Posted by Dinah on February 3, 2006, at 11:05:26
In reply to Re: blocked for week, posted by teejay on February 3, 2006, at 7:23:38
The babble history of the Faith board and the Politics board (the two richest sources of blocks) is similar. The topics of religion and politics were causing discord on the other boards, so Dr. Bob created a separate board where those discussions could be redirected.
I think the mistake comes when people mistake the purpose of those boards for something they just aren't. Which is not to say that Dr. Bob wouldn't love to see them thriving communities. But limited in scope.
Faith is meant to discuss faith, but not really religion. Except in an educational nonreligious way. In other words, statements of conviction that one's own religion is the "right" one, and the only way to God or heaven have to be scrupulously avoided. Because they are implied statements that other religions are the "wrong" ones and that you can't get to God or heaven through them.
Politics is meant to discuss ideas and concepts, but not really politics or political personalities. Except in general and nonjudgemental ways. So that you state what you believe and why, but not really how horrible or stupid or whatever those (including public figures, and by implication those that believe the same things as said public figures) who believe other things are.
Which, admittedly, lead to limited purpose boards. But when you remember the original purpose of the boards, it makes better sense. Since the logical alternative, and one chosen by other sites, is to ban the discussion of faith or politics.
And whatever one might say about Dr. Bob, I've always admired his willingness not to ban *any* topic, no matter how R rated, controversial, or in any other way difficult, so long as the site guidelines are followed in the discussion.
poster:Dinah
thread:603925
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20060111/msgs/605867.html