Why are topics on religion allowed on The Escapist?

[Azeban]

I have been visiting the escapist for a long time, but do not post often. I am usually content just reading the articles, and occasionally checking the forums. I will post if I have strong enough view of something, but one topic I avoid is anything that is based on religion.
Any other forum I go to has rules against threads on politics and religion. I can understand the escapist being okay with politics, its a thread based on a large industry and politics are bound to get involved.
But religion topics? Really? They do nothing but descend into flamewars, or provoke large arguments that leaves everyone in the same position, but slightly more angry at each other. Chances are, if someone believes in a religion, a simple forum post is not going to change their minds, and vice versa is you don't believe in them.
I also believe that having topics that degenerate religion or its people is much the same as racism. Its a persons way of life and who they are,their are entire communities and even countries where they all believe in a religion, so one comment against that group of people would hurt them all.
I have nothing against any group of religious or NON religous people, I just wish that they did not fight over their views. I understand that that is next to impossible to ask of the world, but knowing that religion topics are only going to start fights, why is it allowed on the Escapist?

A religion is a choice, and topics that "degenerate" religious people are "degenerating" a choice, not something a person is stuck with, such as race or gender.

 

[Pimppeter2]

Because its a fascinating topic

 

[Skeleon]

It's an interesting topic, I don't see why it should be banned.
We had examples of serious discussions in the past.
No reason to ban an entire topic just because the threads derail more often than the typical gamer-threads.
That's what mods are for: Sorting out the bad ones, keeping the good ones.

 

[SoonerMatt]

I've noticed religion threads are a very effective way to get post/view badges. Maybe that's why they're still allowed?

 

[Ignignoct]

I have been visiting the escapist for a long time, but do not post often. I am usually content just reading the articles, and occasionally checking the forums. I will post if I have strong enough view of something, but one topic I avoid is anything that is based on religion.
Any other forum I go to has rules against threads on politics and religion. I can understand the escapist being okay with politics, its a thread based on a large industry and politics are bound to get involved.
But religion topics? Really? They do nothing but descend into flamewars, or provoke large arguments that leaves everyone in the same position, but slightly more angry at each other. Chances are, if someone believes in a religion, a simple forum post is not going to change their minds, and vice versa is you don't believe in them.
I also believe that having topics that degenerate religion or its people is much the same as racism. Its a persons way of life and who they are,their are entire communities and even countries where they all believe in a religion, so one comment against that group of people would hurt them all.
I have nothing against any group of religious or NON religous people, I just wish that they did not fight over their views. I understand that that is next to impossible to ask of the world, but knowing that religion topics are only going to start fights, why is it allowed on the Escapist?

Without the occasional caustic, post-generating content that hurts feelings and offends people, message boards die.

We can only talk about [Latest Nerd Movie] for so long.

 

[Wildrow12]

I've noticed religion threads are a very effective way to get post/view badges. Maybe that's why they're still allowed?

DING! DING! We have a winner!

That's all there is to it: talk about politics, religion, or race and you are bound to start
arguments and (more often than not) flame wars. This is turn leads to high post and view counts and thus more badges.

 

[Nargleblarg]

Because the Escapist (I'm assuming) is in America and there is free speech.

 

[Glerken]

Because the Escapist is a mature community.
Religion shouldn't be off limits, it is possible to have a rational discussion about it.
If you aren't mature enough to see perspectives on religion other than that of your own, I kindly ask you to leave. Now.

 

[MelziGurl]

Religion topics don't just flood the Escapist. Just do what I do and avoid reading the threads and you'll be just fine.

 

[Glerken]

Because the Escapist (I'm assuming) is in America and there is free speech.

It's located in America but has users from all over the world. I believe there's almost as many people from Europe as there are from America. Maybe equal, maybe more. Not completely sure.

 

[corporate_gamer]

I have nothing against any group of religious or NON religous people, I just wish that they did not fight over their views. I understand that that is next to impossible to ask of the world, but knowing that religion topics are only going to start fights, why is it allowed on the Escapist?

Freedom of Speech. Thats why we should keep relgious threads, because having a free and open dialogue may allow some crazies to come out of the closet but talking and explain our beliefs shows us the common ground.

The idea that people of different Belief systems shouldn't discuss them and should only talk to people who believe the same things as them would only create misunderstanding, division and hatred. As well as allowing the more extremist views to survive where they aren't challenged.

I'm assuming you're religious from your post. Do you discuss your religious beliefs with people who aren't in the same church as you? I think debate is key in developing your relationship with god. But often feel that any comment made that diverges from the beliefs of those around me are borderline blasphemous.

Discussions between differing views, even on a subject as divisive as religion, doesn't have to be aggressive or hurtful. So by all means ban those who take it too far, or attack others belief in a non-constructive way, but you shouldn't ban the subject itself.

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

I have been visiting the escapist for a long time, but do not post often. I am usually content just reading the articles, and occasionally checking the forums. I will post if I have strong enough view of something, but one topic I avoid is anything that is based on religion.
Any other forum I go to has rules against threads on politics and religion. I can understand the escapist being okay with politics, its a thread based on a large industry and politics are bound to get involved.
But religion topics? Really? They do nothing but descend into flamewars, or provoke large arguments that leaves everyone in the same position, but slightly more angry at each other. Chances are, if someone believes in a religion, a simple forum post is not going to change their minds, and vice versa is you don't believe in them.
I also believe that having topics that degenerate religion or its people is much the same as racism. Its a persons way of life and who they are,their are entire communities and even countries where they all believe in a religion, so one comment against that group of people would hurt them all.
I have nothing against any group of religious or NON religous people, I just wish that they did not fight over their views. I understand that that is next to impossible to ask of the world, but knowing that religion topics are only going to start fights, why is it allowed on the Escapist?

I'm sorry but this strikes me as stupid on many levels. Firstly it must be firmly asserted that a religion is an ideology, to liken being anti-religion to being a racist is simply absurd. Or if I were to humour you and your "religions are like races" theory, then you must concede that Christianity and Islam are both officially racist/intollerant organisations, as they both despise the Jews.
Secondly, it helps noone to pretend that religion isn't an oppressive, sexist, war inducing force in many parts of the world. We need to discuss it more...not less. We certainly shouldn't be so precious about how we discuss it, nothing should be beyond questioning...especially if it is illogical.

 

[Wildrow12]

I find it ironic how this topic will end up debating belief itself.

Yep.