Those of you who have had posts deleted because of faith-based comments I hope now understand why. There is a lot of diversity here, and some of the really strong science posters from a couple of years ago, left the boards because they became too religious in the postings. That hurt the quality of some of the information on the boards. Were I a person of absolutes, I would prefer that those of you who wish to pronounce your love of a God, or are proud to be a person who is spreading God's holy name etc. kept it to emails the person, PM's to the person, etc.... it need not be done on the open forums. But the first poster rule seems to work well if people adhere to it. This way those who are not religious, or like me prefer to keep my religion a personal thing, are not involved. It's really about keeping the boards on topic, preventing disputes, the inadvertent offending of people, etc. I would be just as adamant about people who took an anti-religious position openly in their posts. That is equally lacking in tolerance of others viewpoints.
These boards are to exchange helpful information, and when possible emotional support. I personally appreciate when someone offers me THEIR emotional support and wishes for my cure, wellness, inner strength, etc. and offers to talk, share their strength with me, hold my hand when it gets too tough, vs. when they tell me that God will give me that strength. In the first example they have told me THEY really care about me. Whether God (any god or diety) cares or not, is going to intervene or not, is an issue that is between me and my God, and relfects my own personal belief system. Someone else's opinion of what He/She/It will do is of little interest to me. I already have my opinions and answers in that arena, I do not need it interpreted by some other human being, and stated to me (inserting their unique perspective, or platitude), nor do I find this as emotionally careing as when they tell me they personally care.
As to the fact that our society has become one of sound bites in lieu of thoughtful discourse; True articulated compassion resonates with me. Bumper sticker slogans about any devine (one that I may or may not belive in) being don't do it for me.
