How do we avoid it?

[circuitrider]

Every online Christian forum I've been on over the last several years has a recurring issue of fundamentalist Christians dropping in either in attack mode or in hopes of convincing the rest of us that we should be fundamentalists.

Now I have no intention of dropping into a fundamentalist's forum around here and trying to convert them to my views. Nor have I seem more moderate or progressive Christians do this kind of thing.

Maybe it is kind of like asking how you keep people from knocking on your front door to proselyte but, I really dislike folks like that coming after the rest of us online. I wish there was a way to avoid it. I am sure they feel like they are doing it for the good of my soul or whatever. But I really dislike being preached at.

 

[GraceSeeker]

You've heard it said, "ignorance is bliss". Sometimes ignoring people can lead to bliss as well when they finally get the hint and go away.

 

[circuitrider]

You've heard it said, "ignorance is bliss". Sometimes ignoring people can lead to bliss as well when they finally get the hint and go away.

Yes, I've had to do that at times too. Unfortunately some such folks can become great interrupters of good conversations.

 

[GraceSeeker]

I can't say anything. I've been known to throw a thread entirely off topic on more than a few occassions.

 

[Joykins]

You can identify the individuals and put them on your ignore list, but that turns into a matter of always playing catch-up and clean-up.

 

[snumerouno]

If you can't handle your beliefs being challenged and you're unable to make a defense for them maybe they aren't correct beliefs.

 

[KitKatMatt]

Ignore them in practice, and if they just keep coming back, actually put them on your ignore list (like I have just done with some more users... strange, ChristianForums is actually the only place I've ever had to "ignore" people on before, and the list is already very long).

Also, report those who are just "dropping by" to debate if they prescribe to a belief system that doesn't jive with the board's officially written belief system. That's a violation of the rules They can speak in fellowship but not in debate and they cannot preach on those other boards (We have to deal with that a LOT in WWMC, yikes!)

 

[circuitrider]

If you can't handle your beliefs being challenged and you're unable to make a defense for them maybe they aren't correct beliefs.

See that is the problem with fundamentalists. They some how think their function is to challenge everyone else's belief.

 

[snumerouno]

See that is the problem with fundamentalists. They some how think their function is to challenge everyone else's belief.

Sir I don't know what you think I am but I'm not a "fundamentalist".

Maybe the reason you're being challenged is because you have incorrect beliefs.

 

[Joykins]

If you can't handle your beliefs being challenged and you're unable to make a defense for them maybe they aren't correct beliefs.

Congregational forums are not the place to "challenge" others' beliefs. There are plenty of theology forums for that purpose.

 

[KitKatMatt]

Congregational forums are not the place to "challenge" others' beliefs. There are plenty of theology forums for that purpose.

 

[snumerouno]

Congregational forums are not the place to "challenge" others' beliefs. There are plenty of theology forums for that purpose.

I thought that Jesus empowered us to be his witnesses so that when others came around asking questions about our faith we would be able to answer them.

 

[circuitrider]

I thought that Jesus empowered us to be his witnesses so that when others came around asking questions about our faith we would be able to answer them.

You need to check out the forum rules. You aren't supposed to be attacking Wesleyan beliefs in this forum.

In the congregational forums your being here attacking Wesleyan beliefs would be like me walking into a Baptist church, taking control of the pulpit, and preaching the value of infant baptism.

It in't what this forum is for. There are several forums including a forum on denominational theologies to argue about views about different denominations.

 

[circuitrider]

I thought that Jesus empowered us to be his witnesses so that when others came around asking questions about our faith we would be able to answer them.

Jesus empowered us to witness. He didn't say, "go into all the world and encourage Christians to argue with each other."

 

[snumerouno]

You need to check out the forum rules. You aren't supposed to be attacking Wesleyan beliefs in this forum.

In the congregational forums your being here attacking Wesleyan beliefs would be like me walking into a Baptist church, taking control of the pulpit, and preaching the value of infant baptism.

It in't what this forum is for. There are several forums including a forum on denominational theologies to argue about views about different denominations.

I'm not attacking Wesleyan beliefs but I am questioning you. If you're too insecure in your faith to give an answer for your beliefs then you shouldn't be "preaching".

 

[snumerouno]

Jesus empowered us to witness. He didn't say, "go into all the world and encourage Christians to argue with each other."

Who is arguing? Stop being so sensitive.

 

[circuitrider]

I'm not attacking Wesleyan beliefs but I am questioning you. If you're too insecure in your faith to give an answer for your beliefs then you shouldn't be "preaching".

You have been attacking Wesleyan beliefs you just probably don't know what they are. I'm far from insecure snumerouno. In fact I'm secure enough that I don't have to answer your questions just because you want me to.

Having to argue about faith all the time is your issue not mine.

 

[snumerouno]

You have been attacking Wesleyan beliefs you just probably don't know what they are.

I'm well aware of what Wesleyan beliefs are. I was a Nazarene for 11 years. I have read biographies about John Wesley's life as well as his journals and theology.

I'm far from insecure snumerouno.

You seem very insecure. So insecure that you'd rather shew me away then make a defense for your faith.

In fact I'm secure enough that I don't have to answer your questions just because you want me to.

That's fine by me if you don't answer; I won't be missing out on much.

Having to argue about faith all the time is your issue not mine.

Who is arguing. This is a discussion board and the purpose of it is to have a discussion.