Posted by Coordinator on July 20, 2011 at 06:31:21
In Reply to: Re: Be mindful of the guidelines, please! posted by OT2 on July 19, 2011 at 20:17:32:
This has nothing to do with homogenization vs. exclusivism or even plurality per se. It is more about etiquette and respect.
As long as you stick to sharing your personal journey rather than criticizing those of others or declaring their belief systems as invalid, only for the gullible and foolish, and so forth, you'll be fine on this forum. Sugarcoating such statements with "all based on my experience, of course" will not suffice.
There is a difference between saying that you've personally tried something and decided it's not for you and explaining why, and stating or implying that anyone who believes in something you do not is foolish, misguided, demon possessed, etc.
You claim to endeavor to be respectful and not be preachy, but "been there done that" not only has quite the haughty and preachy tone to it, it is quite a putdown.
The nature of most belief systems is that they are exclusivist, but it is still possible to share your journey and opinion with due consideration for those of others. It can be done.