Surfing CF - Harmful for new Christians?

[Kelly]

9, did you recently change your views?

 

[Plan 9]

9, did you recently change your views?

No, Kelly; I've felt that way for some time, I'm sorry to say. However, I do not mean that I haven't made some very nice Christians friends here, though.

 

[GirlForChrist]

I think the atheists come here from a degree of two angles. They are curious and hungry for knowlege and (or) they are looking to stir up trouble.

I agree. and will be praying for those who are lost.

 

[awackywabbit]

.That is why I am very sceptical of a forum/ meassage board that calls itself "Christian" when the let athiests participate in discussions.

I myself avoid alot of time in forum/messageboards such as this and when I in in them I am very cautious about where I go , what I read and I careful about the advice I give . I know that there are Christians in here with good intentions....but let me say this.., good intentions don't always end with good results. Becareful of how you word things and don't try to have all the answers...focus more on leading someone to Jesus Christ/God or helping someone to grow as an Christian(in your answers) rather than being RIGHT all of the time!!

No offense but I think one of the most dangerous attitude Christians can adopt is that of separating themselves from the world completely in order to stay "safe". As if we are in danger with Christ as our shield and protector! IMO if it was really that dangerous for us to be around non-Christian thoughts/ideas, then God would have pulled us out of the world the minute we got saved.

He doesn't though, because we are called to be IN the world but not of it. Too many Christians stay locked in their holy huddles praying that the world doesn't break in and influence their thoughts, when they should be the ones outside in the world working to influence the non-believers.

Another dangerous attitude is that of ignorance, especially when it comes to defending the faith. I have met way too many Christians who don't know why the believe the things they do, so when someone asks they feel threatened because they themselves do not have a true understanding of their own faith! There are many atheists who understand the Christian belief system better then a lot of Christians.

IMO interaction with non-Christians is one of the most healthiest things a Christian can do. It helps to make your faith real and it causes you to really think about what you believe and why you believe it. It's time to stop hiding behind the doors of the church and venture out into the world in which we have been called. I applaud this forum for opening up its doors and venturing out!

 

[AnnMercy2]

No offense but I think one of the most dangerous attitude Christians can adopt is that of separating themselves from the world completely in order to stay "safe". As if we are in danger with Christ as our shield and protector! IMO if it was really that dangerous for us to be around non-Christian thoughts/ideas, then God would have pulled us out of the world the minute we got saved.

He doesn't though, because we are called to be IN the world but not of it. Too many Christians stay locked in their holy huddles praying that the world doesn't break in and influence their thoughts, when they should be the ones outside in the world working to influence the non-believers.

Another dangerous attitude is that of ignorance, especially when it comes to defending the faith. I have met way too many Christians who don't know why the believe the things they do, so when someone asks they feel threatened because they themselves do not have a true understanding of their own faith! There are many atheists who understand the Christian belief system better then a lot of Christians.

IMO interaction with non-Christians is one of the most healthiest things a Christian can do. It helps to make your faith real and it causes you to really think about what you believe and why you believe it. It's time to stop hiding behind the doors of the church and venture out into the world in which we have been called. I applaud this forum for opening up its doors and venturing out!

AMEN

Kelly: If you are a new Christian, then I say be careful where you venture on these forums. It can make a person doubt. But know that where ever you go the Lord is there to protect, and if he says not to go somewhere then don't go, that goes for here and in your life. Let the Lord guide you Will keep you in my prayers

 

[Mr.Cheese]

Doubt is one thing. But I'm trying to help out a guy right now who is being fed atrocities of scholarship and he hasn't learned to know the difference cause he's young. I am very annoyed right now.
Some come here and spread lies. Those are the ones who aren't worth your time to argue with. They're not here to listen to truth or fact.

 

[vibrant]

No offense but I think one of the most dangerous attitude Christians can adopt is that of separating themselves from the world completely in order to stay "safe". As if we are in danger with Christ as our shield and protector! IMO if it was really that dangerous for us to be around non-Christian thoughts/ideas, then God would have pulled us out of the world the minute we got saved. ...

i'd feel overwhelmed if i, a second year english major, walked into a fourth year physics course. how could i know what's true, what's false? how could i defend my views and opinions? i'd be out of my league. (then again, the reverse would be true.)

so i'd totally understand how a relatively new Christian can feel overwhelmed and underequipped to jump into an apologetics debate. instead of making them feel bad for it, insisting that they must get out there and defend, i'd suggest that they avoid it for a while. build up your knowledge of the Bible, of the faith you profess, and of the knowledge of apologetics. then you can feel, and will be, more equipped to venture into such discussions.

 

[Kelly]

I have avoided the GA section and am much happier right now as a result. Maybe someday I'll venture out there, but not now.

 

[Plan 9]

I have avoided the GA section and am much happier right now as a result. Maybe someday I'll venture out there, but not now.

Kelly, I don't think that there's ever a hard and fast rule regarding this. We're all different individuals. I think when you say, "Maybe someday, but it's not the right thing for me now.", you're definitely on the right track. You don't want to trap yourself in a situation that's too hard for you, but you don't want to assume that it always will be, either. I think you've got a good attitude.

I do have one question:
Did starting this thread help you find the right balance?
You don't have to answer this question if you think it might hurt anyone's feelings; I was just wondering because I have never started a thread to ask for advice or prayer.

 

[Philip4Jesus]

No offense but I think one of the most dangerous attitude Christians can adopt is that of separating themselves from the world completely in order to stay "safe".


No offense taken. I understand that everyone has different experieces and makes different observations throughout life, and therefore there is always going to be somewhat a differnece of opinion on things. All that I was saying( which I think you may have misunderstood) is that people should examine the advice that they receive, just don't accept it as Truth right then and there, especially when it comes to advice on growing as a Christian.

Also I never said or meant to imply that Christians should seperate themselves from the world, just be alert and aware that not everthing you find on the internet should not be accepted as the truth. Of course I am speaking from my experiences and the things which I have seen.

Also I think the question was, Can surfing CF be harmful to new Christians, and I think it could possibly be, because of the simple fact that I think new/young Christians can be easly lead astray. ( of course I am speaking from my personal experiece and from what I have seen.)

 

[Kelly]

I do have one question:
Did starting this thread help you find the right balance?
You don't have to answer this question if you think it might hurt anyone's feelings; I was just wondering because I have never started a thread to ask for advice or prayer.

Yes, I think so. Basically I want to strengthen mine and my family's faith before I venture out to witness or defend against people who seem here only to argue.

 

[Plan 9]

Yes, I think so. Basically I want to strengthen mine and my family's faith before I venture out to witness or defend against people who seem here only to argue.

I agree that should come first, especially since you're a family man. A husband who considers and looks out for you is a true gift from God.

Proverbs says that in a multitude of counselors there is safety, but it takes a cool head to read so many peoples' differing opinions and evaluate them, which you obviously have.

 

[cyberwing]

Dearest Kelly and all,
I understand your concern and you must guard your heart. Jesus told us to do this because we have an enemy who is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour! I think about the old computer saying, "Garbarge in, garbage out.... " We should guard ourselves as to what we expose our lives to.

Phl 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand.
Phl 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Phl 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phl 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

We must guard ourselves also as it can damage our OWN walk with Jesus when we get all 'dammed up' with junk. The rivers of Living Water cannot flow through a clogged dam. There are a lot of wicked people coming to CF, yes, I agree. The enemy is sending them in. Let those on the board who are stronger and better able to 'take them on' do so. I notice there are Christians who love to argue, fine, God gifted them with that ability, it's not in me. I must simply live my life as an example, love them and let them decide what to do. {{{hugs}}} (Hey Plan 9! Love ya' Sister!) Kelly, precious Brother, you are loved here, try to ignore the hateful ones. I've had some take some pot shots at me but they bounce off because Jesus is my focus and I rest under His wings! We as Christians should stand together, T-O-G-E-T-H--E-R! If I can help with anything feel free to PM.
~DJ

 

[Kelly]

 

[Jeff91199]

I've read the pages of posts here and I've gotta say that I agree with the posters who choose not to go to threads like "General Apologetics" and the like. I was more curious about some of the Christian/non-Christian interaction threads when I was newer to this forum and sometimes I still am, but for the most part I try to avoid them when I can. It's not that the things that atheists and other unbelievers say can cause me to fall away (I certainly hope and pray not, anyway!), but it's just too troubling to go there. It troubles me to see atheist posters saying everything they can to belittle Christian belief and to try to make Christian posters feel stupid for even trying to say anything in defense of it, and it troubles me even more to see people posting who claim to have once been Christians. As much as it excites me to hear/read about people coming to the faith, it saddens me to hear/read about people departing from the faith. Kelly, I don't blame you for thinking that surfing some of the threads here at CF can be hazardous for young believers (I have an inkling that it could be hazardous to some older believers unless they go in there prepared for what they're gonna see), and Iron Maiden, I salute your parents for sticking up for Christianity, even if it did get your dad banned (which I totally don't understand, since this place is called "Christian Forums"); it's great that people are willing to stand up for truth, even when it seems like they're David standing up against Goliath (which there's entirely too much of in the offline "real world" to have to have it here as well). Well, I've said my piece, so I'm gonna sit down again, take off my editorial hat, and wait for the responses to roll in!

 

[Kelly]

I've grown in my spirituality a bit. I'm still not armed enough to wade into the GA forums but more importantly, I have no desire to. Regardless of our faith, it's such a negative, spiteful, pridefilled and hateful place that it tarnishes this otherwise great website.

I will never understand why someone who doesn't believe in God would waste their precious days on Earth bickering to a group of people who have so much more to look forward to in eternity.

 

[Plan 9]

It troubles me when Christians do everything they can to belittle Christians. Overall, our atheists have have been kinder to me about our differences.

 

[Kelly]

How does it go? Let those without sin...

 

[James Sez]

It troubles me when Christians do everything they can to belittle Christians. Overall, our atheists have have been kinder to me about our differences.

Agreed. Yet more wisdom from Plan 9

 

[Plan 9]

Agreed. Yet more wisdom from Plan 9

I have no wisdom to offer on this subject; only bitter knowledge. If I were wise, I could rise above it, but I can't.