Venomous Postings

I'm a regular on the Religion/Philosophy forum and its Christianity subform. I like to read, interact, teach and learn. I like to expand my understanding of those around me who may not agree with my beliefs or my point of view. It can be very interesting. It can be very stimulating. It can be very frustrating. But on the whole it was at least respectful or cordial.

All that has apparently changed, at least from where I sit. I couldn't post a thread discussing this issue that's been on my mind in that forum, as it wouldn't be appropriate. But here, I hope I can speak my mind and hopefully get beyond the issues.

It seems the forum has gotten quite hostile, from all sides of the argument. No longer is there respect or manners -- simply anger, bitterness and venom. It's no longer about discussing issues and swapping ideas or thoughts or even posting your particular point of view. It's become nothing more than name calling, back-biting, "I'm right you're wrong", "I'm smarter than you because I don't believe", "I'm better than you because I do believe", angry and hostile posting.

No longer can anyone from any point of view post what they believe and why then they are immediately called out for it. The person is being attacked, not the idea or logic/rationality behind the belief. For example, no sooner do I post something that ultimately invokes God, because that is my worldview, than the next few posts tell me how wrong I am because don't I know God doesn't exist. That I'm using him as a crutch. They don't expound on the thought from their point of view, they just attack me and my views. Talk about "tolerance" (more like a lack thereof).

Oh, and don't get me wrong, it's been going the other way too. Someone posts a thought/belief from a non-believing point of view and they're called out on it and told what a "sinner" they are and why they need to believe. This is not the way to garner understanding between folks of differing view points.

I understand folks will believe/not believe what they want and be fine with where they are and what they believe. I understand each will feel they're right and the other is wrong. That's how it goes. But please, is there no more common decency, politeness, respect for others? Does it always have to be "attack mode", no matter who is in the crosshairs?

Mind you, I can hold my own (my personal opinion). I've got thick skin and these "attacks" roll right off my back. However, I can't explain myself further if not given the opportunity. I'm sure there are posters on both sides of the fence like myself. Willing to share and learn without the hostility, but we're being overrun by the hard-core fanatics on both sides.

I come to CD forums every day to read and see if there's something I can respond to so as to provide a possible different perspective. More and more, however, it appears unlikely that will happen.