pjs1@ihuxf.UUCP (Peter Silverman) (11/02/84)
Net.religion.jewish In a has been primarily a group for practicing Jews and others interested in Jewish practice to hold "technical" discussions. When one enters that group one knows that all discourse is expected to be held within certain limits. Its function can at times be like one of the technical newsgroups in that information is exchanged that can be of real use to th reader. Net.religion has served the function of a flame pit, debating society, discussion area for all areas of religion. It appears to be the proper forum for many things: qustions on comparitive religion, prostylitizing, flamming about prostylitizing, broad statements of philosophy, well researched essays, opinion stated as truth etc. etc. Net.religion's function is to entertain its readers. Subgroups of net.religion can serve a function like that of net.religion.jewish. Followers of a particular religion can hold discussions appropriate only for those who a accept the tenants of that religion. It would a place to hold discusions which would be too arcane (or too flamable) for the general news group. Net.religion should and will keep its current format. New groups such as net.religion.christian, net.religion.pagan, net.religion.buddist, net.religion.zoroaster, net.religion..... can serve an entirely different function then the general news group. Peter Silverman AT & T Bell Labs