A new CF, an old vision (4)

[moonkitty]

You know what? The sort of warfare that has been going on in this thread and its predecessors is precisely why CF will never achieve its vision without a renewing of minds and spirits.

I belong to a denomination, The Episcopal Church in the United States of America, which is in the process of tearing itself apart over some of the same issues that are causing problems here. I happen to be very much a liberal, but also someone who cares about all God's people, conservatives included. And what is happening is wrong -- wrong there and wrong here.

What happened here was that an entrenched bureaucracy decided to go beyond enforcing forum rules to start judging people's hearts and salvation. A Christian couple, legally married and not in a state with gay marriage, was stripped of their "married" icons because staff decided to start gossiping and making accusations. A perfectly valid United Methodist was stripped of his "Christian" identity for the heinous sin of asking about another creed used by his church. People had started determining that "uniting all Christians" means "uniting all Christians that live up to my stringent standards of that it means to be Christian." Believers in Jesus Christ were being turned away for not mouthing the proper dogmatic shibboleths.

This was wrong. And Erwin reacted against it. I believe him to have been led by the Holy Spirit to call back into communion those who have been excluded by various people's prejudices.

But at the same time we cannot condemn those who believe that God has standards which all should live up to -- because everyone believes that; it's just that different people hold to different standards.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says two things about religion: nobody can force their beliefs on you, and nobody can stop you from believing as you are led to believe. I think those two clauses make a pretty fair statement for CF as well:

You do not have the right to judge your brother's faith or salvation. You do have the right to hold fast to your own. Only one human being has the right to judge, and He is also the Incarnate Word of God. If you hold to an inerrant Bible, that is your privilege; but you must not demand that all Christians agree with you, on penalty of being disfellowshipped from CF. Same thing for every other major issue from papal primacy to antemillenialism to homosexuality. God has called us all together for His purposes, and what He has jouned together, let no man put asunder.

Gracious Father, we pray for Christian Forums. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is
amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you inharmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

QFT

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

What of those who believe they are Christians? Do we leave them alone and let them march into the flames? What if one well spoken sentence brought them back to the truth?

BUT what if we are not allowed to speak that sentence, that truth?

Yah for openended conversation, but I bet I'm still not allowed to mod..I don't know why...

 

[ContentInHim]

Yah for openended conversation, but I bet I'm still not allowed to mod..I don't know why...

To which heresy do you subscribe?

I can't remember how many I've been accused of!

 

[ScottishJohn]

dude this aint middle ground.

That really depends on what ground you are currently standing on.

this is no longer a christian ministry.

I'm not sure about that. Two reasons, one is I'm not sure how much of a Christian ministry it has been, my guess is that in parts it has been invaluable to some, and in other parts it has done incredible damage. The other is that I haven't seen what it is becoming yet, the mere fact that non Christians are going to be allowed to be elected to decide whether posters are following the rules which are decided by the posters does not strike me as being mutually exclusive with Christian ministry. This site is a mixed bag. There are currently areas which have little to do with ministry and others which do.

its a site where all people can be members and staff in all areas.

That remains to be seen. It depends on the membership. I can think of non Christians who are perfectly capable of being mods in most areas of cf, mods don't set policy, they seek to ensure that it is followed by all.

for a christian forum that was TOO legalistic, that aint middle ground. thats the diamteric opposite.

I don't think that is the case. The diametric opposite would be banning Christians from holding office.

and it again leads us back to the question: how is this now a "ChristianForum"?

Because the vast majority of the membership remain Christian?

but as to the rest of yer post, yer right. ppl shouldnt be afraid. but theyre lonely and so theyre afraid. us sayin they shouldnt be dont really change that.

I still think we should be seeking to allay any fears or concerns and encourage those who are feeling them, rather than adding to them, giving them credence or becoming the objects of their fear.

and the big 7/7/7 deadline and all its accoutrements was pure theatre.

OK, I have to admit that you are right about that. The date was a piece of pomp and circumstance, although I'm not convinced there is much wrong with that.

as is his subsequent behavior. i aint sayin that means hes a bad guy. but its bein handled badly and its fosterin distrust and confusion which then encourages the fear and arguments.

Change is difficult to manage in any way. Erwin warned us, has given us information about what he intends to do, has started a thread where he is keeping us up to date on what he has done so far, and I'm not really sure what else you would prefer him to do. He has tried the reform by committee in the past and it hasn't worked. He is giving the unilateral approach a go.

 

[tulc]

Yeah it is kind of weird coming to CaDan's defense I admit.

Sort of has that "end of the world" feel doesn't it?
tulc(thinks now is the time for a big cup of coffee)

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

To which heresy do you subscribe?

I can't remember how many I've been accused of!

I think I was told my speach was too bold..hnm..shame on me..

 

[Cassiopeia]

What of those who believe they are Christians? Do we leave them alone and let them march into the flames? What if one well spoken sentence brought them back to the truth?

BUT what if we are not allowed to speak that sentence, that truth?

Is your faith so weak that it is threatened by differing views on what constitutes a Christian? Do you require to believe in Christianity as a whole that we all believe the same exact things?

You can always share with me what you hold to be true. I will gladly listen and share the discourse with you, but what isn't acceptable is for either of us to point fingers and slander one another with threats of hellfire and damnation. Do you know how to live in your faith and let someone else live in theirs?

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Is your faith so weak that it is threatened by differing views on what constitutes a Christian? Do you require to believe in Christianity as a whole that we all believe the same exact things?

You can always share with me what you hold to be true. I will gladly listen and share the discourse with you, but what isn't acceptable is for either of us to point fingers and slander one another with threats of hellfire and damnation. Do you know how to live in your faith and let someone else live in theirs?

I see your not a mod neither, for the same reason no dah

 

[ContentInHim]

Sort of has that "end of the world" feel doesn't it?
tulc(thinks now is the time for a big cup of coffee)

Did the Rapture take place yesterday, as scheduled?

It's 95F outside today so I've not headed out to see if the world has ended yet?

 

[drstevej]

Hi Casi,

Should I tell you "Bridge Out Ahead Turn Around" or just say, "Have an Nice Trip and enjoy the view?"

Steve

 

[Cassiopeia]

I see your not a mod neither, for the same reason no dah

LOL...um..no...that isn't something I think will happen any time soon if ever. I am too...intangible for most. It's okay, I am happy to sit and listen and share with others.

Anyone for a cup of coffee or tea? Ice Tea? Anyone?

 

[ContentInHim]

Is your faith so weak that it is threatened by differing views on what constitutes a Christian? Do you require to believe in Christianity as a whole that we all believe the same exact things?

You can always share with me what you hold to be true. I will gladly listen and share the discourse with you, but what isn't acceptable is for either of us to point fingers and slander one another with threats of hellfire and damnation. Do you know how to live in your faith and let someone else live in theirs?

My faith is not weak. I will repeat this until you hear it. My fear is that young/new believers will get caught up in the heady fluff of postmodern christianity that is now not only permitted but accepted at CF and not be saved when they could easily be. I don't want to answer to the Father why I didn't try to help. If I am muzzled from telling the Biblical truth, I can't help.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

LOL...um..no...that isn't something I think will happen any time soon if ever. I am too...intangible for most. It's okay, I am happy to sit and listen and share with others.

Anyone for a cup of coffee or tea? Ice Tea? Anyone?

Here's a rose, sorry, bless you, tea sounds great

 

[Cassiopeia]

Hi Casi,

Should I tell you "Bridge Out Ahead Turn Around" or just say, "Have an Nice Trip and enjoy the view?"

Steve

Oh hey cutiepie. How you doing? Long time no chat. And NO, I haven't changed I am still me and still just as loving as ever. Don'tcha just hate that?

 

[ContentInHim]

Hi Casi,

Should I tell you "Bridge Out Ahead Turn Around" or just say, "Have an Nice Trip and enjoy the view?"

Steve

Exactly! I can't wave - I want to shout and block the road!

 

[ContentInHim]

Oh hey cutiepie. How you doing? Long time no chat. And NO, I haven't changed I am still me and still just as loving as ever. Don'tcha just hate that?

So you would truly just say "have a nice trip?"

 

[drstevej]

Oh hey cutiepie. How you doing? Long time no chat. And NO, I haven't changed I am still me and still just as loving as ever. Don'tcha just hate that?

Casi,

I do like you a lot just as you are. It was good to see you posting.

Steve

 

[icedtea]

Is your faith so weak that it is threatened by differing views on what constitutes a Christian? Do you require to believe in Christianity as a whole that we all believe the same exact things?

You can always share with me what you hold to be true. I will gladly listen and share the discourse with you, but what isn't acceptable is for either of us to point fingers and slander one another with threats of hellfire and damnation. Do you know how to live in your faith and let someone else live in theirs?

Except many people will tell me youre not a true christian because you don't believe this fraud is a true prophet. It works both ways.

 

[Cassiopeia]

My faith is not weak. I will repeat this until you hear it. My fear is that young/new believers will get caught up in the heady fluff of postmodern christianity that is now not only permitted but accepted at CF and not be saved when they could easily be. I don't want to answer to the Father why I didn't try to help. If I am muzzled from telling the Biblical truth, I can't help.

Who will a child hear? The screaming parent who terrifies them with a whip? How long with their obedience last?

Until the moment they are out of site and away from the screaming parent. Then they will walk the path they choose and sometimes not so great. But the loving parent, the loving mentor who shows them the way by example and by precept is heard and the child sits at their feet because it is a blessing to be near them. The love that endures carries them when they are away and through out life.

If you frighten God's children away, you will be equally accountable.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

So you would truly just say "have a nice trip?"

I'm going on holidays in the autumn