Something troubling

[eldermike]

I agree with the ideas presented here. I like fellowship and I don't like the arguments part of cross denominational fellowship. But I do understand the other side of this issue.

My thoughts on IDD:
Reasoning with people has always been a brutal process. When Paul reasoned in his travels He was beaten, stoned and jailed.

I think our basic expectation of a cross denominational debate forum is wrong, and perhaps it doesn't fit CF in the first place.

In my personal view, I think that people should expect to be offended by the content of posts in a forum like IDD, it's just comes with the territory. (it's like the TV, you don't have to watch it)

We have lost long time members (from every side of the arguments) by having a wrong expectation of the process of reasoning beliefs. People who were attacking ideas with different ones have been banned from posting here.

So, I am opposed to IDD with our current expectations of the process. And considering that one of CF's core values is uniting Christians, it may be best that we don't have an IDD at all.

If we were to have an IDD, only personal attacks should be considered rule violations. Any other expectation would only lead more good members to the door.

My 2 cents.
Eldermike

 

[good4u]

let me ask you guys this question...should we reopen the IDD forum so that any denomination can debate?? or should we keep them formal debates...just curious.

ABSOLUTELY REOPEN THEM!!!!

It was a disservice to this Section of this website to it shut down. Ya know, "adding" more of this or that (i.e., rules = mods) is also a waste of time.

Why?

If you don't know how to defend your faith without running to "report" every perceived slight (real or not) you don't have the spiritual maturity to be in that section. PERIOD.

Defending your faith, in a way that communicates effectively is a skill that is not meant for the spiritually weak or immature. Those that cannot do so need to watch from the sidelines and not partcipate until they can do so.

Paul didn't run around and start evangelizing gentiles for THREE years and was taught by the LORD Himself before he even began his work. Why should we be any different?

If more rules=mods are added it will also kill it as free speech is necessary ingredient to an excellent discussion. My libertarian heart overfloweth...

 

[sobresaliente]

I totally agree...we should talk about our Lord Jesus Christ and all the he has done. He is worthy, and in our world he may be met with contempt, but people must know the fullness of the glorious gospel of Christ.

It also important to debate doctrines we see to be anti-christ or false gospel, and the gospel of Christ can still be praised through this, but we must not let our zeal for the gospel overcome our christian love that comes from God for the decieved.

May God bless you and yours for many generations,
Sobresaliente

 

[AsburyJuke]

I totally agree. I have been using these boards to grow in Christ by learning about him and debating with others. It's great practise, and I'm learning loads that will help me Evangelise and bring people to Jesus.

However, I haven't simply discussed Christ here! Praise Him! Good point!

 

[dsdumpling]

What I've found on my time on forums, and not just this one, christians can be nastier than non-christians. While defending their "religion" they are tearing down others. You don't have to blow my candle out so yours shines brighter. Being a christian means "Christ-like" which we (especially me) should be working towards.

 

[countrymousenc]

What I've found on my time on forums, and not just this one, christians can be nastier than non-christians. While defending their "religion" they are tearing down others. You don't have to blow my candle out so yours shines brighter. Being a christian means "Christ-like" which we (especially me) should be working towards.

Exactly! Why do we need to defend our faith in Christ against other Christians whose differences are only peripheral? Why not defend the Faith against skeptics, pagans, and the truly unorthodox instead? I'm all for dialogue between the various Christian traditions and denominations, but I think public polemics between Christians is at best, not helpful, and at worst, a hindrance and a very bad witness.

 

[JMRE5150]

What I've found on my time on forums, and not just this one, christians can be nastier than non-christians. While defending their "religion" they are tearing down others. You don't have to blow my candle out so yours shines brighter. Being a christian means "Christ-like" which we (especially me) should be working towards.

Ya know what Dawn, thats the best thing I think I've ever heard you say, and you say some wonderful things, dear...well done!

*hugs Dawn*

 

[dsdumpling]

Aaawww Robb, you are so nice. Razzie has got a lot to look forward to!