Hey Jesse, I've been here forever it seems
(for most or all of this latest Millennium, in fact), and I can tell you that newer people with fewer posts than you have, have given it to me "big-time" over the years. Of course, I'm a Calvinist and I'm YEC, so there you go, let'r rip
Look, all kidding aside, this is a discussion/debate forum, and that's what many/most come here to do, so join in
If you have something to say or share, please do so, just make sure you can explain why you believe what you do (with references to back up your statements of fact), or it may seem like you're just
spitt'n out words to see where they splatter
Oh, and always try (especially as a Christian) to 'act' like a Christian towards others, always treating them
"with gentleness and reverence" ..
1 Peter 3:15 ...
IN SPITE of how they choose to treat you
This is exactly the kind of behavior the Lord expects from us (and how He commands us to act) .. see
Matthew 7:12. IOW, we choose to love people and treat them with respect because we are His, because we are Christians, not because of how we are hoping to be treated by them in kind.
Always pray before you post, and pray for the people you talking to, especially when they treat you in a contrary manner.
If someone attacks you or seems to be disrespecting you, don't let it get to you. Either figure out a way to reply to them dispassionately with additional questions, or with some sort of advice that might help them understand you better (or that might help them in general
), or look at what they've said to you and learn something from it. Try to keep an open mind around here, and try to see things from the other guy's POV as often as you can ('especially' when you vehemently disagree).
If you continue to go back and forth, you might also choose to say something like "
well, its clear that we're never going to agree about this or that, so let's just choose to disagree and move on". IOW, choose to do things that keep your feelings in check and keep things civil.
BTW, which forums are you participating in? You might try posting on some of the less hostile forums/threads, all-Christian threads, perhaps with others who mostly believe what you do (perhaps people from your denomination), at least for awhile. Also, be sure to take the time to get used to this place (and to give this place a chance to get used to you too
).
If you feel someone's acting in an unjust/unfair manner towards you, I'd be happy to take a look and let you know what I think (and join in, if I think I have something to offer). If you'd like me to do that sometime, just "Start a Conversation" with me and let me know
Yours in Christ,
David
p.s. - if the folks you are talking to are really gnarly/nasty, they may be trying to draw you into a fight. If you sense that's what someone is trying to do (it happens all the time on certain boards, BTW), ask them why. If they won't answer you and/or they won't stop it,
UNDER-react and kindly wish them well .. and tell them that you're done
You've got better things to do with your time around here, yes?
"However you want people to treat you, so treat
them, for this is the Law & the Prophets"
Matthew 7:12
and Lord knows I have been-- as you seem to be sarcastically pointing out for whatever reason-- so sue me! what I did say/meant is that from personal experience in past as well that some of the more established older members as in been on any given board/forum longest have some but not all been guilty of acting like they run the show like how dare you jump in to this discussion & who r u? Kinda thing type attitude which can definitely be hurtful and is form of rejection which is never good but you'd think this being a Christian forum and all that you'd escape that type of behaviour but sadly not, already experienced the nit pickers here too --just goes to show we are definitely all sinners and fall short of HIS GLORY --anyway... take care and blessings! 
