I am new to YA, so I am really curious, is it always this snippy and mean in R&S?

Welcome.

Some of the attacks seem pretty harsh but overall its pretty typical. Be polite, ignore attacks, don't type when you're angry, check your facts, you'll be fine.

Sometimes you'd think some people just post a question to see how fast it can be deleted.

Added: for the definition of "troll" see the answer from V - you'll note that every answer from this nitwit is the same, that all atheists are gay and repressed. Meet Francine/Frank. I've lost track of how many accounts this person has had because it's always the same moronic, insulting postings.

It is always this way here! I would not change it, though, because the irreverence, if that is concerning you, is what makes this section so fascinating! It's a sort of debate between theists and nontheists and is actually fun, informative, and, really, harmless. I think that the majority of the questions and answers are not so offensive as to deserve being reported, and I, personally, would never report anyone. Just join the group and enjoy yourself. State your mind!

It isn't a very *polite* board, shall we say. I mean, we're not discussing the weather. There isn't anything that gets people riled like differing religious beliefs. But I have learned an incredible amount --- and honestly I've learned the *most* by having to answer people's arguments with Scripture. It has been invaluable to me.

Also, I'm just kind of a curious sort about everything. I find it fascinating to see other's viewpoints.

There are some incredibly kind people here, and it's worth it to stay. But it's not for the faint hearted.

No some of the time it's worse. I wish I were joking, but it's true. It does vary by time of day and from day to day though. Just when everyone seems to settle down to be respectful, we get a new crowd of trolls and troublesome folks - on all sides of any question.

All in all there are smart folks here and many nice ones, just ignore the others.

Snippy is when you are rude and in a bad mood. When you are talking to someone you may give them harsh and sarcastic responses which they may find as being "snippy".

Anyone who uses the word "Christianese" is just asking for snippiness, or is a Fundie....

It is always this way in R&S, sometimes worse. Best word of advice I can give you is to be aware that you can always turn the computer off and walk away.

Yes. It gets rough in here. But just dig into the questions and eventually you'll get to the smart ones. I actually looked up yer profile, so I thought I'd be cool to you, unlike some. (Minus the sarcasm ones. You'll get those ALOT.) And wait till Friday night rolls around...You ain't seen nothing yet!!!!

"Its a war in here!"-Yahoo! Street Blues

This site is solid proof that "Truth" is in the eye of the beholder. Anyone that wants to state their "Truth for all to hear" had better expect the one person that will agree with them and the twenty people that will beat them over the head with their "Truth" like a poorly tuned ukulele.

Status Quo

Yes. Remember that there is a spiritual war going on and it does manifest itself in R&S. If you are Christian, then this should be expected. If you are Christian, put on your armor, grab your sword, and start slashing!

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph. 6:10-17

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb. 4:12