ChristianForums.com Once Again

[Digit]

Hey John,

Separated and out of context, could one not also apply the same logic to the things about Christmas? For example, what makes Christmas - Christmas?

Well it takes place at a certain time of the month. As does my birthday. It has decorations and celebrations, as do nearly any other party or event. It has a tree, as does my garden. It has songs sung about it, as does France... I mean, the thing that makes Christmas, Christmas, is the culmination of a large number of things together not the least of which is the celebration of the birth of Christ, on the wrong day, but anyway.

Just like what makes a car, a car, is the culmination of shared components from many different areas.

So yes, CF isn't perfect, and the areas you highlight are some that could do with work. These do not mean that it is not a Christian messageboard, with a Christian message. They just mean it's not perfect, and it's still struggling to fit in, and to balance being in the world, with being of the world.

At the end of the day, I would much rather proclaim it to be a Christian messageboard, and work from there, than not do so because of a few issues it has. I am not excusing other people's sin, in regards to your statement about the blasphemy, they are heaping coals upon their own heads in that area, but the only difference between them and us, is that we have a way out of sin, whereas they do not yet. We still sin.

Cheers!
Digit

Edit: I also, should add that giving someone here the power to define what a Christian is, when their original goal was to unit all Christians (all 33k denominations) sounds like a tall order. Why not allow people to proclaim that they are Christian, and leave it as such. Who are we to say they are not, and by what authority when the Bible can be interpreted to support a number of different positions? There are different Christians the world over, and that is not important to me, what is, is that we acknowledge God and have a constant and continual relationship with Him. If you say you are a Christian, then to me, you are - afterall, when I pass away, I will not answer to you for my life, so why would you decide if I am a Christian or not?

 

[HisKid1973]

Erwin is still around CF, but has a new social network site he runs (http://www.onlinelife.com/). He's just signed on there for the day (Friday).

I checked it out and the place is disgusting..Foul language and not a place to be edified in Christ..I was suprised to see people from here, there..shalom..Kim

 

[No Swansong]

Hey John,

Separated and out of context, could one not also apply the same logic to the things about Christmas? For example, what makes Christmas - Christmas?

Well it takes place at a certain time of the month. As does my birthday. It has decorations and celebrations, as do nearly any other party or event. It has a tree, as does my garden. It has songs sung about it, as does France... I mean, the thing that makes Christmas, Christmas, is the culmination of a large number of things together not the least of which is the celebration of the birth of Christ, on the wrong day, but anyway.

Just like what makes a car, a car, is the culmination of shared components from many different areas.

So yes, CF isn't perfect, and the areas you highlight are some that could do with work. These do not mean that it is not a Christian messageboard, with a Christian message. They just mean it's not perfect, and it's still struggling to fit in, and to balance being in the world, with being of the world.

At the end of the day, I would much rather proclaim it to be a Christian messageboard, and work from there, than not do so because of a few issues it has. I am not excusing other people's sin, in regards to your statement about the blasphemy, they are heaping coals upon their own heads in that area, but the only difference between them and us, is that we have a way out of sin, whereas they do not yet. We still sin.

Cheers!
Digit

Edit: I also, should add that giving someone here the power to define what a Christian is, when their original goal was to unit all Christians (all 33k denominations) sounds like a tall order. Why not allow people to proclaim that they are Christian, and leave it as such. Who are we to say they are not, and by what authority when the Bible can be interpreted to support a number of different positions? There are different Christians the world over, and that is not important to me, what is, is that we acknowledge God and have a constant and continual relationship with Him. If you say you are a Christian, then to me, you are - afterall, when I pass away, I will not answer to you for my life, so why would you decide if I am a Christian or not?

Well our obvious difference of opinion is that I claim a thing cannot be Christian if it will not define Christianity and you tend to think that defining Christian is detrimental to the board. OK we disagree. But I still contend that just because this board claims to be a Christian board does not make it so. What this (CF) is, is pretty clear to me. It is an asset in LeeD's portfolio that is deceiving people by use of the name of our Lord.

But I agree opinions vary and I obviously have a different definition of what makes something a "Christian" thing.

I do appreciate the pleasant exchange however

John

 

[Digit]

Well our obvious difference of opinion is that I claim a thing cannot be Christian if it will not define Christianity and you tend to think that defining Christian is detrimental to the board. OK we disagree. But I still contend that just because this board claims to be a Christian board does not make it so. What this (CF) is, is pretty clear to me. It is an asset in LeeD's portfolio that is deceiving people by use of the name of our Lord.

But I agree opinions vary and I obviously have a different definition of what makes something a "Christian" thing.

I do appreciate the pleasant exchange however

John

Hey John,

I think overall, I went through a few stages on here. Initially I thought it was an awesome place, as it brought together loads of Christians to talk about a great many things, and help each other. During the course of that, and my many posts, I saw a lot of nasty behaviour.

A great deal of this is contributed by the anonymity of the internet, I believe. In much the same way that people can happily justify stealing software, music and movies when they would never dream of venturing into an actual store and stealing them, so can they treat people badly here on the internet, and not run the risk of any reprimand or discovery in the real world so to speak.

After noticing that, CF had a pretty dark streak for me, but I've come back recently and I tend to stick to areas that I feel represent something positive, for example Outreach. I do venture into General Apologetics occasionally, as every now and then there is a sincere person in there I feel.

Another thing is that if you enter a church and tell someone you are a Christian, they don't quiz you on it. There is no test. A church is a Christian church by nature of what they proclaim. Lastly, I doubt CF will ever be perfect. I do not believe we are able to comprehend what a perfect CF would be for everyone only our own personal vision of it, in much the same way as our church will never be perfect and that we are not perfect beings.

1 Thessalonians 5:21
"Test everything. Hold on to the good."

I think we can find what is good here on CF, and cultivate that, and that is a worthy start.

Cheers,
Digit

 

[Melbelle]

I checked it out and the place is disgusting..Foul language and not a place to be edified in Christ..I was suprised to see people from here, there..shalom..Kim

thats really fair, to judge that site for a few members. I am one of the graphic admins over there and a chat mod over there, Erwin is still working out the rules, because until just recently he didn't have to have set rules, the cursing rule is one that is in discussion. So please don't judge his knew site on one look.

 

[Angel4Truth]

Melly he has a good point though which applies here as well - when most people see that kind of thing while looking for a safe christian community - they would get turned off fast - one of the good reasons for limiting - we want to be rated everyone (pg) not just some

 

[snoochface]

Melly he has a good point though which applies here as well - when most people see that kind of thing while looking for a safe christian community - they would get turned off fast - one of the good reasons for limiting - we want to be rated everyone (pg) not just some

Have you watched a PG movie lately? It stands for "parental guidance necessary". If there are children on here, their parents need to be guiding them. Otherwise, adults need to be treated as adults. And not legalistic, American evangelical adults either.

 

[Angel4Truth]

This isnt television - and a good many christian are turning off the tv now because of what you just stated. they sure dont want to see it in church or ministry

 

[snoochface]

This isnt television - and a good many christian are turning off the tv now because of what you just stated. they sure dont want to see it in church or ministry

This. Isn't. CHURCH. It's not a ministry either. It's a message board. It's a website. It's the internet.

Maybe all these "offended" Christians need to turn off their computers and internet service, too.

 

[Digit]

This. Isn't. CHURCH. It's not a ministry either. It's a message board. It's a website. It's the internet.

Maybe all these "offended" Christians need to turn off their computers and internet service, too.

Hello Snootchface,

I would encourage you to type "define:church" into Google and read a few of the replies that come back, in addition maybe even read a few articles about the Christian Church and what comprises it. CF, this messageboard, is a church in every sense of the word. Even Erwin acknowledged that, and drew parallels to it, and based many of the most recent changes on it prior to leaving.

Irrespective of this, whether it is a church or not isn't really the core issue, I think it's more about our behaviour and how people perceive us as Christians. Do we, when we curse, swear and act out, uphold Christ's integrity? Does that behaviour honor Him?

I don't believe so, and I don't want to be exposed to that sort of behaviour or language, or have others exposed to it, as nothing good comes from it.

All the best!
Digit

 

[Floatingaxe]

This place is FAR from being a church...but the Church is found here.

 

[Melbelle]

Melly he has a good point though which applies here as well - when most people see that kind of thing while looking for a safe christian community - they would get turned off fast - one of the good reasons for limiting - we want to be rated everyone (pg) not just some

Its true, but as I was saying, there are things being discussed over there. There are things in the church that aren't approperate at times, I have a very good example of that one. But just because OL had a few cussing wars doesn't mean it wasn't delt with. Just like here.

 

[Melbelle]

This. Isn't. CHURCH. It's not a ministry either. It's a message board. It's a website. It's the internet.

Maybe all these "offended" Christians need to turn off their computers and internet service, too.

I believe this place is a mission field, or it can be, and it has been. I myself have witnessed and have led an athiest to christ on here. This is part of my mission field. So yes it is consider a church, church is not a building its the members, when you have a gathering of christians and the word being taught, it then becomes a church.

 

[Digit]

I believe this place is a mission field, or it can be, and it has been. I myself have witnessed and have led an athiest to christ on here. This is part of my mission field. So yes it is consider a church, church is not a building its the members, when you have a gathering of christians and the word being taught, it then becomes a church.

Exactly!

Cheers!
Digit

 

[tulc]

This place is FAR from being a church...but the Church is found here.

Actually that's true.
tulc(as it should be found any where)

 

[Stormy]

Sure its a Church. Christians are here. We talk about God.. and Mr. Google carries the offering plate.

 

[Melbelle]

Sure its a Church. Christians are here. We talk about God.. and Mr. Google carries the offering plate.

that was good..

 

[Servant222]

This. Isn't. CHURCH. It's not a ministry either. It's a message board. It's a website. It's the internet.

Maybe all these "offended" Christians need to turn off their computers and internet service, too.

Hello Snootchface,

I would encourage you to type "define:church" into Google and read a few of the replies that come back, in addition maybe even read a few articles about the Christian Church and what comprises it. CF, this messageboard, is a church in every sense of the word. Even Erwin acknowledged that, and drew parallels to it, and based many of the most recent changes on it prior to leaving.

Irrespective of this, whether it is a church or not isn't really the core issue, I think it's more about our behaviour and how people perceive us as Christians. Do we, when we curse, swear and act out, uphold Christ's integrity? Does that behaviour honor Him?

I don't believe so, and I don't want to be exposed to that sort of behaviour or language, or have others exposed to it, as nothing good comes from it.

All the best!
Digit

This is a subject that is dear to my heart, and why I am really happy about the direction in which LeeD is taking this site.

I have done a lot of traveling in places where "normal" churches do not exist because of oppressive laws and regimes. Where anyone who even suggests they are a Christian will be persecuted. But in many of those places, Christians, and those who are searching for what Christianity has to offer, have Internet access- and, yes, they can and they do come here to CF!

For them, this is a church. For some, it is the only church they have; the only ray of hope they have in an otherwise bleak existence. Sure, they wish they could share in all the things that Christians in free countries take for granted- communion, baptism, even just fellowship.

I wish I could share more, but it would be far too dangerous. Trust me on that and, yes, definitely pray!

All I ask is that those of you here think about a few things:

1. we have nothing to lose, and everything to gain if we welcome those who, because of location or oppression, cannot go to a regular church, and wish to think of this place as their church.

2. we may take this site for granted, it is a nice break, or entertaining. But for some, it is deadly serious. They do not dare to have a Bible, they do not dare to share their faith- so this is the only place where they can read scripture, the only place where they can learn about Christ.

3. don't worry about ads, or similar trivialities. Think of those who have to constantly worry about whether their visits here are being monitored- and the penalties they may suffer for being "caught". And don't kid yourself- this site is monitored, its participants scrutinized.

4. in everything you comment on, uphold the Christian faith, and Christian principles of love and hope.

God bless.

 

[Lindon Tinuviel]

1. I didn't join up here to make a church for somebody else. I don't mind if they use CF as one, naturally, but there's no onus on me to make it for them.

2. OK

3. I'm going to worry about ads and other trivialities. You should too--after all, if CF becomes nothing more than a revenue-generation tool, then the only church those people have will crumble into dust.

4. OK.

 

[Servant222]

1. I didn't join up here to make a church for somebody else. I don't mind if they use CF as one, naturally, but there's no onus on me to make it for them.

No there isn't. But if you can help, why not do it?

I don't know if you've travelled in the Middle East and tried to share your faith, even with someone who asks. Believe me, it's tough and always somewhat nerve wracking, even in the best of circumstances.

But to email them and provide a link here to CF is easy.

But when I do this, I want to do what I can, like someone who walks into our church for the first time, to make them feel welcome and want to come back.