WRT religion, among other topics, it's probably best

[MineralMan]

not to ask questions of others that you are unwilling to answer about yourself.

Reciprocity.

[trotsky]

1. Particularly in this open forum where all viewpoints are welcome.

If you are only interested in proclaiming how wonderful your religion (and/or belief in god(s)) is, you might want to frequent one of the MANY believer safe havens on DU where criticism is not allowed. They are listed here:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1217

Lots of them could really use the traffic.

[MineralMan]

2. Yes. I generally answer any question asked of me,

often at considerable length, to boot. When asked why I post in this group, I reply with an explanation. I don't mind answering questions, even personal ones.

However, if I ask the same question of the initial questioner, I'm disappointed if that person avoids answering. Balance is important. Reciprocity is important.

If someone asks me what I believe, I will explain that I disbelieve in supernatural entities such as deities. Then, I will probably respond by asking what the person who asked that question believes. Sadly, that question generally goes unanswered, even though the questioner expects me to answer the same question.

I think a lack of reciprocity disrupts the discussion, to tell the truth.

[trotsky]

3. Exactly. I think many want to participate in that manner.

Some though come in expecting to get on a soapbox for their faith, and get outraged that someone has a different point of view. They clearly don't understand how DU groups work.

[MineralMan]

4. There was a similar misunderstanding long ago

in the CompuServe Religion forum, a place I once frequented. Despite a clear statement about the purpose of the forum being to discuss religion as it pertained to society, there were people of faith who refused to discuss religion. Instead, they championed their own religious beliefs and denigrated all other ideas. Atheism, of course, was an impossible idea that had to be disputed vigorously.

Apparently, it is difficult for some to comprehend the concept of an open forum where religions can be discussed without necessarily believing in any particular religion. Impossible for some, in fact.

Now, I doubt that anyone from that old CompuServe forum is here in the DU Religion Group, other than myself. However, the arguments are still the same. I find that somehow comforting, I suppose.

[Permanut]

5. Compuserve?

COMPUSERVE? Sheesh, Mineralman, are you like, a thousand years old? I am, so no slur intended.

You are advocating for an open forum, where ideas, information and opinions can be shared without proselytization and snark. I really appreciate what you and Trotsky are doing; seems like fresh air and sunshine and open discussion are the best antidote to cult thinking and narcissism.

On the larger scale, I'm not sure humanity is going to survive the consequences of the fanaticism running rampant now, not specifically on DU, but certainly with tacit support from onlookers, enablers and fellow travelers. I mean that without hyperbole; I really don't know if we're going to make it. The cockroaches probably will, though.

[MineralMan]

6. I am, indeed, ancient.

The first time I logged into CompuServe, it was with a 300 baud modem and the service was text-only. I was also a GEnie subscriber at the same time. I still remember my CompuServe ID: 71571,222.

I gravitated very quickly to the Politics and Religion forums there. GO RELIGION

As for the survival of humanity, I'm not as pessimistic as you seem to be. I think we'll survive, one way or another. We're quite a flexible group of mammals and primates. I'm somewhat sad that I will not be around to observe what we become, though. But, oh well...

[Permanut]

7. The elephant in the room..

for me is climate change. Politics and religion won't matter if we reach a tipping point with climate where there is no longer a fix possible. Just not sure we're going to stop the train before it goes over the cliff. Sorry about mixed metaphors.

[MineralMan]

8. Well, that could certainly be a major global disaster,

but I expect that humans would survive it, even if civilization doesn't. Then, things would have a chance to return to balance. However, I'll be long gone by then, no doubt.

[Mariana]

9. Climate change isn't likely to render humanity extinct.

Not in and of itself, anyway. Climate change will be extremely disruptive as currently heavily inhabited areas become pretty much uninhabitable, and currently desolate areas become green and lush. Humanity can survive that. What governments may do when the effects become a serious problem is another matter, of course.