Unorthodox TheologyA forum to discuss/debate theological doctrines not accepted by mainstream evangelical Christianity (eg. Full Preterism, Unitarianism)
I have recently spent 3-4 weeks of quality time in this section of the forums and I must admit, as a newcomer to this area, that what I see is very disturbing.
In the heat of the discussions, there is a lot of baiting, arguing, taking scripture out of context, name-calling, demeaning language and even derogatory language used to describe the Lord. I realize that debates can become a little testy as they go on but I have seen several instances of the moderators having to step in to keep the peace. I will admit that I have act inappropriately and have been called on the carpet for it and I make no excuses for it. I do apologize for the inpropreities.However, this is what happens when people are baited and accused of possessing or not possessing the necessary qualifications of being a part of this board.
As many of you know, I was involved in the mormon church for a long time and then left. Five years ago, I came to the Lord and was saved so it means that I have been on both sides of the fence. I have no bitterness toward the mormon people but only a great love and respect for them. When that respect is challenged by some who possess a narrow minded and better-than-thou attitude, it naturally puts me on the defensive. On the flip side, I see the same characteristics evident with many who say they are christian. When these tendencies expose themselves in the heat of a debate, that's when the fur starts to fly and emotions run high.
I am not going to sit here and pass judgment on anyone because I am just as guilty. I am only here this morning writing this in hopes that we as posters will seek to be more respectful of one another as we post, to assess what is written, and make meaningful, knowledgeable responses. In this way, these boards won't turn into an electronic battleground firing insults and barbs at one another. Jesus wouldn't be happy with it so why should we?
God bless each and every one of you, continue to read Scripture and press forward in doing the Lord's work on earth.
I have recently spent 3-4 weeks of quality time in this section of the forums and I must admit, as a newcomer to this area, that what I see is very disturbing.
In the heat of the discussions, there is a lot of baiting, arguing, taking scripture out of context, name-calling, demeaning language and even derogatory language used to describe the Lord. I realize that debates can become a little testy as they go on but I have seen several instances of the moderators having to step in to keep the peace. I will admit that I have act inappropriately and have been called on the carpet for it and I make no excuses for it. I do apologize for the inpropreities.However, this is what happens when people are baited and accused of possessing or not possessing the necessary qualifications of being a part of this board.
As many of you know, I was involved in the mormon church for a long time and then left. Five years ago, I came to the Lord and was saved so it means that I have been on both sides of the fence. I have no bitterness toward the mormon people but only a great love and respect for them. When that respect is challenged by some who possess a narrow minded and better-than-thou attitude, it naturally puts me on the defensive. On the flip side, I see the same characteristics evident with many who say they are christian. When these tendencies expose themselves in the heat of a debate, that's when the fur starts to fly and emotions run high.
I am not going to sit here and pass judgment on anyone because I am just as guilty. I am only here this morning writing this in hopes that we as posters will seek to be more respectful of one another as we post, to assess what is written, and make meaningful, knowledgeable responses. In this way, these boards won't turn into an electronic battleground firing insults and barbs at one another. Jesus wouldn't be happy with it so why should we?
God bless each and every one of you, continue to read Scripture and press forward in doing the Lord's work on earth.
I support your statement wholeheartedly. Sure we must contend for the faith, but that differs from contention. The difference reveals the love we have for Christ, and for one another, which are the same.
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"Complicated" only means multiple basics that work together in harmony.
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I have recently spent 3-4 weeks of quality time in this section of the forums and I must admit, as a newcomer to this area, that what I see is very disturbing.
In the heat of the discussions, there is a lot of baiting, arguing, taking scripture out of context, name-calling, demeaning language and even derogatory language used to describe the Lord. I realize that debates can become a little testy as they go on but I have seen several instances of the moderators having to step in to keep the peace. I will admit that I have act inappropriately and have been called on the carpet for it and I make no excuses for it. I do apologize for the inpropreities.However, this is what happens when people are baited and accused of possessing or not possessing the necessary qualifications of being a part of this board.
As many of you know, I was involved in the mormon church for a long time and then left. Five years ago, I came to the Lord and was saved so it means that I have been on both sides of the fence. I have no bitterness toward the mormon people but only a great love and respect for them. When that respect is challenged by some who possess a narrow minded and better-than-thou attitude, it naturally puts me on the defensive. On the flip side, I see the same characteristics evident with many who say they are christian. When these tendencies expose themselves in the heat of a debate, that's when the fur starts to fly and emotions run high.
I am not going to sit here and pass judgment on anyone because I am just as guilty. I am only here this morning writing this in hopes that we as posters will seek to be more respectful of one another as we post, to assess what is written, and make meaningful, knowledgeable responses. In this way, these boards won't turn into an electronic battleground firing insults and barbs at one another. Jesus wouldn't be happy with it so why should we?
God bless each and every one of you, continue to read Scripture and press forward in doing the Lord's work on earth.
I posted something very similar to this when I first joined over a year ago. Nothing changed....
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"Nicene-Christianity"
CF Returning To Its Darkest Era
People with opinions just go around bothering one another. -- The Buddha
Karma means you don't get away with nothin'.
A little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men.
We can disagree without being disagreeable. I believe the fur starts to fly mostly when one person or the other insinuates (or sometimes just comes out and says it) that the other person really isn't saved because they don't see scripture from their perspective. No one likes to have their relationship with God questioned or their salvation doubted. It goes to the heart of who they are....and therefore is a "hot button". Unfortunately that "button" is pushed all too regularly by some people.
If we could all just see that other CHRISTIANS can and DO have different perspectives and interpretations of scripture then it would go far. But the idea that if a person doesn't see scripture with YOUR interpretation or from YOUR perspective or hold YOUR doctrine then it must mean they really aren't saved is inflammatory and judgemental.
I have been told that because I am a preterist that I'm really not a Christian. I've been told that because I'm a universalist that I must not really have the Holy Spirit (ie I'm not saved)....I've been told that because I don't believe the bible is inerrant and infallbible that I really don't have a relationship with God.
I'm sure the Mormons are tired of being told that they really aren't saved, or really don't have a true relationship with God because of their doctrines. Only God knows a human heart. Only God can judge if someone is saved or lost.
God ALONE knows the heart. We would do well to leave those matter in His capable hands....and stick with the areas we know.....which in actuality are few and far between. Much grace is the ticket.....
But words can never hurt me.
I guess I am different, calling me unrighteous because I am a sinner goes through one ear and out the other.
Calling me a heathen because I believe in (once saved always save) is an honor. Telling me I am backwards and stupid for believing the Bible is God's Word is rewarding.
Losing one's temper while debating me is challenging.
Calling me unchristian for one thing or another is putting me in good company. Being condenscending to or about me is Okay just make sure you spell my name wrong.
Calling me aknowitall is only being truthfull, calling me ignorant is also only being truthfull.
\Not understanding me because I believe in the Trinity means you're not along, does anyone understand the Trinity?
Questioning why I love Mormonism so is like questionging why we eat sausage, we know whats in it, but we eat it anyway.
Asking me why I spend so much time here, is easy to answer. "I don't have a tee time."
I look forward coming here each morning and giving my 2 cents worth, but having someone getting mad at me and e-mailing the CFcop is priceless.
I have found that you have to be very careful about your wording, for instance...
Originally Posted by urbanlemur2005
As many of you know, I was involved in the mormon church for a long time and then left. Five years ago, I came to the Lord and was saved so it means that I have been on both sides of the fence.
I can only assume that if one side of the fence is with the Lord and saved then the other side is "Mormon" and unsaved.
I rarely get offended but I also realize that there are some that will take offence to everything.
I think the issues you note have several causes. One of them is there are bigots on these boards whose posts are almost always agenda ridden. Two, there are those who quickly get defensive and/or emotional because they are the objects of bigotry, cannot control their passion, or see themselves as crusaders. Three, CF considers Mormons as persona non grata and has set things up to encourage a sense of otherness. Four, many Moderators of these boards have been very obvious in where their sympathies lie. Moderators who a quick to shut down baiting and other flaming posts could definitely help cull bigots and promote meaningful discussion.
__________________ "We are lovers of beauty without extravagance and of learning without loss of vigor." -Thucydides
"Then let us again examine whether that is a sound statement, or do we let it pass, and if one of us, or someone else, merely says that something is so, do we accept that it is so? Or should we examine what the speaker means?" -Plato
People forget, just because it's an online forum, doesn't mean God isn't reading.
here in America we are debating whether or not god reads in English or Spanish.
Now if I had to make a bet I would bet he reads this sight in Reformed Egyptian.
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