraft... that makes no sense...
Coming from someone who identifies as Christian, I have to agree with Jonn's post.

And in my own opinion, the shows making jokes about Christianity aren't bashing ALL Christians, they're bashing those who think they're holier-than-Thou.

[Mavericker]

Wait, can we not discuss sex now? All the topics about it have gone pretty out of control...

I don't mind if you don't like the show because you disagree with it on an issue. Yeah, it's kind of petty, but I do it too. Penn and Teller, for example, bug me when they bash environmentalists. But... come on, I don't claim they're posessed by the devil, or anything ridiculous like that. Claiming that anyone who disagrees with you on an issue is "demonic" is ridiculous.

The thing is... witches... don't exist... and even if they did, I doubt, say, Seth MacFarlane is one.


I know everyone's already said this, but POST ABOUT IT THERE. This isn't the only forum on the internet.

Hahahaha. But... making a few jokes about Christianity isn't witchcraft... that makes no sense...


Witchcraft DOES exist-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft

Witchcraft is evil. If something is demonic it isn't Glorifying God.Those horrific monsters you see in anime and other cartoons aren't of God. They take demonic creatures in some shows and films and make them look cute and cuddly.

Bleach. Death Note. Trinity Blood, Blood Plus, Wolf's Rain, Full Metal Alchemist, Naruto, Pokemon, etc.
In Teen Titans Trigon is Raven's father and Raven is a half-demon who fights with witchcraft.

Making jokes abot Christians, God and the Bible is disrespectful and can be dangerous. Anyone who fears God WOULDN'T and SHOULDN'T be doing that. I take the Word of God very seriously and I know what it says about that.

I'm talking about making fun of the events of the Bible.

I've seen Family Guy and I have seen how they make God and Jesus characters and make fun of them.

I meant "Bible Fight" not "Bible Game"- Bible Game is okay- Bible Fight is a sacrilegious farce and I despise it.

I'm a Christian- I hate shows like Morel Orel and Lucy Daughter of the Devil.

I never said MacFarlane was a witch- I don't know if he's Christian but a lot of the stuff he does on his shows aren't very Christian.

[Jave]

Witchcraft DOES exist-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft

Witchcraft is evil. If something is demonic it isn't Glorifying God.Those horrific monsters you see in anime and other cartoons aren't of God.

Bleach. Death Note.
In Teen Titans Trigon is Raven's father and Raven is a half-demon who fights with witchcraft.

Making jokes abot Christians, God and the Bible is disrespectful and can be dangerous. Anyone who fears God WOULDN'T and SHOULDN'T be doing that.

I'm talking about making fun of the events of the Bible.

I've seen Family Guy and I have seen how they make God and Jesus characters and make fun of them.

I meant "Bible Fight" not "Bible Game"- Bible Game is okay- Bible Fight is a sacrilegious farce and I despise it.

I'm a Christian- I hate shows like Morel Orel and Lucy Daughter of the Devil.Stuff like the devil and demons isn't restricted to Christianity. They're normally symbols that reflect the evil side of things in general. This is why it's not uncommon to see angels and demons in cartoons, as long as you don't link to a specific religion, then it's not a problem.

[Tay the Cat]

Witchcraft DOES exist-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft

Witchcraft is evil. If something is demonic it isn't Glorifying God.Those horrific monsters you see in anime and other cartoons aren't of God. They take demonic creatures in some shows and films and make them look cute and cuddly.

Bleach. Death Note. Trinity Blood, Blood Plus, Wolf's Rain, Full Metal Alchemist, Naruto, Pokemon, etc.
In Teen Titans Trigon is Raven's father and Raven is a half-demon who fights with witchcraft.

Making jokes abot Christians, God and the Bible is disrespectful and can be dangerous. Anyone who fears God WOULDN'T and SHOULDN'T be doing that. I take the Word of God very seriously and I know what it says about that.

I'm talking about making fun of the events of the Bible.

I've seen Family Guy and I have seen how they make God and Jesus characters and make fun of them.

I meant "Bible Fight" not "Bible Game"- Bible Game is okay- Bible Fight is a sacrilegious farce and I despise it.

I'm a Christian- I hate shows like Morel Orel and Lucy Daughter of the Devil.

I never said MacFarlane was a witch- I don't know if he's Christian but a lot of the stuff he does on his shows aren't very Christian.
Seth MacFarlane is a devout Catholic, so yes, he is a Christian.

Also, Moral Orel is nothing short of genius. If you can't laugh at your own beliefs once in a while, you might as well not laugh at all.

Also, there's nothing demonic about "witchcraft". Demons don't even exist, so nothing can be demonic.

Also, wtf is bad about Pokemon and FMA? The lead voice actor in the FMA dub is a devout Christian. If he saw anything wrong with the series, he wouldn't taken the role.

[Mavericker]

Seth MacFarlane is a devout Catholic, so yes, he is a Christian.

Also, Moral Orel is nothing short of genius. If you can't laugh at your own beliefs once in a while, you might as well not laugh at all.

Also, there's nothing demonic about "witchcraft". Demons don't even exist, so nothing can be demonic.

God says He will not be mocked.

I'm a Born-Again Christian-I don't agree with the things Catholics do. I don't see anything in the Bible that says CHRISTIANS are supposed to do what Catholics do.

I've seen FMA-the whole "equivalent exchange" thing involves people losing their bodies to DEMONIC gate creatures.

[Tay the Cat]

God says He will not be mocked.

I'm a Born-Again Christian-I don't agree with the things Catholics do. I don't see anything in the Bible that says CHRISTIANS are supposed to do what Catholics do.
Sorry, but you're wrong.

You're distorting what Christianity really is to fit your own agenda. I can't stand people who do this.

[Jave]

I'm a Born-Again Christian-I don't agree with the things Catholics do. I don't see anything in the Bible that says CHRISTIANS are supposed to do what Catholics do.As a Catholic, I'll ask.

What is it that Catholics do that you don't agree on?

[Mavericker]

As a Catholic, I'll ask.

What is it that Catholics do that you don't agree on?

I disagree with the other person. Li-you're wrong.

Jave I don't want to get another infraction-I am being careful what I say here.

Catholics pray to Mary and ask her for guidance.

Christians don't do that-we pray to the Father in Jesus' name. The Bible doesn't say to pray to Mary.

[Tay the Cat]

I disagree with the other person.

Catholics pray to Mary and ask her for guidance.


Except that... they don't.

I don't know of a single Catholic who does that.

[Mavericker]

Except that... they don't.

I don't know of a single Catholic who does that.

Enlighten me-what do they do?

Do they reverence her?

[Jave]

Except that... they don't.

I don't know of a single Catholic who does that.Actually, this is sort of a misconception.

We DO acknowledge Virgin Mary and they DO pray for her. We also pray to the Saints, depending on the situation. However, we also believe that the Virgin Mary and the Saints act in the name of God, so when we pray to them, we believe they listen in behalf of God, and any actions we believe are God's own will.

Mavericker, there are lots of religions out there. I can't say I agree with some traditions in certain religions, but I do believe that everybody is entitled to believe what they want and I respect that. The way you phrase your words, you make it sound rather insulting for those with an opposing view (specially how you emphasize that you're a CHRISTIAN and not a Catholic). As said earlier, try using common sense, not everybody shares your point of view.

Syaoran, praying to the Virgin Mary is VERY common among Catholics. Even if some of the Catholic people you know have never done it in your presence, there's a chance they actually do it. I wouldn't jump into conclusions so easily.

[wonderfly]

God says He will not be mocked.

I'm a Born-Again Christian-I don't agree with the things Catholics do. I don't see anything in the Bible that says CHRISTIANS are supposed to do what Catholics do.

I've seen FMA-the whole "equivalent exchange" thing involves people losing their bodies to DEMONIC gate creatures.

May I refer you back to James' comments earlier in the thread?


I'd say just use your common sense and a little candor.

No one has a problem with your faith - it's all about candor and not letting your personal ideology hijacking a thread which isn't about you or your religion.

For instance, there is a difference between saying "I hate South Park, it's the devils spawn because it mocks my faith," and saying "I find South Park hard to watch as I don't find the humour sits well with my personal belief on life." The former is unnecessarily condemning a show simply because you find it offensive (and suddenly the thread is about you) and the other is explaining that the brand of humour on certain topics in the show doesn't sit well with you (and the thread remains on the show).

I'd say it's about making sure YOUR reasons for bringing religion up are objectively relevant to the topic. The topic isn't about what is important about what YOU believe - be you Catholic, Atheist, whatever - but how you react objectively to the show.

After all, not all Christians would agree that South Park is insulting. Some will take the humour in its stride and not find the comedy at all personal. Some might not. But religion on its own is no real benchmark to a show's quality - as those who are religious don't necessarily agree on the same viewpoint.

That's the candor issue. As for common sense - well, use your noggin. I'm sure you can tell whether a post is worded in a way that is going to distract or twist the debate. If it might do that, for the greater good of the thread, perhaps refrain. Is your belief so important (be it religious or atheistic) to derail a thread? Common sense will tell you no.If it tells you yes, you will be an example of why religious debate is generally looked upon cautiously here - because it de-rails topics and causes big unnecessary arguments.


That line of thought applies towards others in this thread as well.

[Daikun]

Guys, this thread is becoming more heated with each response. Sorry, but we received complaints about it, and upon further review, it IS getting pretty bad in here, so we're going to have to close it.