It is a written forum rule however that there be no proselytizing.

I know it's a fine line to walk between sharing beliefs and preaching. You can share your experiences, and what makes you tick as a fellow ex-Mormon on your journey.

That has helped me to navigate posting on RfM. My first posts were deleted more often than not because I felt safe to express my views that however were seen as preaching by the forum admin here.

There are many ex-Mormon atheists here, you will find. There is a good mix of Christians, Jews, and New Age, among other belief systems shared here. Learning the distinction between sharing your experiences and preaching may help you find your "happy medium" to be able to post and express yourself more freely.

Hope that helps, for what it's worth (Just my two cents.)

:)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/13/2018 04:19PM by Amyjo.

Maybe it’s not what you believe, but how you believe it. The old poop sandwich leaves people sensitive to certain tastes.

It’s pretty bad that Mormonism mistreated its own people so badly that such rules are necessary, but every time Mormon-sounding discussion arises, people get upset.

What if Nancy Rigdon were on the board? She’d likely be upset. Or any of the people Joseph lied against and slandered for his personal benefit. If your family were gunned down, you wouldn’t want to talk about guns. Same thing. If you like guns, find the gun enthusiasts.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/13/2018 04:39PM by babyloncansuckit.

Thats right. Being on this board as a wayward TBM aint easy.

Not all black sheep return to the fold. Nor all who wander are lost.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/13/2018 05:03PM by Amyjo.

Well then they're REALLY lost.

Being on this board as an Atheist ain't easy.

What's the difference between a belief and an opinion?

Wait, I think I just may have answered it: Nobody gives up their life for an opinion...?

Also, La Saucie points out that when your actions reflect your beliefs/opinions, then maybe you are a 'believer'. But maybe that's not fair, because sometimes 'believers' "sin".

Also, what percentage of 'believers' lie about their lives in an attempt to support their beliefs?

ziller can confirn this thred ~



ziller am bee-leafer ~

My cousin keeps a bee-zapper. And.it.works.

I do confirm the bee-zapper. That damn yellow jacket didn't stand a chance. It gives new meaning to the word: bzzzz.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/13/2018 10:03PM by Amyjo.

I dont see anything wrong with expressing your beliefs so long as you dont preach. To me preaching is trying to convince others that your belief is true. Both believers and non believers have been known to do that. Saying, 'I believe in Jesus'.or 'I am an atheist' is different than saying 'Jesus is the only way and those who dont believe are damned' or 'There is no God and only fools say otherwise'.

I recall that they instituted the “no preaching” rule because preaching here is like farting in an elevator. Preaching itself isn’t bad any more than porn is bad. You can always not look at it. You can’t unsee a post though. Preaching is as welcome to recovering exmos as porn is to TBMs.

There are like three true believers on the board or maybe four.

Believers in Christ I mean.

Not everyone here shares that sort of thing. There may be more.

I can think of more than that off the top of my head. Most don't advertise their beliefs.

expressing a belief seems to be fine but what about when that belief shows how the other side has logical fallacies?... Then you probably get deleted (if admin has a different view point)

anono this week Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> expressing a belief seems to be fine but what
> about when that belief shows how the other side
> has logical fallacies?... Then you probably get
> deleted (if admin has a different view point)

I have never noticed that Admin deletes due to a personal viewpoint. Rather, the rule is don't preach. The sticking point is the different interpretations people have for what that means.

If you think about it, believers should be able to understand the purpose of that. It's not because admin people are atheists (I don't think they necessarily are), as many have accused through the years, and are only allowing their point of view to be expressed. Rather, it's focused on the fact that the board's stated purpose is to offer information and support to questioning Mormons, former Mormons and those in part-member families or any other connection to Mormonism that has caused them issues, hurt them, or raised questions for them. Other folks are certainly welcome. But to the many readers and posters here who have had extremely negative experiences within Mormonism, and other belief systems, preaching posts are decidedly unwelcome and counterproductive.

It's like getting beat about the head repeatedly by someone who thinks you won't know what it feels like until you've experienced it, and you really really need to experience it. Their way. With a 2x4, a baseball bat, bare fists, an iron bar.

It's insulting for believers to think that non-believers just don't know what "true" Christianity (for instance) is and if it is just explained properly they will get it and convert.

The point is that if they are interested to learn about other religions in a personal way, due to wanting to join another church, this isn't the place for that. We do occasionally discuss the topic in a more academic way, as in outlining the beliefs and effects, perhaps.

Another point is that people who have recently left the Mormon Church (one of the main groups this board is set up for) are often hurting and vulnerable. Sitting ducks perhaps for preachers seeking converts. Eric, Board Founder, isn't interested in providing easy fodder for proselytizers of any faith.

Some people of faith here have expressed hesitation and difficulty in knowing what constitutes preaching vs sharing personal experiences. I don't think it's mysterious. For example, if I say I joined the Mormon Church, disliked it intensely, had bad experiences, got out. That's giving my personal story (I would add a few more details) and that is certainly permitted. If I said but I love the temple, I admire their food storage ideas, their music is fabulous, I miss the Christmas pageants, that may be seen as supportive of Mormonism - not so welcome. You may be allowed to post those thoughts but expect a rough ride from fellow posters. If I am expressing thoughts seen as Mormon apologetics, I can expect to be deleted. Professional Mormon apologists are actually banned from RfM. Too, if I, as a Christian, start going on about how great my new Christian church is and tell posters here they should try it out that's not cool.

Re preaching: If someone describes a problem or asks for ideas or advice to get through a challenge and an active Mormon or an exmo Christian jumps in to preach the word (as in quoting scripture or a scriptural idea or worse, calling the person to repentance or other egregious proselytizing approaches) or advising them to pray or attend church, or if the preacher gives a sermon or a personal testimony ("I was saved at 10:05 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2014" and you should pray about it, etc) then it should be obvious that all of that would not be permitted to stand. Expect to see the post disappear.

The reasons those types of posts are not allowed include: it's against the board purpose and not allowed as per the rules; it's taking advantage of a somewhat captive audience, as people may not know what they're going to read until they open the preachy post; it's directed at questioning, hurting, vulnerable people (you know, the types that all too many preachers pounce on) and it's just not the purpose of this place.

Re your comment about how "...belief shows how the other side has logical fallacies". I haven't seen that here and not because Admin doesn't allow it. I don't think you would get automatically deleted due to taking on non-believers and proving them wrong. Two reasons for that: (1) I've seen these types of exchanges for years and the believer doesn't seem to get deleted just for raising this topic; and (2) I haven't noticed that "logical fallacies" have been revealed in any discussion re faith vs atheism.

I think it all depends on how someone words their comments. State your personal experiences and feelings. Avoid sermonizing. So it's centered on yourself and not on what you think is appropriate for someone else. And don't hunt down a hurting person and promise that faith is the answer for them. This place isn't for that. (And to me, that's a questionable undesirable approach anywhere. Predatory).

As for pointing out fallacies. Go for it. You may be surprised.