What is preaching and why is it banned

[fr0d0]

...and can atheists preach?

Rule 4. No Preaching
To advocate, especially to urge acceptance of or compliance with your own theology, philosophy or point of view is not permitted. If you want to preach, get yourself a soapbox in hyde park and don't do it here. You are welcome to discuss your own beliefs, why you believe them, etc. Just don't expect or demand anyone to agree with them.

preach (prch)
v. preached, preach·ing, preach·es
v.tr.
1. To proclaim or put forth in a sermon: preached the gospel.
2. To advocate, especially to urge acceptance of or compliance with: preached tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
3. To deliver (a sermon).
v.intr.
1. To deliver a sermon.
2. To give religious or moral instruction, especially in a tedious manner.

Maybe an opinion stated dogmatically. Talking at someone rather than to them. Maybe making a statement as authoritative rather than open: "I think", or "This is a way of looking at that" or "This is my understanding" rather than "This is [fact]".

If, as is the case with the major religions, questions are asked of the religious texts, then is it permissable for either side to quote the texts in response?

Would it be necessary for a poster to qualify an opinion as based upon their own belief/s, or can that be a given if their position has been established already?

The Hyde Park analogy is interesting. This is a place then, where preaching is limited to the non religious kind. Just like anyone entering a Church, a Mosque, or Temple: speakers are not welcome if they wish to express opinions opposing those of the host community.

Comments?

[downbeatplumb]

You know what is hard to pin down exactly what preaching is but I can recognise it when I see it.

[Justtristo]

Why cant we just have something a peanut gallery where those who have been caught preaching will be confined. Better still a gladiatorial arena, where the said offenders have to fight the "beasts" of the forum.

[thesummerqueen]

You know what is hard to pin down exactly what preaching is but I can recognise it when I see it.

Kinda like the definitions of "weeds" and "porn".

[downbeatplumb]

Kinda like the definitions of "weeds" and "porn".

Isnt a weed just a flower in the wrong place?

[thesummerqueen]

Would you call a stray rose a weed?

[fr0d0]

Definitely

Even roses in the right places

Yeah a preaching area... like a Hyde Park Corner

so...

• Crazies
  
• Hyde Park Corner
  

[thesummerqueen]

Charlotte and Concord street corners

[Darwinian]

Preaching is a one way street and is not compatible with discussion.

[Napoléon]

I think the hobbit is being pedantic.