Posted by Dinah on December 30, 2002, at 11:21:25
I guess this probably belongs on Admin, but I would suspect that there are no changes that could make the faith board viable.
As it stood before, I sometimes felt like I had to post on the faith board to defend my God, as there was some fun being had at His expense. And I felt as compelled to defend Him as I do to defend Dr. Bob, George Bush, little people, Muslims, and anyone else when I feel they are being unfairly treated.
Now I feel compelled to post sometimes to defend diversity and tolerance.
Damn OCD.
But I never post on the faith board for the sheer enjoyment of it. Would I like a board where finer theological points could be discussed in a civil yet invigorating way? I certainly would. I love theology. But I suspect this is not the place. I actually suspect there is no such place. If anyone knows of any, let me know. Wouldn't it be great if we could just compare notes on what our religions teach us without judgement for other religions? That would be so eductional. Sometimes we are insulated within our own faith from other beliefs. Of course, a lady in my church once told me that she felt lucky in comparison with me. That if she knew more facts about her religion it might lessen her faith. So perhaps I'm not in the majority in thinking that it would be interesting.
Would I like to see a place where the impact of religion, pro and con, on our lives and our illneses could be respectfully and civilly discussed? Sure, but I suspect this is not the place. Feelings run too high.
Would a relationship board that included faith be any better in this respect? I suspect not. Religion is not a topic that fits well within the civility guidelines of this site. Most religions do seem to have a, if not "my way is the only way", then at least "my way is the best way", mentality. And religious thought seems to stir up a lot of animosity among nonbelievers, who can be every bit as dogmatic as believers. I truly wish there could be a tolerant live and let live attitude, but that seems to be the minority position towards religion.
Plus, a lot of the social board deals with relationships. "Social" "Relationships" Makes sense to me.
I dunno. We've tried out various incarnations of the faith board. None have helped it grow in a vigorous manner. Is it doomed? Perhaps, perhaps not.
poster:Dinah
thread:8675
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20021128/msgs/8675.html