I was certainly NOT trying to discourage either Freedom of Religion or Freedom of speech. I also told Mark, and have explained in this thread that this was NOT any sort of official action in my role as moderator of this forum. I only wanted Mark to reconsider the prominant use of a signature line that was eye-grabbing in the extreme. I thought it might actually offend Others. This is not a Christian forum. It is Not a Pagan forum. It is not a Buddhist forum. Or any other sort of Religion Forum.
It is a Knife Forum. Everyone is free to express their ideas and their beliefs. But hitting folks in the head with the cross seemed a little over the top. I simply asked Mark to reconsider his new signature line.
C Ben Susrool, would you also defend someone using a symbol like the Nazi Iron Eagle Cross, and the Pagan Valknutt, or even an image of the Buddha? If Mark can use his crosses, and You can use your citation from the Book of John, would you promise me Not be offended if someone started using the symbols I just mentioned, or started quoting from Books you may find seriously defective or even offensive?
The major problem with Mark's signature was the prominant eye-grabbing thumbnail link. A line or two quoting the bible is OK I guess, but unecessary. I have never felt the need or desire to tell folks my religious beliefs in a forum like this one.
One of my jobs asd moderator is to try to get people to get along. Overly promiscuous expressions of belief almost invariably lead to conflict and strife between different people. I would personally like to see this minimized. My email to Mark was done in my capacity as a concerned forum member. Not as a moderator of this forum. I explained that in my email to Mark. And I have explained it in this thread.
If you feel I have done something seriously wrong, then please, email Mr. Turber and/or Spark and complain about me or demand my removal. I am only trying to be fair to all. Not to censor or deny folks their right to free expression.
There is a Big difference between emailing someone asking for them to reconsider something, and "trying to get someone to remove or edit a signature line or lines that only express Religious opinions". Religious opinions have been the source of much strife, anguish, cruelty, and death. So, yes, I would like to see people supress their own expression of religious belief here in this forum. Not to supress Religion, but only to encourage Open discussion. That is all...
Paracelsus, noting that if you are complaining about MY signature line, I never use one except what I invent on the spur of the moment, appropriate for each thread. If you mean the signature line of the Undead Moderator, I agree with you. It is excessive, unecessary, and distracting. But it is not obviously something that may offend folks (unless they click the links of course)
, I would like my friends to know I will be gone. THANKS!
