The Surreal Magnificence of Fatherhood

I appreciate your reply. I've read the linked comments which had good explanations of your moderation theory. You tell us to avoid comments that lead to emotionally-charged misperceptions, ideological battles, and so on. People do this out of selfish desires or misunderstanding the effects of their comments. By blocking them, you intend to make a cohesive, calm community. I've seen the work you do myself by reading with showdead on.

"and it destroys the free exchange of views by ruining the container—the community and site—that supports it. The container is fragile and needs protecting."

"it's the difference between users who comment with care for the whole and those who don't"

I believe these two summarize your top goal. There's a higher goal that we're to balance which is giving glory to God (Jesus Christ) while leading others back into a relationship with Him. While it bothers some, I'm not ashamed of the Gospel since Christ is the only name by which men can be saved. Sharing Christ with a community creates eternal value for them on top of existing, temporary value. Also, a life of purpose with access to God in prayer to help live it effectively.

Whereas, a community of people, or moderators, who suppress the Gospel of Jesus Christ will face severe consequences the day He judges their lives. The thought of people here experiencing that saddens me. The risk goes up if you allowed things that mock the same God. Recent example in this story:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42369233

Far as "troll effects," that won't be a problem for open-minded, humble people. The Father draws them to Himself. His Word is living and active where the Creator of our brain causes it to know it's true on a deep level. If they act on that, they'll repent and be grateful for all the Lord Jesus Christ does for them. God's Word never returns void if shared.

"[Jesus said,] But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies." (Matt. 15:18)

If they hate God's authority or love their sin, they react highly negatively in a way that shows how wicked their hearts are. Jesus says we're judged only for giving them a chance, not their rejection of Him. If they admonish or censor, I believe Christ expects authorities to address their reactions, not censor the Gospel.

(Note: One person here did find some of the comments insightful. Others might have been built up. That's some success.)

Now, I'm certainly willing to reflect or share Christ in the same ways people here do other topics. Especially controversial ones. I see submissions, corroborating points from different perspective with helpful advice (I did that here), counterpoints asking their thoughts, and personal expression of beliefs in on-topic comments.

Are these allowed for Christians like they are for other topics, some controversial? Or are you banning sharing the Gospel on Hacker News where readers can't receive eternal salvation here? Shouldn't we let them decide if they burn in a lake of fire for their sins or receive Jesus Christ's gift of forgiveness?

One thing that I wish I knew was the conflict between the parent short-term vs long-term benefits.

Imagine there is a big meltdown because the child wants a snack. The parents are exhausted and you just need it to stop. You will have a strong interest in finding a quick short-term solution (ie. give the kid a snack) because it will produce immediate benefit (end the meltdown). But in the long term that may have side effects (e.g. the kid will expect snack at any time they want).

The long-term goal (eating schedule) has a high short term cost (meltdown will go longer and be harder) but often ends up paying off in a big way over time.

I wish I had paid more attention to that, but I don't want to be too hard on my old exhausted self :)

no that perfectly makes sense, and for some context i am likely to have a kid within the next 5 years if things dont go horribly in my relationship, but beyond that i really struggle to imagine that a 42nd vacation at the age of 62 is going to be more satisfying than watching my kids graduate college

billions of years of evolution are screaming at you to reproduce. your entire being was crafted for that sole purpose, methinks our flesh machines might enjoy that and it might actually be a good thing.

crazy thought i know.