Christian only forums? Really?

[erealmz]

At first I was kind of upset about this. Then I figured Christians want a place to talk amongst themselves without interference from non believers. It makes sense. However, upon browsing the Christian only forums, I noticed there seems to be non-Christians in there as well. Or at the very least, those who struggle with the faith.

There are some very good discussions going on in those forums. But since I'm an athiest, I'm not allowed to participate. I have a lot to say and I know I could help people find answers to many of the questions they have. But you probably think that my intentions are to troll and spread propaganda.

As an ex-believer, I've studied the Bible and the Christian faith a great deal. And when I'm discussing such issues with people, I still use the Bible to quote scriptures.

I have nothing against Christians. Unless they are on the streets preaching about hell. Those are the only ones I will approach and argue with. Besides that, I do not push my views on anyone. I just love deep conversation. It's one of the reasons I joined this website. But if I'm going to be secluded from certain areas just because I don't hold the same beliefs as you, then my time here will probably be very short.

I'm not asking to be given special privileges. I'm sure your site wide rules are very effective in maintaining order in this place. Besides, if the only thing keeping me out of those forums were my spiritual orientation, I'm sure I could just make a new account and claim to be a Christian just to gain access. But I'm not going to do that. I stand where I stand and if this is the treatment I get for doing such, then it only serves to intensify my reasons to remain on that stance.

I will continue to browse the forums looking for good conversations. And if I find that the most interesting discussions are happening in places that I can not access, then as stated, I will not be a part of this website for much longer.

 

[ICONO'CLAST]

At first I was kind of upset about this. Then I figured Christians want a place to talk amongst themselves without interference from non believers. It makes sense. However, upon browsing the Christian only forums, I noticed there seems to be non-Christians in there as well. Or at the very least, those who struggle with the faith.

There are some very good discussions going on in those forums. But since I'm an athiest, I'm not allowed to participate. I have a lot to say and I know I could help people find answers to many of the questions they have. But you probably think that my intentions are to troll and spread propaganda.

As an ex-believer, I've studied the Bible and the Christian faith a great deal. And when I'm discussing such issues with people, I still use the Bible to quote scriptures.

I have nothing against Christians. Unless they are on the streets preaching about hell. Those are the only ones I will approach and argue with. Besides that, I do not push my views on anyone. I just love deep conversation. It's one of the reasons I joined this website. But if I'm going to be secluded from certain areas just because I don't hold the same beliefs as you, then my time here will probably be very short.

I'm not asking to be given special privileges. I'm sure your site wide rules are very effective in maintaining order in this place. Besides, if the only thing keeping me out of those forums were my spiritual orientation, I'm sure I could just make a new account and claim to be a Christian just to gain access. But I'm not going to do that. I stand where I stand and if this is the treatment I get for doing such, then it only serves to intensify my reasons to remain on that stance.

I will continue to browse the forums looking for good conversations. And if I find that the most interesting discussions are happening in places that I can not access, then as stated, I will not be a part of this website for much longer.

Many look at a bible and do what they call study, but without the Spirit quickening the word to you it will not sink in.

 

[erealmz]

Trust me, I have a spiritual understanding of the Bible. Why would you some otherwise?

 

[quatona]

At first I was kind of upset about this. Then I figured Christians want a place to talk amongst themselves without interference from non believers. It makes sense. However, upon browsing the Christian only forums, I noticed there seems to be non-Christians in there as well. Or at the very least, those who struggle with the faith.

There are some very good discussions going on in those forums. But since I'm an athiest, I'm not allowed to participate. I have a lot to say and I know I could help people find answers to many of the questions they have. But you probably think that my intentions are to troll and spread propaganda.

As an ex-believer, I've studied the Bible and the Christian faith a great deal. And when I'm discussing such issues with people, I still use the Bible to quote scriptures.

I have nothing against Christians. Unless they are on the streets preaching about hell. Those are the only ones I will approach and argue with. Besides that, I do not push my views on anyone. I just love deep conversation. It's one of the reasons I joined this website. But if I'm going to be secluded from certain areas just because I don't hold the same beliefs as you, then my time here will probably be very short.

I'm not asking to be given special privileges. I'm sure your site wide rules are very effective in maintaining order in this place. Besides, if the only thing keeping me out of those forums were my spiritual orientation, I'm sure I could just make a new account and claim to be a Christian just to gain access. But I'm not going to do that. I stand where I stand and if this is the treatment I get for doing such, then it only serves to intensify my reasons to remain on that stance.

I will continue to browse the forums looking for good conversations. And if I find that the most interesting discussions are happening in places that I can not access, then as stated, I will not be a part of this website for much longer.

I think there are good reasons to create an enviroment of discussion, in which the participants agree on some basics and want to discuss the details without being exposed to questioning of the basics.
Thus, not being a believer, I understand completely why Christians would prefer to stay among themselves when discussing certain topics.

Christians who are interested in the input of non-believers can easily post their threads in one of the forums open to non-Christians.

 

[Strathos]

Trust me, I have a spiritual understanding of the Bible. Why would you some otherwise?

Because your icon says 'Atheist'.

 

[timewerx]

Many look at a bible and do what they call study, but without the Spirit quickening the word to you it will not sink in.

That advice doesn't mean much....

Especially when there are many different denominations giving the same advice but in disagreement with each other with their different theologies.

If everyone claims to be guided by the *same* Spirit, how come many beliefs are contradictory?

Contradicting interpretations isn't just a simple case of misinterpretation but at least one party is hearing from a false spirit. A spirit that must have come from the enemy.

 

[~Anastasia~]

At first I was kind of upset about this. Then I figured Christians want a place to talk amongst themselves without interference from non believers. It makes sense. However, upon browsing the Christian only forums, I noticed there seems to be non-Christians in there as well. Or at the very least, those who struggle with the faith.

There are some very good discussions going on in those forums. But since I'm an athiest, I'm not allowed to participate. I have a lot to say and I know I could help people find answers to many of the questions they have. But you probably think that my intentions are to troll and spread propaganda.

As an ex-believer, I've studied the Bible and the Christian faith a great deal. And when I'm discussing such issues with people, I still use the Bible to quote scriptures.

I have nothing against Christians. Unless they are on the streets preaching about hell. Those are the only ones I will approach and argue with. Besides that, I do not push my views on anyone. I just love deep conversation. It's one of the reasons I joined this website. But if I'm going to be secluded from certain areas just because I don't hold the same beliefs as you, then my time here will probably be very short.

I'm not asking to be given special privileges. I'm sure your site wide rules are very effective in maintaining order in this place. Besides, if the only thing keeping me out of those forums were my spiritual orientation, I'm sure I could just make a new account and claim to be a Christian just to gain access. But I'm not going to do that. I stand where I stand and if this is the treatment I get for doing such, then it only serves to intensify my reasons to remain on that stance.

I will continue to browse the forums looking for good conversations. And if I find that the most interesting discussions are happening in places that I can not access, then as stated, I will not be a part of this website for much longer.

Hi erealmz, and welcome to CF.

I do understand your frustration. And I'm glad to see that you seem to realize it's not personal, and I wouldn't automatically assume you are a troll. Rather, it is just a way for us to prevent, by the rules, such from happening.

It can be frustrating for us too. I had a part in the setting up of Traditional Theology, and I proposed an area where non-Christians could be allowed to come and discuss, but with the forum structure, that wasn't possible.

And I do want to mention that I think you are actually allowed in quite a few of the forum areas? I thought all of the non-theology ones such as ethics, politics, hobbies, etc. all allow non-Christians?

I think it is mostly Theology, and some Christian-community-support where you would be limited from participating?

WITH ALL OF THAT SAID ... I'm going to add that it can depend. While yes, we do have Christian-only areas, the way areas get enforced varies. In The Ancient Way, which is the EO subforum, and so a congregational forum for Eastern Orthodox, we in fact welcome anyone who wants to come. Like all the congregational areas, we can't allow teaching against our own beliefs, but unlike many of the others, we actually have a debate area set up to allow for that.

I have also seen non-Christians post in various areas who were being helpful, asking questions, etc. But it does depend on the area.

Anyway, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to help. But we do have a good many longstanding non-Christian members who actively participate.

Again, welcome to CF!

 

[timewerx]

At first I was kind of upset about this. Then I figured Christians want a place to talk amongst themselves without interference from non believers. It makes sense. However, upon browsing the Christian only forums, I noticed there seems to be non-Christians in there as well. Or at the very least, those who struggle with the faith.

There are some very good discussions going on in those forums. But since I'm an athiest, I'm not allowed to participate. I have a lot to say and I know I could help people find answers to many of the questions they have. But you probably think that my intentions are to troll and spread propaganda.

As an ex-believer, I've studied the Bible and the Christian faith a great deal. And when I'm discussing such issues with people, I still use the Bible to quote scriptures.

I have nothing against Christians. Unless they are on the streets preaching about hell. Those are the only ones I will approach and argue with. Besides that, I do not push my views on anyone. I just love deep conversation. It's one of the reasons I joined this website. But if I'm going to be secluded from certain areas just because I don't hold the same beliefs as you, then my time here will probably be very short.

I'm not asking to be given special privileges. I'm sure your site wide rules are very effective in maintaining order in this place. Besides, if the only thing keeping me out of those forums were my spiritual orientation, I'm sure I could just make a new account and claim to be a Christian just to gain access. But I'm not going to do that. I stand where I stand and if this is the treatment I get for doing such, then it only serves to intensify my reasons to remain on that stance.

I will continue to browse the forums looking for good conversations. And if I find that the most interesting discussions are happening in places that I can not access, then as stated, I will not be a part of this website for much longer.

Perhaps, there should be another religion choice called "ex-Christians" and you can choose that instead of "Atheist".

Which can enable you to participate in some Christian sections.

 

[Catherineanne]

At first I was kind of upset about this. Then I figured Christians want a place to talk amongst themselves without interference from non believers. It makes sense. However, upon browsing the Christian only forums, I noticed there seems to be non-Christians in there as well. Or at the very least, those who struggle with the faith.

There are some very good discussions going on in those forums. But since I'm an athiest, I'm not allowed to participate. I have a lot to say and I know I could help people find answers to many of the questions they have. But you probably think that my intentions are to troll and spread propaganda.

As an ex-believer, I've studied the Bible and the Christian faith a great deal. And when I'm discussing such issues with people, I still use the Bible to quote scriptures.

I have nothing against Christians. Unless they are on the streets preaching about hell. Those are the only ones I will approach and argue with. Besides that, I do not push my views on anyone. I just love deep conversation. It's one of the reasons I joined this website. But if I'm going to be secluded from certain areas just because I don't hold the same beliefs as you, then my time here will probably be very short.

I'm not asking to be given special privileges. I'm sure your site wide rules are very effective in maintaining order in this place. Besides, if the only thing keeping me out of those forums were my spiritual orientation, I'm sure I could just make a new account and claim to be a Christian just to gain access. But I'm not going to do that. I stand where I stand and if this is the treatment I get for doing such, then it only serves to intensify my reasons to remain on that stance.

I will continue to browse the forums looking for good conversations. And if I find that the most interesting discussions are happening in places that I can not access, then as stated, I will not be a part of this website for much longer.

If you want to have a chat then I am happy to come to wherever you are able to visit, but I would rather talk about something other than religion. Atheists who want to talk to Christians tend to be rather too evangelical for my liking; they will generally have an axe hidden away somewhere, just waiting for the grindstone.

I am sorry there are parts of the forum you cannot access; that would not be my choice.

 

[Hall]

At first I was kind of upset about this. Then I figured Christians want a place to talk amongst themselves without interference from non believers. It makes sense. However, upon browsing the Christian only forums, I noticed there seems to be non-Christians in there as well. Or at the very least, those who struggle with the faith.

There are some very good discussions going on in those forums. But since I'm an athiest, I'm not allowed to participate. I have a lot to say and I know I could help people find answers to many of the questions they have. But you probably think that my intentions are to troll and spread propaganda.

As an ex-believer, I've studied the Bible and the Christian faith a great deal. And when I'm discussing such issues with people, I still use the Bible to quote scriptures.

I have nothing against Christians. Unless they are on the streets preaching about hell. Those are the only ones I will approach and argue with. Besides that, I do not push my views on anyone. I just love deep conversation. It's one of the reasons I joined this website. But if I'm going to be secluded from certain areas just because I don't hold the same beliefs as you, then my time here will probably be very short.

I'm not asking to be given special privileges. I'm sure your site wide rules are very effective in maintaining order in this place. Besides, if the only thing keeping me out of those forums were my spiritual orientation, I'm sure I could just make a new account and claim to be a Christian just to gain access. But I'm not going to do that. I stand where I stand and if this is the treatment I get for doing such, then it only serves to intensify my reasons to remain on that stance.

I will continue to browse the forums looking for good conversations. And if I find that the most interesting discussions are happening in places that I can not access, then as stated, I will not be a part of this website for much longer.

Welcome erealmz, I hope you decide to seek Him again and let His Holy Spirit transform you into who He wants you to be. His Holy Spirit is the only way to change you, anyone can say they are or were a Christian but believing isn't enough, a transformation must take place in order to be born again.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

At first I was kind of upset about this. Then I figured Christians want a place to talk amongst themselves without interference from non believers. It makes sense. However, upon browsing the Christian only forums, I noticed there seems to be non-Christians in there as well. Or at the very least, those who struggle with the faith.

There are some very good discussions going on in those forums. But since I'm an athiest, I'm not allowed to participate. I have a lot to say and I know I could help people find answers to many of the questions they have. But you probably think that my intentions are to troll and spread propaganda.

As an ex-believer, I've studied the Bible and the Christian faith a great deal. And when I'm discussing such issues with people, I still use the Bible to quote scriptures.

I have nothing against Christians. Unless they are on the streets preaching about hell. Those are the only ones I will approach and argue with. Besides that, I do not push my views on anyone. I just love deep conversation. It's one of the reasons I joined this website. But if I'm going to be secluded from certain areas just because I don't hold the same beliefs as you, then my time here will probably be very short.

I'm not asking to be given special privileges. I'm sure your site wide rules are very effective in maintaining order in this place. Besides, if the only thing keeping me out of those forums were my spiritual orientation, I'm sure I could just make a new account and claim to be a Christian just to gain access. But I'm not going to do that. I stand where I stand and if this is the treatment I get for doing such, then it only serves to intensify my reasons to remain on that stance.

I will continue to browse the forums looking for good conversations. And if I find that the most interesting discussions are happening in places that I can not access, then as stated, I will not be a part of this website for much longer.

There are some parts of CF that are there for debating issues, and there are other parts reserved for Christian ministry. This is why there are forums that are limited to Christians. It is to enable Christians to fellowship and discuss issues with one another without being sucked into the vortex of debates with those outside of Christianity. The organisers of the CF are recognising this by constructing forums that enable Christians and those outside of the Church can come together and discuss and debate issues from both perspectives. If you see an issue on a Christians only forum that you want to tap into, then the best thing to do is to start a thread on a forum that you can access and invite Christians to come and debate the issues with you. Most Christians would be glad to do that. I agree that some Christians are over sensitive about their faith and find it hard to accept challenges to their faith without feeling threatened. That is a sign of inexperience and immaturity in the faith. Experienced and mature Christians have a harder skin and are able to discuss and debate in a way that the players kick the ball and not each other. It is only the immature Christians who would accuse you of trolling when you want to discuss and debate issues that interest you.

One thing that I need to tell you is that God is not religion and religion is not God. It is true that God inspired the Bible, but He is not the Bible. The Bible just tells us about Him and makes us aware that He exists and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

What puts people off Christianity is the conduct and behaviour of religious people, and so the baby is thrown out with the bath water. I have been hurt by some in the churches I have attended, and have left two churches because of negative things that were done to me, but this did not mean that I threw God away and stopped believing in Him. This is because for me God is not the Church and the Church is not God.

I talk with God and He talks back to me, so I know that He doesn't agree always with what some people in the Church say or do. He is His own Person and although others have treated me roughly at times, God has never. He has always been supportive to me and more so in the darkest times of my life. The most precious times of fellowship I have had with God have been far away from any church or person connected with a church. So my relationship with God is very personal and private; even the ones closest to me have no idea of how close and personal I get with God at times. To me, Christianity is a relationship between two people, God and me. Everything else stems from that. Without that personal relationship, religion means absolutely nothing to me. All religion is to me is the scaffolding that I sometimes use to learn more about Him and how to serve Him better.

 

[Larniavc]

At first I was kind of upset about this. Then I figured Christians want a place to talk amongst themselves without interference from non believers. It makes sense. However, upon browsing the Christian only forums, I noticed there seems to be non-Christians in there as well. Or at the very least, those who struggle with the faith.

There are some very good discussions going on in those forums. But since I'm an athiest, I'm not allowed to participate. I have a lot to say and I know I could help people find answers to many of the questions they have. But you probably think that my intentions are to troll and spread propaganda.

As an ex-believer, I've studied the Bible and the Christian faith a great deal. And when I'm discussing such issues with people, I still use the Bible to quote scriptures.

I have nothing against Christians. Unless they are on the streets preaching about hell. Those are the only ones I will approach and argue with. Besides that, I do not push my views on anyone. I just love deep conversation. It's one of the reasons I joined this website. But if I'm going to be secluded from certain areas just because I don't hold the same beliefs as you, then my time here will probably be very short.

I'm not asking to be given special privileges. I'm sure your site wide rules are very effective in maintaining order in this place. Besides, if the only thing keeping me out of those forums were my spiritual orientation, I'm sure I could just make a new account and claim to be a Christian just to gain access. But I'm not going to do that. I stand where I stand and if this is the treatment I get for doing such, then it only serves to intensify my reasons to remain on that stance.

I will continue to browse the forums looking for good conversations. And if I find that the most interesting discussions are happening in places that I can not access, then as stated, I will not be a part of this website for much longer.

Just keep in the back of your mind that this site is one of those 'safe spaces' for Christians.

There are a lot of things you are not allowed to say but it's all in the TACs that are clearly laid out.

I hope you stay: it's a fascinating place.

 

[Catherineanne]

Welcome erealmz, I hope you decide to seek Him again and let His Holy Spirit transform you into who He wants you to be. His Holy Spirit is the only way to change you, anyone can say they are or were a Christian but believing isn't enough, a transformation must take place in order to be born again.

Matthew would beg to differ.

Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 25:31-46 - New International Version

 

[Ygrene Imref]

At first I was kind of upset about this. Then I figured Christians want a place to talk amongst themselves without interference from non believers. It makes sense. However, upon browsing the Christian only forums, I noticed there seems to be non-Christians in there as well. Or at the very least, those who struggle with the faith.

There are some very good discussions going on in those forums. But since I'm an athiest, I'm not allowed to participate. I have a lot to say and I know I could help people find answers to many of the questions they have. But you probably think that my intentions are to troll and spread propaganda.

As an ex-believer, I've studied the Bible and the Christian faith a great deal. And when I'm discussing such issues with people, I still use the Bible to quote scriptures.

I have nothing against Christians. Unless they are on the streets preaching about hell. Those are the only ones I will approach and argue with. Besides that, I do not push my views on anyone. I just love deep conversation. It's one of the reasons I joined this website. But if I'm going to be secluded from certain areas just because I don't hold the same beliefs as you, then my time here will probably be very short.

I'm not asking to be given special privileges. I'm sure your site wide rules are very effective in maintaining order in this place. Besides, if the only thing keeping me out of those forums were my spiritual orientation, I'm sure I could just make a new account and claim to be a Christian just to gain access. But I'm not going to do that. I stand where I stand and if this is the treatment I get for doing such, then it only serves to intensify my reasons to remain on that stance.

I will continue to browse the forums looking for good conversations. And if I find that the most interesting discussions are happening in places that I can not access, then as stated, I will not be a part of this website for much longer.

I felt the same way at first, and I am actually a Christian.

But, sometimes it is best to stay out of certain forums. It can be spiritually taxing to be called a demon or heretic by your brother or sister in Christ. It can also be damaging for people who are struggling with their faith to listen to cynicism or a jaded experience (not saying this is you.)

The ones that want feedback from outside sources make sure to make threads open to everyone (or, at least believers outside of the general standard.) Since this is a Christian forum, it is primarily for Christians (in the same way Stormfront is for...)

What I would say is if you see a topic that is interesting - that you feel you should be able to be a part of - then make a thread of your own. That way, not only can you opine on the topics, but you can (more or less) steer the conversations to a focused point (as the OP.) I have to do that sometimes.

 

[Strathos]

As an atheist, nothing you say will be trusted. Ever. If you're lucky, they will look up the passages you cite and then confirm that what you say is true. But simple trust? Lol, we're not getting that.

I trust what an atheist says on subjects other than faith when they are known to be a reliable/knowledgeable source on that subject.

 

[Catherineanne]

I trust what an atheist says on subjects other than faith when they are known to be a reliable/knowledgeable source on that subject.

Categorising individuals is never a safe way to go.

I trust people if they are trustworthy.

 

[T-seven]

Yes really, a Christian forums only

 

[Hall]

Matthew would beg to differ.

Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 25:31-46 - New International Version

Not sure what that has to do with what I wrote

 

[Divide]

Trust me, I have a spiritual understanding of the Bible. Why would you some otherwise?

Now don't take this the wrong way, I mean no disrespect to you, but...a couple things.

My daddy taught me to never trust anyone who prefaces their statements with trust me...that's a red flag.

Another thing, you absolutely can not have a spiritual understanding of the bible, because the scripture itself states that understanding is not possible without the Holy Spirit. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned.

If you're atheist, then that's defined as the enemy of God. You have no faith in God. So the private Christian areas are private for that reason. There is a way that seems right unto man, but in the end leads to death. Lean not to your own understanding...

And the fox said, trust me and let me into the hen house. I'll enlighten them for you...
Sorry. I can pray for you if you like.

 

[mark kennedy]

At first I was kind of upset about this. Then I figured Christians want a place to talk amongst themselves without interference from non believers. It makes sense. However, upon browsing the Christian only forums, I noticed there seems to be non-Christians in there as well. Or at the very least, those who struggle with the faith.

There are some very good discussions going on in those forums. But since I'm an athiest, I'm not allowed to participate. I have a lot to say and I know I could help people find answers to many of the questions they have. But you probably think that my intentions are to troll and spread propaganda.

As an ex-believer, I've studied the Bible and the Christian faith a great deal. And when I'm discussing such issues with people, I still use the Bible to quote scriptures.

I have nothing against Christians. Unless they are on the streets preaching about hell. Those are the only ones I will approach and argue with. Besides that, I do not push my views on anyone. I just love deep conversation. It's one of the reasons I joined this website. But if I'm going to be secluded from certain areas just because I don't hold the same beliefs as you, then my time here will probably be very short.

I'm not asking to be given special privileges. I'm sure your site wide rules are very effective in maintaining order in this place. Besides, if the only thing keeping me out of those forums were my spiritual orientation, I'm sure I could just make a new account and claim to be a Christian just to gain access. But I'm not going to do that. I stand where I stand and if this is the treatment I get for doing such, then it only serves to intensify my reasons to remain on that stance.

I will continue to browse the forums looking for good conversations. And if I find that the most interesting discussions are happening in places that I can not access, then as stated, I will not be a part of this website for much longer.

At least your honest, I know for a fact there are members who just change their profile to Christian and participate in Christians only boards. Every now and then in Christians only I've seen a random poster, maybe atheist, maybe agnostic, post something. I personally consider such a post to be a guest of the forum. I honestly think that distinction is to stop the incessant trolling of the common forums. Back in 2007 they tried letting anyone who wanted to post in the Christians only forums, they called it 777, it was a disaster.