Comfortable theology.

[Xeno.of.athens]

When participating on a discussion forum, such as ChristianForums, do you expect to read nothing but comfortable theology? That is to say, do you want to read posts that say things that you already believe or things that are agreeable to the system of theology that you already accept?

 

[Brother-Mike]

For me I’m quite happy there are thriving sub-forums for specific denominations (well, okay fine - for Michie to post to Catholics ), and that all are welcome to peruse and maybe get some exposure to other ways of thinking.

My ever-present concern is the lack of civility and otherwise intense negativity that some express. Not just the usual from the atheist peanut gallery, but even from within Christian camps. Sometimes I wonder “hmm… maybe it‘s just me - God knows despite my obvious charm and teddybear lovableness it’s still possible for some to react in ways I can’t predict”. But then I look into the Latest Activity tab and see a whole lot of others equally cranky, and sniping at one another.

Such are the ways of online social media I guess, even among those in Christ…

 

[PloverWing]

The most useful threads on CF for me are conversations with people who share the majority of my beliefs, but who differ from me in some way or who have some personal experience that I can learn from.

When I have conversations with Christians who hugely disagree with me, these differences are often so significant that we just can't get started into a fruitful discussion.

And, of course, if I'm talking with someone who exactly agrees with me, the reinforcement may be nice, but I probably won't learn much from the discussion. I learn best if there's some kind of different experience or perspective the other person can bring.

(I'll note that genuine interfaith discussions are often a positive experience. When I'm talking with, say, a Muslim or a Wiccan, and we acknowledge up front that we follow different faiths, I can often learn from the other person's perspective. Maybe the difference here is that the Muslim or Wiccan isn't trying to tell me what Christians should believe or do.)

 

[Brother-Mike]

The most useful threads on CF for me are conversations with people who share the majority of my beliefs, but who differ from me in some way or who have some personal experience that I can learn from.

When I have conversations with Christians who hugely disagree with me, these differences are often so significant that we just can't get started into a fruitful discussion.

And, of course, if I'm talking with someone who exactly agrees with me, the reinforcement may be nice, but I probably won't learn much from the discussion. I learn best if there's some kind of different experience or perspective the other person can bring.

(I'll note that genuine interfaith discussions are often a positive experience. When I'm talking with, say, a Muslim or a Wiccan, and we acknowledge up front that we follow different faiths, I can often learn from the other person's perspective. Maybe the difference here is that the Muslim or Wiccan isn't trying to tell me what Christians should believe or do.)

I’m reminded of:

Narcissism of small differences - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

For me I’m quite happy there are thriving sub-forums for specific denominations (well, okay fine - for Michie to post to Catholics ), and that all are welcome to peruse and maybe get some exposure to other ways of thinking.

Fair enough.

My ever-present concern is the lack of civility and otherwise intense negativity that some express. Not just the usual from the atheist peanut gallery, but even from within Christian camps.

People get worked up about personalities and soon a topic converts to a meta-topic about the authors and their alleged intended meanings rather than remaining a discussion of the ideas in the original post. It happens, it is a bit frustrating that it happens so often.

Sometimes I wonder “hmm… maybe it‘s just me - God knows despite my obvious charm and teddybear lovableness it’s still possible for some to react in ways I can’t predict”.

How could anyone not appreciate charm and teddy bear lovableness?

But then I look into the Latest Activity tab and see a whole lot of others equally cranky, and sniping at one another.

Let us all become cuddly and cute, then no one will ever disagree, right?

However, I do agree, grumpy replies and grumpy OPs set a grumpy tone that is hard to resist.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

The most useful threads on CF for me are conversations with people who share the majority of my beliefs, but who differ from me in some way or who have some personal experience that I can learn from.

When I have conversations with Christians who hugely disagree with me, these differences are often so significant that we just can't get started into a fruitful discussion.

And, of course, if I'm talking with someone who exactly agrees with me, the reinforcement may be nice, but I probably won't learn much from the discussion. I learn best if there's some kind of different experience or perspective the other person can bring.

(I'll note that genuine interfaith discussions are often a positive experience. When I'm talking with, say, a Muslim or a Wiccan, and we acknowledge up front that we follow different faiths, I can often learn from the other person's perspective. Maybe the difference here is that the Muslim or Wiccan isn't trying to tell me what Christians should believe or do.)

I agree with your concluding remark:

[In discussions with Muslims or Wiccans} ... the difference here is that the Muslim or Wiccan isn't trying to tell me what Christians should believe or do.​

I prefer a discussion where non-Catholics do not spend half or more of their time telling me what Catholics really believe.

 

[Jonaitis]

When participating on a discussion forum, such as ChristianForums, do you expect to read nothing but comfortable theology? That is to say, do you want to read posts that say things that you already believe or things that are agreeable to the system of theology that you already accept?

I'm always looking for a challenge, because iron sharpens iron. I have learned that debating various views and reasoning it out improves my own learning and understanding of the Scriptures, and helps me figure out where my convictions should rest. So I am always looking for a way to challenge a view primarily for my own sake spiritually. Forums have helped me develop theologically since my early teens.

 

[Paidiske]

I really enjoy being challenged to look at things from another point of view, or to consider different perspectives. That's a large part of the benefit of being here, for me.

I do not enjoy when the discussion turns into a slanging match or belittling those with whom we disagree.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

I do not enjoy when the discussion turns into a slanging match or belittling those with whom we disagree.

Yeah, that's when a topic is lost and replaced with a meta discission about the authors of posts.

 

[Servus]

Not at all. I like knowing other theologies and points of view.

 

[Fervent]

I'm primarily on here to learn, so if I just saw stuff I already agreed with that wouldn't happen. What I find irritating is when there's no humility in the presentation of doctrine, where every theological opinion is treated as if it came from on high and any disagreement with an interpretation is a disagreement with Scripture itself.

 

[YahuahSaves]

When participating on a discussion forum, such as ChristianForums, do you expect to read nothing but comfortable theology? That is to say, do you want to read posts that say things that you already believe or things that are agreeable to the system of theology that you already accept?

It's difficult for we as humans to not gravitate towards posts and theologies that we already agree with.

That being said, I didn't join this forum to discuss scripture or the interpretation of it, but since that seems to be what the majority of discussions is centred on, I've had no choice but to "participate", especially where it challenges my viewpoint... but the upside to it is, I am able to see certain scriptures in new light after being here a week, so the challenge is somewhat positive...that, and it's making me think of God.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

Edited a little: It's difficult, for us as humans, to not gravitate towards posts and theologies with which we already agree.

Yet it is our calling to pursue holiness - that means to seek separation from worldly concerns - without which no one will see God. And for our theology this surely implies a lifelong pursuit of truth from which one's soul may be fed heavenly food leading to everlasting life in communion with the sons [and daughters] of God.