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Quote:

Originally posted by K.A. Rutledge
Hi Craig,

I will discuss, even debate religion or religious matters with you in a face-to-face conversation, one on one any time, anywhere. I will not, however, engage in such a conversation or debate in a public, online forum for bonsai.

I'm not interested in a debate.

Religion (even politics) is a caustic topic even in a face-to-face conversation among even the best of friends. Here, it would become a destructive exercise and we all of us here know it.

Anything can be divisive if it is made so. Religion is sometimes divisive because those who discuss it do so in absolute terms. "My way is the only way." I'm not interested in that. Religion is in the historical background of bonsai in some form, and it certainly is in the background and the present in American culture.

Discussing elements of faith can be interesting and uplifting. Arguing elements of faith, in a forum for bonsai - hamstrung by the removal of many of the most important elements necessary for effective communication, is a non sequitur and an activity for fools.

Kind regards,
Andy Rutledge
zone 8, Texas

Well, again, I'm not talking about arguing. It is possible to talk about religion without shouting. I do it for a living, and most people who know me know that I have an open-minded, tolerant approach. I realize that not all do. It is a matter of temperment. Look at how this forum erupts at times over issues that have no relation to religion or politics. Divisiveness is a part of human nature, and is not caused by religious diversity.

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37