One of the things I love about this æthereal Monestary we tend is how laid-back the moderation system is. Partly, this is because the majority of our bretheren and visitors are reasonably well-behaved, and partly it is because it takes a fair bit to get our collective hackles up.
Of course, we do have our limits: ad hominem attacks are rarely tolerated, and they are never deemed appropriate. Even here, though, it takes a fairly eggregious case to invoke the dreaded NodeReaper.
However, this response to this node does raise a question. Now, I have several responses in that (admittedly horribly off-topic) thread that pretty clearly state my position: less-than flattering references to religious figures, especially when intended to be humorous, are not something I think is inappropriate.
On the other hand, it's pretty clear that some people were seriously offended. Because of that, I think it's worth some open debate; however, I don't want to get into arguing the fate of that particular thread. Rather, I'd like to pose a broader debate.
From one point of view, I certainly have no desire to promote behavior that would alienate members of the Monestary. However, there are two other points of view to consider. Firstly, when we start trying to define what "offensive" material is, we can get onto a very slippery slope: especially when it comes to spiritual beliefs. Secondly, I know that I am not so easily offended when people poke fun at my beliefs, and I suspect many of my fellow Monks feel the same.
So, where should we draw the line?
In reply to Jokes, ad-hominem attacks, and sensitivity by radiantmatrix
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