Proselytizing (beliefs, proselytize, Satan, religions)

[Scott1]

The Forum Rules state:

19.) Proselytizing will not be tolerated. This forum is for sharing, discussing and understanding other religions and ideas, not converting others to your individual religion or beliefs.

For my own education.... do you agree it should be against the rules? (For the record: I do )

What type of behavior would you describe as proselytizing?

[Sunstone]

I think if we allowed proseltyzing, posts and threads might soon turn more proseltyzing than informative. That is, we might see an influx of people coming online to save us all, rather than to share their veiws and knowledge. So, I'd be very reluctant to change the rules on this.

[Scott1]

FYI... this thread is meant to learn about the subject... not to suggest a change of the rules... so I'd appreciate comments that deal with the subject and not about the potential effects of a rules change.

Thanks!

[Scott1]

Originally Posted by ChrisP

Allowing Proselytizing is a sure fire way for a HUGE number of arguments along the line of "I'm right" "NO! I'm right" "No you are Satan!" type arguments to begin among newer (and less tolerant members).

Agreed.

.... but am more interested in what members believe is an example of proselytizing.... what are the key factors to determine (in your mind) what crosses the line between discussion and proselytizing?

[ChrisP]

(Deleted first Message to improve Thread flow)

I agree for this rule, but for a different reason.

Allowing Proselytizing is a sure fire way for a HUGE number of arguments along the line of "I'm right" "NO! I'm right" "No you are Satan!" type arguments to begin among newer (and less tolerant members).

It's more than a good thing, it's an essential tool for the moderating team to maintain a healthy environment.

Edit: Oh well that sucks Scott... just shoot me down

Proselytizing is defined fairly well in the dictionary, but basically means any "evangelising" in my opinion.

For instance, the Hare Krishna's stopping me in the street today were "Proselytizing". Anyone performing more or less the same "Buttonhole and salesmen" technique would qualify.

[dawny0826]

I guess technically, many of us in a weak form, proselytize when we debate. When we debate, are we not trying in a way to convert others to our opinion?

proselytize (also proselytise) >verb convert from one religion, belief, or opinion to another.
-DERIVATIVES proselytizer >noun.

(Taken from my trusty Corel WordPerfect 10 dictionary.)

If this is the case, I know I'm guilty as charged.

[Sunstone]

I see proselytizing very simply as an attempt to convert someone to your beliefs. As long as you're not trying to convert someone to your beliefs, you're not proselytizing. Of course, that definition raises more questions in practice than it answers, so it's only a start.

[Scott1]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

I see proselytizing very simply as an attempt to convert someone to your beliefs. As long as you're not trying to convert someone to your beliefs, you're not proselytizing.

So without the phrase "Hey, you should convert to my faith".... it's kinda not p-tizing?

Of course, that definition raises more questions in practice than it answers, so it's only a start.

I know it's kinda a "I'll know it if I see it" kinda thing... I was just hoping for a few key factors.... because obviously, 90% of posters are not just here to "share" but believe they hold some form of "truth" or usefull information that they'd like to pass on to other members/share with the world....

Do p-tizing involve a complete dismissal of the other persons beliefs... is it normally an off-topic remark?