Religious Beliefs

[Tinyflame]

It helps me!

I hope I haven't offended anyone else, for any reason.
I try to keep straight and remember what people believe or don't, or find offensive or not (including 'hugs' etc), but my memory isn't what it used to be. :(

 

[cherryblossom]

I think you are going overboard PW in saying that if God is mentioned that you have a difficult time using this site.

PW is entitled to air her opinion and air her feelings. Saying that her feelings are "overboard", is very disrespectful, IMO.

That aside, I think it comes to down to the thread starter, to direct the conversation. If the thread starter feels that a thread has taken a religious turn, that was not what they were looking for, then they need to respectfully ask that the thread remain on track, and request that any further religious discussion be taken up in a new thread. Just the same as a thread that is taken off track in any other way. Yes, conversations deviate, but, if the person who started the thread is unhappy with the way the conversation is moving off track, then they need to speak out.

I understand that everyone has their own beliefs. I also know that different religious beliefs cause massive problems in the real world. Let's not have problems here. For some people here, religion is a massive trigger, for others it's a huge comfort, and there is a vast array of thoughts in between those two extremes.

We don't have any major issues here. From what I've seen, the majority of the time, religion, or non-religion is respected. Nicolette is just requesting that we keep things that way. No big deal - just a reminder to everyone.

 

[Nicolette]

There is a rumbling and hence the reason for my reminder.

I have suggested to those who find religion uncomfortable to avoid participating in those posts as you control what position you put yourself in here on the forum.

I also feel that while a person has found resolution due to their faith in God that it does not mean that everyone else must agree and not be allowed to reply with their opinion without it being smacked down due to the non religious belief.

Personally I have seen religion cause major issues and rifts in real life and would like to avoid that happening on the forum.

This post is not targeted to anyone specific... just a reminder to hopefully settle the rumbling.

 

[sisu]

I am sorry Pale Warrior - I was out of line in my statement that you were overboard. I took offense to the statement and I should not have. There was a thread yesterday that I was involved in that spoke of God - I re-read what I wrote about 10 times so far today to make sure I wasn't forcing my beliefs on others. And I don't believe I did push anything.

I do not feel well either, but that does not excuse the fact that I reacted wrongly to PW's post and for that I truly apologize. I hope you can forgive.

 

[Zef]

I may have been part of the rumbling. :)

I know people who have gained great comfort and care from religion and I know people, including myself, where religion plays a major part in their trauma. We can all exist here.

I would just ask that barring a faith-based section, that thread starters who want to post on the comfort and care they have received from religion (or those who want to post on the trauma religion may have caused) make it obvious in the thread title.

That way, some of us who may be triggered from the subject know to stay away.

I'm not saying that this should be a rule or anything, just saying it would be a polite thing to do.

Actually, I would extend that to any topic that inspires strong emotions; religion, politics, which Star Trek series was the best one, etc.

 

[The Albatross]

*Spock impressin* ummm. Interesting.

 

[The Albatross]

I find offending people is largely perspective... the receiver can be free to interpret a good willed person as being "offending". Bothersome and not easy to manage I guess.

 

[Pale Warrior]

Dear sisu,

Thank you for your second comment.

 

[bethinhfx]

I am a strong believer in God and I reply to posts using a god reference; and obviously it is up to the person whether they respond to it or not. Its not to offend but its the way I get through my life. If someone asked me not to I won't and I am not fanatic by any means. I think that has to be ok; kind of like freedom of speech but I would never push my beliefs on other people. Beth

 

[intothelight]

Like with so many things, we are all free to express our own opinions, and our own experiences, and the impact they have had on our own lives and healing. Differences are what make each of us unique and if we read with an open mind, there are many times we can learn; even if it is learning about what we may not agree with. It gives us insight into others. But whether we agree or disagree, it is of the utmost importance that we are respectful of others.

I always see the Forum as a microcosm of life and there are many "life lessons" to be learned here. For those of us who experienced force to do or to act as though we believed something, this is a safe place where we can express our views and be open to the views of others. It is OK to respectfully agree to disagree.

I will never force my viewpoint upon anyone, but I will state what I believe if it is appropriate to do so. I was silenced for so long, and I see this forum as a gift for giving us a place to have our own voice. Please be kind and tolerant towards each other, because it was abuse, hate, selfishness, and intolerance that brought so many of us here to begin with.

Just my .02.

 

[Eleanor]

Bit worried about myself here... I never mean to push my beliefs, but I'm afraid I may come off too direct sometimes? :( I know some people have had problems with religious/spiritual abuse, and honestly if I've crossed a line here it was unintentional.

Does praying for someone count as over the line, or is that ok? I am sure it is ok for a few specific people who I feel like I "know" well enough that it would be ok with them. I guess I'm specifically concerned that I may have inadvertently put off PW? Ayesha? Jen93? anybody else? My apologies if I hurt where I intended to help. I will be more mindful of this in the future.

I guess my own beliefs are so eclectic and odd that it would never occur to me that I *could* push them on anyone else. But how is someone else to know that? I'll be careful.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Ayesha?

Huh? I don't remember God or religion being brought up.

Don't sweat it Eleanor. :)