Posted by:
Nightingale
(
)
Date: October 09, 2020 03:46PM
On another thread thedesertrat1 wrote:
"I thought that politics was verbotten here??????????????"
Jaxon replied:
"BWAAAHAAAAHAAAAHAAAAA!! Only right leaning politics are verbotten here silly. I think it is in the Board Rules."
You've got Einstein's theories of Special Relativity and General Relativity explaining the forces of nature.
Then there's my own Theory of Relativity which states: All things are Relative.
It seems this principle is a difficult one for many religious and ex-religious folks to embrace - myself included in earlier days. Growing up in a rule-oriented household although without deep religious inculcation, it seemed natural to me that the faith I sought out (i.e. self-inflicted harm!) was a black/white rules-based one (JWs). My progression from there included strict EVs, with their different interpretations of scripture but same fundamentalist tendencies. Hop, skip, jump into Mormonism - same story. Top down, paternalistic, dogmatic, controlling, strict approach to faith. What really messed with my head for a while was same book (Bible), different takes. As a young seeker for the meaning of life I was handicapped by the rules-based experience I had had growing up and in the churches I gravitated to. I also tended to be very literal. An unhealthy combination I came to find out - rules and literalism did me no favours.
Fortunately, I learned to lighten up. Put me on the outs with the faith groups and people associated with them (aka former friends). But I'm happy to have landed in a sea of incoming info and still more queries than answers. It felt wild at first but I'm liking the waves. Beware of the rabbit trails promising ultimate enlightenment, I have come to find out. Questions and doubts are not negatives, contrary to what many religious leaders will try to make their followers believe.
I notice that many people, like me, leave a religious group yet linger in the mindset of a black/white/literal world. It's not surprising. It can take a lot of self-examination and ultimate insight to change one's perceptions and conclusions, as well as to overcome early intensive indoctrination if such occurred.
Not picking on the two posters mentioned above - just using that exchange for an example. It can be so difficult to see shades of grey. In my experience, it's a learned approach.
Specifically regarding the query from DR (at top) re an RfM rule (no politics), yes, it appears to be not as absolute as it was in the beginning. The conundrum for Admin, I believe, is that Mormonism itself (the major topic of this web site) is inherently political, in its founding principles, its leaders, its history and prophecies as well as prior and current prominent politicians who are Mormons. Romney and White Horse are examples of more recent political references here.
Too, many political issues and much political discourse also touches on Mormonism, faith beliefs and churches in general. In many ways religion and politics are intertwined and both, obviously, have major impacts on society.
That is why at times a "political" discussion is allowed here, despite the injunction against politics. I grant it is perhaps tough to discern why one topic is permitted and another is nuked. Obviously, if we are relating it to Mormonism that helps to stay more on topic. If we are keeping it civil that too can help the posts to stay relevant and gives them a better chance of remaining up on the board.
The biggest problem with politics is that they can be so divisive, causing acrimony among otherwise courteous posters. It can be tough to see the others' points of view when you feel strongly about something and think you're in the right. Bad feelings can sprout up, especially if you feel the moderation decisions are unfair to your side.
Particularly at this moment in US history it seems nearly impossible to avoid current affairs. Maybe that's why some of it leaks onto the board.
Which is where my own pet Theory of Relativity comes in. The main principle is that Everything is Relative. Even seemingly immovable rules. (Except for Rules of Nature, obviously). It's either that or else we're flooding Admin with so many instances of rule infractions that they just can't quite keep up? :p
My personal guide for staying within board rules is that if Sus I/S or CZ are posting on a thread, it's obviously good to go and I may chime in if I have anything useful to add.
But to be serious, I feel for those who think the rules are bent, especially for political views with which they do not identify. It's not so much about the political opinion, I think, as it is about how it is expressed (civilly or not), and whether it is a fair and reasonable comment (although that, by definition, is obviously highly subjective). Hopefully I'm correct in assuming that the more factual one's post is the more chance it has, even if political, of staying up. It's tough for those of us who have a more literal/black & white approach. But it's a good way to learn that apparently life just isn't quite like that.
So, my bottom line that explains life to me has become that everything is indeed relative. However, to confuse the issue, some rules are meant to be strictly observed. Such as no diving in the shallow end of the pool. No checking your texts while driving. No goofing off when stopped by a traffic cop. And like that.
Another bottom line is that if we can Rodney King it here together, we can get through this political period and come out on the other side relatively unscathed and still on friendly terms with one another. I hope. And I wish for everyone to feel heard. But in a fact-based way.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/09/2020 03:49PM by Nightingale.