Posted on Feb 14, 2015
I propose that RP ban all Questions/Discussions relating directly to RELIGION. What are your thoughts?
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Religious questions/discussions have/are causing problems in RP. Most responses/comments are respectful; however, some posts are not and members are personally attacking other members.
If this issue is not dealt with expeditiously, RP stands to lose a lot of good members. We have plenty of other topics - ban all religious topics.
Edit as of 6,976 views, 1,228 votes and 491 responses/comments:
My intent with this question was to engage RP members in a discussion concerning in what I believe to be an increasing trend of unprofessional and disrespectful comments. I wanted people to arrive at the conclusion that banning a topic was not the answer, but rather doing something about the individuals making the unprofessional and/or disrespectful comments. In addition to that, I was hoping many members would not only identify the problem being individuals, but also come up with suggestions about how to deal with those individuals.
It is more than having a thick skin - we all have a military background and know what it means to be professional and respectful - it is my opinion there is no room here for members to be threatened, taunted or belittled. We can discuss any topic, agree to disagree, and verbalize our opinion or point of view without having to go there.
I realize there are already ways to report members on RP. Getting additional ideas and suggestions for improvements can never hurt, and most importantly, if we would police our own, giving down votes on unprofessional/disrespectful comments, and calling these individuals out, we can hopefully get them to change their behavior or help RP admins identify the ones who might need to take a break or be banned.
Last and certainly no the least, I am a devoted Christian, and would never support a ban on any topic. I know my question said that, but go back and read why I did it that way.
If this issue is not dealt with expeditiously, RP stands to lose a lot of good members. We have plenty of other topics - ban all religious topics.
Edit as of 6,976 views, 1,228 votes and 491 responses/comments:
My intent with this question was to engage RP members in a discussion concerning in what I believe to be an increasing trend of unprofessional and disrespectful comments. I wanted people to arrive at the conclusion that banning a topic was not the answer, but rather doing something about the individuals making the unprofessional and/or disrespectful comments. In addition to that, I was hoping many members would not only identify the problem being individuals, but also come up with suggestions about how to deal with those individuals.
It is more than having a thick skin - we all have a military background and know what it means to be professional and respectful - it is my opinion there is no room here for members to be threatened, taunted or belittled. We can discuss any topic, agree to disagree, and verbalize our opinion or point of view without having to go there.
I realize there are already ways to report members on RP. Getting additional ideas and suggestions for improvements can never hurt, and most importantly, if we would police our own, giving down votes on unprofessional/disrespectful comments, and calling these individuals out, we can hopefully get them to change their behavior or help RP admins identify the ones who might need to take a break or be banned.
Last and certainly no the least, I am a devoted Christian, and would never support a ban on any topic. I know my question said that, but go back and read why I did it that way.
Posted in these groups: 
Religion
RallyPoint
Religion RallyPoint
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 158
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Can't support broad censorship.
edit below:
I don't usually give down votes, however; where I do I need to make the reason known to a candid audience.
I don't see your suggestion adding anything to RP as a culture. It is going to be very counter intuitive to censor certain topics. Religious topics can be replied... or not. People do not have to participate. If you are asking RP to ban that type of discussion, I see it akin to asking our members of the Chaplaincy Corps to not participate here. That action would serve to disenfranchise those particular service members. This message is the disagreement. The down vote was stark... non concur and nonsupport of the idea and the post. Please reevaluate.
edit below:
I don't usually give down votes, however; where I do I need to make the reason known to a candid audience.
I don't see your suggestion adding anything to RP as a culture. It is going to be very counter intuitive to censor certain topics. Religious topics can be replied... or not. People do not have to participate. If you are asking RP to ban that type of discussion, I see it akin to asking our members of the Chaplaincy Corps to not participate here. That action would serve to disenfranchise those particular service members. This message is the disagreement. The down vote was stark... non concur and nonsupport of the idea and the post. Please reevaluate.
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Nah... let'em talk about whatever they want. I get just as excited/irritated about cars and some weapons systems. Restricting an issue in RP won't stop folks from chatting. I think we all have think enough skins to know the "sticks and stones" in social media are as harmless as the "words".
I really don't think someone that enjoys RP will run away from religious discussions. Most will just "ho-hum" and continue scrolling to see what other issues are out here to share. I am glad someone suggested it so it can be considered, but personally, I see it as a non-issue for this particular network.
I really don't think someone that enjoys RP will run away from religious discussions. Most will just "ho-hum" and continue scrolling to see what other issues are out here to share. I am glad someone suggested it so it can be considered, but personally, I see it as a non-issue for this particular network.
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I believe that some on RP want to just create arguments and stir things up just in the name of religion, but to ban it just walks all over our freedom of speech, freedom of religion, etc. Better just to ignore the fanatics, go thumbs down, and forget them, than to get drawn into useless arguments, discussions or to start banning people's rights.
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SP5 Tom Carlson
Maybe we should ban people that can't hold a respectful conversation concerning religion..
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SFC Collin McMillion
That's the problem with our laws, we have these one liners like "freedom of speach", where ignorant people believe that means they can just use it to create problems, not dicussions and resolutions.
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I adamantly object. As long as you're not being DISRESPECTFUL towards anyone's personal, political, or religious views, why not? Maybe it's time to a few ignoranuses here on RP to learn how to respect and 'agree to disagree', and why not here?
Personally I'm a Christian faithful servant, but I will NEVER press my views onto others. I will profess my faith in love and kindness and will 'turn the other cheek' if offend someone.
No disrespect, CSM, but I'm a bit disappointed by this question :-(
Personally I'm a Christian faithful servant, but I will NEVER press my views onto others. I will profess my faith in love and kindness and will 'turn the other cheek' if offend someone.
No disrespect, CSM, but I'm a bit disappointed by this question :-(
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PO1 (Join to see)
CSM (Join to see), but you specifically implied in your original post for RP to ban all questions relating to religion. That's where I believe the problem lies. It's like dropping an atomic bomb on the entire Middle East due to strong ISIS and other extremist presence. Definitely not the best way to solve the issue.
PS: Good, challenging question nevertheless, but you know that you have an option of rephrasing it to make it less 'extreme measures' based? God bless!
PS: Good, challenging question nevertheless, but you know that you have an option of rephrasing it to make it less 'extreme measures' based? God bless!
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CSM (Join to see)
I understand I could have done a better job with my question PO1 (Join to see) and avoided a lot of heat rounds thrown my way in hindsight, but I thought going back and changing it after so many people responded would only give those with the worst anger issues and best typing skills more ammunition. I also found it interesting seeing who has been able to actually identify the real problem and offer a solution, rather than throw the obvious out.
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PO1 (Join to see)
You can still change it, no problem, CSM (Join to see) . Just re-articulate it based on what you posted, what others posted, and how you'd like to consider re-questioning it. You'll definitely earn some 'respect' points and won't offend many who represent their religion in a fair, impartial, and respectful manner. Don't worry about angry people launching ammunition against you, because there's far and few of those.
I had to do the same on the topic of questioning about re-instating DADT policy, which went abysmal at first. Look it up and good luck!
I had to do the same on the topic of questioning about re-instating DADT policy, which went abysmal at first. Look it up and good luck!
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I would rather we carry out our conversations with a bit more respect for the opinions of others. i may not agree with a comment,but that should'nt give me a right to belittle anyone for their thoughts. although I am a pastor, I would like to hear the comments of all,as long as they are as respectful as i am in return.
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CSM (Join to see)
Thank you Sgt Stephen Browning for your comment! That is EXACTLY what I was trying to draw out of the question! I want people to be respectful of others, and if they can't, ban the individuals but don't ban a topic.
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Sgt Stephen Browning
we were all taught to use our military bearing to guide our professional conversations,we should all still be able to express our thought without loosing such a central part of our training in deportment.
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I think banning any topics would be worse for RallyPoint. We, the members, must remember that this is a professional networking site. While it's okay to disagree with someone says, you can do so without disrespecting the person.
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CSM (Join to see)
I agree SGT Ben Keen . Then the question is what to do with the individuals who won't be respectful and won't stop. I know there is a system to flag and report each occurrence; however, that process does not seem to be very effective right now.
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SGT Ben Keen
CSM (Join to see) if you have an issue with a particular user of this site, you can also seek out those of us with stars; we are user admins and we can address the issue. Plus the RP staff takes all the feedback to heart and takes the actions required. We are all here trying to make RallyPoint into what was envisioned...a professional site where we can come together as Service Members past and present to share our thoughts and ideas.
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CSM Dula I agree and disagree. There's two subjects where everyone is right and wrong at the same time and it seems there can never be an amicable agreement reached. And those subjects are Politics and Religion.
But on the other hand I feel people should be able to discuss whatever topic(s) are close to their heart in any forum without censorship. It's part of our first amendment right.
But on the other hand I feel people should be able to discuss whatever topic(s) are close to their heart in any forum without censorship. It's part of our first amendment right.
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CSM (Join to see)
I agree SSG (Join to see) , as long as no one is threatening, taunting or being disrespectful. I'd rather see individuals banned than topics.
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CSM Dula, My suggestion to everyone is that if you see a sign above a door and if you don't like that sign, don't turn the door knob and then enter. It is too easy. Nowadays, too many people including service members find something they don't like and they want to kill the entire program for everyone else. That is basic liberal 101 - taking it from everyone when a few people get their feelings hurt.
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Sgt Stephen Browning
i enjoy conversations that i may not agree with,that is how i learn to see more than just one view point.it seems to me that to try to silence the dissenting voices would silence all of the interesting conversation.i agree with SSG William Martin, if a conversation offends you don't join it.
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I think that is taking it a bit far. There is a difference between discussing beliefs and service, and starting a political/social flame war based on someones personal beliefs. If any post is directly offensive, it should be removed. If a post is started simply to troll/start a flame war, it should be removed and the author should be warned/banned accordingly.
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The format of RP needs to be changed so that we can identify and engage on the topics of importance and put the yelling matches somewhere else.
Settled or repeated discussions should be combined thus limiting the many different discussions on the same topic.
Settled or repeated discussions should be combined thus limiting the many different discussions on the same topic.
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