Why "Religious Forums" is such a good place

[stvdv]

Why "Religious Forums" is such a good place:

I came to RF because my Master said "it's good to learn about other Belief Systems/cultures, because then you understand, and you won't judge as quick".
This really makes sense to me, and it did work this way for me. All Belief Systems [incl. humanism/atheism/... have good values in them, I can learn from.
Best Rule RF has is IMHO "Do not proselytize" [had to google it's meaning, and this definition made my day]

First coming here, I had no clue there were hundreds of different religions and denominations. So I had to google in the beginning almost every persons Belief System, because it seems all members had a different view. What struck me with Google was that Google showed only very nice and positive definitions of the specific Belief Systems [or I coincidentally selected the positive one every time; like 50 times in a row].

Reading the positive definition, recognizing their nice values every time I thought "Yes that makes sense, very nice religion/denomination". Gave a good feeling.

It works for me to believe "Its not a one size fits all when it comes to faith". Realizing this makes it easier to not judge. Thanks RF + all of you helping me reach my goal. I also get the feeling now that there is not 1 universal truth on earth.

My Goal here: Practice non-judging others' Belief Systems/Feelings; that way killing the "monkey mind" and get a clear spiritual view.

My personal journey in "bird's eye view":
I was born Christian, and at age 10 I told my mother "It feels not good that you judge others' religions. And if Jesus is on earth, I'll go and see Him. Lateron I loved non-violence as I learned from Buddhism. Few years later I read Koran, Bible, Bhagavad Gita while travelling around the world. Few years later I went to India, met my Master and there ended my search.

Now I just need practice, to unlearn bad habits/mind. I believe when "dirt" is out, truth will reveil itself. No need to search; it's hidden inside behind all "funny" mental webs that slowly solve now.

I visited recently a few times Bahai meetings in Holland. I read The Book of Bahau'llah. And recognized many teaching I learned in India. Especially embracing other religions and Belief Systems. I read in Bahau'llah's book we should not judge other Religions [same as my Master told me], which I like very much and didn't find much in the big Religions sofar. Now on RF I see that some, for me new Religions, also embrace this idea.

I met Mother Meera [Indian Saint], and She also teaches "World Peace is only possible if the Religious people stop judging others' Religion".
I met Mother Amma, another Indian Saint I had good experience with. Called Divine Hugging Mother.
Nice to see that my "words to my mother" has been woven throughout my whole life. I do not believe in coincidence any more.

That was in short my main story.

 

[Augustus]

RF also gives me ideas for things I would like to go and learn more about, and discussing things often gives me the motivation to learn more, and helps me to understand/remember things I have learnt.

 

[Sunstone]

Confession time, I see. Well, you might suspect, I first came here because I mistook RF for a porn site specializing in quality inflatable Balinese donkey-on-donkey action, which in my opinion is by far the most sublimely "inspiring" porn known to humanity, and besides which, is near universally recognized as capable of inducing ecstasy in all but the most jaded porn aficionados.

I was all too soon roundly disabused of my notion.

But despite my dreams of bliss prematurely shattered, I nevertheless stayed because I enjoyed having something to do during otherwise idle times. Seriously, that was it: I was for quite some time here purely for diversion.

However, after a long while of that, I began taking the site seriously and got into learning things -- mainly by bouncing my ideas off some trusted people on the site.

Also --- I shamelessly admit this rather self-centered reason -- I was attracted to having an outlet where I could post carefully worded, nearly inscrutable screeds for no real reason other than to simply "hear myself talk" (Despite any appearances to the contrary, I long, long ago gave up any expectation of teaching anyone anything of value to them, much less actually persuading others to adopt my admittedly insufferable views). You see, I love to write!

And I love to learn! But I so often learn best in an interactive environment where my ideas are thoughtfully challenged, qualified, or reinforced by people I trust to know what they're talking about. That means you, @SalixIncendium, @Augustus, @Vouthon, @Polymath257, @Vinayaka, @sayak83, @ADigitalArtist, @Terese, @Jayhawker Soule, @Debater Slayer, @David1967, and some other very trusted folks. I've named so many to give you a hint at how many there really are -- RF has become special to me largely because of the people here. If you all left tomorrow, I'd probably leave too.

 

[metis]

On the religious forums I've been on, RF is the best imo, and over the years I've learned a lot. Now the only question is, at my age, can I remember them?

 

[Terese]

3 years ago I came here to learn more about my belief system, and later on I had become fascinated by all the different people here and their different beliefs. I am glad to have found this place

 

[WalterTrull]

I don't do polls! "disabuse" I love it! That's why I'm here.

 

[It Aint Necessarily So]

My answer isn't about posting in forums in general, but about why I like posting in this one best, which topic the title of the thread suggests.

It's the culture. It's the friendliest and most intelligent collection of people I've encountered in a venue of this type.

I also like the software, and the formatting and editing options it offers.

 

[Debater Slayer]

[...] and later on I had become fascinated by all the different people here [...]

Thank you for the kind words about all three of my personalities! I'm sure DS agrees with me that you're being kind.

 

[Terese]

Thank you for the kind words about all three of my personalities! I'm sure DS agrees with me that you're being kind.

Yes, you too DS

 

[ADigitalArtist]

Years ago, like many young atheists in their 'angry atheist' stage, I mainly came here to berate Christians and knock down straw versions of their beliefs. But I did it with a feigned air of progressive, logical thinking and concern. When I got here and spent some honest time reflecting I concluded two things:
One, that the vast majority of theists or indeed Christians I was berating didn't actually have the beliefs I was attacking.
Two, that arguing with those that did have extreme beliefs only seemed to entrench them further. And I learned much more, had more positive exchanges, and saw more real progress when I just talked to moderates. Discussed, not debated, and dispensed with the 'more logical than thou.'

These days my interest in learning about religions, while still academic, is much more honest. And RF is the best site I've ever known for getting a myriad of beliefs from the horses mouth, so to speak.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I like RF because its the only forum so far that has a round of different people from different religions and worldviews. Iearned some Hindu views, more accurate Pagan views, that christians really believe on views Id highly call immoral (in person, its hard to get the 'real self' out'. I can express myself and its a positive environment.

Its also nice to see peoples mental health has changed a bit about that persons self. Another found her religion comfortably. Seeing transformations are one of the best reasons to stick around.

 

[David T]

RF lacks prosody which makes it easier for me to understand people. A bit like someone who is autistic but I am not autistic. I am The other end of the spectrum synesthesisia.

In personal conversation it's very easy for me to like people i am sociable and in doing so I have a harder time understanding people. To much of people and I start to dysfunction.

I also am a bit more nature oriented to keep ballance, and so I spend a lot of time out in wilderness away from people as well.

My view is really from outside civilization but not separate and this place is an easier way for me to understand that and work on how I articulate that view. It's Not unlike art I have discovered. Music has become my default form of expression simply because writing can be too descriptive and is much younger than music.

 

[David T]

Years ago, like many young atheists in their 'angry atheist' stage, I mainly came here to berate Christians and knock down straw versions of their beliefs. But I did it with a feigned air of progressive, logical thinking and concern. When I got here and spent some honest time reflecting I concluded two things:
One, that the vast majority of theists or indeed Christians I was berating didn't actually have the beliefs I was attacking.
Two, that arguing with those that did have extreme beliefs only seemed to entrench them further. And I learned much more, had more positive exchanges, and saw more real progress when I just talked to moderates. Discussed, not debated, and dispensed with the 'more logical than thou.'

These days my interest in learning about religions, while still academic, is much more honest. And RF is the best site I've ever known for getting a myriad of beliefs from the horses mouth, so to speak.

Nice post.... Imagine an esoteric text say written by Bob Dylan. After 2,000 years of accedemic dissection rethinking writing books and a long history of "experts" exactly how screwy might it get? That's modernity!!! Never assume that religion understands the topic, understand its quite the opposite. Simple atheism makes a fatal mistake right there.
I say if you are really unlucky with enough time out in the wilderness you will discover the ancients actually were talking about and directly from Nature. Not scientifically, nor religiously as we understand nature religiously, or scientifically today.

 

[savagewind]

I think this is a good question that I have been thinking about, but I do not see my reason there so I might think of making up another reason.

I like people, but not too much of them. Here, I can get as much or as little of people as I think is best.

I especially like the moderation here. I believe it is fair, fair, fair. Very fair. See? I am still here. I have no animosity toward anyone, not here, there, or in the real life. I think that the people of this place recognize that and for that, I would bless them, but the lesser (me) is blessed by the greater (all you guys) so you will have to do with my asking The God to bless you all.

I love you!~ That squiggly line is proof of God because I didn't do that.

 

[stvdv]

Thank you @savagewind: Finally we have the proof God exists. What will happen now with the "Strong Atheists"? My guess "Strong Theists".

Good to hear from quite a few:"This is the best forum you have seen". It's my second forum in my life [first was on narcissism victims]. That was a good forum also, but I missed spirituality. This I like so much better. Can't compare with other religious forums, but I believe you on your word [and of course my feeling]. Lucky me finding "the best forum" without trying others.

Writing on this forum really helps me to get in touch with my feelings. I used to be scared for people getting mad at me when saying something they don't like. But slowly I learn to express myself more freely and those fears subside. This is a strange fear. I didn't feel it when I was around 25. So it must have been a suppressed fear coming out when I was older. Human mind/emotions is very complex, but also very interesting.

It's very educational for me to observe myself while I write, reply, read the posts. I discover things in myself I was not even aware of. It's much easier to watch myself in this virtual realm than in real life [here I am more in "slow motion"]. And what I learn here I see myself practicing in real life later. So RF "works for me" and is a good thing.

I want to thank you all for making this RF so wonderful and eductional

Love, Peace and Blessing to us All

 

[Trailblazer]

Why "Religious Forums" is such a good place:

I came to RF because my Master said "it's good to learn about other Belief Systems/cultures, because then you understand, and you won't judge as quick".
This really makes sense to me, and it did work this way for me. All Belief Systems [incl. humanism/atheism/... have good values in them, I can learn from.
Best Rule RF has is IMHO "Do not proselytize" [had to google it's meaning, and this definition made my day]

First coming here, I had no clue there were hundreds of different religions and denominations. So I had to google in the beginning almost every persons Belief System, because it seems all members had a different view. What struck me with Google was that Google showed only very nice and positive definitions of the specific Belief Systems [or I coincidentally selected the positive one every time; like 50 times in a row].

Reading the positive definition, recognizing their nice values every time I thought "Yes that makes sense, very nice religion/denomination". Gave a good feeling.

It works for me to believe "Its not a one size fits all when it comes to faith". Realizing this makes it easier to not judge. Thanks RF + all of you helping me reach my goal. I also get the feeling now that there is not 1 universal truth on earth.

My Goal here: Practice non-judging others' Belief Systems/Feelings; that way killing the "monkey mind" and get a clear spiritual view.

My personal journey in "bird's eye view":
I was born Christian, and at age 10 I told my mother "It feels not good that you judge others' religions. And if Jesus is on earth, I'll go and see Him. Lateron I loved non-violence as I learned from Buddhism. Few years later I read Koran, Bible, Bhagavad Gita while travelling around the world. Few years later I went to India, met my Master and there ended my search.

Now I just need practice, to unlearn bad habits/mind. I believe when "dirt" is out, truth will reveil itself. No need to search; it's hidden inside behind all "funny" mental webs that slowly solve now.

I visited recently a few times Bahai meetings in Holland. I read The Book of Bahau'llah. And recognized many teaching I learned in India. Especially embracing other religions and Belief Systems. I read in Bahau'llah's book we should not judge other Religions [same as my Master told me], which I like very much and didn't find much in the big Religions sofar. Now on RF I see that some, for me new Religions, also embrace this idea.

I met Mother Meera [Indian Saint], and She also teaches "World Peace is only possible if the Religious people stop judging others' Religion".
I met Mother Amma, another Indian Saint I had good experience with. Called Divine Hugging Mother.
Nice to see that my "words to my mother" has been woven throughout my whole life. I do not believe in coincidence any more.

That was in short my main story.

Thanks so much for sharing your personal story. I think we have a lot in common, other than the fact that I was not raised as a Christian, or in any other religion. In that sense I am probably in a minority on RF and also in Western culture.

I came here initially because the primary forum I had been posting on for four years was essentially a hostile environment because of the forum owner and his moderator, who were antagonistic towards my beliefs, and barely tolerated me posting there. I often wondered why the owner did not just ban me from his forum and I asked him why, but he never answered. I told him I did not want to BE where I was not wanted, but he would not say he did not want me there... anyway, that is all history now since I never plan to go back there.

I still post on two forums in that group; my own forum and another forum. However, I have found that this is the best forum I have ever posted on, for learning what other people believe and sharing my own beliefs and for just having “nice people” to talk to... It is SUCH a breath of fresh air after having been in the trenches for so long. The only thing that has been difficult for me is keeping track of all the posters and remembering their handles and what they believe or disbelieve, but I am getting better at that...

I have primarily posted to agnostics and atheists on forums and I have several of them as my friends now. I have not posted to very many Christians on those other forums because all they do is attack my beliefs and/or try to convert me. The same has been true with the other religious people I posted to. But on this forum I have found that Christians are not all like that, there are many liberal Christians and even the Christians who are not liberal are tolerant here, as are most of the other religious people.

I do not know if the reason most people are polite here is because of the rules, but it seems to me it is more about the actual people who are here. They seem to be very polite, respectful, tolerant and kind. Maybe the rules scared off the “other kind” of posters.

Anyhow, there are personal reasons that I spend time here; more time than I think I should, since I have many other responsibilities, duties I should be tending to. I am an introvert so I do not like socializing in groups. Also, in most social settings I could not share what I believe as well as my thoughts and feelings as I do here. Also, I could never meet the variety of people that I meet here. Also, I do not like to go out because I do not like driving and being in traffic.

But more than anything, I do not enjoy cocktail party conversation, having to put on airs when I do not feel all happy, like most people seem to be. It only makes me feel worse to be around such people and I feel I would be a drag on them if I was really myself.

The main place I would be going to socialize if I was not on forums would be the community activities of the Baha’i Faith, Feasts and other events. I really do not feel like I fit in with those people because my lifestyle and personality are what I consider.... different, for lack of a better word. I am really not a conformist so religion does not float my boat, but I still believe IN the religion, so I do my own thing.

I won’t deny that as a Baha’i I feel responsible to “share” my beliefs, because that is a duty, but I would never want anyone to become a Baha’i because I convinced them it was true. I firmly believe everyone has to do their individual investigation of truth and make up their own mind what to believe. That is the first principle of the Baha’i Faith. But many people have never even heard of my religion, so it is my responsibility to let them know it exists. After that I am responsible to answer questions, if people ask, but that is all I am responsible for.

I do not think that everyone has to “become” a Baha’i officially for the world to change and move forward into the new promised age. Just sharing the teachings and principles can be beneficial to humanity, but I am finding also that many people already embrace these. Some people will choose to make the commitment and officially become a Baha’i, but not many people will. However, I find many people are already living according to the teachings, so in that sense they are already a Baha’i in spirit and action.

I have accomplished two things on forums while sharing my beliefs. I have learned more about my religion, because I am constantly looking things up in order to answer peoples’ questions. Also, I have grown spiritually as the result of posting to so many different people with diverse beliefs and non-beliefs. Many people do not like my beliefs so I have learned how to be patient and tolerant and nonjudgmental of others, and how to not be defensive when accosted.

Another reason I am on here so much is because of my lifestyle. We have 11 indoor Persian cats and a bunch of other outdoor animals that we feed and water. That is a lot of work, but it also precludes any traveling other than day outings, which is what I would want to do if I was not on forums.

But if I check inside my psyche, the reason that immediately comes to mind is that I like people, I like talking to them and reading what they say, I find people interesting. My other hat other than the religion hat, one I wore a lot longer, was my psychology hat. I have an advanced degree and a license in counseling psychology but for personal reasons I never went into it as a career.

I ask myself constantly why I spend so much times on forums, here and elsewhere, because I feel so guilty for neglecting my material world duties, which primarily consist of the three houses we own, two of which have tenants living there, one of which needs repairs. It is not that I am neglecting them altogether, but I feel I should be moving faster to get the repairs done, and to get the past due rent from tenants, and I know if I had more time I could. But I would feel guilty if I abandoned the forums so I have been trying to balance my posting with my other responsibilities, not an easy task since there are only so many hours in a day.

 

[SalixIncendium]

While a Google search for erotic dancing girls landed me here (or more accurately, @Sunstone's profile page) about a year and a half ago, I'd been a Theosophist at heart (fascinated by the mystic overture of all of the world religions and how they related to my personal experiences), looking to learn more and hoping to gain insight into other's view and experiences, while hoping to gain the same in sharing my own.

Though I joined rather solidified in my personal spiritual/religions views, there are those there that I've grown to admire, as they've aided me on solidifying/substantiating my views and/or shed insight into them. While I prefer to not list them here for fear of omission, I will say that if you have received notification of 'winners' or 'likes' on several occasions, or if I follow you (yes, I am highly selective in this capacity), it's safe to assume that you are my 'most admirable' list.

 

[Trailblazer]

While a Google search for erotic dancing girls landed me here......

And look what you found instead.... a bunch of religious people talking about God.

God sure works in mysterious ways.

 

[Debater Slayer]

Years ago, like many young atheists in their 'angry atheist' stage, [...]

Ha! Gotcha! Admitting you're not young anymore! Nya nya nya.

(Just kidding. I for one am thankful that you decided to join this forum. )

 

[Unveiled Artist]

My answer isn't about posting in forums in general, but about why I like posting in this one best, which topic the title of the thread suggests.

It's the culture. It's the friendliest and most intelligent collection of people I've encountered in a venue of this type.

I also like the software, and the formatting and editing options it offers.

Yeah. Software makes a hell of a lot difference in who stays and who goes

Also, OP, I like the idea of three people vote on rule regulation rather one person authority.