Welcome to the Religion and Philosophy Thread!

This thread is here for all discussions relating to religion, theology, philosophy, and metaphysical subjects. This thread is open to anyone who is interested in theology or philosophy and wants to contribute their thoughts and ideas about the metaphysical or the divine. Due to its content, all forumites must follow a set of rules for general etiquette when posting in this thread, in addition to the Site Rules that apply to the forum more generally. By using this site, you agree to follow the Site Rules, and by posting in this thread, you agree to follow the thread rules. The Site Rules and thread rules are not up for discussion.

Rule 1: No Flaming, Personal Attacks, or Disrespectful Behavior

Respectful behavior is mandatory for all forumites, to all forumites. Regardless of how passionately you may care about a given subject, there is no tolerance for showing disrespect or unkindness to your fellow forumites. Everyone has an equal right to express their viewpoint, and while viewpoints may disagree, no one is entitled to attack another person's character, intelligence, morality, or enlightenment. This thread is here for people of differing viewpoints to discuss religion and philosophy in a polite, civil, and courteous way, to listen to each other from a position of empathy, and to agree or disagree without dismissing or belittling others. Ascribing absurd or sinister views to another forumite is against the rules.

Rule 2: No Trolling, Baiting, or Needling

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Rule 4: No Spamming

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Rule 5: Be Clear and Stay On Topic

This thread is for sharing ideas and debating philosophical questions. This thread is not here for semantic quibbles, nor is it here for forumites to "win" arguments or "defeat" an opposing viewpoint. Religion and philosophy are inherently abstract subjects, but it's important to make sure we are focused on specific concepts and arguments so we have some common ground for the discussion. Define your terms to make sure your meaning is clear, and don't be surprised if someone uses a different definition from you. Sarcasm is difficult to detect in a text-only forum, and while jokes can lighten the mood, some are easy to misinterpret. Speak plainly when possible.

Rule 6: Report Rulebreaking Posts to a Moderator--Not the Whole World

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