Nonbelievers are not supposed to follow us over here and belittle us ...

[Maat]

this is supposed to be a refuge for all who are spiritually-inclined; and, as such, it is supposed to be a place in which we are free of words and phrases such as 'mythical,' 'sky-daddy,' 'believers kill gays' and the like, when they are used in a negative way against believers and theists.

At least this was the understanding when a few of us founded the group.

I've been reading some of the threads below, and it seems as if some have come over here from the R/T forum, and begun going on about how believers have negatively affected them. That's not really what the group is for - it was NOT founded as a place in which non-believers can talk about the negative effects of various religions and spiritualities on them. It was intended to be a safe, comfortable and non-threatening place for those exploring various spiritualities, spiritual philosophies, and spiritual belief systems. I have to add that some of the disturbing behavior did happen a long time ago; but, it still upsets me that it is here.

The R/T forum is the place to debate religion.

Perhaps, the ground rules for this group need to be revised, and the above made clear.

Thoughts?

[leftyladyfrommo]

1. I guess some people just have to cause trouble.

I just kind of ignore it. They are on such a different wave length from me that dialogue probably isn't even possible. You can't have a dialogue with a closed door.

I don't care what other people believe as long as it doesn't hurt others. I don't ever get into arguments with people. It is so pointless and I don't enjoy it. Some people just like to argue for argument's sake. Not me.

[sam sarrha]

2. sometimes they are helpful as markers on Middle Path like those poles on the road in a snow storm,

they test our ability to be tolerant and give us another opportunity to pray for someone's enlightenment. they remind us what we could have been.. they are a drowning man who needs a rope thrown to them..

my meditation group in Texas had a special meeting organized by certain members who wanted to put a sign on the door for late people telling them the meeting had begun and not to interrupt. i asked them what meditation was ..other than learning to deal with constant interruptions without going episodic fueled by our emotions.

the only way to eliminate them is to start your own forum and tomb stone them.. or treat them like small children having a tantrum, and ignore them after politely pointing out their misconceptions.. it does no good to argue with them

[westerebus]

3. IMHO

Restate the rules.

But what ever you do, don't give away the secret handshake.;-)

[Lindsey]

4. I agree, Maat. I spend quite of bit of time in the Astrology

group when I'm on DU and am very comforted there. I'm thrilled to just now discover this group. There's plenty of fighting that people can do in other forums.

[AsahinaKimi]

5. Let me be the first to say welcome!

SOUPG e Yokoso! Irasshaimase!