Posted on Feb 14, 2015
I propose that RP ban all Questions/Discussions relating directly to RELIGION. What are your thoughts?
73.6K
700
379
35
17
18
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
1
1
0
I do not believe censorship is something we should strive for, however we must all remember regardless of our belief system we need and should always be respectful towards one another. We have no real proof one religion is better than another, therefore shouldn't we keep our minds open to all possibilities? Attacking someone because they do not agree with ones perspective is out of line and childish.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
No, It needs to be discussed as openly as any racist bias or religious bigoted idea. We are fighting an enemy filled with many true believing zealots. The 1% of radicals are controlling the direction and dialogue about Islam. They should not be allowed to. I look forward and enjoy hearing the opposing voices within Islam condemning the hatred, bigotry and violence.
(1)
(0)
LTC (Join to see)
Sir, Please explain what you mean.... and I will read that article but please explain your point of view here.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
Discussion is the means we use to learn new things, and to appreciate out fellow man, in this case our fellow service members. Many people have not learned that there are things that are like discussing ones underwear. Religion and Politics, both are none of anyone's business, like ones underwear. But, that being said, I think if people want to ask about, or discuss such things, then they need to be aware of what some of the reactions are going to be. We are all adults here, so no matter what someones feeling are about a topic, we have to realize that being angry, or being hurt will not resolve the conflict. It's better to agree to disagree, and move on. So, let them have their discussion on religion, whether Jesus hit Joseph with a wiffle ball bat, or if Jehovah's witnesses are the anti-christ or if Wiccans are able to hex their commanders, is a matter of opinion.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
1
1
0
I agree. I am a Christian but I never discuss religion or politics. Everyone has their right to have an opinion but I keep mine to myself. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. The End
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I fully support that 100%. Let me know what I can do to contribute to this effort. It's been a sore topic for me for a long time.
(1)
(0)
CSM (Join to see)
CW3 Eddy Vleugels , would you still be opposed to the topic if everyone commenting kept their comments professional and respectful? I don't have too much trouble letting people believe what they want, knowing they can't influence my beliefs, as long as it is said/done in a professional and respectful manner. Having said that, I know achieving that may be unattainable.
(0)
(0)
CW3 Eddy Vleugels
CSM, I have never liked the mixing of religion with anything to do in the military, whether it was a ceremony, or in the conduct of my duties. In my view, and if I were king for a day, there would be no religion in the professional workplace. Keep it out...it's a personal thing and it should remain that way, and for that reason we cannot project any of it in the workplace. As far as this site is concerned, I don;t think we can ban religion-based topics, but I'm all for keeping it respectful.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
So, kill free speech in an area dedicated to free speech for military members and veterans is what you are proposing. I propose that if it neither picks your pocket nor breaks a bone that you put on your ADULT undergarments and deal with it in your own private space.
I vote NO to a ban on freedom of speech !!!
I vote NO to a ban on freedom of speech !!!
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Let me see if I can answer this in a little more academic way.
The laws of the land, if it weren't for religion enforcing them, we would have a lawless society. Even atheism has an order.
Depends on the persons' background and/or upbringing concerning religion, some are super touchy about religion and some are not. When mixing politics with religion, one should understand you get from the conversation with what you put in.
The problem I see here is that too many seniior NCOs are too busy with being politically correct, rather than focusing on the job at hand. Our job as NCOs at all levels is to ensure the US Army functions as it should. By dispelling religion, or capitulating to one as I am seeing, causes an Army to be dysfunctional.
All of us NCOs, retired, or not, need to ensure our military stays functional. Censoring religion is not the way. Let me state what many SFCs, 1SG and CSMs have stated and these were also stated in leadership schools. "The NCO is the 'backbone' of the US Army". Without the NCO, there would be no military that has order. The question remains is this: Is your "backbone" broken? If it is, then I would question your integrity as an NCO. A soldier without his faith, is nothing but a shell of man, or a woman.
We as NCOs of each branch of Service, needs to defend our subordinates right to their religion. The US Army's Motto is, "Army Strong" Without being strong in their faith, then how can we expect the individual soldier be "Army Strong"?
The laws of the land, if it weren't for religion enforcing them, we would have a lawless society. Even atheism has an order.
Depends on the persons' background and/or upbringing concerning religion, some are super touchy about religion and some are not. When mixing politics with religion, one should understand you get from the conversation with what you put in.
The problem I see here is that too many seniior NCOs are too busy with being politically correct, rather than focusing on the job at hand. Our job as NCOs at all levels is to ensure the US Army functions as it should. By dispelling religion, or capitulating to one as I am seeing, causes an Army to be dysfunctional.
All of us NCOs, retired, or not, need to ensure our military stays functional. Censoring religion is not the way. Let me state what many SFCs, 1SG and CSMs have stated and these were also stated in leadership schools. "The NCO is the 'backbone' of the US Army". Without the NCO, there would be no military that has order. The question remains is this: Is your "backbone" broken? If it is, then I would question your integrity as an NCO. A soldier without his faith, is nothing but a shell of man, or a woman.
We as NCOs of each branch of Service, needs to defend our subordinates right to their religion. The US Army's Motto is, "Army Strong" Without being strong in their faith, then how can we expect the individual soldier be "Army Strong"?
(1)
(0)
LTC John Wilson
I strongly agree we need to support each one of our subordinate's or superior's right to practice their faith and leave PC out of it. God Bless America.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
QTIP Quit taking it personal. Everyone should be able to say what they believe but this acronym might help
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I think no. Why would you want to ban a topic? I thought that was one of the intents of this site? People, need to realize we are all on the same team, and everybody's opinion has merit.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google