New Statement of Faith at Christian Forums

[Nadiine]

I don't think that this is actually as huge a thing as everyone is making out, afaik, the creed has been introduced as a statement of what CF stands for. No-one is being asked to agree to every point before they can post, it simply gives an idea of the basis of belief of the site's owner and advisors.
I think... and I very much hope... that it is not an attempt to kick anyone out for what they believe or don't believe. And I don't think that it is actually hugely different from the Statement of Faith we had before..

I really agree.

The end result: nothing actually changes by it.
A status quo with something people liked that was in place
before.

 

[Nadiine]

. oops

 

[higgs2]

...

let's just light 900 candles, link pinks and sing Kumbayah in tye die robes
...
=D

We do that at Pentacost. THis is the last Sunday of Easter, silly.

 

[desmalia]

Most folks seem to have been pretty restrained in this thread.

The loudest complaints seem to come not from "the usual suspects" but from those who want CF to implement a combination of The Gay Hatin' Gospel (h/t Slacktivist) and the Chicago Statement on Inerrancy as the Rule of Faith.

Ya, THAT's the problem. Cute.

 

[matilda1991]

I think that the way people talk to each other on this forum is more important than this statement of faith. I cannot believe some of the condescending ordering around and arguing between members and the people that run this place that I see. Do those of you who act so high and mighty ever think about what Jesus would say before you write your messages? Everyone has their own statement of faith that they believe. Saying a forum is Christian should not take much more explanation.

 

[kiwimac]

Except that it NEVER just stops there. Experience on this board shows me that just as soon as we start using a creed to define our faith here it becomes a hammer for whacking those who differ, not in faith in Jesus Christ, but in the details OF that faith.

I like herev's quoted definition of faith.

 

[herev]

Except that it NEVER just stops there. Experience on this board shows me that just as soon as we start using a creed to define our faith here it becomes a hammer for whacking those who differ, not in faith in Jesus Christ, but in the details OF that faith.

yup, that is my FEAR.

already Tonks (whom I love) has said it would be a "soft" start up, that it would be used in the beginning for moving things to "unorthodox" areas, etc. This appears to be just the beginning of a giant step backwards.

 

[herev]

Hey Ron--see you peeking

 

[Criada]

I hope and pray that you are both wrong.

 

[BelindaP]

I think that the way people talk to each other on this forum is more important than this statement of faith. I cannot believe some of the condescending ordering around and arguing between members and the people that run this place that I see. Do those of you who act so high and mighty ever think about what Jesus would say before you write your messages? Everyone has their own statement of faith that they believe. Saying a forum is Christian should not take much more explanation.

This right here hits the nail directly on the head. The statement of faith (no matter how tolerant or exclusive) won't have that much impact. How we treat one another is what really matters on a message board. We should all pause before we hit submit and decide if that's how we would phrase it if we were replying to Jesus.

 

[Richard]

Except that it NEVER just stops there. Experience on this board shows me that just as soon as we start using a creed to define our faith here it becomes a hammer for whacking those who differ, not in faith in Jesus Christ, but in the details OF that faith.

I like herev's quoted definition of faith.

It's NOT going to happen.

 

[kiwimac]

Heard that before Richard, more than once, here as a member, a conciliator and as staff. Happened each time.

 

[kiwimac]

yup, that is my FEAR.

already Tonks (whom I love) has said it would be a "soft" start up, that it would be used in the beginning for moving things to "unorthodox" areas, etc. This appears to be just the beginning of a giant step backwards.

Kyrie eleison.

 

[Richard]

Heard that before Richard, more than once, here as a member, a conciliator and as staff. Happened each time.

I kinda read your statement wrong . If members are going to do that to other members, then they need to search their own heart. I can guarantee you it won't be allowed in the areas I staff.

 

[JimfromOhio]

I think that the way people talk to each other on this forum is more important than this statement of faith. I cannot believe some of the condescending ordering around and arguing between members and the people that run this place that I see. Do those of you who act so high and mighty ever think about what Jesus would say before you write your messages? Everyone has their own statement of faith that they believe. Saying a forum is Christian should not take much more explanation.

I agree. When we argue and disagree, we will know what kind of a Christian others are and what kind of a heart they have. We always argue over things that we love, or that we disagree. I will speak up when I hear doctrines that I disagree with. Doctrines sounds very good and simple but life is not so simple. There are Christians who are zealous for their "doctrines" and forget the sensitivity of others regarding certain topics.

Discernment encouraged me to examine my own beliefs. When I was younger, I believed in certain doctrines but now that I am spiritually matured that I know that God is in control of everything even when I see things I do NOT like. Even though doctrinal differences may arise between Christians, we must still show love to one another. However, this does not mean that we are to ignore doctrinal error. 1 Corinthians 13:6 says that love "rejoices in the truth." So one aspect of loving one another is to strive for doctrinal purity by pointing out doctrinal error, not by ignoring it.

Statement of Faith is a good start and foundation to work with. Christians can get along even when they differ on doctrinal issues. There are many who are judging based on bickering doctrines than God-centered fruitful lives. This is between the believer and God. As long as our conscience is clear and our heart is pure before God, don't be concerned with minor doctrinal issues. In this life it is inevitable and it is useful because it produces the evidence of our true spiritual condition, humility and intimacy with God and allows God to put Himself on display in His grace.

Negative circumstances teach us dependence on His grace (John 15:1-5, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10) that whatever is happening makes us think of our own reflections, trying to look at it from the biblical and the personal viewpoint. Grace is about loving other people that we have the freedom to do so but at the same time, respect how they practice their beliefs. I just let God handle their beliefs that I disagree with. Christianity seriously while at the same time, understand sins in this world. Sins are discord, disunity, and chaos will always produce great insecurity that leads people to feel destabilize in their lives.

 

[BelindaP]

JimFromOhio, I wish everyone were as even-minded as you on these issues.

 

[Gwenyfur]

I find it amazing that members who haven't been here in a long time, who haven't been participating in the forums, who haven't had interaction anywhere in any manner on CF in quite a while...are somehow "divining" the intent and result of actions taken by the board administration.

Also ironic, that these long time non participating members only show up to stir a complaint pot...when they have already shown they have no intention of participating in ways to help CF.

 

[herev]

JimFromOhio, I wish everyone were as even-minded as you on these issues.

me, too

 

[herev]

I find it amazing that members who haven't been here in a long time, who haven't been participating in the forums, who haven't had interaction anywhere in any manner on CF in quite a while...are somehow "divining" the intent and result of actions taken by the board administration.

Also ironic, that these long time non participating members only show up to stir a complaint pot...when they have already shown they have no intention of participating in ways to help CF.

Gwen, check my posting history here and any other forum. When I left staff nearly 2 years ago now, I gave my reasons for things happening in real life. I have not been active anywhere in that time. I then came back. Again, check my posting record. I came back SOME TIME before this announcement
was made. Amazing as it might be to you; ironic as you might see it, It is coincidence and not some conspiracy as you seem to indicate.

Like you, I have much invested in this site--from my time to my money. Like you, I have a privilege granted by the site ownership to state my opinion, ask questions, and express concern for this site that I DO care about (as do the others you are taking a shot at with your "amazing" and "ironic" comments).

Tonks has been doing a good job of selling what many of us see as a step backwards. People need the opportunity to express their concerns--like those of us who have dedicated our time and money to this site (just as you have). When you over react the way you have in this post, as a staff member wearing the little A (a reminder that some of us you are speaking to have been on the other side, ya know) you are not creating warm reassurances for those of us who have concerns.

Rather, you are actually driving home the very point that some of us are making. Disagreeing is not healthy under strict rules here at CF--never has been. And so when those of us who worked hard to create more openness, allowing for more voice for those who have been disenfranchised in the past, see changes that COULD lead to more exclusionary practices and speak up about our concerns only to have this sort of comment, it does nothing to demonstrate the good will Tonks is trying to portray in his posts.

No one is "divining" anything. The best predictor of future behavior is previous behavior in a similar circumstance. Some of us have been down this road before and are asking questions and expressing concerns based on HISTORY, not divination (which I assume you know is insulting to even say to those of us who hold fast to our Christian faith).

So, while I can't speak for all those who have been absent for a while--I can assure you I am NOT here to stir a complaint pot--and I absolutely HAVE demonstrated (as have the others here) my willingness to help CF--both with my time and my money.
blessings

 

[BelindaP]

I find it amazing that members who haven't been here in a long time, who haven't been participating in the forums, who haven't had interaction anywhere in any manner on CF in quite a while...are somehow "divining" the intent and result of actions taken by the board administration.

Also ironic, that these long time non participating members only show up to stir a complaint pot...when they have already shown they have no intention of participating in ways to help CF.

I take it that you refer to me and a few others in this post. Where exactly are we stirring dissent? By and large, we are accepting this statement of faith. The only one or two I see stirring dissention never left.