"Alternative" religions

[The Edifying Conscience]

I believe this religious folder was set up because there was at one time a discussion regarding celiac disease and religion that was placed in the general discussion folder and it turned ugly, very quickly. It occurs to me that this folder was not set up as a place where one might have deep, insightful discussions on world religions or a place where one states his or her beliefs and why his or her beliefs are true, etc. I'm sure there are religious forums in cyberland that might meet those desiring a religious discussion.

So instead of pointing out why whatever is bad let's bring this discussion back to how it relates to celiac disease. For example, an appropriate topic might be GF communion wafers.

I'm doing everything I can to stop my fingers from typing what they really want to type!

[ostrich]

I agree with TEC. Slightly OT discussions are OK, but this seems to step over the line. There's tons of places (online and offline) to meet people and discuss various religions. You just need to search.

Al, perhaps we need a set of posting guidelines for the Religious folder? It would also come in handy for any other flamebait discussions.
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Ostrich :>--O==={

I lie below, you float above
In the pretty white ships that I am dreaming of

[Kathie]

Gee I hope Al's ref shirt is not still at the cleaners.

I was proud of TEC for prying her fingers off the keyboard, I know how hard that must have been for her.

All I would like to point out is this, I thought this heading was established so that people could be for warned that the items involved where of a religious nature and could therefore avoid them if they so chose. We also have an off topic section where we discuss all manner of subjects that are not related to CD. For many people their religion, no matter what form it takes is a very real part of how they are able to deal with living daily with this disease.

The person who left this forum because of the religious argument (and is very much missed) is not the only person who's left this forum due to an argument, misunderstanding or hurt feelings. Many others have as well and because of discussions that had nothing to do with religion.

Personally I thought so far that although people had stated their STRONG beliefs that the conversation had not turned ugly and everyone seemed to be trying to respond in a respectful manner without trying to convert anyone. It gives me hope.
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CD by Biopsy 3/25/88

[ostrich]

Kathie, you're right. This section was created to keep religious discussions from mixing with other areas. If you don't like the religious folder you don't have to view it.

That being said, simply not viewing it doesn't make it go away. If Y decides to go on for 3 pages about how X's spiritual views suck and X doesn't ever see the thread, it still exists.

That's obviously an exaggeration, but the point is you should remain civil. If you know a part of your religion is going to offend somebody else (and doesn't really have anything to do with the topic at hand) then you simply shouldn't post it. Hence my plea to Al for posting guidelines.

FWIW I've been guilty of this in the past, which is why I try to stay away from this section. I understand that spirituality plays a huge role in people's lives, and that reaching out to people via that spirituality is crucial. Just like how we reach out to each other in the other sections on this board. I would hate to see the Religious section get locked/deleted. I think we're very lucky to have it. Most boards I've seen ban things like this outright, no matter how on topic it is.
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Ostrich :>--O==={

I lie below, you float above
In the pretty white ships that I am dreaming of

[The Edifying Conscience]

Kathie,
Your points are valid and well taken. You are absolutely correct.

It just seems to me that if I were to post my religious views with the same passion the previous poster used then things would/could be seen as ugly or judgemental. Unlike Os, I do wish religious discussions were banned from this forum except as it DIRECTLY relates to celiac disease or the gluten free diet. While religion may help some deal with the disease there are countless outlets (bible studies, church groups, etc.) for one to get spiritual help when dealing with this.

As for discussing other off-topic issues most don't have the power to exclude, hurt, irritate, start wars, etc.

As far as staying out of this darn thread, it's like a car accident...can't help but to look!

Edited to add what's in bold.

[aklap]

Oh boy...here we go again.

I hate to do it, but I think this forum is going to disappear. When it comes to religion [and politics ], the slightest comments, regardless of meaning or context can set of a firestorm. A firestorm that can have long lasting and very detrimental effects to our community. It's happened once, I won't let it happen again.

If y'all want to PM each other about this - that's fine.

Os, I think you're right. A religion policy will need to be instituted.
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[cruelshoes]

Can we please, please, please talk about abortion, capital punnishment and euthanasia before the forum disappears? If we are going to have controversy, it might as well be on several subjects at once.

Thinking of other controversies to start: GMO's, global warming, the airspeed velocity of unladen swallows........
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-Colleen
Dx 8/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
9-YO son Dx 11/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
Daughters have negative bloodwork - so far!

A woman is like a tea bag-you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. - Eleanor Roosevelt

[The Edifying Conscience]

[aklap]

Ummm yeah...sure...if you want this community to blow themselves to oblivion
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[cruelshoes]

[ostrich]

[nancw]

[aklap]

I don't have a problem with religious related questions to CD, but the threads outside of that realm always seem to turn to $&!t. It doesn't do anyone any good. *This is coming from a person who was in favor of allow this type of discussion before.*
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[CarrieF]

I'm sorry I haven't been on. I've had computer problems.

First off, Taoism is a philosophy of simplicity. An Eastern thought process categorized by "The Empty Vessel", as in what we all are. It has deep roots in humanity, humility and "human and nature". We are all one.

That is something I do want to reiterate. We are ALL one. As such we should not harm eachother with words. We are also each where we need to be in our spiritual path and I believe that we should respect eachother for our journeys.

That being said, since I am the initial person to have started this thread, I'm going to ask that Al close it. I was a newbie to the forum when I started it and apparently did not understand what the forum was and that the "oldies" had a different intention for it.

I'm sorry. I just wanted to make new friends with like interests who were also Celiacs.

Carrie
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Finally feeling GREAT!

[baldridgem]

I'm not getting into this one. I almost started a war of words over this seasons greetings on another thread