[edit] the Planet, I'm outta here.

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That's one thing which deeply disappoints me about Wrong Planet, the aggressively anti-Christian forces here.

Maybe I'm blind to something when I just don't see that same kind of vigor directed at other religions. I don't know.

Funny that a place about acceptance contains within itself such militant derision of some of its citizens.
It nearly renders the whole thing farce.

And I am close to deciding it just ain't worth staying here.

Actually, know what, I'm about 3 seconds from saying [edit] the Planet, I'm outta here.
Even if it is a win for "the other side".

Well, I may not believe in god but I'm sure you'll find some people here who do, so what's the deal? I'm sure you meet people who don't believe in god all the time. Some atheists are as pushy about as evangelicals and others are not, generalizations stink. If its your criteria for a friend that you believe in god then that's fine. Just don't be surprised that it limits the playing field.

you must be hanging around the wrong forums, then. Avoid religious discussions and stop getting hurt because someone has another opinion than yours.

Also, most people here are logical. It only makes sense for the majority to disprove of Christianity.

I've seen equal if not more vitriol thrown at Muslims, as well as at most racial groups, in my time on WP. It is unfortunate that even those discussions where the subject is not debate are soon turned into pits of rancor. There are times I wonder if there are some who forget that the ability to do something does not make it a good idea to DO the thing all the same. I do hope you'll stick around; try to avoid PPR, remember that everyone has their own opinions (and that is all they are), and let one of us on the moderation team know if there is something out of line that is happening.


M.

It sure would be a shame to give up on a nice community like Wrong Planet. It's too bad that you feel that your religious beliefs are attacked. I certainly haven't read through all the forums so I can't say I've seen what you are talking about. Unfortunately, it is a fact of life that there are many things on the Internet that are going to bother you. I have chosen to follow the old dinner table rule and not talk about politics or religion since it would be rude towards your guests. I think the problem most of us have with Christianity (those who aren't followers) is that it is such an "in your face" kind of religion. I can't think of many others that actively seek out people in the manner that Christianity does. I also think the monumental ignorance displayed by TV evangelists does not help the reputation of the religion with those of us who are sceptical. You need to develop a thicker skin. How strong is your faith if the opinions of others can get you down? Also, make sure you are posting in the proper forums. The quickest way to get flamed is to bring your religion into a group who aren't interested. I certainly wouldn't go into a Republican forum and start posting about my left-wing views and not expect to get pounded.

Ironically, if you stick around long enough, you'll see ignorant, intolerant opinions expressed against just about anything, and, conversely, you'll see well-informed and tolerant expressions of opinions on anything you can think of.

This is a very big site with great variety in its membership. Some enjoy the variety, while others react differently.

During my time here, I've seen about an equal balance between pro-Christian extremists and anti-Christian extremists. That's because I've been here for years, seeing people come and go.

It's an interesting site to observe because it changes a lot as the regular posters change. I recommend coming back for a little observation now and then if you're an inquisitive observer of humanity (and I mean that in a completely neutral way).

I'd never syop posting, because I'm a Christian. I find that WP is a good community for me. It's the one place in my entire world, where I get the support and acceptance that I crave and need. It's also a good place for me to blow off steam.

I feel persecuted for the same reason, but I have ultimately decided not to stop posting, although I am probably going to take more of an "elder statesman" role these days.

I would love to be able to have a theological discussion and I consider myself an agnostic. However that is impossible because the minute anyone tries to begin such a discussion there are certain members who feel like it is imperative that they absolutely must let everyone else know that they are atheists and anyone who isn't an atheist is an idiot. This immediately derails the attempted thread into a pissing contest. These are the same kind of people it's impossible to have a political discussion with because they are more interested in listening to themselves talk than having a genuine dialogue. I think people need to realize that you will never convince another person of your point of view by insulting them. They can't listen to you after that. They are too busy planning a counter attack. The best way is to ask questions (in a non sarcastic tone) and then listen with your mouth shut. It may just be you ask a question that they can't answer and they will have to reconsider their opinion.

I have heard this mentioned before, and I have yet to take notice of it... perhaps due to my own aversion to the ppr forum... that place scares me. I went in there before and it felt like people were just so focused on driving their points home that they did not care who got hurt in the process or care to listen to where anyone else was coming from. I understand that people like that think their opinions are the right ones... I mean, if they did not believe they were correct, why would they hold that opinion? Clearly they have thought it through. But opinions are just that. They are not fact. Sadly, the people who have the most severe of opinions are usually the ones who are the most vocal about it all. I do hope you are not driven off by the overly opinionated.

I agree, it is sad that in a place of acceptance, there pops up now and then blatant intolerance. One would expect more from others... I would anyways. There is a topic that I posted in once that shocked me. I was upset by the blatant prejudice that people just seemed to shamelessly blurt out as though it were fact. The bashing of a certain group of people bothered me a lot, perhaps in part due to the fact that I am one of those people being bashed. I just do not bother to check that thread anymore. I like this site, and on the whole, the people here are nice, helpful, intelligent and tolerant. I have no intention of letting a few ignorant people get me down like that. Really, I feel sorry for them and hope that someday they will gain some kind of understanding based in reality. Besides, I have no intention of giving ignorant people any chance of influencing my life. I have stuff to do that has nothing to do with them.

I am sorry that your beliefs were not respected. People do not have to agree, but they should at least extend to you respect and understand you do have every right to your beliefs. I hope you decide to stay.

Southwestforests: you ought to know better than that. So what if some people flung some bad electrons your way? God holds you in His hand, and you are safe. Iron sharpens iron by scraping against each other. Think how sharp you'll be after another year of WP!

southwestforests

omg....I dont know much about religion and I never enter the PPR forum so I dont know whats going on there but I know that I dont judge anyone who is religious. I like You for beeing who You are and I appreciate you in the cat thread. Please stay with us, I would miss you!

I agree with the aforementioned comments about people being overly aggressive with their (often anti-Christian) views, and things turning into a pissing contest.

Remember though, the internet makes people brave. The most intolerant have probably endured BS in the real world about not believing in God, and choose to blow off steam online, where it's safe, and particularly direct it at those who they feel are deserving of it i.e. the Christians who have ridiculed them.

Except they forget that you aren't that person who ridiculed them. So what should you do? Stay away from religion topics here. If you find that someone is stalking you throughout the forums or sending you nasty PMs, complain about it to a moderator. If you are inclined to post about religious topics, find a different place: like a religion-geared forum outside of WP.

We are from all over the world. We really should be a more tolerant lot.

I've had to tell some people I'm an atheist in order to be accepted, and tell others I'm Southern Baptist.

I have been a Lutheran for 8 years.