Religious Topics in Chat

I've seen for a while now people discouraging religious topics in chat, and elsewhere a friend has posted a log in which a civil topic on religion was happening and a moderator said for no religious talk.

On another occasion, in chatter a member was informing another person who was rather misinformed on Buddhism about Buddhism, and yet that member got a bit of stick for 'forcing their religion on others.'

Now, witchcraft isn't a religion, but a lot of witchcraft and spiritual enlightenment is religious, is it not? Personally, I enjoy discussing mythology, paganism, hinduism, buddhism, etc yet the topic of religion is often discouraged by certain individuals.

If things get out of hand and an argument is caused, then fine, stop the topic. But even civil conversations and sharing of beliefs is now called to an end. As long as it is civil, I don't see the issue.

I was just wondering if anybody else has noticed this; or has thoughts on this that they would like to share.

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I agree with you Naralia. Religious topics are nice as long as it's peaceful. If everyone could keep an open mind to other religions it would work nicely. I also think it's interesting learning about others beliefs and listening to what everyone's religion is and what-not. Isn't that why were all here? To learn and share? I think it's great as long as everyone can keep a cool head about what's going on.

Blessed be.

I agree and know of what you are talking about Nara. It has become a big no no to talk religion even in a civilized manner in chatter. It makes me a bit sad. I havent noticed anyone trying to push or preach their religion which confuses me as to why its become a taboo topic. We had the same occurring not too long ago when it came to the philosophy of magic. Sure everyone has their own point of view, I personally find that interesting and love to talk about it.

Completely agree, Nara. Personally, I love when a religious topic comes into the chatter. It can be a great learning experience. I love having the opportunity to learn about someone elses beliefs and share mine as well. There's so much out there to learn. Generally, there are just a handful of people who take it too far and want to be argumentative about it- which is why it leads to a call for a new topic. If everyone would approach it with a level-head, it wouldn't be such a heated topic.

This is a site about spells and magic not religion. Though many religions utilize magic in some form, different religions with the morals and traditions they teach often cause conflicting ideas between people of different faiths. This all too often leads to controversy and arguments when discussed in the public chat on this site. Also the public chat is not a pulpit nor is it a place for religious debate.

Moderators have the ability to call for a topic change at anytime they see fit. Even if the topic is somewhat magical in nature. This could be for a number of reasons including that the topic has been exhausted, it is inappropriate, or that it is not specifically about spells or magic.

As a moderator I have seen more religious conversations turn sour then not. If I see a religious topic being discussed in the public chat I may let it continue for sometime before calling for a topic change if it remains civil. Remember you can always continue a topic that has been silenced in the public chat via the mail system. I don't advice pm because a failed pm may result in a gag. .

I can understand that, Katie. Indeed religious discussion can cause controversy and arguments, and when a argument starts to dwell the topic should be shut down. However if the topic stays civil, I don't see the harm.

Also, yes this is a site about spells and magic, but personally, I think religion is a large part of magic and witchcraft, and it would be hard to be unable to talk about religion as the topics in chat seem to find a way to steer to religion or something religion related. Voodoo would be a good example of something that is brought up often.

I understand what you are saying, anyway. I'm glad you let the topic continue as long as it remains civil.

I decided to join chat this morning. the topic about demons was being discussed. I said i do not work with demons. three other girls or women ganged up on me and was telling me all about their beliefs. i asked one girl what was hers and she said she had no religion that she just studied it all. they was telling me that i was attacking them, but at the same time they was trying to push their religion up on me telling me all about it. they even went as far as talking about the bible and how it was nothing but nonsense. I am wiccan and to me it is my own religion because of the gods and goddesses of nature. this actually hurt my feelings that the mods was letting them get away with having that discussion. finally, at the end when i was telling them goodbye the three girls kept attacking me and the mod said thats enough.

I never like proactive rules because there's no need and it just ruins the chatter. It's like saying I'm arresting you because you look like a rapist. Stop the topic if it gets out of hand. I thought a mods job was to keep the chatter in line not the people in line.

Its my duty to spread my religion. I simply want to help people by teaching them the truth. So forgive me for doing my duty. But still, I think religion should be an open topic, so long as flaming, spam, etc. is not present.

I find that depending on which chatters are present, almost no topics seem to be acceptible in Public chatter. This makes me wonder what on earth it was created for =.=