Posted on Feb 14, 2015
I propose that RP ban all Questions/Discussions relating directly to RELIGION. What are your thoughts?
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Religious questions/discussions have/are causing problems in RP. Most responses/comments are respectful; however, some posts are not and members are personally attacking other members.
If this issue is not dealt with expeditiously, RP stands to lose a lot of good members. We have plenty of other topics - ban all religious topics.
Edit as of 6,976 views, 1,228 votes and 491 responses/comments:
My intent with this question was to engage RP members in a discussion concerning in what I believe to be an increasing trend of unprofessional and disrespectful comments. I wanted people to arrive at the conclusion that banning a topic was not the answer, but rather doing something about the individuals making the unprofessional and/or disrespectful comments. In addition to that, I was hoping many members would not only identify the problem being individuals, but also come up with suggestions about how to deal with those individuals.
It is more than having a thick skin - we all have a military background and know what it means to be professional and respectful - it is my opinion there is no room here for members to be threatened, taunted or belittled. We can discuss any topic, agree to disagree, and verbalize our opinion or point of view without having to go there.
I realize there are already ways to report members on RP. Getting additional ideas and suggestions for improvements can never hurt, and most importantly, if we would police our own, giving down votes on unprofessional/disrespectful comments, and calling these individuals out, we can hopefully get them to change their behavior or help RP admins identify the ones who might need to take a break or be banned.
Last and certainly no the least, I am a devoted Christian, and would never support a ban on any topic. I know my question said that, but go back and read why I did it that way.
If this issue is not dealt with expeditiously, RP stands to lose a lot of good members. We have plenty of other topics - ban all religious topics.
Edit as of 6,976 views, 1,228 votes and 491 responses/comments:
My intent with this question was to engage RP members in a discussion concerning in what I believe to be an increasing trend of unprofessional and disrespectful comments. I wanted people to arrive at the conclusion that banning a topic was not the answer, but rather doing something about the individuals making the unprofessional and/or disrespectful comments. In addition to that, I was hoping many members would not only identify the problem being individuals, but also come up with suggestions about how to deal with those individuals.
It is more than having a thick skin - we all have a military background and know what it means to be professional and respectful - it is my opinion there is no room here for members to be threatened, taunted or belittled. We can discuss any topic, agree to disagree, and verbalize our opinion or point of view without having to go there.
I realize there are already ways to report members on RP. Getting additional ideas and suggestions for improvements can never hurt, and most importantly, if we would police our own, giving down votes on unprofessional/disrespectful comments, and calling these individuals out, we can hopefully get them to change their behavior or help RP admins identify the ones who might need to take a break or be banned.
Last and certainly no the least, I am a devoted Christian, and would never support a ban on any topic. I know my question said that, but go back and read why I did it that way.
Posted in these groups: 
Religion
RallyPoint
Religion RallyPoint
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 160
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IMHO, the issue would be better dealt with by enforcing civil discussion rather than by banning a topic. Any topic.
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MSG Floyd Williams
If RP can create a private chat room or forum with a special code for members to discuss sensitive topics, I believe members would be more comfortable without worrying if somebody will criticize or pull rank to intimidate. If it is possible it will be a win win situation, and no division and hate and discontent.
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GySgt Joe Strong
Agreed. Frankly, while there a lots of great and innocent people on both sides of many issues in the broader category; there are also a lot of posters whose initial question starts off the whole thread on an inflammatory note (and that's occurring in much more than just the religion threads). I'd give an example but they're so easy to find and it would essentially be calling someone out.
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CSM Jim Dula.... It doesn't matter what the topic may be, you will always have some unhappy campers. The topic can be on Religion, Race, Gender, Politics, some people will be offended about Valentine's Day, just to name a few. Somebody will be offended and get on the defensive, an individual accused me of trying to force my religion on people. He couldn't find one comment I made on a post promoting religion, getting rid of religious topics won't make or break anyone. We learn in the military to adapt and overcome, being successful isn't comfortable it is a process, struggle, and a price to achieve but some people will get offended if you give a lecture on being successful. Sure RP may lose some, but I'm more than sure new members will fill the gaps.
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I disagree... I have no issue with religious topics here... What I have an issue with is people attacking others because of their choice of religion/non-religion, or the over-zealous shoving of one's own beliefs down someone else's throat.
Here's my question: If I have a question, a deep question, about a religious topic, and need some guidance - preferably from like minded individuals, should I be banned from asking such a question?
And, if you ban religious statements/questions, should we next ban political ones because someone doesn't like a conservative or liberal point of view - which I guarantee you is more of a hot topic button than religion - though only by a few degrees?
Here's my question: If I have a question, a deep question, about a religious topic, and need some guidance - preferably from like minded individuals, should I be banned from asking such a question?
And, if you ban religious statements/questions, should we next ban political ones because someone doesn't like a conservative or liberal point of view - which I guarantee you is more of a hot topic button than religion - though only by a few degrees?
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MSG Floyd Williams
SFC Marc Wayman....If you know the person who can answer your answer my suggestion is to send him or her a message, your questions and comments will be confidential. In this cyber world there are PC gangster everywhere looking for an opportunity to stir up and cause division, they live for that moment. During my day as a child growing up, there was a name for people like that called "sour pus" always bitter and never satisfied maybe that could be their way of crying for help, I don't know just a thought.
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SFC (Join to see)
MSG Floyd Williams: I realize that there are those (modern day sour pus'es are called "trolls" now) who deliberately go out of their way to stir up problems, crap, and try to piss off or bully whoever their target de jour is at the moment. That still doesn't mean that a valid post about religion should be banned from being posted.
What I think RP needs to do, is better segregate the questions by type: Perhaps tabs at the top of the feed page - "Politics", "General Military", "Military Specific", "Religion", "Jokes/Fun", etc... Then, you can click the tab you have an interest in that day, and not have to see anything that you don't feel like viewing, such as religion... thereby, giving you a "choice"...
Just my 2¢
What I think RP needs to do, is better segregate the questions by type: Perhaps tabs at the top of the feed page - "Politics", "General Military", "Military Specific", "Religion", "Jokes/Fun", etc... Then, you can click the tab you have an interest in that day, and not have to see anything that you don't feel like viewing, such as religion... thereby, giving you a "choice"...
Just my 2¢
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