"New" CF

[Athene]

The creation of subforum rules

Initial guideline for the creation of subforum rules:
1. A subforum rule cannot deny entry
2. A subforum rule can limit subforum debate
3. A subforum rule can exclude specific topics from being posted

 

[uberd00b]

I think what amazes me the most about this paradigm shift is the reaction of some people.

I have spent a long time discussing this with my Christian friends in instant messenger chat and many (despite my best efforts) are resolved to leave.

One issue seems to have come up more than others, and that is the ability now to choose your own faith icon. The objection runs that people will be able to call themselves Christian whether others think they are Christian or not.

As far as I read Erwins announcement it appears his reasoning runs that it is between a person and God whether they are Christian or not, and not anothers place to judge. Which seems to me to chime very well with what Jesus said during the sermon on the mount (judge not...). To me this seems to be a more Christian position than having your Christianity judged by others. And yet some Christians seem very angry to have lost this ability to judge.

In the mega "new CF" thread one poster claimed she was told she was "not a True Christian™" (she was a gnostic Christian) and it had driven her from CF, under the new way she felt more confident that she could return without being judged.

I guess it suprises me that Christians are so opposed to something that I can only see as more Christian than the old way.

What gives guys?

 

[MarcusHill]

Somehow, I don't think it's going to be to much of a catastrophe for this subforum. Even at its most heated, discussion here is exceptionally polite for a web forum. I don't think there will be any issues with the "atheist invasion" paranoia - I think we all treat each other with enough respect around here that we won't see religion as a factor in whether someone would be a good moderator.

 

[meebs]

I don't invade i just absorbz the doods.

 

[meebs]

RE: Atheists and other religions in the Christian forum area, so what? So long as people talk about what they're meant to be talking about in each section and everyone respects each others values I honestly don't see an issue. i.e. no starting up a christian vs. atheism debate in the youth ministry section for example.

I agree.

I do think that these "church" areas should be moderated by christians only too. I may use this thing to my advantage, i do like debating bible stuff sometimes.

But that is just me - im hoping other non christians respect these forums too.

Im all for non christians moderating the "mission" area - as long as they still respect this is a christian forum.

 

[Judy02]

Im all for non christians moderating the "mission" area - as long as they still respect this is a christian forum.

That's my view on all non christian mods in general

I've got no problem with non christians being in any of the forums, or being mods in itself. It's just there might be one or two cocky individuals, who seem to want to go out of their way, to constantly make every thread into a 'I don't believe there is a God because of X, Y, and Z and you're all idiots to think otherwise' etc. I like talking with non christians, hearing their viewpoints as well etc. Most of my friends IRL are non christians. But at the same time, it's natural for fellow believers to want to come chat, share things, and to help build up, encourage, and edify one another in the faith they have in common. The bible talks about the importance of fellowship.

I think if you constantly have someone wanting to turn it into a debate, and who is just concerned with their own ego, and wanting to constantly try and prove themselves right to everyone in fellowship areas, it could get annoying, and ruin the atmosphere for some.
I know not all non christians are like that, some are lovely, and respect other people's beliefs - but unfortunately, I think there are a few on CF that are. Basically, I think there should be a place for theological debate, but just in certain areas, it shouldn't take over the entire forum, simply because thats not all people want to do on here. It has other purposes as well.

I've not familiarised myself with the new rules yet though so I don't know all the technicalities of it. I'll do it at some point when I'm bored
But yeah, besides that, no problem with it.

I did have a look at a thread on CF support...but it was like 3000 replies long! I read the first 5 - 6 pages and left it. I have things to do and a job to go to lol, it would've taken forever.

But I have heard elsewhere it's turned nasty, ugly and full of constant pointless bickering.

At the end of the day, I think fair's fair. It's erwin's site, it's up to him what he wants to do with it. If others don't like it, then get over it, move on or join a different forum lol. It's not the end of the world.

 

[RedAndy]

I've got no problem with non christians being in any of the forums, or being mods in itself. It's just there might be one or two cocky individuals, who seem to want to go out of their way, to constantly make every thread into a 'I don't believe there is a God because of X, Y, and Z and you're all idiots to think otherwise' etc.

I think if you constantly have someone wanting to turn it into a debate, and who is just concerned with their own ego, and wanting to constantly try and prove themselves right to everyone in fellowship areas, it could get annoying, and ruin the atmosphere for some.

What makes you think it would only be non-Christian staff members that would do this? From my experience in the Discussion & Debate forums some moderator actions have in the past been unnecessarily heavy-handed. One user was banned for a month because they suggested that the foundations upon which Creationism was based were false - this user was able to back up their arguments with evidence, and did nothing that could really constitute flaming, but was still banned.

I think that bringing in non-Christian staff members can only be positive, because it will increase the number of viewpoints on staff and therefore make the whole system more diverse, and hopefully less biased. The other major point to make is that if a moderator did act in the way you are suggesting, they would very quickly be voted out of their position. That's democracy for you!

In all, I welcome the new rule changes, although I can see why some individuals may be unhappy. However, the Internet is a pretty big place, and I'm sure there are forums suitable for every individual taste out there somewhere. We just happen to have the biggest and the best one.