Please read this thread

[No Swansong]

What used to be encouraged was just to make a post something like " I cannot respond here, but to get my perspective check here: ___________

and put a link to a discussion in Denominational Specific etc.

This is another possible answer.

 

[No Swansong]

I am a supporter of banning. what is the point of rules if there is not consequence. there has to be a line and it has to be drawn. this is not acceptable. in this forum we have people who start controversal thread and then complain about controversy. We have people who say inflamatory things and then complaing about flaming . it is cracy. Logic does not dictate here emotions does. if you don't ban some one how will they learn?

Well certainly we need to make changes that is the purpose of this thread. The reason I hesitate to ban members is because it impedes ocmmunication and is usually taken (by the member banned) as a punitive, not a corrective action.

Perhaps I should offer a word or two of how I view my role here.

#1 I am not an Adventist, and that means that although I am a moderator I am a guest in your home forum I will not debate on your threads.

#2 As a staff member, although I have the authority to take some unilateral action, I do not view myself as a "policeman" type. Instead I see myself as a minister with the primary responsibility of facilitating communication amongst you and between you and non-Adventists.

#3 I have also always felt that my role on staff is that of an advocate for those I serve.

I do not favor actions that seem punitive to those who they are directed towards. Instead I much prefer corrective actions that educate. Usually if bans are going to be used I prefer short, specific bans with the clear purpose of educating the member. Also sometimes short bans are useful in providing a cooling down period..

Ok done rambling.

 

[No Swansong]

A few may go read the response on DST, but the lies are still allowed to be perpetuated here without consequence. It may even be what they truly believe about other Christians, but a lie is still a lie. Once stated, others believe it too.

Feel free to PM the specifics to me.

 

[No Swansong]

ESAU
FORGIVENESS WITHOUT A TRACE
-----------------------------------
SELECTIONS FROM GENESIS 27 & 33
----------------------------------​

Jacob had cheated his brother Esau out of all that mattered to him: his father's blessing, his confirmation of wealth, lands, and honor. now Jacob was going to pay with his life. But somehow God worked a sliver of love under the tough, hairy hide of this rugged outdoorsman.
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau determined in his heart. " The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then i will kill my brother Jacob."....Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with 400 men. So he divided the children among Leah ,Rachel and the two female slaves. He put the female slaves first, Leah and her son's next, and Rachel and Joseph last. He himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times until he approached his brother. but Esau ran to meet him, hugged him,threw his arms around him, and kissed him. Then they wept.
Jesus said that an unforgiving spirit hinders our ability to receive forgiveness from God. But-like many things in his kingdom-getting there requires traveling backward from human thinking. Instead of focusing on our own shortcomings, trying to reform them through mind games and willpower, we focus on God's forgiveness and love for us, his willingness to extend the freedom of righteousness to us. We fix the problem by fixing our eyes, our attention, our concentration on Jesus-and letting him fix us the right way.​

LOOK AT IT THIS WAY​

Leonardo da Vinci had a violent quarrel with a fellow painter shortly before he began work on The Last Supper. As he began to paint, his anger led him to paint the face of the man who was now his enemy into the face of Judas. This was da Vinci's revenge, and he was gleeful over what he had done.
But when he started to paint the face of Christ, his best efforts failed. He could no longer see the savior he so longed to honor. Through his struggle, he realized that he must forgive his fellow painter and erase his face from that of Judas. Only then was da Vinci able to see Jesus clearly and paint his face onto the canvas of THE LAST SUPPER.
Like da Vinci, we too have difficulty seeing Jesus clearly when the sin of unforgiveness comes between us and someone who has offended us. Forgiveness must be complete. It must come from the heart. We must put all thought of the wrongdoing from us and begin anew. That's what God does for us. That's what we must do for others.​

Has Esau's story brought someone to your mind? That person you said you could never forgive? Bring this situation to God today. He knows what it takes to fix it.
​

I have always been attracted to the story of Esau.

On a personal note this reminds me of a family situation. I would appreciate prayer for reconciliation between siblings.

 

[freeindeed2]

Feel free to PM the specifics to me.

I will when the individuals who have made the false accusations in the past do so again.

 

[Adventist Dissident]

jtbdad,

Just let me say Rules are good. I am all infavor of enforcment. strict enforcement, I think will be the best thing. enforce a way.

 

[smooze]

I have always been attracted to the story of Esau.

On a personal note this reminds me of a family situation. I would appreciate prayer for reconciliation between siblings.

Will pray that re-conciliation is in God's infinite plan .

 

[StormyOne]

interesting.... the resolution might also be.... interesting....

 

[tall73]

interesting.... the resolution might also be.... interesting....

Welcome back Stormy

 

[TrustAndObey]

I have always been attracted to the story of Esau.

On a personal note this reminds me of a family situation. I would appreciate prayer for reconciliation between siblings.

There is nothing like family.

Sending up some prayers!

 

[Dathen]

I have always been attracted to the story of Esau.

On a personal note this reminds me of a family situation. I would appreciate prayer for reconciliation between siblings.

 

[Sophia7]

On a personal note this reminds me of a family situation. I would appreciate prayer for reconciliation between siblings.

Praying.

 

[No Swansong]

Thanks everyone for the prayers.

I think that we have a good dialogue started here. I am encouraged by the willingness of you all to voice your opinions and offer suggestions. I am also encouraged by your desire to make this a more friendly environment.

I have been discussing some of the issues brought up here with staff. Unfortunately nothing (especially these types of suggestions) changes quickly here and we may be waiting a while for answers. In the meantime I ask that we all continue to work within the current structure the best that we can.

To those who have contacted me about leaving the forum. I ask that you reconsider. I would like to make this a forum that is welcoming to all Adventists. If you need to take a short leave please do so but come back refreshed and ready to contribute.

Unfortunately I will be gone until around the 5th. This is an absence that my supervisors knew about ahead of time and they will try to stand in the gap. Both Higgs2 and Erin74 are hardworking, knowledgeable and charitable women who can help you. I apologize for the timing on this but it cannot be avoided.

Finally I thank you for the encouragement that many of you have shared wih me. At the risk of being prideful I must say it has been spiritually uplifting to me to work you all.

John

 

[StormyOne]

Welcome back Stormy

thanks even though it appears you are exiting as I re-enter....

What I find humorous is the fact that before the "split" into progressive and traditional sub forums there were those who believed that I and some of my associates were the source of contention.... while I have lurked here, my participation has been minimal, yet the contention seems to be as prevalent as it ever was....

Perhaps those who thought I was the source of discord were mistaken?