To theists

[Aoi Magi]

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The thing is, actions speak louder than words. A lot of theists type at us from the very start with strawmen, proselytzing, and throwing [insert holy book here] verses at us; things we perceive partly as attempts to convert, but mostly it's just very rude. New theist members also tend to be the most chronic rulebreakers.  

I'll admit, we as a community can be a bit harder on new theist members because of our history with the above, but people like you have had it much easier here because you didn't do those things. Put more simply: you show respect for the forum, so I know I can speak for at least some of us when I say that's why we respect you back.

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I count myself amongst those who respect theists who don't break the rules.

Nevertheless,

I find it counterproductive to be too lenient as to one's stated beliefs if they happen to be wrong and ultimately evil, be it that they know it, or not-- as is more often[universally, really] the case. If one supports the Catholic Church, for example, I will judge that person partly on that and nothing will stiffle my criticism in that direction, regardless of how well one comports himself.

Reject the belief not the believer EP. I have encountered many believers outside here associated with really bad institutions but it's mostly because they were raised that way and didn't encounter real unbiased knowledge till a very later stage in their lives. So they are not the ones at fault, and if they are willing to discuss things openly, then what's the harm? Sure they might have a hidden agenda or what not, but it is only through a good discussion that we may hope to reach them. Judging a person without fully knowing about them doesn't solve anything.

And EP for your views, please create a new thread... hijacking other threads is not good at all.