Facing The Challenge web site / Ground Rules

[blpurdom]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at y..., "lou_selastic" <ChrisHolloway999 at a...> 
wrote:

> Secondly, I really do not see why it should be so offensive to 
> express the opinion that any particular belief system or faith 
> is "wrong" (meaning incorrect or erroneous, NOT meaning unlawful 
> or immoral). 

You don't seem to have read my earlier post.  It isn't a problem to 
express this as an OPINION, but that isn't what was done.  The big 
clue to the problem here should be that a religion is in fact called 
a "belief system."  It involves beliefs, not cold, hard facts.  
Religion is not science and as such is not subject to the empirical 
rules that govern science concerning proof and adequate testing, 
corroboration of data, etc.  You can believe anything you want, but 
on the list, please state that this is what you BELIEVE, to 
distinguish this from verifiable fact.  I do the same thing with my 
own beliefs, whether it involves religion or my interpretation of HP 
canon (and we also ask people on the HPfGU lists to qualify their HP 
statements with "I believe" and "it is my opinion that..." unless 
they are citing chapter and verse where a FACT may be found in the 
canon books).  

> You may think your bank account is 2,000 dollars in credit. Your 
> bank manager may disagree and say it is 1,000 dollars in the red. 
> You cannot both be right. One of you must be wrong.

This argument is specious.  See above explanation of the difference 
between science and religion.

> Lastly (almost), it is going to be inevitable that with such a 
> diversity of backgrounds, opinions and views expressed in this 
> chat group that someone, somewhere is going to be offended by 
> someone else's opinion about something (especially religion). 

That is true, but it is even more likely when someone fails to 
qualify their opinion by calling it just that.

> Perhaps a higher standard of debate would lead to less censorship 
> in this chat group.

Heidi explained why the Abanes book is banned.  If the list is sued, 
are you willing to pitch in for legal costs?  There is nothing else 
around here that could qualify for the name of censorship (and 
technically, even the issue of the Abanes book does not qualify).  
If you wish to send mail to the mods requesting a detailed 
explanation for the Holocaust being a banned subject, do so.  

--Barb