Christian only forums? Really?

[Goatee]

Maybe, God directed you here as he knows that you have it in your heart to be converted to Christianity!

 

[Hidden In Him]

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.

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...

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 do find this a shame, as I agree with Anastasia that it's primarily a safeguard against threads initially directed at Christians being overtaken by an anti-Christian sentiment. But I find it unfortunate that those like yourself can't add your two cents worth in as well. I sometimes find atheists to be a little more clear-headed and unbiased in their perspectives, which I find refreshing. And as @Oscarr put it, "Experienced and mature Christians have a harder skin and are able to discuss and debate in a way that the players (including atheists) kick the ball and not each other."

God bless, and I hope CF finds a way to fix this issue to better serve people like yourself.
In Christ,
Hidden

 

[Adstar]

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 are reading a topic and you want to make a point then all you have to do is go the forums where you are allowed and start a new thread with your OP being a response to what ever point in the Christians only forum that has sparked your interest..

You will probably get responses to your thread and so you can engage in a discussion on the matter.. Thus your problem can be quickly solved by yourself..

 

[T-seven]

The reason why there are no males in the Women's 200 hundred meters is because ....... !
The reason why I was not accepted on a specific Science forum this morning that required you to be an actual scientist is because ....... !
The reason why you're not allowed to post in the Christian Forums only is because ....... !

It is what it is dear friend.

 

[Divide]

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.

I sort of figured that's why it's like that. That's why I haven't even tried to post in the Christian only forums. When the time is right, and the right people here gain confidence in my position in Christ...someone will invite me in.

 

[Dave-W]

Trust me, I have a spiritual understanding of the Bible.

Yes - but which "spirit?"

 

[Halbhh]

I do find this a shame, as I agree with Anastasia that it's primarily a safeguard against threads initially directed at Christians being overtaken by an anti-Christian sentiment. But I find it unfortunate that those like yourself can't add your two cents worth in as well. I sometimes find atheists to be a little more clear-headed and unbiased in their perspectives, which I find refreshing. And as @Oscarr put it, "Experienced and mature Christians have a harder skin and are able to discuss and debate in a way that the players (including atheists) kick the ball and not each other."

God bless, and I hope CF finds a way to fix this issue to better serve people like yourself.
In Christ,
Hidden

But remember that actual reality that anyone can start a thread in an appropriate forum, already.

Even those in other religious belief systems, such as atheists with their fervor and beliefs and urge to convert others to their view -- they have all the freedom of speech we all have, but not necessarily in an area we reserve for our own discussions, reasonably.

It's good we have reserved areas only open to those who aren't looking to convert people away from Christianity can discuss together.

 

[Hidden In Him]

But remember that actual reality that anyone can start a thread in an appropriate forum, already.

Even those in other religious belief systems, such as atheists with their fervor and beliefs and urge to convert others to their view -- they have all the freedom of speech we all have, but not necessarily in an area we reserve for our own discussions, reasonably.

It's good we have reserved areas only open to those who aren't looking to convert people away from Christianity can discuss together.

I suppose that's true. Only if it were me and I really wanted to respond to a particular thing that someone just posted, I know I'd feel frustrated having to start my own thread and try and get the conversation going all over again... although I suppose they could simply copy a quote they like from the other tread and then just transfer it over to the new one, requesting a response.

Just seems a little bit labored and segregated is all, lol (but maybe necessary, I guess).

 

[erealmz]

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.

Okay for one, athiests are not defined as enemies of God. You say you don't want to disrespect me But you come here waving red flags over me. Then you assume that I have never had the holy Spirit guide my understanding of the Bible. I get the feeling I'm not going to like it here.

 

[erealmz]

The reason why there are no males in the Women's 200 hundred meters is because ....... !
The reason why I was not accepted on a specific Science forum this morning that required you to be an actual scientist is because ....... !
The reason why you're not allowed to post in the Christian Forums only is because ....... !

It is what it is dear friend.

You call me friend yet you use sarcasm in an attempt to answer a question I never even asked.

 

[erealmz]

Well the

Yes - but which "spirit?"

The Holy one of course. I was s Christian my whole life up until this year.

 

[erealmz]

Yes really, a Christian forums only

Thank you for clearing that up. I was confused.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

Well the

The Holy one of course. I was s Christian my whole life up until this year.

So who was it in the church that treated you so badly? I was told of someone's neighbour who went to a Life church here in Auckland, and they were all hallelujah, praise the Lord, how are you brother, in church but when they met him on the street they didn't want to know him, so he left the church and is not going anywhere else. I know of a school principal I once worked with who left a Life church and become an athiest because of "the hypocrites in the church." Perhaps he didn't get what he expected from those people. The truth is that church people or not, we are all human beings with shortcoming and faults, and that does not change with becoming a Christian. Christians don't become magically perfect people when they accept Christ. They get on other people's wicks quite often. S**t happens in churches just the same as anywhere else. It's what we do about it - that's the important thing. We have the choice of fight or flight. When all my so called Christian friends didn't want to know me when my wife deserted me and we became divorced, I left that church, but I didn't walk away from God. I went and joined another church down the road (and there is always another church down the road that has more tolerant and loving people in it) and carried on. I am now remarried, and in my time on CF I have received a number of condemnation bombs because Christians are not supposed to be divorced and remarried (so some think) but I just fight back and tell them (in the most loving terms ) that they can stick their views where the sun don't shine!

I think that God must sit up there saying, "Don't blame me, Mate! Nothing to do with Me. I'm trying to get people to love and respect each other. I'm not responsible for the lunatic fringe that stuff up all the time!!"

 

[erealmz]

So who was it in the church that treated you so badly?

No one actually. I still go to church. I love the environment and I love the people. I just don't believe in the doctrines anymore. It's nothing against God. I'm not mad at him. I just can't prove that he exists so decided to not live my life as if he did.

 

[Left]

I really hope you stay. It may seem like Christians have A LOT more boards, but since Christians usually post in the Christian boards, and atheists usually post in the atheist boards, that isn't always the case.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

No one actually. I still go to church. I love the environment and I love the people. I just don't believe in the doctrines anymore. It's nothing against God. I'm not mad at him. I just can't prove that he exists so decided to not live my life as if he did.

I don't know if you have read my testimony on other threads of how I met God, but I will repeat it here.
I accepted Christ at the age of 19 and spent the next two years trying to be the best Christian I could in the most noisy, lit up church in town. I ended up being very frustrated because I did the whole religious thing (in a Pentecostal church, would you believe!) but I had never had the experience of meeting God on a personal level. I came to the point where all this religion was pointless if I didn't know the God behind it all. If I couldn't know Him personally, what's the point of doing all this religious stuff?

So, when I went to my parents' home on my annual holidays, I got into the middle of a golf course not far from home, at 11pm on a cold April night, stood there, looked up into the starry sky, and said, "God, you are out there somewhere within earshot of my voice. I have tried all the religious stuff and I need to meet you. If I can't know you personally, I'm going to give all this religious stuff up because there's no point in it for me." Then I said the following:
"So, because no one else has been able to introduce me to You, I have come out here to introduce myself. You are God, and I am Paul, and I am very glad to meet you."
What happened then was amazing. One moment I felt quite alone and the next I felt that I was lit up inside, and this voice spoke in my thoughts. I had never had thoughts quite like this before. It seemed like a quiet, confident and supportive voice in my mind. It said, "Well, Paul, we've been waiting for this for a long time." I said, "Waiting for what?" "Waiting for you to get away from the religious, and to come directly to Me." Then I asked Him how to be a real Christian. He said, "Just be yourself, Paul." I said, "I can't do that! People will see all my sins and shortcomings, and that will be shameful for me." He replied, "If I don't like you, I will change you."
That encounter caused the Bible to be a completely different book to me. It came alive. I then discovered good books by Christian writers that gave me new insights into walking with God and knowing His ways. He showed me that He is not the church and the church is not Him. On one occasion while in church one Sunday, when everything seemed dead and boring I asked Him what was going on. He said, "They won't let me move. Paul. Their strict programme has me over in the corner with My hands tied."
All this happened around 48 years ago, and I have always sensed His presence with me. I can't explain or prove it, but I just relax and enjoy it. In my darkest moment when my first wife left me, I said, "Lord, now I will know if I am a real Christian or not." It seemed that Jesus came and put His hand on my shoulder and told me, "I am your refuge and strength; a very present help in time of trouble." Then over the next seven years He rebuilt my life to make it a whole lot better than it was, with a whole new career and family.
So, don't let "the church" get in the way of knowing God personally. He gave me the verse, "He that comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." and, "If we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him." I asked Him how I would always recognise His voice when He spoke to me. He said, "If I hear your voice a lot in fellowship and prayer to Me, you will hear my voice a lot." I have found that to be very true. I can't prove all this by any empirical means, but 48 years of experiencing his presence and voice has totally convinced me.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

I think it is good for Christians and athiests to discuss and debate issues with one another. It is not really a matter of trying to convert each other. I think that encountering opposing views and having to think more deeply about them keeps Christians honest and realistic about life and their own faith. When Christians debate with one another, it is more on points of doctrine and so there is a lot more looking inward and navel gazing that goes on. And, another function of the Christian forums is for ministry and assistance to those who need it, and I think it is important that the ministry there is not undermined by unnecessary debates. It's like discussing with a pregnant woman who is wanting advice about how to cope with child birth, issues around abortion or pro-life.

There are many Christians who keep to the Christian forums because they want the protection of the "cocoon" where everyone there is basically agreed with the fundamentals of Christian faith. They are not secure enough in their faith to be open to challenge from those who don't share it. These ones haven't got the courage to go on forums where there are athiests and to be involved in the cut and thrust of spirited debate about the pros and cons of Christian faith verses athiesm.

But I think it is good for both sides to debate issues. It is stimulating and insightful and both sides learn new things out of it. That's what forums are all about. If either Christians or athiests don't have the interest or motivation to discuss issues, they wouldn't come on these forums.

But Christians can end up with egg on their faces if they don't have the background knowledge to give reasonable answers to questions and challenges. I got shamed when I was discussing evolution verses creation on a thread and when challenged to give scientific proof, I couldn't, so I had to tell the guy that he had the drop on me. He knew more about the scientific background to evolution than I knew of the background to creation. So it is important to count the cost before getting into a debate where I could go down in flames, which I did on that occasion.

 

[Dirk1540]

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...

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 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.

Go with your 1st instinct that one is correct, it does make sense. The Christian/non-Christian sections notoriously turn into insult rooms. A lot of people here don't feel like being called fairytale believing fools every third post. If you had it your way, most of these people you want to go back & forth with might leave the website anyway.

 

[W2L]

I think it is good for Christians and athiests to discuss and debate issues with one another. It is not really a matter of trying to convert each other. I think that encountering opposing views and having to think more deeply about them keeps Christians honest and realistic about life and their own faith. When Christians debate with one another, it is more on points of doctrine and so there is a lot more looking inward and navel gazing that goes on. And, another function of the Christian forums is for ministry and assistance to those who need it, and I think it is important that the ministry there is not undermined by unnecessary debates. It's like discussing with a pregnant woman who is wanting advice about how to cope with child birth, issues around abortion or pro-life.

There are many Christians who keep to the Christian forums because they want the protection of the "cocoon" where everyone there is basically agreed with the fundamentals of Christian faith. They are not secure enough in their faith to be open to challenge from those who don't share it. These ones haven't got the courage to go on forums where there are athiests and to be involved in the cut and thrust of spirited debate about the pros and cons of Christian faith verses athiesm.

But I think it is good for both sides to debate issues. It is stimulating and insightful and both sides learn new things out of it. That's what forums are all about. If either Christians or athiests don't have the interest or motivation to discuss issues, they wouldn't come on these forums.

But Christians can end up with egg on their faces if they don't have the background knowledge to give reasonable answers to questions and challenges. I got shamed when I was discussing evolution verses creation on a thread and when challenged to give scientific proof, I couldn't, so I had to tell the guy that he had the drop on me. He knew more about the scientific background to evolution than I knew of the background to creation. So it is important to count the cost before getting into a debate where I could go down in flames, which I did on that occasion.

Debates are often unspiritual. That's my opinion anyway.

Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

 

[Left]

My advice to the OP is to just walk away from this thread and start posting. No offense, but the thread came off as a tiny bit confrontational, which led to confrontational replies that may or may not show the forum in the very best light. I will say that he's Single and for example, if he searches the website, there is a whole forum for Singles here where people don't really date but do have light chat, for example. There are also boards here where, once he reads the rules, he might just be able to make threads accordingly on religion.

I am trying to be the "good guy" toward the OP here. (Though I'm also pretty sensitive to atheists who try to convert me, he hasn't but just throwing it out there so people know not to do it or try it.)