Yahoo Answers Religion & Spirituality: Is this category a place for knowledge shareing, or is it a game?

Question

Is this category a place to pose questions regarding religion and spirituality,

or is it a game, a place to "score points" off the "opposition",

is it a place where you come to meet friends and discuss spirituality,

is it spiritual warfare for you - are you trying to convert souls?

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I use this to ask questions regarding spirituality and religion, to try and get answers to my questions.

Period the end.

I am not here to convert souls. If someone doesn't believe the same as I do, so be it.

Answer 1

Well, I think you 'know' me Sean.

It's a bit of everything really. I enjoy coming on here to meet 'friends'. But I also appreciate the views of 'irRegulars' and newcomers.

Sometimes it's to discuss spirituality, share a bit of knowledge, sometimes it's a bit of fun.

As for spiritual warfare, I am indeed a Warrior, my blade is sharp, my eyes are keen and my stance is strong. But I am not here to battle others, only myself. The only 'warring' for me is the flat of my blade against the backsides of the rude, deliberately stupid or hypocritical. But I try to keep that both polite and to a minimum.

And no converting souls for me, since I don't subscribe to that particular concept (atman).

Thank you for asking!
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Answer 2

Sincere answer:

Yahoo's forums are very poorly moderated/monitored. They are basically a free-for-all that includes a small percentage of mature dialogue and an overwhelming majority of postings that are immature, spiteful, malicious, baiting, and just plain useless.

People come here for all of the reasons you suggest.

What is particularly disappointing is that supposed "Christians" engage in such vehement verbal warfare with non-believers. This place is certainly neither a university nor a church, but that is NO excuse for the behavior of some Christians. If anything, they should be setting the example for behavior.

Here's a little "if-the-shoe-fits" reminder:

Never wrestle with a pig. You just get dirty and the pig loves it.

But, some people never learn...or...they just have something seriously lacking in their life, and it isn't necessarily Jesus.

Answer 3

You ask a valid question.

Not all persons who post to this Forum are hate-mongers. Likewise, even some self-professed Christians seem to have wandered away from the “love thy neighbor” reservation judging by some of their written words.

For both of these types of persons, it is interesting and sad to see how some persons will behave when hiding behind the anonymity of the computer. As an "old guy" I have occasionally acted irresponsibly in my youth, so I can relate, but only up to a point. I suspect that these persons would be truly ashamed if they knew their parents, husband, wife, children, etc., learned of some of the things they write herein. If their loved ones have departed this earth they may even be looking down on these persons from above and weeping at their actions. Clearly they do their loved ones a disservice and dishonor them with such behavior.

Just keep asking questions in an objective manner and you will sometimes get useful responses. I try to answer questions so structured with a reasoned theological and philosophical response.

Answer 4

In the ideal, it should be a free exchange of ideas on religion and spirituality (or the lack thereof), and a place to meet interesting people and make friends, and it will be, as long as the point gamers and trolls don't succeed in tearing it down first. But it is up to us to build and maintain it that way. Good reason for adding like minded or other agreeable sorts to your network, wherever you might find them, and work together with them to enjoy intelligent conversation...

Answer 5

For me this is a place to meet new people/make friends, a place to learn about the beliefs of others while sharing and evaluating my own. All while having fun of course! No spiritual warfare or converting souls for me.

Answer 6

I am not here to convert souls. That is not my job. Only the Holy Spirit can actually convert souls. I have never been a big evangelist. I just live my life, and I am a Christian. I've actually learned a lot just reading peoples' opinions on things and learning how people who believe differently than me view certain issues. I hardly ever ask questions, but I share my opinion frequently. MUCH moreso in R&S than in real life. The subject almost never comes up in real life. [talking about at work, etc.] Peace.

Answer 7

The problem is that what is and what should be are frequently not the same thing. Yahoo really needs to actually read the things that flagged for "abuse" and check up on those flagging things just for ideological reasons. Most of us really would like to use this place as a medium to promote peace through mutual understanding , or at the very least to learn something. As in most things, it is the rotten few that manage to ruin thing for the rest of us. Peace be with you

Answer 8

Depends on the question.

Ask a loaded troll question, expect a flippant answer - it's a game.

Ask a serious question looking for information, you'll get information - it's for knowledge.

Very few people are trying to convert others to their beliefs in here, but many will let you know their beliefs when the opportunity arises.

Much like a community.

Answer 9

I have always enjoyed depp conversation. How much deeper can it go than God. I think some people see it as a game, but most get stirred up by it.

I do think some are hear trying to "convert souls". I say this
"Be true to yourself, be kind to all,
and truth will be alive when everything else takes a fall"

Answer 10

This is not a game though others are just playing around, as you can recognize the way they respond. Actually, of all the responses here, you can get two knowledges: deceit and truth. So better watch out and use your real power: thinking.