Maybe what the MODS need to to is Start a
Section for those who what to talk Politics and
a Section for those who want to talk religion.

 

Or just not talk about it like every other board. I have never been on a car site with religious or political sections just because they lead to nothing but fights. For example if anyone were to start a thread in a religious section about any religion other than Christianity I bet the Christian right would be compelled to enter the thread. Or if someone were to start a Conservative Republican thread I'm sure a Liberal Democrat is going to jump in when they had too much. By adding additional sections to talk about what we are not supposed to be talking about you would just be asking for problems and causing additional tension. The only solution is to keep religion and politics out of our conversations. When either are mentioned you ARE going to offend or upset someone. It’s been proven time and time again. Most of you guys aren't members of other forums are you?

 

well in the MANY sites i am a member of, the lounge seems to be the place for non-car related talk. Latley with the Micheal Richards thing, Boston UNiversity offering a Caucasian only scolarship, the holidays, and such, there have been a lot of heated debates, and some very good conversations have arisen. Since when you join a "club" you become a member of the "community" it is good to engage in converstaion just to see where everyone is coming from. Just becase the opinions may be different about a social issue, it is cool to know you have something in common with the members, that being the subject of the club (i.e.: HHR, Camaro, whatever)
A well rounded club will have areas for off topic posts, they also have the tools in place to keep things somewhat civil. Wether they use those tools is up to them. Some clubs have ppl that just troll looking for "debates" to start, that is going to happen. It is all in how the members deal with "debates" is what makes for a good club. SO far i am impressed with this one, and I like it here. I have gotten a lot of good info bout the HHR and have read some interesting off topic posts as well..
Also i never get offended by politics or religion. I read the topics and if i feel a need i respond. Politics and Religion are both faith based, and faith is very subjective. I am a Catholic, a christian by faith. I do not at all think that this faith is the best by far. I am a Independant, more conservitive at times, but also hate the gov sticking thier nose into our lives too much. Here i have faith that the elected officials will keep me in a lifstyle i have become accustomed to. I am in no way saiying i think the current gov is the best either. I can not quote the bible off the top of my head or the history of my religion nor the bylaws of this country and history of its government. TO me the ppl that can do that need the most help on their "Faith". Just sit back, enjoy the ride and try to be decent to others. THat is about all that seperates up from the animals, oh and the ability to drive. But one time i saw a Chimpanzee ride a bike... :)

 

But sometimes they have to jump in even when religion is not your intent. Like the Slayer thread I started when the new CD came out. I started the thread because they are the greatest band ever and was interested in who else picked it up so I could talk Slayer with some other fans. Then the Christian right feels that they have to jump in because Slayer is supposed to be Satanic or whatever. Next thing I know it's a huge religious debate when all I wanted to do is talk music. Or the recent political threads where the original poster seems to have no care for who they may offend. It kind of reminds me of when a racist person looks around to make sure no one is listening and then tells you their newest joke. They know they're not supposed to be saying it (hence the looking around) but they do it anyways and they just expect you to feel the same as them. People know the rules are no religion and politics as laid out by our Admin. but seem to not care.

 

Slayer is Satanic?? well ill be damned. I though all rock and roll had some ties to the underworld? I mean look at Keith RIchards, he has to have made a deal with the devil to live so long. But i digress, it is a 2 way street with the opinions, and has been said many times before, if you dont like it dont read it. Or come up with atleast a well informed opinion that takes into consideration the other parties involved. Like i said the ppl that can quote things with absoute athority (in thier own minds) are the most dangerous. DOnt damn someone cause they have a differing opinion, or do somthing contray to your belief/opinion. If the admin are not responsive about it, i dotn know what to tell ya. I admin my site and mod at quite a few others. I try to be as fair and equal in my dealings as possible. If i was to try to rectify this situation i would have to say (this is al my opinion) that everyone has a right to thier opinion. THe post in question seemd pretty benign untill some ppl read into the religious overtones.(OK they are pretty apparent overtones, but the core of the story can be true even without the religious oart) I recieved the same thing in a n email last year, i read it chuckled, and deleted it. It could have all be taken care of in PM with the poster and a mod. In most cases that seems to be a good way to stop it from hitting the general public and creating a multi page thread bout who said what and why.
It comes down to a maturity issue, some ppl can not talk openly about social issues maturly (not point fingers ant anyone here at all). SOme ppl on both side of the argument find great joy in starting heated debates. In the grand scheme of things it is pretty dumb. I mean all it is is bytes on a server somewhere. I highly doubt that the worlds problems will be solved with tit-for-tat agruments and debates on a web forum. JUst take it all for what it is - keystrokes of a person with opinions, feelings, and a need to share them(me included)

 

Maybe I looked at it wrong and shouldn't have flown off the deep end. I was an ass but I was pissed. I'm sure I could have phrased things a lot better but my fingers were a furry of anger at that point. Like Firewatcher said once before I turned off the filter between my brain and the keyboard. I need to overlook things like that but it's hard sometimes. I have seen so much bad sh*t done in the name of good that religion easily upsets me. Religion is my biggest hatred in life. Not just Christianity but pretty much all organized religion. I'm one of those fools that believe the world would be a much better place if there were no gods.

 

well CH you and i agree on one thing, religion (any type) when in the hands of fanatics is a bad thing. Judiasm, Christianity, Muslim, East Asain, etc have all started full blown wars over a belief. My favorite Chris Rock quote froma movie comes from Dogma (a fav of mine too) "Oh, i dont believe, i have a good idea bout it though. People DIE for beliefs, an idea is somthing you can think about and change" I have a good idea that my religion is good. It brings me comfort when i need it the most, and i have faith that i am practicing as best i can. I dont think it is 100% correct on its "beliefs", but i dont think anyone can be arrogant enough to say they are.

 

Freedom means freedom, I too did my time in the miltary to guarantee those freedoms and I am not offended by other religious groups or their beliefs. Rather than try to crush them, I will listen to see what their beliefs are , I might learn something. As for the homosexual lifestyle, why do people think that all christain religions are against it. My religion (Nazarene) teaches tolerance, a gay church member is welcome, and there are gay members of our church, we don't spend our resources trying to "change" a gay member that is their issue do deal with as they choose. Christ was perfect, me I'm just a man doing what I can do live a lifestyle in the repayment of a debt, paid in advance by the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. This is my belief, and others have other beliefs...cool by me. I will only get defensive when my tolerance of others is not reflected back, I will not apply limits and in turn will not accept limits applied by others. If we could come to a point of tolerance we could stop so much of the fighting and move towards living our lives. I try to judge people on their actions as individuals, issues of race, religion or other gruop norms are too time consuming. I learn every day from others who are different, I really don't like the thought of a society where everyone is in lockstep with the norm, a lack of variety will inevitably limit all of our abilities...Hey I have even talked to a couple of PT Cruiser owners!!! (humor injected to break the tension...) Whatever your beliefs, race creed, color etc. have a great day and thanks to everyone for making this forum a great place to hang out...

 

Some religions the cross would be offensive, Christmas is so buy me, buy me, buy me. And all do buy me.
It should be Happy Holidays and left at that.
To many types of Religion to have a Holiday every day of the Year.
Why does one cause the biggest problem. I am sick of the rush, the buy me now, the meaning should be all year around. Not just once a year.
What gives the Christians the TOP plate in all of the world of buy me!
There are other Religions that need to be seen as well, but they rec. the back burner.
Could we all just get along and leave the words Religion and Politcs out of the Threads?
Or put in the title Religion/Politcs in this thread.
If non belivers see this they should not read them.
I belive, but in my own way. But I do not like it pushed on me.

 

I'll support anyone talking about anything, with two exceptions:
1) Use correct spelling and grammar - that way I know what you're trying to say without having to read it 2-3 times.
2) Don't talk about taking away my cold beer - that's when I get offended!

- Hello from Phoenix!!!