"We?"

I don't agree with you calling me silly and boring, but respect your freedom.
I don't remember you being voted or assigned to being the "complete authority.
:)

I dont think that is fair

I think people should be able to post about what they wish including religion. If you don’t like reading about it the best thing to do would be to scroll past and ignore it. I’m not religious, but I don’t mind people expressing their views. It’s all about freedom of speech in my opinion ☺️

So, secular beliefs are not silly as proven by whom/what?

Amongs many things on this site, I like that it allows people to freely express even their beliefs - regardless whether they are scientific or religious. I do hope that it will stay that way.

And secular beliefs aren’t toxic to those with religious beliefs? Although it sounds that you have been hurt by religion and that it doesn’t work for you, it does work for millions of people around the world. The key to peace is understanding and acceptance that people don’t share the same beliefs and that is ok.

Alot of the time people wont include religion in there replies if you dont in your post.
And if someone does, just politely tell them your not religious
But it's not really fair to say what's best for others based on your experience. Some people find strength in religion.
Everyone should be free to talk about religion on there posts. But if you dont want for yours that's completely your right.

I am really so sorry that you had such negative experience of Christianity, Cham.

I had been through some bad stuff from many people, both secular and religious. Some I also have to exclude from my life - like social workers, and police. They caused me so much harm and distress by their negligence and malicious actions. Every time I see a police officer or their car, I relive the whole hell all over again. I get so distressed that I struggle to drive (if I am in my car when encountering police). So, I understand that you would wish to eliminate religion from this site just to make yourself better. I wish I could wipe out police and my trauma would be gone..

However, that is neither realistic nor right. There is a better way of overcoming our past trauma. I haven't overcome mine yet, and do wish you will find a positive way to deal with yours.

I have recently left a mental health site on which religion was banned. The owner of the site stated the same reason for not allowing religion as you have - a bad experience with religious people in the past.

I have also recently left a church where they were not able and/or willing to accept people with metnal health issue.

When I discovered this site yesterday, I read the FAQ page first if I will be harassed, or excluded for either of these on here. I hope that like in the past, it will be able to accommodate all - seculars, religious, helahty and not so healthy people who need help. xx

Not everyone lives are ruined by religion.

Your experience was negative but the whole world doesnt have your experience.

You cant make choices for others. But you can express your concerns with them

This website is a safe place to talk about hard things.

No one using religion as a weapon against others is gonna be tolerated.
This isnt a dictatorship. People are allowed to have different religious views and be welcomed here.

If religion is discussed it is because the OP is open to it.

Ehm, how about Easter bunny, or Santa, for example?!

What is a real world according to Cham? Define. Thank you.

I feel like in order to have this discussion and it mean anything you have to be willing to consider the otherside just as O am yours.
But you are only willing to see your perception.
We as a group are willingly ro accept your believes but you are not willing to meet us half way and accept ares.

At this point it almost feels like you just wanna work people up and fight.

So I'm gonna stop replying because I dont want encourage that.

I'm sorry someone hurt you but all humans are flawed. Therefore you can't force religion to be suppressed because it's what you want. If you dont eamt ro discuss religion it's very easy. Dont.

Anyway. I hope you have a good Easter.

You took the words right out of my mouth

Cham, you are in the minority. The vast majority of the world's population believes in a Supreme Being.

To exclude those with religious viewpoints would simply be exalting atheism over all other religions.

Atheism is also a religion.

If more people took the possibility of hell seriously, this would be a better world.

I think you're aiming that comment at the wrong religion buddy.

I don't see Christians brainwashing children in secret and trying to take over the world ....

Ok, let's talk about the real world then. Let's talk about physics, quantum physics, the observer effect. You know where this is going. It's been centuries since we accepted that our universe is not the Newtonian material world we thought it was. Everything is made out of and ruled by energy.
You can say you don't believe in god, and I totally respect that, but you can't be really sure what our world really is. So, let them be. As far as I'm concerned, we don't know the absolute truth so we can't deside for other people what they should, or shouldn't listen to. Everyone should be free to express their beliefs and hopefully we'll make a constructive conversation, so we can make our own opinion having ALL the information, hearing every opinion.

And what makes you any different when trying to silence opinions that are different than yours?

Isn't atheism also a belief? What makes your belief superior than others?
One thing I've learned over the years is to stop judging others and start showing what good MY beliefs have to offer. To stop talking this much and start listening. Even if I disagree. And only talk when I'm sure. You're not sure that what you suggest is true. You just believe it to be. That's a belief. And nothing makes it better than other peoples beliefs. If you feel the need to protect people from theists, you can do so by having a constructive conversation and not by making this your first post.
You can choose to be angry at them. But at the end you'll have to accept that it was your decision to listen to them.
You say that you don't hate Christians, but Christianity. So, your problem is not with those you say are trying to brainwash, but with the word of love, acceptance, forgiveness. Don't mean to be rude or anything, but if I were you I'd stop and think for a moment what others are saying to me, accept my responsibility and decide to do what makes me a better person. If for example I was confused and seeked guidance, I wouldn't listen to the angry atheist.

Hate is a big word for someone who is not angry.

This is a site for people to go to for help. Some people need help with religion, or to understand their religious beliefs. They should have the same right as anyone else to find the help they are looking for and need. Simple as that.

If I may make an observation, employment of declamatory titles as means to garner attention is diminished in necessity owing to the site's current state.
There is no torrent of anonymous posts to overcome. Anyone who had been young during the first site's prime years is an adult by now (notwithstanding, whether they may imbibe a glass of chardonnay in their lamborghini depends on residence). We have known each other long enough to get past the stage of faceless outsiders at least, if not to mutual respect.
Evidently, you have quite a firm conviction, and feel obliged to defend it; regardless, figured the above bears mentioning.
I have little interest in religious debate, so shall see you around, cham.

Faith and Belief are tricky things. For you it is irrational to believe in something that you cannot empirically quantify. To me (an extremely rational person according to my therapist) to not believe in God is irrational.
You cannot empirically prove the God does not exist, I cannot empirically prove He does.
Basically in given our personal beliefs we have to agree to disagree.

So do people deserve rational help. Absolutely 100%. For someone to get irrational help defeats the purpose of the site. But who are you to say what is rational for that person? :)

Also theology and religious belief are one in the same. I suppose the difference comes from the perspective. One could argue that theology is looking at the argument from the outside, whereas religion is looking at the argument from the inside, but that doesn't change the fact that it is the same argument.

The biggest thing, though, which just popped into my head... is that the best thing about this site, is that you don't have to answer every post that is made. You only answer the posts you want to. So, in your case if someone is asking for religious help, don't answer.

This basically means- discuss religion carefully. Do not force your religion down the throats of others, AND do not use religion as a means of insulting others, insulting because of their religion or anything of the sort.

Just as you are able to have a discussion about how you don’t like religion- others are free to have a discussion about the fact they do, as long as it doesn’t lead to attacks in either direction.

Discussing religion is a dangerous topic because of the sensitivity of it. Many people have been harmed by one religion or another. Many people have also been “saved” by it and had religion bring reason to their life.
EVEN IF there is no God, even if religion is a “cult”- it has brought happiness to very many people. It has given people a means to put effort into their lives. It has brought people into groups of friends where they would have otherwise been lonely.
I’ve been hurt by religion in the past as well- but I’ve also watched people that had given up on life and become borderline criminal transform and become honest, good people because of it.

I’m truly sorry that you had a poor experience with religion. That’s unfortunate.
We cannot shut down the ability to ask somebody for help just because somebody else had a bad experience with it.

You are welcome to share your bad experience if somebody is asking for feedback on joining a religion as long as you keep your experience neutral and non-aggressive.

I make no assumptions about your belief. And you are very much correct, that I don't own the concept of God. I never claimed that I did.
The same can be said for you though. Don't claim to know what I believe. I am a Universalist Minister. I believe that no one is wrong for believing what they believe.

As I stated, given the topic that the site should be secular, I strongly disagree. The site has never been secular, and it is my belief that it never should be. We will have to agree to disagree.

I'm beginning to think too that this post wasn't made because you want the site to be secular, but to stir the pot (as it were). @Rockster160 has seen my posts, (or will soon) and as such. Best of luck to you with your endeavours. :)

Yes, Big Al....."We"??

I would really appreciate it if you kept ME out of your WE.

I've gone through some really sticky times in the past 20 years.

Granted, I have also had some rough spots with my faith during that time.

But thanks to some wonderful people and definitely some clergy people, my relationship with MY God has withstood all of the BS that got in my way and interfered with my Faith.

In my neighborhood, there are people who are having ANY type of crosses and references to GOD removed from their places....because they are "offended"....lol....offended.

My question is...how can you be offended by something that you don't even believe in in the first place?
YOUUUUU don't believe so you have things torn down and removed so that your panties won't be in a bunch?? You pass a church and think..."Hm. That offends me!!! You break a sweat and then start contacting senators and congressmen to have it "removed"...Interesting...

See most people are uncomfortable about things that they do not UNDERSTAND....so they (like any child) will stomp their feet and whine till they get their way...and for heaven sake (lol) they won't stop till all remnants of the "uncomfy" crosses or pictures are obliterated.

Your ideas are not religious? LOL...me thinks you are confused.
Maybe "Antireligious"...but that word just weaseled its way in there didn't it?

AS I said...and I honestly believe a good portion of people agree...Leave me to my own beliefs...and I will leave you alone with yours...But when you put up a post such as this one...ready yourself for a firestorm.

YES....you most certainly ARE stirring the pot...This subject is a hot one right now allllll over the world...everybody knows that.

Well if you are being truthful...then there is no more argument, right?
How can you get into the ring to fight without knowing ANYTHING about your opponent.

Wow...lol.....just WOW.

THIS is a HELP site...to HELP other people...not one to get all into the trigger subjects (THIS ONE) with anyone. Try to HELP someone, eh??

And yes....show EVERYONE some respect...Right now I am choosing to finish my post and not say what I really want to....out of "respect" for you.

But...but out of curiosity...is the earth flat or a big blue marble to you? 😊

I do agree with most of what @SerenelyBlue stated. However, silencing people for having an opinion different than yours is not the way to go. You have to let things naturally evolve over time. Society is what depicts what is wrong or right and these change.

I think the move away from religion has been a very positive one. I personally advocate people to ask more questions and try to seek more answers. The answers they find is theirs and it will change as they grow. We just need more constructive and open minded dialogue. One should never tell people what they should believe in. People should find their own answers and it should grow naturally, i believe.

Religion does comfort people and one should respect that. People hold on to religion when they have nothing else to hold on too. Who are we to take that away from them? People live hard lives...

However, I do hope that people find the strength within themselves one day and break free from religion and find their passion, happiness, and purpose outside of religion.

Maybe what you wanna be talking about is what happened regarding religion to hurt/upset you rather then talking about how people shouldnt believe in religion and how it shouldnt exist or be tolerated on this site.

Getting help for your trauma regarding your experience= helpful, what site is for

Telling people they shouldn't have religion ot the ability to get help or discuss it when they are seeking personal guidance or help= not helpful, Not what the site is for

Isn't that funny?
A mosque? A church? A former school bus converted into a place where people can find solace with other people going through some negative situations in life?

Every Sunday...I just got back...EVERY Sunday, I walk around this town...a BIG town...state capitol and all...And I pick a place of "worship" to attend on this day.

I love to be with the people...Black, white, green, red, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim....They all have voice.
Have you EVER listened??
It is amazing what you can learn.

There IS a mosque 1 block from my home...It sits just off of the beautiful Chesapeake Bay in Maryland...I have attended, as a guest...There are also Methodist...Baptist...Roman Catholic (my own)...and even the lesser known "religions" are right here in this town...I have been to most...and enjoyed each and every one.
So in answer to your statement....if they built another mosque, I'd attend on the first opportunity I got....and THEN have some of the congregation over for tea and cookies after.

I belong to the churches of HUMANITY....all and every.

But...that is MY choice. I don't care what anyone else thinks.
This is a very rough world out here.
I do what I need to just to know PEACE...and LOVE....and HOPE for us all.

^^^^ Three cheers right there.

Also, I'm very happy to see so many old users defending religious freedom. Like Yeti said, we've known each other a long time and have a strong bond. I'm also happy about that.

I'm a Christian. I won't ever shove Christianity down anyone's throat. But I will try to live as Christ instructed: as an example of love. That is my "witness." I see many Christians who are that way. Hardly ever do I see them being aggressive in conversion attempts.

One thing to remember is that we are all human and will all mess up and give a "bad example" of our religion.... or even a bad example of what it means to be a good human.

There is Christianity and there is Churchianity. It is the latter, not the former, that hurts people.

When a person tells me that he or she is an agnostic, that is something I can accept.

But when a person tells me that he or she is an atheist, I conclude that he or she is following the religion of atheism. And, of course, it is a religion in its own right. It presupposes that there is no God. To make such a pronouncement, one would have to be a deity him- or herself--able to traverse all the dimensions of this multiverse, able to travel through time, able to pierce the darkest corners of the cosmos--but even more, that person would have to be able to exist outside of time and outside the known universe--where God would exist. You cannot KNOW there is no God unless you are on the SAME LEVEL as the deity you claim does not exist--which, of course, would require YOU to be God.

I am confused, have you changed your username/avatar?

Anyway, why do you consider praying a waste? For me prayer is the best thing I ever discovered.. And I don't pray to an 'imaginary thing'. I pray to my God who has a relationship with me; He answers back. (Yep, I have mental health issues.. but this is a different conversation)

Bible says that homosexuality is a sin, and we are to hate the sin, but we are to love the sinner. I don't see a problem with it. Some people sin by stealing, some killing, some acting as homosexual. I sin in all sorts of ways, too.

Schizophrenia can be treated in various ways. Psychiatry as of today, is not concerned with a question of human soul or an eternity. Science is not capable to consider questions of spirituality. It has no answers at all. But if there is a human soul, and eternity, and spirituality, how would this affect people's mental health? And would working on spiritual issues resolve mental health issues? I don't know all there is to know about demons, but I have prayed numerous prayers to be released from oppression and that worked for me miracles. Science hasn't helped my mental health issues in any way yet.

Why do you think religious people live in fear of hell? I don't live in fear of hell. (but I don't consider myself religious). I live in fear of myself though (which often times feels pretty hellish). And in real world I live in hell caused by people who claim to be 'normal', rational, educated, and especially health/mental health professionals.

If by a book which was written by uneducated people you mean the Bible, then I will have to disappoint you, the Bible was not written by uneducated people! Many authors of Biblical books were in their time highly educated.
(Happy to discuss this further)

Evolution vs creation. I personally don't give a monkey about this one, it makes no difference to me, but if it mattered I'd rather want to be created in an image of God who is loving, all-knowing, and all-mighty, rather than evolve from an ape who is.. well, an irrational animal.

I never used to like religion because in my life far too many people were abusing me and all I wanted was freedom from that, not more restricting rules. However, over the years I found that the freedom is following God's rules, and it brings me peace and content (most of the time - I still have anger management issues).

I don't think any verbal argument is going to make you change your mind, because you are too hurt. And healing is not brought by arguments. I wish and pray for your healing from past hurts, especially by religious people. Hope you'll find your peace, too.

Impressed with the replies:)
Feeling and facts get blurred and someone suggesting limiting free will may "feel" they mean well, but don't have that authority.
I "feel" from your posts that someone or group has used their "authority improperly. This is a place to vent that. Feeling that if "bands" were in place won't help my friend.
I respect your intentions and feelings that it would help, but it wouldn't. If you read back your replies and they're mostly respectful, they are similar to and represent a dictators point of view.

My beliefs are mine and shared only if I wish too. Please don't feed me to the Lions.
If someone in an authoritative position harms someone the law adds a stiffer sentence and separate charge for this action. So that being a true fact (in the free world) the law has similarities to your feelings without limiting freedom:)
Thank you.

Yea .. alright ...

lol..I know you're not. Rome fell anyway. Fictive advice is every where. What's reallly bugging you? If I were to guess, it would be that a close friend or someone loves religious group more then they feel they should and are frighten it may harm them. Kinda like fake news...driving me nuts!

"Do you agree?"

No, but there need to be rules prohibiting proselytizing.

Many people are helped by religion, whether you believe in it or not. If that's the help they need, they should not be sent away unaided.

Would a rule prohibiting proselytizing satisfy you? I can certainly understand preachy people would make atheists and even people who follow other religions uncomfortable.

But how would you define proselytizing?

How would I? Mine is just one opinion and I recommend some sort of consensus, but I would define proselytizing as unsolicited specifically religious advice. If a person says "I am Christian" by all means, Biblical advice is valid, but if it isn't asked for, the helper can ask about belief first, or just keep their advice appropriate for all beliefs or lack thereof.

I would also recommend not allowing "religion is a lie" type statements if a person asks for religious advice. They are divisive, corrosive, and distract from the actual problem needing assistance. I would class those statements as a type of proselytizing for atheism.

Disclosure: I'm a moderator on a religious discussion website, and we have a rule prohibiting proselytizing. It does sometimes come down to interpretation, but it is an effective way to help all users feel comfortable. Some aggressive religious people border on bullying or trolling with their preaching.

To understand anything of science and religion the two has to be merged together. Then it starts making sense. One without the other does not.

This is the whole point of the factions as well. Its meant to keep people divided and have their stupidity lead the way for conflicts.

The tools that our religious faith gives us are a part of us. To say to never invoke the name of God when trying to help someone is like telling a mechanic to take all the wrenches out of his tool box when asking him to fix your car.

Christians, Muslims and atheists can all overdo the proselytizing.

But it all comes down to this: we are all on the Road to Damascus. We will all have an encounter with God before we die. We can heed God's message to us or we can ignore it.

We are all going to receive a message, however.

Sorry you wish to place blame and hatred on a religion you clearly know nothing about.

What I gather is you were born homosexual. Then you met someone who pretended to be Christian and got into your head.

So now you have made it your job to protect others from the turmoil you endured.

Sorry to say but the vast majority of us are just fine. You on the otherhand?

Let us pray...

Not a good reply. Assumptions, how they were born and what they've done...none of your business. I'm not part of your "us". Pray for yourself and forgiveness:)

P.S. I'm not gay but if I were; again none of your business.

u might have some good points

You might know a lot about Christianity, but have you ever had a relationship with God?! That is the whole point of what (Christian) God wants from us - to have a relationship with Him / to do His will.

Ever read a book with really well written characters?

Well, I do not know about a realtionship with an entity as I wouldn't call God of the Bible that.

But God of the Bible does speak or show Himself. Just not the way you would expect - you won't hear an audible voice (well, in rare cases people do state that they do hear an audible voice presuming it to be God's voice, and these people are not mentally ill. Btw, why is mental illness straightaway associated with hearing voices/seeing things?! Not all people suffering with mental illness hear voices or see things..)

Anyway, just eneter a search 'How to have a (personal) relationship with God' into your search engine and see what will come up. I could write about it a lot, but how about, instead, you write about what you have found researching it, and how you found it to be, hm? ;)

Hopefully someday you will.

aren't you happy i supported you

i mean i supported your point of secularism i.e. no christian, muslim posts

i used to be a very popular member on help.com but for now i;m staying anonymous here

We are already there