Posted by:
Nightingale
(
)
Date: February 18, 2021 03:47PM
We do look at Christianity, its history, texts, beliefs and practices.
But the difference here, which may be hard for some people to distinguish (especially new posters, which I don't necessarily hold against them), is that discussion of those topics related to Christianity especially, but also all religious teachings, is permitted, while proselytizing is not (i.e. profession of one's faith; faith-based ideas stated as fact, asking for people to contact them off board, inviting posters to join in other sites that are religion-based, etc).
The second issue with some new people is that they don't always realize their posts contain verbiage that is considered to be preaching - not allowed.
And if they don't read the board guidelines/rules before posting they won't even know it's an issue.
Even from the name of this board: Recovery from Mormonism, or perhaps especially because of the name, it isn't always obvious to newcomers that preaching is not welcome, for several good reasons that I've mentioned a multitude of times. It is also in the guidelines if a newbie thinks to read them before engaging.
I can empathize with some who truly just aren't aware of the rules and who are so steeped in their religion, which is a huge part of their life, that they no longer realize, if they ever did, and even if they did read the rules, what constitutes "preaching".
Because they are happy with their faith beliefs many cannot conceive of people who are figuratively and literally sick from toxic religion. For many, the answer is not more religion, especially soon after having left their previous faith behind.
I recall a quip a friend used on me, regarding religion and also non-religious circumstances: Why keep doing more of what ails ya? (I used to tend to try and slog through difficulties rather than just walk away. In that regard I caused myself more injury, unnecessarily in hindsight).
That's the situation many posters here are in. Sick. of/from. Religion.
That's why preaching doesn't help. In fact, it can be exceptionally counterproductive.
Also, many have moved on either from religion or to a different faith and therefore also do not welcome preaching attempts.
That's just the way it is around here.
I do regret it, though, if a newcomer feels unwelcome. It's too bad that many don't read a few pages of the site before diving into posting something that turns out to be against the rules and unwanted.