Well, there has been quite a large bit of religious thread topics generated lately. Was wondering how most of the populous felt about it. I think the context of the posts have been handled very well and everyone has been pretty mature about it; quite impressed really.
so, are you for these sort of discussions or do you think it really has not place here.
Just curious as I am split between the two. I have found that I am very, very hesitant to make any post on the issue lest I be misunderstood; which is probable or poke a splinter in anyones eye, which would be disasterous.
Senior Software Developer
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It's the "Off-Topic Discussions" forum, so pretty much anything that doesn't belong anywhere else is by definition on-topic for this forum.
That said, if a religion thread (or any other thread) gets nasty, send an email to webmaster@paizo.com and we'll take appropriate action.
I too am impressed at the overall civility and high level of discourse on the paizo.com messageboards. (The untitled thread notwithstanding.)
We're all building a special community here, and that makes me happy.
I do chime in, and I've done so a bit more in the "D&D Club/School" thread, but for the most part, while people are more than free to discuss what they want to, in all honesty, I come here to talk about D&D and related topics, and in general if I want to discuss religion seriously I go to religious sites.
I'm torn. In some ways I can see that this really isn't the place. On the other hand, the reason I come here so often is because of my deep respect for the minds and good hearts of the people on these boards. Really, I care more about what the people on these boards think about a religious issue than I do what some dude on some religion board thinks.
So I guess put a bean for me in the "pro" can--just so long as it stays a "off-topic discussions" topic.
I'm torn. In some ways I can see that this really isn't the place. On the other hand, the reason I come here so often is because of my deep respect for the minds and good hearts of the people on these boards. Really, I care more about what the people on these boards think about a religious issue than I do what some dude on some religion board thinks.
So I guess put a bean for me in the "pro" can--just so long as it stays a "off-topic discussions" topic.
I'm with grimcleaver, I post my opinions about religion here because I respect the views of the people here. I don't think I would ever have a civil debate about relegion with an athiest anywhere else.
I think Paizo supports a community of like minded individuals on these boards. We are a community so why not explore other interests we all have other than games. I like all kinds of debate on these boards. Although, we should keep these debates on the off-topic boards.
(I know I am guilty of spurring the dbate about relegion on the D&D topic board. But I'm rebel whooody whooo!
Yeah I dunno. I used to post a lot at philosophyforums.com and I am pleased to say that the people on the paizo board are more polite, open-minded and thoughtful than the vast majority of people I encountered there.
That said, I don't think I can really be honest about my ideas on religion without making someone feel bad, even if they and I are both polite and mature about it. When it gets right down to it you're either saying "no comment" or "I think you're wrong." Just the thought that something I say might make someone question their faith sort of upsets me. After all these things are life and death for some folks and how you want to live is none of my business; I'm just some dude sitting in Australia who you'll probably never meet.
The discussions are good, but every time I get caught up in them and shoot my mouth off I wonder afterwards whether it was really necessary. I think from now on I'm going to read them but try not to post.
Well, considering that roleplaying games are exercises to simulate reality (with some twists), discussing broad real-world topics and deep philosophical issues do have at least some connection to RPGs, whether it is religions, gender theory or what else.
Not to mention that people frequenting these boards are smart and entertaining writers :)
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I don't actually post on any other forums (fora?) since they would most likely be banned by the filter at work (they ban most gaming content, but Paizo slips through presumably as a magazine publisher), so I don't have any other outlet particulalrly for these wide-ranging discussion. Also, while I accept that this is primarily a gaming website, we are all more than just gamers. These dicussions reflect the interests of the users, and are more about the broader world that our narrow interest in gaming. And it is always very well informed and civil, generally. Which I personally like and think should continue.
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I too am impressed at the overall civility and high level of discourse on the paizo.com messageboards. (The untitled thread notwithstanding.)
The Untitled thread is a shining beacon of literary genius, thank you very much.
On topic, I don't mind the religion threads, but I'm usually not inclined to participate in them in any meaningful fashion.