IDD is Gone

[thereselittleflower]

You're preaching to the choir sister, I am investigating the Catholic faith for myself, I might convert, I might not, either way, I'm still a Christian, and so are the people whom are on the other side of my decision.

hi tigarsnare . .you know you are always welcome in OBOB - don't ever hesitate to ask questions . . whether or not you would convert, we are very happy to answer questions you, or anyone else who is trying to understand Catholicism better, might have.

Peace in Him!

 

[tigersnare]

hi tigarsnare . .you know you are always welcome in OBOB - don't ever hesitate to ask questions . . whether or not you would convert, we are very happy to answer questions you, or anyone else who is trying to understand Catholicism better, might have.

Peace in Him!

You are gracious and kind.



Thank You.

 

[Crazy Liz]

I personally am very much disappointed -- though I see why the decision had to be made (and am probably a small part of it, through complaining about one particular individual who denied important truths about my own faith community).

IDD's demise leaves me without a home. I'm an Anglican, as you may note above. We're part of the Reformation, but believe in the Apostolic Succession, the efficacy of the Sacraments, the importance of Holy Tradition in belief and practice... Where do I fit? I'm not sola scriptura, I hold to Grace as opposed to sola fidei, I'm not a follower of the Pope, and while we Anglicans come closer to Orthodox than to anyone else, I doubt that the Ancient Way is going to welcome an influx of Western-theology adherents as a part of their community.

Some of our doctrines fit in Liberal Christianity -- notably the strong focus on social justice and the primacy of the Two Great Commandments, taken as a guide to behavior. On the homosexuality question (for example, and with a strong caveat that this should not be used as a hijack to begin debating that) we hold that any act or attitude barring gay people who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior from full participation in worship and fellowship is contrary to the "Love thy neighbor as thyself" command. This does not accord with the sin-and-necessity-of-repentance stance of most Protestants, Catholics, or Orthodox. But we hold firm to some traditional views, including the primacy of the Eucharist and the Apostolic episcopacy, that differentiate us from most "Liberal Christians" as the term is usually self-applied.

IDD is where I could respectfully agree with Catholics on some issues, equally respectfully disagree on others, and in doing so get at truths that neither of us had realized before about each other's faiths. But as with all things, the abuse of the forum led to its closure. And that's unfortunate, verging on tragic.

Well said, Polycarp.

`

They probably actually will cultivate a less nasty atmosphere. Unfortunately, it'll probably also lead to a largely dead debate forum, as very few people have the inclination to pursue formal debates. I suspect actually that time isn't so much the issue for most people, but motivation. It's just hard for most to build up the desire to go back and forth in a debate for weeks at a time.

ken

Another good point.

I haven't read the formal debates, personally, because, no matter how stongly I may argue a particular position, I prefer not to put myself in a position where I am required to defend it, and can't think about new ideas and maybe change my mind.

To me, the saddest part about a formal debate is its polarizing effect. Take one side or another, but no room for the open-minded just to discuss and dialogue.

 

[nyj]

To me, the saddest part about a formal debate is its polarizing effect. Take one side or another, but no room for the open-minded just to discuss and dialogue.

There is a Non-Participant Commentary forum for those who wish to discuss what is happening in the Formal Debate Forum. Of course, this forum is probably open to abuse and same foul-mouthing that IDD suffered from, but at least it is limited to non-participants of formal debates and particular subject matter (ie: what's going on in the formal debate).

 

[InquisitorKind]

Posting ad nauseum in IDD was, IMO, a useless activity.

And there I would agree.

Formal Debates are more easily policed. If human nature, as you fear, gets the best of us, the moderators can much more easily step in and correct it. It's also easy to fly off the handle when you know that in a matter of minutes one's spiteful comments will scroll three to five pages off the top page.

It wasn't the lack of correct conduct that I was worried about, but the idea that formal debates will naturally make the participants more reasonable.

In any case, thanks for your thoughts and your time,
~Matt

 

[good4u]

I too am sadden that the IDD was closed. It takes great Christian maturity to have vigorous discussion with those who do not hold your viewpoint. You had better be able to explain your faith clearly and effectively. It doesn't mean it can't happen, but not every poster has arrived at that level of knowledge and compassion for those not at your level. That is where it can get sticky and the fruit of Holy Spirit must be made to those less mature posters.

I must confess all, I do think I might have been the catlyst for the closing of that forum.

I do my very best to "know my stuff" and attempt to say the truth in love. However, I have not reached perfection and all believers have bouts of carnality. We are sinners saved soley by the grace of God. How awesome is He!!!

 

[Maximus]

I think closing IDD was probably a good idea overall. Those who wish to engage in formal debates can do so. I don't have the time or the inclination to pursue them and, in fact, I had already given up IDD itself for those very reasons.

In IDD the argument usually went to those with the most time on their hands to camp out on the internet, and not because they were right, but through sheer volume of posts.

As I said before, I had already given up IDD because I lacked the time and motivation to pursue it; but there was another consideration, as well: IDD made me angry. I don't like that feeling. It wasn't doing me any good spiritually, and it wasn't doing anyone else any good either.

So, from my POV, good riddance to IDD!

 

[nyj]

I must confess all, I do think I might have been the catlyst for the closing of that forum.

No offense but... I doubt it.

 

[good4u]

No offense but... I doubt it.

I generally tend to ignore you, and for good reason. But in this case, I will make an exception. The closing of IDD and what I taught is called cause and effect. It may have not been the entire rationale, but certainly a part of it. It is no accident.

 

[thereselittleflower]

I generally tend to ignore you, and for good reason. But in this case, I will make an exception. The closing of IDD and what I taught is called cause and effect. It may have not been the entire rationale, but certainly a part of it. It is no accident.

Well . . I have to agree with nyj . . . . it was just bad timing . .

Erwin had already made up his mind and it was voted on by the mods long before you started your thread . .




Peace in Him!