[Genoa]

derision and offense

There's no reason why "religious" posts shouldn't be subject to the same rules as others, no more, no less. There are plenty of good generic rules at FR about personal offense, foul language, etc., to keep things "manageable." The marketplace of ideas should be kept free and open. Religious ideas are no exception.

[DManA]

It leads to such absurdities as

"If you are not one of us you are doomed" [devotional]/[caucus]

[Mr Rogers]

The rules are discussed here:

” “Closed” threads on the Religion Forum include devotionals, prayer threads and caucuses. The header of the thread should make it obvious that the thread is closed, i.e. like a church meeting behind closed doors. Such assemblies will not be disturbed. Any challenges or ridicule will be removed. Any thread can be designated a caucus - e.g. labeled as a “[Catholic Caucus]” or “[LDS Caucus]” - provided that neither the article nor any of the posts challenge or ridicule any other confession. These are “safe harbors” for those who are easily offended or are ill equipped to defend their own confession.”

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1774184/posts

[Vendome]

I disagree.

I’ve seen some pretty awesome subjects, that would have had meaning or inspiration, go sideways, with hijacks.