I know I'm going to get "shot down" for raising a topic such as this, but as a new member, I am finding out that ATS is rather biased in as far as what's acceptable, and what is not. Since ALL of us "think out of the box", shouldn't we all respect each other's viewpoints and ideaologies? That's what makes us (the human race) so great. Yeah, we've got our issues and sometimes we disagree. But damn. Who in the hell made you right and me wrong? ATS (as I believe) is a site for people to discuss THEORIES. CONSPIRACY THEORIES. None of these theories have been proven! If they were, we wouldn't be discussing them on a "conspiracy" website! It would be mainstream knowledge. So, what a person may believe is neither right nor wrong. Some of our members are enormously more educated than others, so they can provide a more in-depth analogy than others. This is wonderful for all of us. We can all learn from each other when this occurs. However, as a person may know more than some, NO ONE knows everything!

Let me humbly start off by saying that I have noticed a rather disturbing trend here on ATS. It seems to me that if a person is a Christian, he/she automatically holds no merit to the discussion at hand, whatever it may be about. What is that all about? I am a Catholic. I consider myself intelligent. Granted, my grammatical skills are not the best, but I am not ignorant. I understand that some people here on ATS may have come across some bad Christians before. The law of averages says that eventually you will. Not all Christians are perfect, nor am I. However, I do not impose my beliefs on anyone else. I do not consider myself superior to anyone. Therfor, if religion is being talked about in a post, why do non-Christians feel the need to call me names, degrade me, call me a "slave" and/or disrespect my God? I have done nothing to deserve that, and frankly it's commonplace here on ATS. Again, it is what I believe. I am neither wrong nor right for my belief(s). It's mine, not yours! The same thing applies to you.

All I want to do here on ATS is have some cool, educational and MATURE discussions about these outside-the-box topics! I apologize for the raving and thank you for taking the time to see a Christian's point of view. And to anyone that I may have offended in the past, I humbly apologize. However, I will not apologize for my beliefs. Thanks.

Well as you say above the law of averages say you will come across those certain types of people in the world that love creating chaos and sadly the same applies to some here on ATS as well, you will come across those who will ridicule others for not believing what they believe even though that same person may not have an real proof for believing in what they believe in, in the first place. Not taking about anything specific here)

Some people here genuinely want what you want which is smart, intelligent, mature and thought provoking discussions about the things that interest us but some here just like to argue and throw a spanner in the works so to speak.

So just hang in there, keep looking for those great conversations and it all starts with the individual member so don’t get dragged into a shouting competition, just be the best member you can be and create the best discussion you possibly can.

Well that's what i think anyway.

This is my first post since Nov 09..................AMEN!

Originally posted by nycfrog27
All I want to do here on ATS is have some cool, educational and MATURE discussions about these outside-the-box topics! I apologize for the raving and thank you for taking the time to see a Christian's point of view. And to anyone that I may have offended in the past, I humbly apologize. However, I will not apologize for my beliefs. Thanks.

As one with a propensity for piping up, I'll make two points. The first is that when you have a bunch of posters all in complete agreement...especially on an issue deemed theoretical...that's a boring thread. The fact that you have such a diverse group on board makes these discussions entertaining and educational.

Secondly, it's quite fashionable these days, especially among the young, to slag organised religion. It's wrong to attack a poster because of their beliefs, but then again, if religion or scripture is the defining content of your post...ie "It's true because the {insert holy book here} says so"...then that becomes fair game.

But manners are always called for...

You should not be offended. This is an open market place of ideas. Hopefully what wins the day is free exchange. Thats what keeps the market open. Fruits, nuts, vegetables, meat, bread, soildfood and junk food. Depends on the particular bistro you happen upon.

I think its less to do with religion.

I think its a natural result of gathering together some extremely opinionated intelligent people in one place.

Debate does not mean stand by your thoughts no matter what.. it means look discuss something, backing down when you know you are wrong, or if something contravenes your point of view but strong evidence shows that you are wrong, then have the decency to admit that maybe you were wrong.

I'm not directing this at you personally, I’m stating what is a common experience on ATS.

I know I have very strong views on some subjects and I also know other subjects very very well, but there is always something you don't know and often something you thought you knew turns out to be wrong.

but when something is subjective, such as religion no one can be right, its totally down to the individual as to what you 'believe'

So try not to get disheartened with the trolls, and just ignore them. The most worrying thing I find on ATS is not getting peeved with other members its accidentally breaking the iron cast ATS Rules, they are sooooooo long and reads something like a legal writ, you would have to be a memory genius to follow them to the letter all the time.

Peace out,

Korg.


[edit on 19-3-2010 by Korg Trinity]

Wait, why is this on the business board?

Religion is a wonky set of beliefs that is fair game in discussions requiring evidence. You want complete respect and acknoledgment of religious texts as some sort of proof to further a discussion? too bad, this isn't sunday school.

Unquestioned religious views should be on some religious website. If your posting to ATS, expect for people to kick your pillars and shake things up...its how things are done. Sorry if it hurts your feelings, but this board isn't about everyone holding hands and praising Jesus, or Mohammed, or Budda, or Billy Meirs, or anyone else...its about uncovering truth by asking hard questions, tearing down simple beliefs, and asking thought provoking and challenging questions.

There are many of us who do not bash a person because of his or her religious beliefs. To me, as long as one lives their life with love and compassion and respect, it doesn't matter what path they are on. You have as much of a right to post and voice your opinion as anyone else.