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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Free speech is free for everyone, even the highly offensive. The internet, for the moment, is an open delivery system for the good, the bad, and the ugly. And thank God for it. Just like with television, there are many channels to choose from. If you turn to a religious channel you can choose to engage or skip to ESPN. There will always be people with poor interpersonal communication skills or who are genuinely crude and cruel.
I personally enjoy the opportunity to engage in religious, political, and social topics because it makes me think about what I truly believe, and to be able to articulate that belief. That said I recognize that because the internet tends to give people the feeling they can be as rude as they want to be. Once the conversation takes a turn toward personal attacks I tend to call it out, and if it persists, then I disengage. If there are already ways to report violators then I guess the best recourse it to use them.
I personally enjoy the opportunity to engage in religious, political, and social topics because it makes me think about what I truly believe, and to be able to articulate that belief. That said I recognize that because the internet tends to give people the feeling they can be as rude as they want to be. Once the conversation takes a turn toward personal attacks I tend to call it out, and if it persists, then I disengage. If there are already ways to report violators then I guess the best recourse it to use them.
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Just another form of censorship. I do not know about your oath of office, but mine included God.
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No, I live in a free speech zone. You can choose not participate if you want.
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SFC Michael Jackson, MBA
Msgt Norman Chaney, take what elsewhere? The right to free speech. RP wasnt exist without it
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Would have to respectfully disagree. Soldiers have a right to voice concerns and share their point of view. If we ban religious discussions what subject should we ban next? Discussions on politics, same sex marriage, transgender? There will always be hot botton issues in our ranks. While I personally do not usually discuss religion or politics in an enviroent like RP I find questions in the areas stimulate discussion and solution generation. Many subjects are hot buttons for both Soldiers and Leaders. The key is RP provides individuals the ability to discuss issues and recieve feedback. If an individual cannot provide professional feedback or becomes abusive then ban them from RP do not ban the topic. Depending on the severity of their comments legal action and even UCMJ is
possible as social media can be used in these proceedings. As senior leaders we must listen to our Soldiers concerns and perceptions. That does not mean we have to agree but we can disagree in a professional and factual manner
possible as social media can be used in these proceedings. As senior leaders we must listen to our Soldiers concerns and perceptions. That does not mean we have to agree but we can disagree in a professional and factual manner
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CSM (Join to see)
CSM Mark Gerecht , thank you for providing an excellent example of how to agree to disagree. Believe it or not, we actually agree on most everything. The intent of my question was to generate interest and discussion about what is wrong - it is not the topic, but rather some individuals who cannot remain professional and respectful when posting comments. I was wanting to draw attention to that, and possibly having some ideas and suggestions about how RP could better police or respond when that happens. There have been several who identified the problem and suggested a solution, like you, and for that I'm grateful. Thanks again and I look forward to our paths crossing again in other threads.
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Proper moderation would be a better fix for disrespectful or obscene posts than banning a subject all together. No reason religion should be a taboo subject.
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I have developed a tolerance of most peoples views regardless of their religious background.
However I still have a bitter disdain for ignorance and stupidity. So I see no problem with religious slants to discussions or questions on RP.
However I still have a bitter disdain for ignorance and stupidity. So I see no problem with religious slants to discussions or questions on RP.
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CPL George Mann Jr
unfortunately ignorance breeds stupidity. We are all born ignorant but to remain ignorant is stupid. God gave us the ability to nurture a brilliance of mind,take it and run with it.
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Shall we also ban anything that could potential hurt ones feelings? Let us be grown men and discuss our beliefs in whichever, whomever, and at the end of the day, we still have your back. Semper Fi
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CPL George Mann Jr
ssgt Lucas, Your statement is wisely put. Amen to let's do it,let's get on getting and praise the Lord
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More regulations!!! I love more Government!! :)
/end sarcasm.
Don't regulate what people want to talk about. If you don't like it ignore it. I didn't fight for free speech to have someone take it away in the very group that fought for it.
/end sarcasm.
Don't regulate what people want to talk about. If you don't like it ignore it. I didn't fight for free speech to have someone take it away in the very group that fought for it.
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SGT (Join to see)
Here we go... Now it's leading to politics. With all due respect CPL. George Martin, who anyone voted for or supports is none of anybody's business.
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CPL George Mann Jr
Sgt Bodine: My comment to Sgt Proctor was our business to test his sense of humor. You appear to be one of those that would fit into CSM Dula's discussion. You would have a tendency to gush off on religion,politics or any other subject. by the way Its (Mann) George Mann and Mr to you.
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CPL George Mann Jr
SGT Proctor: you passed the sense of humor test with an A+. politics wasn't the point, I could have used any other name but where would be the humor. would your anti-tank missile reach all the way to Wv should you not have had a sense of humor?
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On the whole, I would rather dialogue with people regardless of their religious beliefs, or how they present themselves. Rally Point is a good place for this. In my book, the fewer holy wars, the better. Then there are groups that are not interested in dialogue. ISIS comes to mind. The King of Jordan recently demonstrated an effective approach for these types.
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