I feel an explanation is necessary

**Mouzafphaerre** · 03-23-2009, 06:30

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When I started the thread about the Pope condoning condoms I did not intend to attack the institution or the dogmas of the Catholic Church, or incite others to do that. I wanted the man's words, mindset and its possible outcomes to be discussed. I deliberately used the Pope's human name, although I'm aware that practically it won't make much difference.

If the thread is reopened, this post would better be merged in...
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**Meneldil** · 03-23-2009, 15:23

The man's words are dictated by religious dogma, so I guess in that case, it doesn't really make any difference.

When someone becomes Pope, he's Pope. His ideas and opinions, when expressed publicaly, are to be taken as the Church's ideas and opinions. The Pope is a public figure, the representative of the Catholic Church.

**Philippus Flavius Homovallumus** · 03-23-2009, 15:25

I don't think it was your fault Mouz, though your title might have been better chosen. The Pope did condemn more than just condoms (To be fair, the Pope condemns a lot of things.)

**rasoforos** · 03-23-2009, 15:41

I feel like this thread will devolve into the same sort of endless argument even though it is meant to be a posted statement.

Unfortunately every time a religious topic is created people will come to claim it is bashing their religion in order to drown opposing arguments.

On the other hand, making sure you do not pi$$ on anyone's tea is a very difficult task when discussing religion so we often end up hurting people's feelings with our posts.

I think that even the mods are a bit confused at the moment.

Your statement is noted and I think it is very fair and if you want my 2 cents I believe you did very well to quote his human name and not involve the church or a god.

**Banquo's Ghost** · 03-23-2009, 16:40

Originally Posted by rasoforos

I feel like this thread will devolve into the same sort of endless argument even though it is meant to be a posted statement.

Unfortunately every time a religious topic is created people will come to claim it is bashing their religion in order to drown opposing arguments.

On the other hand, making sure you do not pi$$ on anyone's tea is a very difficult task when discussing religion so we often end up hurting people's feelings with our posts.

I think that even the mods are a bit confused at the moment.

Your statement is noted and I think it is very fair and if you want my 2 cents I believe you did very well to quote his human name and not involve the church or a god.

No blame attaches to Mouza's original post and the early discussion was well conducted and constructive.

I may well be confused (this is a permanent state of affairs according to my wife) but on one thing I am crystalline in my clarity: treating others with respect is the cornerstone of this Backroom and its future.

Religious topics have been, and are, discussed in this forum to great interest and with mutual understanding. All it takes is to respect one's opponent and their viewpoint, however misguided it may seem to your world view. There are plenty of examples where members disagree but do so in a learned, constructive and respectful manner.

There is absolutely no need to make generalisations, barbed commentaries, or be downright insulting just because one has a diametrically opposed world view. People with religious faith genuinely hold that faith to be sacred and are not unthinking because of that belief. People with no faith can develop very genuine moral systems and are not unethical just because they don't have a supernatural guide.

All sides can learn a great deal if they just get past the baiting and trolling and listen. I long ago lost my faith, but find some of the theological discussions held here illuminating to my own ethical philosophy. When one knows a subject is very sensitive to others in one's community, good manners dictates that one behaves with care and understanding.

That's all we ask for: good manners in all things, be it religion or octosquids.

Thank you kindly.

**Hosakawa Tito** · 03-23-2009, 16:56

Unfortunately every time a religious topic is created people will come to claim it is bashing their religion in order to drown opposing arguments.

On the other hand, making sure you do not pi$$ on anyone's tea is a very difficult task when discussing religion so we often end up hurting people's feelings with our posts.

Actually, posting an opposing view point or critique absent the venom/malice/condescension isn't that difficult. Using a little forethought and less incendiary/implied insult wording *absence of malicious intent* goes a long way. Example: substituting stupid with misguided when describing someone's idea/belief etc... takes disrespect out of the dialog.

**Fragony** · 03-23-2009, 17:16

Way to give the poor guy he is doing something wrong chapeau

**Samurai Waki** · 03-23-2009, 22:02

Originally Posted by Hosakawa Tito

Actually, posting an opposing view point or critique absent the venom/malice/condescension isn't that difficult. Using a little forethought and less incendiary/implied insult wording *absence of malicious intent* goes a long way. Example: substituting stupid with misguided when describing someone's idea/belief etc... takes disrespect out of the dialog.

Very true, although even using a term such as misguided might offend someone. When it comes to religion, there has to be mutual understanding of one-another before any dialogue is even uttered, or the conversation is likely to descend into name calling.