The most "discouraging place" in the online world?

[reddogs]

Why would people see this site as "discouraging" or detrimental to their christian experience, because we should be teaching and preaching about God's truth and the life and testimonies of Jesus Christ which what is what a christians purpose should be all about and fruitful, edifying discussion, not useless arguing. ...

It seems that some people enjoy more doing the devils work instead of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they seem to get a perverse pleasure from verbally attacking others rather than given them brotherly love and counsel. I mean that some people seem to overlook all the things that God says and tells us and miss a lot themselves by focusing on arguing points of the Bible instead of using the same verses to bring love, joy, peace and harmony to their christian brothers and sisters.

I think some are on here just to be argumentative and not really seeking truth. We should be searching for truth with all our hearts because Jesus is coming soon enough and we should want to take every opportunity to know him and build a relationship with him, instead of tearing each other apart over doctrinal "minutiae".

John 5:42
But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

What good does it do to know every verse that Paul wrote if you hate your brother, or if you can recite every word that Christ spoke if at the end of the day, there is no love in your heart.

Matthew 22:37-39
37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

What purpose is the word of God if you strike down your brother, or if you strive to do God's will yet anger and hate fill your heart.

1 John 4:20
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

1 Thessalonians 4:9
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

Where is the love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against these there is no law. We should share these when we teach and preach for the edifying of the brethren and and those that love and follow Jesus Christ..........

 

[djconklin]

Why would people see this site as "discouraging" or detrimental to their christian experience, because we should be teaching and preaching about God's truth and the life and testimonies of Jesus Christ which what is what a christians purpose should be all about and fruitful, edifying discussion, not useless arguing. ...

Ah, but it's like the evolutionsits who claim that creationists can't do science so if they find out you are a creationist then you are kicked out of anything related to science (like writing a column on science in a popular magazine). Likewise, the anti-SDA critics can't let us engage in "fruitful, edifying discussion" so they have to come in and disturb the peace.

 

[NightEternal]

I thought CARM was the most discouraging place in the online world?

Seriously though, I have been to places that would dwarf CF in the area of discouragement. You guys are quite tame, believe me.

Try spending a couple of months on the Revival Sermons chat forum and see how much of your Christian joy and assurance is sapped away by the relentless barrage of ultra-conservative dogma.

Verbal attacks? Comparing this place to RS is like comparing mosquito bites to knife wounds.

 

[TrustAndObey]

I thought CARM was the most discouraging place in the online world?

Don't forget it was Aceybee that made that comment, not anyone that felt they were mistreated in CARM.

Seriously though, I have been to places that would dwarf CF in the area of discouragement. You guys are quite tame, believe me.

Try spending a couple of months on the Revival Sermons chat forum and see how much of your Christian joy and assurance is sapped away by the relentless barrage of ultra-conservative dogma.

Verbal attacks? Comparing this place to RS is like comparing mosquito bites to knife wounds.

I think that's Aceybee's whole point though brother, why willingly go into a place where you do not see the love of Christ? Why PUT yourself in a situation where someone else tries to shred your faith?

 

[NightEternal]

Don't forget it was Aceybee that made that comment, not anyone that felt they were mistreated in CARM.

Ya, I know. I was just joking around.

I think that's Aceybee's whole point though brother, why willingly go into a place where you do not see the love of Christ? Why PUT yourself in a situation where someone else tries to shred your faith?

If there is an SDA forum out there that does not encounter conflict and strife, I have yet to find it.

Look, it's really not realistic to take about 40 different individuals, throw them into a discussion forum together, and not expect some clashes or friction. It's just not going to happen!

You have liberals, moderates, conservatives, ultra-conservatives, choleric personalities, melancholy personalities, sanguine personalities, phlegmatic personalities, different temperments, different tolerance levels, extroverts, introverts, domineering, confrontational, meek, sensitive, overly-sensitive, the whole gamut from black to white and all points in between.

How is it not asking for trouble to mix all of these combustible elements together in one forum?

Besides, wouldn't it be boring if we all agreed on everything and were like a bunch of robots programmed to have complete harmony in everything possible? That sounds like safe, bland, vanilla, Stepford wives online interaction to me. No thanks.

Personally I find it interesting and challenging when the formers engage us, or when Icedragon or RC_Newprotestants throws in something controversial to chew on and consider.

But that's just me...*shrug*

Hey, we're only facing the footmen right now. How do we expect to run with the horses when the swelling of the Jordan occurs, and we are dragged before prelates, scholars and theologians who will make us Adventists look foolish in a court of law? Might as well get in the practice now and give a reason for our faith, right?

 

[TrustAndObey]

If there is a forum out there that does not encounter conflict and strife, I have yet to find it.

Even the women on the Weight Watchers boards fight all the time, so I hear ya. I haven't found one either. However, when I see one where people gang up on others, I don't want any part of it. I'm not talking about CARM or here, I'm just sayin'.....

Look, it's really not realistic to take about 40 different individuals, throw them into a discussion forum together and not expect some clashes or friction. It's just not going to happen

But it SHOULD happen. We're to be of one accord, no? I think all of us owe it to our Lord to TRY for some civility. Bite our tongues sometimes if we have to, stay out of threads that we know we might not be able to stay "nice" in, etc. The WAY things are said are just as important as WHAT is said.

You have liberals, moderates, conservatives, ultra-conservatives choleric personalities, meloncholy personalities, sanguine personalities, phlegmatic personalities, different temperments, different tolerance levels, extroverts, introverts, domineering, confrontational, meek, sensitive, overly sensitive, the whol gamut from black to white.

How is it not asking for trouble to mix all of these combustible elements together in one forum?

But we're all God's children. And unfortunately we've all learned from an early age how to push people's buttons. The trick is to try not to do that and just show the love of Christ in what we say and how we say it.

Besides, wouldn't it be boring if we all agreed on everything and were like a bunch of robots programmed to have complete harmony in everything possible? That sounds like bland, vanilla, Stepford wives online interaction. No thanks.

HAHA. Well, while I agree that complete harmony could get boring, we sure better get used to it! I don't think there will be disagreements on the new earth.

Personally I find it interesting and challenging when the formers engage us, or when Icedragon or RCNewprotestants throws in something controversial to chew on and consider.

But that's just me...

I didn't realize that RC and Icedragon were formers. I thought they still attended SDA churches?

 

[NightEternal]

The formers OR Icedragon and RC_Newprotestants.

Yes, they are still Adventist.

Although, I don't know how much longer it will be for RC_Newprotestants though. I don't think our church offers enough intellectual stimulation for him.

 

[TrustAndObey]

The formers OR Icedragon and RC_Newprotestants.

Yes, they are still Adventist.

Although, I don't know how much longer it will be for RC_Newprotestants though. I don't think our church offers enough intellectual stimulation for him.

No comment.

LOL

SEE! Sometimes it's better just not to say anything!

 

[NightEternal]

Let me make it clear though, that the conflict and friction I enjoy should NOT include abuse, hostility or personal attacks. Otherwise, I would not have returned here to make amends and apologize for doing those very same things.

 

[TrustAndObey]

Let me make it clear though, that the conflict and friction I enjoy should NOT include abuse, hostility or personal attacks. Otherwise, I would not have returned here to make amends and apologize for doing those very same things.

And just so you know, I was deeply touched by your apology. Even though you and I had never locked horns, I am always touched to see someone apologize.

I've seen few apologies on this forum and even fewer people ACCEPT them. 70 X 7!!!

 

[thecountrydoc]

If anyone here would really like to particapte in a SDA site that doesn't allow the kind of negative discussion that seems to be so prevelent here, just PM me.

Respectfully,
Doc

 

[NightEternal]

Yes REALLY.

You should be GLAD the mods here allow free discussion and various views to be expressed, but instead you give them an underhanded slam.

But I suppose if you prefer iron-fisted moderation where anything anyone says is severely restricted and censored, there are many other forums that can accomodate you.

By all means, they are always looking for more recruits. No need to try and draw people away from this forum however.

 

[TrustAndObey]

Yes REALLY.

You should be GLAD the mods here allow free discussion and various views to be expressed, but instead you give them an underhanded slam.

Doc isn't the one that's good with the underhanded slams brother.

But I suppose if you prefer iron-fisted moderation where anything anyone says is severely restricted and censored and only the SDA party line is allowed, there are plenty of ultra-conservative forums that offer that sort of tyranny.

Kind of the opposite extreme of the other place I keep hearing so much about I guess. Why would a safe haven for people that keep the fundamental beliefs be any kind of threat to anybody?

If people like Aceybee feel like people are trying to gnaw away at their faith, I think a place like that sounds like good medicine for someone who feels like they're always under attack.

I know some people that frequent this forum would be very upset at the idea of a place where they can't call Traditional Adventists small-minded anymore, but true fellowship requires that all fellows be on the same ship. Constantly throwing stumblingblocks in each other's path is NOT fellowship.

I did a "faith check" not too long ago. Guess what? I got STRONGER in my faith. I see a lot of assumptions thrown around that if someone is still Traditional then they haven't taken the time to truly assess their beliefs, and that's just absolutely not true.

By all means, they are always looking for more recruits. No need to try and draw people away from this forum however.

I would agree if I hadn't just seen argument after argument about another board on here, and about how fantastic it is (according to formers) and how horrible it is (according to Traditionals).

Doc merely extended the invitation for people to PM him if they wanted to check it out. He didn't list the site like so many other people have done with CARM, nor did he say that someone had to quit coming here if they chose to go to the other site too.

Obviously Doc goes to both, why couldn't other people do that too?

It should in no way seem threatening to anyone.

 

[truthmagnet]

isn't it kinda funny that people are argueing about argueing.

 

[TrustAndObey]

isn't it kinda funny that people are argueing about argueing.

Yeah, it is.

The spirit of argument is all over this forum unfortunately.

Contempt breeds contempt.

Truthmagnet, I'm reading your website. It's very good and VERY touching.

 

[NightEternal]

Doc isn't the one that's good with the underhanded slams brother.

Perhaps you missed his charming address to me where he said he didn't want to have a battle of wits with someone who wasn't armed?

Kind of the opposite extreme of the other place I keep hearing so much about I guess. Why would a safe haven for people that keep the fundamental beliefs be any kind of threat to anybody?

It's not a threat to me at all. All I am saying is if he isn't happy here he might feel more at home on a predominately conservative forum. Doesn't that make sense?

If people like Aceybee feel like people are trying to gnaw away at their faith, I think a place like that sounds like good medicine for someone who feels like they're always under attack.

That's fine. I am not saying otherwise. But one person's medicine is another person's poison.

I know some people that frequent this forum would be very upset at the idea of a place where they can't call Traditional Adventists small-minded anymore, but true fellowship requires that all fellows be on the same ship. Constantly throwing stumblingblocks in each other's path is NOT fellowship.

I guess you must have missed the 'new theology', 'cheap grace' slurs we Progressives and Evangelicals have had to put up with here as well. It works both ways TrustAndObey.

I did a "faith check" not too long ago. Guess what? I got STRONGER in my faith. I see a lot of assumptions thrown around that if someone is still Traditional then they haven't taken the time to truly assess their beliefs, and that's just absolutely not true.

Well, I have never said that, but it's very possible others may have. Regrdless TrustAndObey, why should such a comment bother you if you are indeed secure in what you believe and know differently? Consider the source and move on.

I would agree if I hadn't just seen argument after argument about another board on here, and about how fantastic it is (according to formers) and how horrible it is (according to Traditionals).

I have never been to CARM and I have no intentions of doing so.

Doc merely extended the invitation for people to PM him if they wanted to check it out. He didn't list the site like so many other people have done with CARM, nor did he say that someone had to quit coming here if they chose to go to the other site too.

TrustAndObey, if you aren't able to read between the lines of thecountrydoc's post, I don't know what more I can say.

Obviously Doc goes to both, why couldn't other people do that too?

No one says they cannot.

It should in no way seem threatening to anyone.

Not threatened in the least.

I'm just tired of seeing the mods here get dealt passive-aggressive verbal jabs, people implying that they are incompetent with the way they are maintaining this board, complaints that they are not 'controlling' or 'restricting' discussion topics to the satisfaction of a few SDA party-liners.

You guys don't know how good you have it here. My initial assessment of this place as a home for predominately conservative SDA's was wrong, much to my delight. It is so hard to find an SDA discussion board where free, honest discussion and exchange of ideas can be indulged in without big-brother mod breathing over your shoulder ready to ban people for the smallest infraction.

Some people seem to be wanting a gestapo forum and are pressuring CF for tighter restrictions and some sort of purge or cleansing of the boards of those who they consider the 'undesirables'.

I, for one, would be sad to see that happen here.
_______________________________________________

 

[TrustAndObey]

It's hard to quote you when you reply inside a text box like that (especially when I'm tired), so I'll just comment without quoting, okay?

Comments about not doing a "faith check" do bother me (and I never meant to imply that you were the one saying that, my apologies if you thought that), because they're so general. Blanket statements rarely cover as many people as the person making them assumes, ya know?

Doc is welcome here and obviously he enjoys going to both forums. I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

And Brother NightEternal, I did miss the comment about you being unarmed, but I'm sure that had to be back when you were admittedly very harsh. That's something I think we can all get past and it doesn't have to remain a stumblingblock for everybody on this forum.

I sit back and read the conversations and in my humble opinion there are actually very few posters here that just absolutely butt heads. The problem is that they try to drag other people into it and generalize that everybody "on that side of the fence" feels the same way.

We're just not giving each other the benefit of the doubt, and I guess I don't understand why.

 

[NightEternal]

Sorry TrustAndObey, I have this thing about wanting to be thorough in my responses. That seems to be the easiest way to do it...

I understand your frustration, I do. I have no doubts you are solid in your beliefs and have come to your conclusions through honest research and careful study. It's not anyone's place to question that or imply you don't have a good reason for your faith. I may not agree with everything you believe, but you will never hear me say you aren't sincere and not securely grounded in your Adventist experience.

Hey, I like you TrustAndObey. You have a kind, empathetic heart and you are a gentle, soothing influence here on this forum. The quintessential peacemaker. You have to balance out those of us who are not quite so sensitive.

Take care and don't get an ulcer, alright? It's only a chat forum.

 

[TrustAndObey]

Sorry TrustAndObey, I have this thing about wanting to be thorough in my responses. That seems to be the easiest way to do it...

It's okay, I just wanted to explain why I wasn't going to quote you.

I understand your frustration, I do. I have no doubts you are solid in your beliefs and have come to your conclusions through honest research and careful study. It's not anyone's place to question that or imply you don't have a good reason for your faith. I may not agree with everything you believe, but you will never hear me say you aren't sincere and not securely grounded in your Adventist experience.

Thank you, I appreciate that a lot.

Hey, I like you TrustandObey. You have a kind, empathetic heart and you are a gentle, soothing influence here on this forum. The quintessential peacemaker. You have to balance out those of us who are not quite so sensitive.

LIES! VICIOUS RUMORS AND LIES! hahaha

*THANKS!*

Take care and don't get an ulcer, alright? It's only a chat forum.

The day I take a message board too seriously is the day I unplug my computer. I do, however, try to consider the person behind the screen name (and their feelings) before I type something....and hey, I don't think that's such a bad thing. It gets me called things like quintessential peacemaker.

I gotta look that big word up.

 

[NightEternal]

QUINTESSENTIAL: The essence of a thing in its absolute pure and concentrated form. The most typical example of a thing.