I probably shouldn't be offended by reading a players description that starts, "I
believe in God and wonder why some idiots don't." Obviously I don't believe, and
I took exception to that and responded by lowering myself to that persons level.
That person may or may not have been tameem, but it was. We could have all kinds
of debates and discussions on religion here, but that seems a bit out of place to
me. Anyway, if a person has that kind of description, then that person at the
very least should expect an adverse reaction from the people that are being
called idiots, don't ya think? Want to flaunt your religion? Fine. Want to
praise God or Allah or Buddah? More power to ya. Want to insult people for
believing/not believing a certain way? Then show your complete ignorance and
expect an argument. Am I wrong here?
As "chaplain for the tournement" and "high cleric" to the site let me
respond. You raise a good point. As I read the forums occasionally
the topic of religion is discussed. Sometimes it's a matter of
discussion with a good exchange of ideas. Other times as you have
mentioned there is zealous opinionated tone that as you have found
alienates people. What we all need to understand is that this is a
chess site. In other words, don't go looking for a gallon of milk in a
hardware store. If you want religion or want to participate in that in
whatever way, there are better places to do that than RHP. If you
want to play chess at RHP, you've found a good place. Now having
said that, there are some "spiritual qualities" that I have experienced
here that transcend doctrine or religion. For example friendship,
celebrating weddings, encouraging people when they are sick or even
losing games. To me these are not about "believeing a certain way"
but rather being human inspite of what we believe. Here's my advice,
if you feel terrorized by someone lowering themselves to a certain
level for whatever reason or cause, just delete. You have better
places to "caste your pearls." KIrk
You're right, Kirksey. I can see why you're the 'chaplain'. I should
have deleted the game. Too late now. I think 'terrorized' is a bit
strong a word, but I guess I don't have to respond to his comments of
how blind I am and how much of an idiot I am because I don't share
his view.