Sorry. Politics and religion both impinge on facts. Politics, in theory, is based on setting public policy to shape the future in light of facts. Even in religious discussions, there are facts to be noted.
E.g., what is the teaching of this particular religion or sect–regardless whether that teaching represents a fact? The teaching or dogma expresses a belief, but there is a fact to be observed: the correct wording or context of the teaching or belief. The divinity of Jesus and the virginity of Mary are beliefs. The enumeration of religions/sects that share those beliefs is fact. We frequently see posters claiming that Jews/Christians/Muslims/Catholics/Mormons/B’hai believe thus. The belief of the group may be true or silly, but the identification of the belief is a fact or a falsehood. To say that Jews revere Jesus as a prophet is a belief cherished by many Christians–but it is not a fact. A few Jews recognize Jesus as a spiritually devoted man, but there is no general belief in Judaism regarding the prophetic nature of Jesus’s life. Discussions of this sort of point is a discussion of fact and is fair game for the General forum. The problem, of course, is that too often the belief, itself, is treated as fact and the flames erupt. That is why, while I support the noble goal of a new Discussion thread, I don’t have high hopes for its success.
Popokis5? Re-reading your post I see a larger issue. You aren’t necessarily going to like the response. It is in the nature of people to discuss/debate/argue/fight/flame the very nature of facts. Cecil, sticking to a single column each week, can limit his observations to a purely factual expression. Even he, however, can be embroiled in opinions when the facts are still open for interpretation: see the thread/topic on genetically engineered food in the “Responses to Cecil” forum.
We all want to start with the facts; we’d all like to end with the facts. As long as there are conflicting views on just what constitutes a fact, we are going to have debates (and feuds/flames/general chaos).
I’m a newbie, so I don’t know how much my opinion is worth, but I agree that a debates and discussion forums are a good idea.
There is still a problem, however. It seems that even when an OP asks for factual answers, people still come in debating about beliefs. As tomndebb pointed out, there can be factual questions about religion or politics, but these threads are often turned into religious or political debates. The real answers are buried in the midst of post after post of long opinions (See the GQ thread on Mormons and mitochondrial DNA if you don’t know what I’m talking about.) I guess my point is that even though debates and discussions is a good idea, it won’t solve the problem altogether.
“It is more from carelessness about the truth than from intentional lying that there is so much falsehood in the world.”
-Samuel Johnson
Ed and staff do our best to be responsive to ideas… sometimes it just takes a little while. Also, we’re all trying out this new forum together, so we’re open to suggestions.