GaryK wrote: Why is it that, on MN, we mostly talk about societal and moral issues whenever they are hot-button "American politics" issues and not at other times? I think that says a lot.
It seems almost like it's assumed that you can't separate these issues from politics. I think it would be great to discuss societal and moral issues without bringing politics into the conversation.
Otherwise these discussions on MN pretty much mirror "American politics", only perhaps a bit more "Christianized". "Christianized" "American politics" does not have a very good track record and I don't think "MN Christianized" "American politics" will fare any better.
RZehr wrote:I think it has more to do with the timing of the conversations than the subject matter. It really shows how much we follow the news and who has our attention.
For example, I haven't heard of any big storms recently, nor have we discussed size and frequency of storms. And yet when one inevitably hits the news, we probably will discuss it, with each side lining up predictably on each side of the debate.
Maybe storms aren't a good example given the climate change thread. But you get my point.
We shouldn't be led around by the nose by the news.
And yet the news is what we can follow given this forum isn't local, and we are not a real community of believers.
What is a subject that is not in the news?
GaryK wrote: I think you completely missed my point.
I'm actually promoting talking about these things.
But we shouldn't wait to talk about them until they are some hot-button political issue.
I would love to see us talking about societal and moral issues regardless if it's a hot-button political issue or not.
Why current politics is so often the discussion driver for societal and moral discussions on MN is what I'm getting at.
To be honest, lots of discussions are started in non-political threads, framed in non-political ways.
but, as has been noted over years, these posts/topics do not often get the “traffic” contentious political topics do. Robert’s “Today” thread, and, “I think it is funny,” are exceptions.
For some years, i try to put topics on abortion and education in the Homestead category - because, these are HOME problems that have been politicized. i would love to see the end of that!
Members start all sorts of topics, refresh old topics, etc., lots of members never-rarely post in political threads. i get sucked in. and, i am not pleased with myself about it.
The only answer is to not get sucked in, which requires self-restraint.
(i do not want to say that without also saying, i really value lots of members’ solid response to the common mainstream hyperbole.) someone described it as, “phony hysteria.” it could be, “phony moral outrage.”
in the mainstream, “phony” is indicated by fleeting interest, short attention spans, victim-du-jour, etc. media circus. aka, no depth.
Another part is the OP.
certain members are specially respected, so, when they open political topics, others really want to respond. the floodgates are opened! “forum politics have been blessed.” not always for the best. unintended consequences.
everyone’s understanding is a little different.
i accept that members are sharing in good faith, according to their understanding.
honest people disagree. they did in Jesus’ time, it continues.
i agree with you guys. i appreciate you take the trouble to explain your views.