Welcome to Gaia! ::

Are we aloud to debate semantics or word-usage in general?

Unicorns live in my backyard but you would probably know them better as "chipmunks."

I would like to take this time to highlight guideline #5-

5) It also should be noted that believers are more than welcome, provided they debate in a rational and fair manner. People of all faiths or none can be skeptical of extraordinary claims.

If feel this is very important. Both Ilikepie4 and I agree that we do not want this to become another Atheist guild. While I believe it is quite safe to assume that more than a handful of members of this guild define themselves as "Atheists" (myself included,) we should not preemptively attack beliefs before an outrageous claim is made. A good deist skeptic understands that what he or she believes is not scientific and that claims of miracles and other claims of the paranormal require investigation and evidence before they are labeled as works of God or otherwise. This should be respected.

It's a hot topic and I can certainly understand the negative feelings towards it given Christian fundamentalism's hold over America and religious extremism. But there really has to be a filter so we don't cross the line into the unprovoked bashing of beliefs. I do not want to alienate people simply because they believe in a god(s). Their opinion really does matter to me and I don't want their opinion silenced simply because they feel excluded.

But, when it comes to religion and science or religion and politics, those kinds of topics are very welcome. Topics such as intelligent design, prayer in schools or Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron's "Proof of God." Basically anything that tries to bring god(s) into a logical context. These kinds of topics aren't just encouraged, they are needed.

So please don't get me wrong. I'm not saying "no religion in GSG," I'm saying "let's watch where we walk, because I don't want to leave anyone behind."



That's great. This should bring something new to the GSG table.



I have no idea who that is. lol But the more the merrier.

Oh, and just in case you were wondering, Scientology is more than fair game.

"Why? Isn't it a religion, too?"

No. It shows almost every sign of a cult. That's strike one. Strike two is that Scientology's entire existence is predicated on pseudoscience(fiction) and will be treated as such. Everything they do, whether it be good or bad, must be met with strong skepticism. This is due to their long history of having ulterior motives in almost every action they take.

(This must be some great news for people who are both skeptics and Tom Cruise haters. lol )