In the "apprentice versus master" thread in one of the copywriting forums, there's debate heating up about religion. Personally, I don't want to bring my spiritual/religious views into this forum -- I did once, with a lot of trepidation. But I refrain from doing so out of respect for the majority of members on this copywriting forum.

That said, whether they are one's beliefs or not, and whether they are insulting to others religions or not, I do believe that religion (and other sensitive subjects, like politics) don't belong in a copywriting forum.

So I want to do something. But I don't want my actions to be perceived as taking any sides. I don't. I won't. I respect everyone. And in fact, that's the point -- bringing up very delicate subjects cannot please everyone. That's fine, as debate is healthy and constructive. But when it displeases too many people, and insults (or has the potential to insult) too many people, it simply can't be ignored.

So please help me, won't you? Let me ask you this question (answer the poll above to help, I'd appreciate it):

"What should I do with that thread?"

I appreciate your responses.

I'm all for freedom of speech and I think it's bad form to avoid any topic of discussion and leave things unsaid between people... but it should be done in the appropriate forum.

No "hijacking" of threads..

My 2 cents

Cool feature here Michel -

Thanks for letting us help decide the outcome!

I agree with you Michel. This is a copywriting forum and that should be the focus.

But why is everyone so thin-skinned? I have absolutely no desire to read quotes from the Bible, or any other religious issues, in this forum. But I'm not offended by them. If I don't want to read posts that reference religion, I will simply stop reading that thread... or skip over those particular posts.

So my vote was to leave them as is.

Done. The board has voted. I've moved the religious-type posts to a whole new thread in the off-topic forum, and may I sincerely apologize in advance on behalf of the board to anyone who might have been offended by such posts.

It never fails that when the topic of religion comes up there is always some debate or discussion.

I would agree that if you want to continue this discussion that moving it to its own forum would be best since your original topic is copy.

Thanks for our opinion.

Religion will always be a sensitive subject. If you believe in your faith (etc), it is a statement of what you are and it's no good pretending that you are someone different or like others. I believe (sic) in tolerance not respect. I personally tolerate other religions ( I don't persecute them) but I don't respect them, since they attack my beliefs and my very being. I too am an ordained priest in the Orthodox Church, enjoy writing, been a tech writer, author etc and still like to dabble. I'm happy to discuss religious topics, BUT not here!