I think it would be a good idea to have a forum that is religiously based. I have used my beliefs and prayer to help me thru my toughest times.

Not so much that religion itself offends me, for I don't really get offended personally. It's more the assumption that everyone here appreciates long winded preachy posts that tend to come off condescending (rahter that it the intent or not, that is how some view them) and the assumption that everyone appreciates the god posts, the praying posts, the religious posts etc. I have no problem with anyone's beliefs and I do try to avoid them, but if I give an OPINION I don't expect to get my ass jumped for my own personal view...it is ONLY my view. But maybe having posts tagged that are religious based or a group that is religious based...I don't know. It's too bad people can't NOT be offended but it's a touchy topic for all of us, myself included. :-P

I think that this is a very open forum. I believe that we can talk about whatever we need to and get answers from everywhere and every side. I'm not saying that a site like that wouldn't be appropriate, just not necessary. I do not mind everyone's religious beliefs, for I have my own. I used to be very religious but have lost that over time. I'm not offended by any of that, but I, like Esoteric, don't like it shoved in my face. I just give my opinions, take them for what they are worth. My opinion is only my view, like everyone else here has. Like the old saying, "Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one." Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is that I'm open to anything, may not be what I believe but I'm not going to turn anyone away or "shun" them for believing what they believe, opposite of me or not. I'm sorry if anyone gets offended by this post, but again, like Esoteric, I don't want my ass jumped if I post my opinion.

for me my relgious situation confuses me so im very open to a community relgion based, im a christian but the belief system states i should forgive, however i feel i cant do this, thus created problems to my beliefs and i feel talking to others in similar situations with beliefs would be great. perhaps we should suggest it to doug :)

I also think having a forum religious based is a good idea

I'd join. Not that i am really religious. Just have lot of questions.

i think it's a good idea. i don't really have a religion right now...or maybe i do and i'm just upset? i'm not really sure which it is...and if there was some kind of community for different religions, etc...i'd be able to see what everyone has to say..and i don't know, maybe it'll help me better than right now...

I am the same as stakee i am a chirstian thar finds i hard to forgive. i join but

I tend to agree with Jenbob (reply 3) This is a very open forum which is what makes it so good. If we did turn start a forum for people with different religions etc I think abuse survivors may be put off ( I would). The issue of forgiveness etc is very hard whether you have religion or not (I am a christian myself). Its good on this forum that we embrace all survivors whether religious or not on the basis that we all share the one thing in common, sexual abuse.
Everyone has the right to their own views and sometimes its helpful , although painful, to take other peoples views on board.
Mandiex

I tend to agree we 2, 3 and 9. But if there were a community that was flag as religous then the people who tend to be offened can choose to be particapate or not. and i think people who do like to talk about religion as it relates to their healing would probably feel they can be more open without risking the wrath that i have seen with some of replies i have seen over the last month.

I thinnk religion is a trigger for some survivors and I wouldn't exclude them from participating.

As i said this is just a request for opinions and they are all right so far.

I would love to be able from time to time to speak more openly about prayer and the power of prayer. But i too have to respect that this can be a trigger for some.

All good replies.

Perhaps what you could do is as a discussion topic appeal for people who would talk with you about prayer and its power. I would be more than happy to share my experience of prayer in the healing of abuse. Don't know whether you'd be interested??

mandiex: that is a good idea.
i like it.

Keep me posted and I'll watch out for it.

I think it's a great idea.

It's a good consideration, and I have bee reluctant to psot anything spiritual, too, but then I have to bring it back to me and examine how I can get the courage to let me be me and the other person be who they are.

I have to ask myself, "How can I get the courage to speak my mind and be who I am?" Part of me is beign spiritual.

Hope this helps.