Question about latest forum rule

[Whateverist]

So I've been very hesitant to ask about this because I don't want to come off as whiny or complaining. I get that this is an atheist forum, this is yall's place, and I'm a guest here.

As I understand it, Atheist Forums is meant to be a forum about atheism and not just a forum for atheists.  And unless I am mistaken, theists are every bit as much full members of AF as atheists, agnostics, and anti-theists, etc. Theists are not party-crashing second-class members that are tolerated at best or here for the sport of atheist members.

I'm going to have to side with Neo on this one (with a slight qualification), even though I still think you, C_L are cuter in every way. In fact, this is Tib's site and all of us are here at all due to his skills, efforts and generosity. Hopefully we're more nearly self sufficient in terms of not costing him out of pocket now, but it is still true.

I think this is or does try to be a place where everyone willing to discuss ideas can meet. The only difference its being an atheist site should make is that the standard of what counts as civil will be far different from what one can expect at any Christian site. Many Christian members, Neo included, have mentioned this as being an attraction at least in some regards. (So I only disagree with Neo that it is a site about atheism. It isn't always, hell half of Cath-y's threads are poop based.) Still, I see the site and its team as trying adjust the civility thermostat so as to make conversation possible for all stake holders without so crimping variation personal expression as to lose anyone on that account. It isn't a trivial problem to solve and I applaud them for the earnestness with which they address it even when it fails. Non trivial problems are very resistant to smooth solutions.

The OP  of "Theism is childish" is a good example of the blanket insults and false characterizations theists endure as contributors.

It certainly is a good case for discussing the issues. Especially since Mathilda is an exemplary member in terms of the seriousness with which she addresses interesting questions. (I'm not at all sure where she stands on poop.) I wonder how much the title of that thread influenced the degree to which it has rubbed some of you the wrong way. On a personal note, I too perceive the Christian faith as infantilizing as it is practiced in most (but not all) of the denominations of which I'm aware. At one Christian site I visited, one fellow described closing his eyes and letting go of the handles while riding his bicycle and thereby feeling validated in his belief. There is something about the idea of "turning it all over to God" which smells like self abnegation to me. Other Christians report feeling literally like an infant in relation to God. I feel Mathilda has brought up something that deserves discussion. I'm not sure exactly how it needs to be couched to have that discussion. Ideas? Or do our theist members feel it should not be discussed at all?