I rather believe political and religious discussion is pretty mature (until you hit the point of insults, but that happenes with games discussion as well). And we can't just say "Religion and political topics are banned on VGC". That's just dumb and wrong on many levels.

Should something be done? Difficult to say. In this day and age, it would be impossible to have a site to "exclusively and only" discuss gaming content.

I'm always been pro-discussion even when criticizing video games and companies. I would defend expressing unpopular opinions and the so called "trolling" but, I have to accept that for a healthy discussion both parties need to be open. Which is the opposite of what happens with political and religious discussion. But it happens in gaming discussion too. Console wars are just like politics and religion ^.^

I really...really...dislike religion threads. Not because I'm against discussion, but because they usually end up the same way, with people forcing their viewpoints on everyone else, either with wild accusations or extreme arrogance.

I consider myself fairly religious, and have been a part of plenty of inter-faith discussions back in college or post-grad...but I can probably count on one hand the number of healthy religious discussions I've been a part of online. Anonymity and religious debates just don't mix.

Now...as far as what to do on this forum, I can't say specifically, though I'd be a proponent of having one section for it all. I hate seeing this relentless topics...but I hate censorship of opinion even more.

Dude, the internet is really toxic at any time of the year, but more so during election season. Some dude on youtube just called me a retard, mindless, liberal because I said I'm voting for Hillary. I told him, "whatever, say what you want, I don't care". That's the mentality I have to have.

It's toxic, it's disgusting the things that are being said but the world is vast, the amount of people who think so differently is amazing. True, the way that they interact is disgusting but what can you do? Tell them to stop? Take away their freedom of speech? I don't think that's an option. Just don't get involved in cancerous content.

Believe in what you want to believe in. Live life, there's so much else to do and see. Instead of being like these toxic threads, decide that you're going to contribute something to your favorite field or hobby. Improve yourself, move forward, and stuff. I know I sound like a cheesy try hard but it's the only way I can express myself.

I know it sounds counterintutive to some, but not giving these threads your attention is the best way to slow it or make it stop. Making threads and polls about them only irritates that group of people. I dunno, that's my two cents. You're too smart for this hershel, too smart. In your games I mean. LOL

Obviously we can't have a site just for games. If we had such strict rules on what we can discuss, VGChartz would die and be thrown in the trash with other forums for games.

I'm against banning, but I feel as if we should impose guidelines to prevent idiots from making threads that do nothing but hurt this website. I'm absolutely fine with someone saying they dislike god. However, if it results in a kiddy back and forth playground fight, then something should be done. 

They are very similar. Can't disagree with you on that.

I am not a huge supporter of censorship as well. However, think of it this way- you're not allowed to say many things on social media. For instance, you can't go on Twitter and tell everyone you're going to kill the president. On the other hand, you're allowed to express your dislike for the president. Limits are needed to prevent people from abusing freedom of speech. Just because we have such a right, doesn't mean:

a)They're allowed to say anything

b) Be exempt from criticism

Lmao. I'm not a genius in real life :P

Anyhow, I understand the point you're attempting to make. However, I simply thought it'd be worth putting these recent threads up to light to see if the moderators had anything to say about them. I'm worried that they will gain more attention than they currently are already receiving. If the political forums were any warning, they won't die down for a while if nothing's done about them. I usually ignore the trolls, I honestly do. In this situation though, it can't be avoided. The last thing I'd want to see is VGChartz being sabatoged with threads similar to the ones I posted in the original post.

Also, I think I have improved myself in all honesty. Ever since I stopped doing anything in the political forums, I feel as though I'm a better user of VGChartz. Ever since I stopped being a dumbass troll, I realized this website is miles ahead of youtube, instagram, etc. I'd prefer to keep this website in good condition than to see it rot. 

I think you are making a big deal of something that doesn't need to be.

People come to forums to talk. I think that if these threads don't interest you, you are not forced to click on them. You don't have to click on every new thread you see. ^^

Let people talk about what they want to talk. It is not right to dictate what people can and cannot talk about. That's not in accordance with freedom of speech. It's a big and relevant topic in today's sociery, so it's normal that it sparks interest.
Theres way more threads dedicated to gaming than religion. The proportion is insane actually. Just, don't go in there if you don't want to read it.

I don't think anyone here has a problem with people discussing religion. What I'm seeing here is that people have a problem with the derogatory threads that essentially start and end with the OP, and also with the insults. It's not right to call someone stupid or ignorant for preferring a vegan lifestyle over an omnivores diet, so I don't see how we can accept threads that call people with religious beliefs stupid or ignorant. 

I'm fine with these threads.

That's definitely true...freedom of speech doesn't imply freedom to be a jerk. 

However, realistically, the line between opinion and flaming tends to be a bit more thin with these type of threads...which is another reason they annoy the hell out of me.

Religion is inherantly based on faith, so the clashing of belief with rationale will inevitably happen. But, there are also people who genuinely care to debate and find what they can about the truth. For those, the exchange of arguments is beneficial. For me, maybe because of where i stand in the subject, i find it important to clear up the information in order for those that are undecided to be able to formulate their conclusions. Censoring has historically been a common practice of religion, wich i must disagree with. I honestly don't read all of these threads. I don't have a serious grasp on wether this really is a problem or wether this is a problem because one of the sides doesn't like to be contradicted.

Either way, the forum rules apply and the threads shouldn't be closed, but moderated. If someone doesn't want to be part of the debate, don't go in the thread. I can't think of a better way.