This is why I don't like debating religion

[timmah]

Runa216 said:

Marucha said:

So is this an attempt at censorship? Please clarify. I don't mind criticism, but I don't feel like just because I have a different viewpoint that doesn't fit someone's template that I should be attacked out-right either. I don't attack other people for their own beliefs, in fact I completely understand and honor an athiest's POV out of my own experiences. I may not be real interested in every single criticism some people may have, but I do consider their viewpoint too as part of living.

Really honestly, I have no idea who exactly you are targetting with your message. So are you saying people shouldn't even talk about it or are you just saying people shouldn't push it? It sounds like you're trying to intimidate. If I give respect to others just as much as I expect it... if the problem here is that some random people on the internet made you feel disgruntled, then you have to consider the venue and the source. If you have no malice towards others for having opposite beliefs and totally respect it, then this thread existing is no problem for me whatsoever... it's the fact that you seem to almost hint at the desire to intimidate or suppress someone's expression and that seems in itself more than nuetral, more hostile.

What happened to just random conversation without the fear that you may be attacked for what you believe in? I don't get that thinking. I shouldn't have to suppress casual conversation just because it may open an argument... I can politely say it's my opinion and leave it there. I have no beef with anyone else who thinks differently...  but why does every discussion about religion and spirituality have to turn to an exhausting debate? Wasn't the point of your thread against debates that go no where?

Who's to say that's a bad thing?  I mean, I am all for freedom of speech and all, but I'd certainly want to censor people claiming black people are barbaric animals, or a group claiming jews are the reason for the world's shit, or that 47% of americans are leeching the system and need to be culled, or someone trying to advocate rape on women who are wearing revealing clothing, or that minorities shouldn't vote.  with freedom comes responsibility, but sometimes people are not responsible at all, and should be punished by having their rights at least regulated.  It's a sad truth, but preaching religion as a moral compass or answer to life's questions is irresponsible, and should be treated as such.  Realistically, you can't censor opinions, but you can take a stand against faulty logic and do all you can to spread truth in lieu of myth.

So while I agree Censorship is wrong, there has to be a middle ground, and heavily criticising religion's claims of truth is the best way to enforce social pressure on the less than accurate.  Terrible, I know, but it's the lesser of two evils.  Preaching religion should be dissuaded, that is unless the religious can prove their book is correct and that a divine creator designed us in his image and blah blah blah.  

Yes, let's dissuade people from the teachings of Jesus. It would be terrible if we started loving other people as much as ourselves, not killing people, not loving Money more than God (not being greedy), giving to the poor, helping our neighbor, turning the other cheek (meaning not returning an insult with another insult), caring for the sick, accepting those society casts out as undesirable, or any of the other crazy things He told us to do. What would this world be like? It just sounds awful! Why, my church might go to a 3rd world country to build another orphanage next year if that was taught! Or we might continue our program to help local families in financial distress (without even preaching to them) through offerings and a non-profit thrift store we run with volunteers, that would be terrible! God forbid, we might even FUND THAT ORPHANAGE WE BUILT!! Oh no!