Preaching?

I was going to ask this of a moderator, but I thought I'd place it here as have seen the issue arise more than once and felt it would help for all to see, that way it can avoid pressure, and even bullying, from stopping if we are doing nothing wrong.

I noticed when one speaks of God and our view of life in the context of God, it is disapproved by some as if it is unacceptable.

I'm having difficulty understanding that because this is a Christian forum, with a large majority of members being Christians.

We come to places like this to speak about God with other members. If others don't care for that and disapprove of it why would they try and stop that in a Christian forum instead of just leaving and going somewhere that doesn't have that?

I'm having trouble making sense of it.

And I see quite a bit of preaching that is not in a religious context, but the same folks disapprove of preaching when God is inserted into the equation.

I mean this isn't like we are on the streets or in someone's home and just speaking a lot of religious stuff that is not welcomed.

It is a Christian forum. Christians flock to forums like this because it provides a place to share our life in God.

So I read the forum rules again and did not see anything that disproves of bringing God and that perspective into the equation. Maybe I missed it somewhere. I just didn't see it

So my very smart and good friend Google provided me with a definition of preaching, which is not confined to religious circles.

verb
gerund or present participle: preaching

1. deliver a sermon or religious address to an assembled group of people, typically in church.
   "he preached to a large congregation"
2. publicly proclaim or teach (a religious message or belief).
   "a church that preaches the good news"
3. earnestly advocate (a belief or course of action).

"my parents have always preached toleration and moderation"

4. give moral advice to someone in an annoying or pompously self-righteous way.
"viewers want to be entertained, not preached at"

5. used to affirm one's approval of or support for a stated opinion, advocated course of action, etc.
"“Please continue to speak up if you see bullying—it could save another's life.” “Preach!”"

Jo555 said:

I was going to ask this of a moderator, but I thought I'd place it here as have seen the issue arise more than once and felt it would help for all to see, that way it can avoid pressure, and even bullying, from stopping if we are doing nothing wrong.

I noticed when one speaks of God and our view of life in the context of God, it is disapproved by some as if it is unacceptable.

I'm having difficulty understanding that because this is a Christian forum, with a large majority of members being Christians.

We come to places like this to speak about God with other members. If others don't care for that and disapprove of it why would they try and stop that in a Christian forum instead of just leaving and going somewhere that doesn't have that?

I'm having trouble making sense of it.

And I see quite a bit of preaching that is not in a religious context, but the same folks disapprove of preaching when God is inserted into the equation.

I mean this isn't like we are on the streets or in someone's home and just speaking a lot of religious stuff that is not welcomed.

It is a Christian forum. Christians flock to forums like this because it provides a place to share our life in God.

So I read the forum rules again and did not see anything that disproves of bringing God and that perspective into the equation. Maybe I missed it somewhere. I just didn't see it

So my very smart and good friend Google provided me with a definition of preaching, which is not confined to religious circles.

verb
gerund or present participle: preaching

1. deliver a sermon or religious address to an assembled group of people, typically in church.
   "he preached to a large congregation"
2. publicly proclaim or teach (a religious message or belief).
   "a church that preaches the good news"
3. earnestly advocate (a belief or course of action).

"my parents have always preached toleration and moderation"

4. give moral advice to someone in an annoying or pompously self-righteous way.
"viewers want to be entertained, not preached at"

5. used to affirm one's approval of or support for a stated opinion, advocated course of action, etc.
"“Please continue to speak up if you see bullying—it could save another's life.” “Preach!”"

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Desk trauma said:

Large sections of this site don’t allow non Christians to post, if our views bother you so posting there maybe more to your liking.

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Thank you for your wise counsel. I'm a big girl and I am not bothered by it in the typical sense.
I even enjoy some friendly banter.

Where it has become an issue for me is that it has stopped me in the past, making me wonder whether I am doing something wrong. I've rejoined conversations when I've realized I'm ok there. And I trust the moderation team is doing their best to try and make the best decision in their capacity, if their involvement is called for.

That to me speaks louder than whether I agree with their decision or not.

I want to put this out there in case others have also run into this issue of "questioning" themselves.

At times it can also come across as a way to just shut someone down that doesn't agree with our view, instead of continuing to elaborate on our point of view.

Gregory Thompson said:

I've noticed at church when the sermon "brings back to remembrance" many things from scripture, it is common for the congregation to not want to hear another sermon or discuss scripture .. unless it agrees with their point of view.

Preaching like anything else is only appreciated if it supports someone else's point of view.

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Yes, the issue is a problem within the body of Christ too.

As Christians though, we just need to be cautious of judging their hearts.

For instance, we can treat others poorly, then want to preach to them. A typical response would be, "Don't preach to me."

Most don't want to hear about God from those that feel are treating them poorly, but none of us are perfect and we can't wait to speak until we are perfected. We just all need to be accountable to God there. If you feel the need to walk away, then go with God; to stay, likewise.

But to say it in general terms, "Don't preach", to me is off, unless God is telling us likewise. This isn't just about us on a public forum.

Gregory Thompson said:

I've noticed at church when the sermon "brings back to remembrance" many things from scripture, it is common for the congregation to not want to hear another sermon or discuss scripture .. unless it agrees with their point of view.

Preaching like anything else is only appreciated if it supports someone else's point of view.

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Yes, the issue is a problem within the body of Christ too.

As Christians though, we just need to be cautious of judging their hearts.

For instance, we can treat others poorly, then want to preach to them. A typical response would be, "Don't preach to me."

Most don't want to hear about God from those that feel are treating them poorly, but none of us are perfect and we can't wait to speak until we are perfected. We just all need to be accountable to God there. If you feel the need to walk away, then go with God; to stay, likewise.

But to say it in general terms, "Don't preach", to me is off, unless God is telling us likewise. This isn't just about us on a public foru

Jo555 said:

Yes, the issue is a problem within the body of Christ too.

As Christians though, we just need to be cautious of judging their hearts.

For instance, we can treat others poorly, then want to preach to them. A typical response would be, "Don't preach to me."

Most don't want to hear about God from those that feel are treating them poorly, but none of us are perfect and we can't wait to speak until we are perfected. We just all need to be accountable to God there. If you feel the need to walk away, then go with God; to stay, likewise.

But to say it in general terms, "Don't preach", to me is off, unless God is telling us likewise. This isn't just about us on a public forum.

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I also greatly believe in respecting others wishes that don't want to hear it. Jesus does not knock down the door of our hearts, but knocks and if we hear Him and invite Him in, He comes in to dine with us.

It can be advantageous to keep the door of our hearts closed to those that have shown a lack of regard for it, until they have shown themselves trustworthy. Yet, again, this is a public forum, a Christian public forum at that, so a consideration for all is necessary, with what God is speaking to us foremost.

Gregory Thompson said:

It's just easier to avoid sermons from speakers who make errors on a regular basis, if there is no forum for dialogue.

Constantly being reminded of scripture disagreeing with the sermon is not good for the mental health.

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Yes. The Lord once told me if we would hear from Him for ourselves, He would put that Word in us and heal us.

Now, I didn't take that as not taking into account what others say, and there is the five-fold ministry, but I took it as ultimately hearing from Him, and letting Him confirm within us what others have to say to us. It is a big theme in the bible too, the book of Jeremiah for one.

Thinking that is ok to say in reply to another believer, but I've been wrong before ...

We are not perfect of ourselves. Most important is that our hearts and motivation is in the right place, love for God and others. The Holy Spirit does not flow in dirty waters so don't get goaded into getting derailed from that, and let us try not to goad others either.

I like to joke and even enjoy friendly banter. I actually thrive on it. I'm not sure what that has to say about me, but if my heart is in the right place and I mean no harm, and it is not leading to somewhere ugly, I feel fine with it.

You don't have the advantage of seeing if it is received negatively though so I like to tell others to let me know if I offend.

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I reread my OP again and felt some clarity may be needed as the beginning seems somewhat ambiguous.

When I have, as a Christian, in a Christian forum, have shared my perspective coming from my beliefs as a Christian, the response I can get from some is, "You are preaching" as if there is something wrong with bringing what I see as the God perspective, even while also recognizing I haven't arrived myself there fully yet.

This has happened to me more than once, and have seen it done to others too.

The first time it stopped me, wondering if I was doing something wrong. Did I miss something in the rules? Is mentioning the God perspective as I currently see it not permitted?

Well i know unless God puts it in my heart to stop, or unless my heart is off, or it is against policy because He does expect us to respect others homes, so to speak, then I'm ok. Or, as Paul would say, my conscience is clear, but that doesn't mean I am right, yet it is God who judges me.

At times it just sounds like a way to shut someone down that we don't care for their perspective, or agree with, instead of continuing with the issue on hand.

So my point in bringing this up is to help others that may have come across the same issue and have questioned themselves because of it.

I now have it more fully worked out for me, and maybe this will help another that may also come across this.

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Hans Blaster said:

You are in my home and I wouldn't let a preacher or evangelist or missionary in my home. Cheers.

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Clarify. Am I not allowed to speak about God in this section because if that is the case, why didn't someone just tell me that a long time ago rather than letting me go on.

I do not believe in imposing myself on others, but as a public forum there is more than you and me to consider.

What am I missing?

Jo555 said:

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Clarify. Am I not allowed to speak about God in this section because if that is the case, why didn't someone just tell me that a long time ago rather than letting me go on.

I do not believe in imposing myself on others, but as a public forum there is more than you and me to consider.

What am I missing?

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I also would allow you in my home, serve you coffee, or tea if you prefer, and ask whether you'd care to join us for dinner, but I'm funny that way.

I love people and have atheist, agnostic, buddhist, gay friends, black, white, hispanic, northern, southern, etc, you name it.

I love people.

I believe when it boils down to it, we all just want to be loved and accepted as we are, warts and all.

But none of us are perfect of ourselves and are still learning and growing and should make allowances for each others behaviors, even if we don't have to put up with it. We just shouldn't assume it is a fault on the others part because it may be more about an issue with us.

I'm dealing with the most difficult situation in my life right now, and I'm no kid by far so that is saying quite a bit. Sometimes I feel off and I can be more vulnerable to negative behaviors, but I don't expect others to put up with me when I'm like that and tell them.

I am always humbled by the mercy and grace they show me, but they also know what I'm dealing with.

Ok, done for tonight as must move on to other things, but I remain hopeful we can be friends one day.

I believe when it boils down to it, we all just want to be loved and accepted as we are, warts and all.

But none of us are perfect of ourselves and are still learning and growing and should make allowances for each others behaviors, even if we don't have to put up with it. We just shouldn't assume it is a fault on their part because it may be more about an issue with us.

I'm dealing with the most difficult situation in my life right now, and I'm no kid by far so that is saying quite a bit. Sometimes I feel off and I can be more vulnerable to negative behaviors, but I don't expect others to put up with me when I'm like that and tell them.

I am always humbled by the mercy and grace they show me, but they also know what I'm dealing with.

Ok, done for tonight as must move on to other things, but I remain hopeful we can be friends in

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Hans Blaster said:

My point is unlike regular "public forums", people actually *are* participating from their homes. The posts that get feedback as "preaching" are generally not relevant to the thread (or only marginally so) and sound exactly like that street preaching we cross the street to avoid.

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With all due respect, just because you are participating from your home doesn't make this any less a public forum than everyone eating out together at a public restaurant, or attending a concert, or in a hospital, or in school together.

Additionally, just because that preaching in the street turns you off, doesn't mean it is not helpful to another.

And what do you mean by preaching?
What does it mean to you?

And I disagree that it is not always relevant to the thread, or marginally so, even if that is the case sometimes. You may try and say something like. "I would appreciate if you stick to the topic," if that truly is the concern because from this end it just seems like some are looking to shut down any elaboration on bringing the topic of God into the equation, especially if it raises a good point regarding the thread. If that is what this department is about and that is acceptable, I may not agree, but I can surely accept that. Someone do clue me in so I can leave.

And do know that as a Christian on a Christian forum, I reserve the right to disagree with you, all in love for all.

Just so sad how people don't appear to want to be friendly, but just want to change us into their liking. And I speak on all sides of the spectrum.

Maybe I just expect too much of us all. I can accept that.

And do clue me in if you feel I am doing the same so we can discuss it like civil human beings, rather than in a condescending manner. But hey, you are within your rights to do otherwise, just saying. God knows I have my moments. Just appears to be a pattern with some and if "preaching" is unattractive to you and a turn off, neither is talking down to others as if they are morons.

David Lamb said:

Of course you can write about God on these forums. Can you give any example of something you have written about God on these forums which you have been reprimanded or criticised for?

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I can't as it has been deleted, and not by me.

My recollection I stated that there are wonderful opportunities for us to get to know God better; that our fears and doubts need not hinder that process for it can reveal just how deep our roots go and if we turn to God with it, He will deepen our faith.

It was said to challenge those that may be apprehensive of diving into the sciences for concerns that it may shipwreck their faith.

You would think that anyone who has faith in the sciences would welcome such a comment, but I've been wring before.

I believe in the truth and the closer science gets to the truth it will reveal with greater measure that a brilliant Creator exists.

This was considered preaching by another in the sense of disapproval in the thread, yet I have seen a good share of the same, out of a religious context, from others that disapprove of this, but they doing it appears to be fine.

And if it was just on one occasion, or two, but I've seen it more than that.

So I want to put this out there so it can help others too.

Here is another thing. In life I have noticed this principle, that those that criticize others, appear to be doing the same thing, but with a different twist. Not always, but I see it so often I do not trust that I am not doing the same thing. We can be so blind to our own faults there and the double standard.

This must be what Jesus spoke of regarding our horizontal human relationships and the same measure you meet, it will be measured unto you.

Is this acceptable preaching?

Jo555 said:

I can't as it has been deleted, and not by me.

My recollection I stated that there are wonderful opportunities for us to get to know God better; that our fears and doubts need not hinder that process for it can reveal just how deep our roots go and if we turn to God with it, He will deepen our faith.

It was said to challenge those that may be apprehensive of diving into the sciences for concerns that it may shipwreck their faith.

You would think that anyone who has faith in the sciences would welcome such a comment, but I've been wring before.

I believe in the truth and the closer science gets to the truth it will reveal with greater measure that a brilliant Creator exists.

This was considered preaching by another in the sense of disapproval in the thread, yet I have seen a good share of the same, out of a religious context, from others that disapprove of this, but they doing it appears to be fine.

And if it was just on one occasion, or two, but I've seen it more than that.

So I want to put this out there so it can help others too.

Here is another thing. In life I have noticed this principle, that those that criticize others, appear to be doing the same thing, but with a different twist. Not always, but I see it so often I do not trust that I am not doing the same thing. We can be so blind to our own faults there and the double standard.

This must be what Jesus spoke of regarding our horizontal human relationships and the same measure you meet, it will be measured unto you.

Is this acceptable preaching?

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Also. It was not a moderator, so don't want anyone to assume that. Never once was I told by any moderator that preaching is off limits.

As I said, if the issue with some members is really not about preaching, then why not just mention to stick to the topic on hand rather than bringing up preaching?