posted on Dec, 15 2007 @ 07:19 AM
The Protocols of the Elders of AboveTopSecret
Hear Ye' .. Hear Ye' ..
*gets hit in the head with a tomato*
Alright, so, I have the grandest of heretical ideas yet! Lets have a formal alliance of the theologies! Or in layman terms, an alliance of the
religions, with even Atheism accepted if its' representatives are sincere. Not to single it out as a bad thing, but to show the level of acceptance
here in this idea.
So the way it would go, all the major representatives of each religion here on ATS that find themselves talking/debating/discussing amongst each other
frequently throughout various forums and topics, and even sometimes finding themselves agreeing on alot of things, would officially pledge in this
thread to refrain from actively insulting/attacking/ridiculing or questioning the others' religion in a derogatory manner. Whew, that was a long
sentence. Lets chop that down ..
.. it would be an agreement to not talk crap to each other. and beyond that, to not attack the theology behind each others' religions, be it
Paganism, Christianity, Islam, Atheism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Daoist, whatever. And those who read alot of my stuff know I can be quite critical of Islam
down to its' core, so this would be a task for myself as well, not an easy one. But, I can be devoted to respecting everyone at a higher level if
everyone else who pledges to do so also shows the respect. Some of you might be asking, "Okay, but what is the point of this other than to be a
care-bear?" And the answer is simple.
If we are not attacking each others' theology, religion and ritual, we will find ourselves discussing the common points shared by multiple theologies
and/or religions. By allowing this common ground to solidify, not only would all feel completely comfortable to share anything positive they may wish
without fear of being ridiculed and doubted, but we can all grow from learning from each other! The finer points of your theology and the finer points
of my theology, now add 10 other people's theology and combine all of these finer points, and you have alot of spiritual growth going on across the
spectrum. Spiritual growth and understanding on a whole new level.
I really feel like all of our faiths and theologies can grow and be refined if we can all pledge to respect each other and attempt to seek the
positive common ground in whatever the discussion may be about, avoiding the negative, insulting, or critical statements that at the least will leave
other members insecure about expressing themselves freely. Do we want to perpetuate a cycle of e-bullying if you will, to where we make each other
feel insecure to express opinions on our theology, spirituality, religion or whatever? That is like ignorance, and we deny ignorance right? So
why not take it up a notch here. Furthermore, we can have each others' backs when members who aren't a part of this attack the beliefs or
ideas of another who is indeed committed to upholding this standard. We can look out for each other.
Therefore, I am proposing an official AboveTopSecret Alliance of Theology, to be accepted by any member of this website. Any member who replies
to this thread showing intent to be a part of this alliance in good faith will be accepted, regardless of Religion or affiliation. This olive branch
has its' limits though, like all do and so you have to reply and show a willingness to be a part of this to make sure you are recognized. I don't
know about you, but I hate seeing anyone's beliefs being attacked flagrantly by someone who's obvious intent is to be derogatory. It happens
everyday, in some way shape or form.
I, runetang, do solemnly swear to treat everyone who makes this pledge with true respect, kindness, and a willingness to learn & incorporate
certain philosophies, concepts and ideas which were otherwise foreign to my own personal theology. Through this I intend to achieve the greater good
and gain new insights. I will respect all those who recite & uphold this pledge. Amen.
Now when it comes to enforcement .. the only thing that seems natural is to have a 3rd person who has pledged call out the one who is breaking their
pledge against a fellow member. What do you folks thnk?