I can't remember seeing a religious thread let alone a fight break out of it.....

Freedom of religion only goes so far until it impedes on freedom of non-religion. When you hang people for opting out of religion, the line is definitely crossed and there's no way to excuse that. You can argue that such an act is not true to religion but what is religion ultimately? Religion ultimately manifests itself in what people do, regardless of what exactly God supposedly says or doesn't say or kind of says about anything. There is no consensus about what any religion definitely is, just look at the different sects of Islam or Christianity. More Christians have been killed by other Christians for not being "the right kind" of Christians and more Muslims have been killed by other Muslims for not being "the right kind" of Muslims. Sad track record really and definitely open to criticism.

Hmmm......a christian who dosent bear to be proven,tested,hated.....?

You are calling it tolerance, but it seems what you are essentially asking is for people to stop voicing opinions you disagree with or choose to be hurt by. Tolerance would mean you can accept that there are different takes on subjects, even if these are subjects you're caring a great deal about.

A wise man once said, "Racism is stupid when there are so many perfectly good reasons to hate people on an individual basis."

Thanks, all, for reading and participating.

I hope the discussion continues and moves forward.

I still believe that taking pains to create a tolerant, civilized (and, dare I say? friendly and welcoming) forum is worth a lot.

Except for the fact that it is already a tolerant, civilized forum.

The way I look at it is if people keep religion to themselves be it belief or non-belief, then there's no problem.

It's when people feel the need to preach, convert, ostracize or worse based upon those beliefs. And that goes for every religion and it goes for atheists.

Religion or lack there of isn't the problem. It never has been. It's a support system as is atheism. You still believe in something and connect with others based upon those beliefs. The problem is the people who interpret and act on those beliefs. The people who can't let other people believe what they want as there can be only "one true" way of thinking and then they attempt to impose that belief system onto others. History has shown that's typically by force.

I'm agnostic borderline Atheist. But I don't try to convert them to my way of thinking, nor do I tell them how wrong they are all the time.

If people could just believe what they believe be it Christianity, Judaism, Atheism, Islamism, whatever, without the need to force feed their ideals onto other people the world would be a hell of a lot better place globally.

Very well said. I am a christian, but am put off by the ones who push it on you. You want to discuss it I'm in, but forcing your view as the only true view makes me want to walk away. That's the biggest problem with religion of any sort, people think their way to believe is the only way to believe.

So whatever your belief just treat each other with respect and there should be no issues.

Tolerance? That seems to be the key word that is being pounced on and rightfully so. It kind of suggests that you should consider your views before posting in case they offend.

I get the impression that you're looking for respect. If I think religion is a pile of crap, then it should be ok for me to say it and not even necessarily justify my comments. What I don't think is ok is calling you a gullible wanker for your beliefs < I'm not being antagonistic, it is to reinforce my point.

Very good post but strangely enough, Christianity was taught in my school back then with 0 tolerance for other religion to the point that they were being discredited and attacked.

Just a short (to my standard..^^) message, +1 for your good intents and purpose, and my support in that right direction, all the more for being a Christian myself. Not a "religious" one from an organized, collective institution as a Church denomination, usually only minding God some by the sunday, or just to cry for help when shit happens, but a daily, Bible believing, submitting and living one, through thick and thin.. Indeed, we must all do our part in treating others with kindness and respect unconditionally. The fair (and unnegotiable) limit is at one's actions violating someone else's property / privacy, AFAIK.. Peace, GOGers.

Edit : Be careful though, we are greedy as human beings, in that line tolerance < acceptance < dominance..

Edit 2 : I think a basic rule is to be considerate of others, their situations and feelings, life challenges and inner struggles.. To that end, I won't name the thread and the people involved but not long ago I have been prey of their intolerance for being a Christian, for chosing Biblical correctness over "political corectness" bigotry / (public and social) religion, as it is their idol(s), their god(s) nonetheless..

When God is not real, does not exist anymore for a person, someone or something takes the vacant Throne.. One's ego and intellect worshipping oneself in our own independant, defining sense of right or wrong usually (original sin..) then the choice is open.. One's sexuality, body, sex or gender, or evolution, science, human reasoning, societies laws, community.. Most subtle even, one's couple, children, family, work, ministry..

Using and abusing fear / shame inducing labels to (mis)treat differing opinions and reduce, negate "the other(s)" to a (bad) word.. More often than not seeking to take advantage of everything and everyone, any way to ease (cheat) the guilt accumulating from unrepented sins, one's moral consciousness accusing wrong still sometimes, the good opportunity to get back to God indeed! People hating on Christians by their words condemning sin for that reason alone, reminding them of their own moral sense's self-deception aching.. That must stop, thus one right way for Christians is to avoid any and all debates with unbelievers, especially about political policies and of course, religion.

Christians are called as disciples, just like apostles were, to give testimony of our God's redeeming Love, by unmerited Grace and the blessing of Faith leading by example, not serve as punching bags and scapegoats for no other reason than entertaining unbelievers, even giving the stick.. To save us, Jesus Christ did it once for all for the highest purpose ever possible and with a flawless victory over the devil, sin and death, to absorb and shelter His followers from the due wrath of God!

(Matthew 10:13) "If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you."

(Mark 6:11) "And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them."

(Luke 10:11) "Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near."

Edit 3 : The Bible Revelation says God is SPIRIT and related to for our human comprehension as a PERSON, our Creator, Lawgiver and Judge, our Savior and Redeemer found in Jesus Christ, not an hollow abstract idea, not a religion which is a way to get along with people thinking alike, and prayer is our most unique and personal, intimate mean of approaching, of reaching God in faith and humility, to build our relationship with God, the most important a person can EVER have.. Resulting in a moral life glorifying God, for He made us to His image, male and female moral beings, a real good life based on the HIGHEST moral standard, the Holy Law, ie the Ten Commandments.. Amen.

I chose the word tolerance carefully, but maybe it is not the best choice. Feel free to use another.

I also am being careful about this: I am not advocating policing posts or banning users or banning certain ways of talking, etc.

I think it is worth considering that generalizing, blaming, ridiculing - these ways of expressing opinions make people feel unwelcome. These ways of interacting foster bickering, encourage getting defensive, promote counter-attacking, lead easily to insults... I suggest that we can do better.

I'm an agnostic and I approve this message.