This forum is now officially a Christian Only forum!!!!

[Moriah_Conquering_Wind]

They can ride the bus….they just have to sit in the back

Given the ROOLZ of the "outreach" area? Yeah, they can ask questions and take whatever facile platitudes get shoved down their throat by any two-bit arbitrarily self-appointed expert armed with a bully-pulpit, concordance, and a whole lot of toxic religious programming in thick layers which has prevented them from any actual, personal investigation of the Scriptures beyond what gets regurgitated for them every Sunday morning. Heaven forbid that even in the course of seeking further understanding the Infidel dare to postulate follow-up inquiries or feedback in words that even remotely hint at disagreeing with Lord High Cookie-Cutter Religionist.

That would actually be the equivalent of the depot. So it would be more accurate to say they cannot ride the bus, but they bes welcome to sit around in the depot watching everyone else board.

 

[BigBadWlf]

Hi All,

The management of this site has decided that all Theology forums including this forum are now Christian only forums. What that means is that only members that have selected a Christian icon are permitted to post in any of the Christian theology forums. All members that have not chosen a Christian icon can not post in Christian Theology. All non Christian posts in these forums will be deleted by the theology moderating team and a notice will be issued.

Blessings,
Hentenza
Theology Administrator

I’m guessing the real problem was that the non-Christians were winning arguments and daring to confront false statements about homosexuality with actual facts

Can’t have any of that now can we?

 

[GreenMunchkin]

I’m guessing the real problem was that the non-Christians were winning arguments and daring to confront false statements about homosexuality with actual facts

Can’t have any of that now can we?

What do posts like this actually achieve?

I'm genuinely asking. Because we can either go out there and reach out to anyone who may be hurt by this; try to ensure that people still feel welcome here by us as people as opposed to by policy, or we can sit here spitting vitriol and sarcasm at someone who is just the messenger.

Have always wondered what it is about CF that fosters that: defending someone by tearing down someone else. What is that? "Abuse the abuser"? The problems are several. What we perceive to be abuse isn't always abuse - it may just be that we disagree. In the interim, we've abused someone who was in no way deserving of it.

But most importantly: are we now only blessing and forgiving those we agree with? I fail to see how that's remotely in line with the Lord's exhortations, either.

 

[Moriah_Conquering_Wind]

What do posts like this actually achieve?

They express and make known one's legitimate complaint and disapproval of what one ultimately has no power to DO anything about. Protest exists originally as a means of feedback to the "power structure" in the hopes that the structure will see the errors they make and amend their ways accordingly. However in certain types of governance, such as top-down dictatorships, the capacity for those in power to recognize they NEED this feedback gets forsaken utterly because they don't care and don't want to know. In those cases, it exists as simply a method of registering one's disapprobation formally, and a method of stating why one does not approve or agree with how the "power structure" bes doing things or employing their power.

Given that this power structure intends to do absolutely nothing remotely resembling listening to this feedback or changing their approach, the least they can do would be to permit those who see the folly and flaw in it to register their feelings and disapproval. And given that the power structure doesn't care how the members feel about this and won't listen, Why do you feel the need to attempt to de-legitimize and thus suffocate and censor this protest? would be the real question here. If you agree with the direction in which the power structure bes moving, then clearly it won't cost you anything personally to let those who don't have their space to grumble in.

I'm genuinely asking. Because we can either go out there and reach out to anyone who may be hurt by this; try to ensure that people still feel welcome here by us as people as opposed to by policy, or we can sit here spitting vitriol and sarcasm at someone who is just the messenger.

Oh please. Always the same justifications for the power structure acting unconscionably and always the same lies that those being affected by it somehow do something wrong when they demonstrate that no, they won't just lay down and swallow whatever crap gets shoveled onto them without at least speaking up, even if nobody cares to listen.

Just give that one a rest please. Nobody needs or wants it here. You will not guilt us into silence, so don't even try.

Here would be the accurate assessment of things:
Vocalising a strong negative opinion of someone/something because it has negatively impacted oneself does NOT constitute doing the same thing back to them. It constitutes feedback, not payback.

 

[GreenMunchkin]

Why do you feel the need to attempt to de-legitimize and thus suffocate and censor this protest? would be the real question here. If you agree with the direction in which the power structure bes moving, then clearly it won't cost you anything personally to let those who don't have their space to grumble in.

I've not stated whether I disagree with it or not. Nor will I, as my personal feelings on it aren't the issue. However, try not to assume that someone taking a different tack than you feels differently about it than you do.

This thread isn't a valid protest. This is just anger and vitriol - de rigeur for CF. That's what I won't be a party to. And doing it in the name of Christianity is just as appalling. Protest, by all means. Don't protest with bitterness and sarcasm.

Oh please. Always the same justifications for the power structure acting unconscionably and always the same lies that those being affected by it somehow do something wrong when they demonstrate that no, they won't just lay down and swallow whatever crap gets shoveled onto them without at least speaking up, even if nobody cares to listen.

Just give that one a rest please. Nobody needs or wants it here. You will not guilt us into silence, so don't even try.

Sorry, Moriah, I seriously have no idea what you're talking about here. And, truly, there's no need to explain. It seems to me you need to arbitrarily prescribe negative motive, and that's not my burden to carry. You're truly free to believe what you wish.

God bless.

 

[Moriah_Conquering_Wind]

This thread isn't a valid protest. This is just anger and vitriol -
... It seems to me you need to arbitrarily prescribe negative motive...

That would be what we know in common parlance as your opinion. Not any form of absolute truth about the matter.

And Moriah will say about that what it said on another thread related to this subject, nothing personal of course, but to again illustrate The Point Here:

"You bes perfectly entitled to be wrong just like anyone else who does not see the truth."

Oh wait ... did that statement sound arrogant and offensive? Gee, WONDER WHY???
​

In case the subtlety bes lost -- that statement and all it contains, encompasses, symbolizes, and illustrates, constitutes precisely what we protest against here. And pretending that just because we have feelings (ooohhh crime of the century) about this matter somehow negates the legitimacy of that protest, will not make that protest, nor those feelings, go away.

 

[BigBadWlf]

They express and make known one's legitimate complaint and disapproval of what one ultimately has no power to DO anything about. Protest exists originally as a means of feedback to the "power structure" in the hopes that the structure will see the errors they make and amend their ways accordingly. However in certain types of governance, such as top-down dictatorships, the capacity for those in power to recognize they NEED this feedback gets forsaken utterly because they don't care and don't want to know. In those cases, it exists as simply a method of registering one's disapprobation formally, and a method of stating why one does not approve or agree with how the "power structure" bes doing things or employing their power.

Given that this power structure intends to do absolutely nothing remotely resembling listening to this feedback or changing their approach, the least they can do would be to permit those who see the folly and flaw in it to register their feelings and disapproval. And given that the power structure doesn't care how the members feel about this and won't listen, Why do you feel the need to attempt to de-legitimize and thus suffocate and censor this protest? would be the real question here. If you agree with the direction in which the power structure bes moving, then clearly it won't cost you anything personally to let those who don't have their space to grumble in.

Oh please. Always the same justifications for the power structure acting unconscionably and always the same lies that those being affected by it somehow do something wrong when they demonstrate that no, they won't just lay down and swallow whatever crap gets shoveled onto them without at least speaking up, even if nobody cares to listen.

Just give that one a rest please. Nobody needs or wants it here. You will not guilt us into silence, so don't even try.

Here would be the accurate assessment of things:
Vocalising a strong negative opinion of someone/something because it has negatively impacted oneself does NOT constitute doing the same thing back to them. It constitutes feedback, not payback.

That sums things up nicely

 

[BigBadWlf]

What do posts like this actually achieve?

I'm genuinely asking. Because we can either go out there and reach out to anyone who may be hurt by this; try to ensure that people still feel welcome here by us as people as opposed to by policy, or we can sit here spitting vitriol and sarcasm at someone who is just the messenger.

Have always wondered what it is about CF that fosters that: defending someone by tearing down someone else. What is that? "Abuse the abuser"? The problems are several. What we perceive to be abuse isn't always abuse - it may just be that we disagree. In the interim, we've abused someone who was in no way deserving of it.

But most importantly: are we now only blessing and forgiving those we agree with? I fail to see how that's remotely in line with the Lord's exhortations, either.

your protest implies that the assessment of the situation was accurate

 

[GreenMunchkin]

your protest implies that the assessment of the situation was accurate

I'd be grateful if you were to explain that, please?

I'm unsure about both my alleged protest, and which assessment you're referring to.

 

[Garyzenuf]

I believe myself to still be a christian even if at present I come across as a doubting Thomas, so I'll post here for most likely the last time. I just wanted the people who made this decision to know how it will affect at least one person(this is assuming of course that they even care).

I started reading in this forum 4 months ago when I started to have doubts if I was being a good christian, or if my beliefs had changed so much that I could no longer believe in myself as being saved at all. After 2 months of reading I started to post and as I got more comfortable, I was able to open up a bit and start getting some of my doubts explained followed usually by helpful advice and direction.

I don't post in other forums here as they are mostly dealing with other kinds of questions. I have tried to stick to subjects I am involved in, or have interest finding other peoples opinions to similar concerns, for me; 12steps, BB, depression, but also morals, creation, evolution, etc. I don't post or even read other forums ( teens, married, different denominations, etc) it would feel to much like eaves-dropping.

Over time I've found this forum to be the most well rounded disscusions of things pertaining to my Faith. (disscusions, not debates) I don't want to WIN anything, I just need help with my understanding of God. I believe I was recieving that here.

Outreach? You must be kidding right? GA is a battle ground I learn nothing from except how to argue(IMO), non-christian religion does not interest me as I am niether looking for another religion, nor wish to debate them, Questions by non-christians I would post on some times as I wasn't sure if I was still a christian, and I do have plenty of questions, and not a whole lot of answers. However they have also reminded(?)posters that only REAL christians could help with answering questions, not us lowly wannabes. So really that is not a very useful forum for me anymore either.

I just wanted to let you know that I am not easily offended, but this decision has felt like a slap in the face, and I'm almost certain other non-christians, and people struggling with WHAT to believe feel the same way.
And as I leave I'll keep thinking "was it something I said?"...If thats the case I'm sorry, it was not my intention. Thank you all for the help, friendship and direction I've recieved while here (even you Holy Roller )

Thanks again,

Gary Lister

 

[FundamentalistJohn]

Sure, if you approve of sticking your fingers in your ears and going "la la la, other points of view don't exist and we don't need to understand them even in order to witness effectively (say nothing of just being a decent human being in general)."

Not an excellent move, not even remotely. Why don't those who want this kind of pointless self-congratulatory insularism just go make their own board and call it "True Christians (TM) Excluding Everyone Else from the Foot of the Cross?" You could even have a nifty acronym with that. TCEEEFC. Has a nice ring to it don'tcha think?

Moriah have I done something to you? I certainly don't stick my fingers in my ears, nor do I pretend other points of view do not exist. I would be willing to bet that I know more about most expressions of faith than do most; not because I am special but because I have made comparative religions my academic focus.

As for the recommendation that I leave because I agree with this decision, sorry to disappoint you but I will not do that. As for excluding others from the foot of the cross I defy you to find any post I have ever made that effectively excludes anyone from the cross.

If I have personally offended you in a manner that has deserved your acerbic comments here and elsewhere please inform me so that I may apologize for any wrong done.

 

[pgp_protector]

So this is the Only standard that we will be using for judging postings styles correct ?

We worship one God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
God is three divine persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who share one essence--the Trinity.

Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, the incarnate second person of the Holy Trinity, fully God and fully man, by the Power of the Holy Spirit was born of a Virgin and existed before all time begotten of God the Father. He was crucified for our sins, died, was buried, resurrected on the third day and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. His coming was foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament. He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead and His Kingdom will have no end.

 

[Dogbean]

Well according to the FAQ:

Statement of Faith This is the basis of which our non-promotion rule is based upon, and is the baseline for forum-specific guidelines. An individual forum may use the Nicene Creed without asterisks, a confession of faith, or other statements, provided such is an expansion of the CF statement of faith. However, forum-specific guidelines must not conflict with the CF Statement of Faith.

CF supports the following as a statement of faith:

We worship one God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Isaiah 44:6-8; Exodus 3:15). God is three divine persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who share one essence--the Trinity (John 6:27; John 1:1, 14; Romans 8:9; Hebrews 1:2-3).

Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, the incarnate second person of the Holy Trinity, fully God and fully man (John 1:1, 14), by the Power of the Holy Spirit was born of a Virgin (Luke 1:35) and existed before all time begotten of God the Father (John 1:2; John 1:18). He was crucified for our sins, died, was buried, resurrected on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) and is seated at the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19). Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah (John 1:49; Matthew 16:16). His coming was foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament (Acts 3:18-23). He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead (Acts 10:42) and His Kingdom will have no end (2 Peter 1:11).
​

Nothing about worshipping the "literal" interpretation of English translations of the Bible. Yet.



Funny, I don't see "Interpreting the Bible exactly the way Dogbean, brightmorningstar, and a select few other posters do, and worshiping it even above the Indwelling Presence of the Living God" as one of the guidelines above.

Most of the posters that you say are "deceptively" using faith icons (a statement that until very recently was in blatant violation of one of the forum rules*) do match the official CF statement of faith, or they would not have chosen to post here as Christians. The atheists and agnostics, Buddhists pagans and other non-Christians here have been open and honest -- as honest as if not more honest than certain self-righteous Christians.

*The rule against claiming that other posters, who say that they are Christian, according to the CF statement of Faith, are not Christians has been secretly deleted!!!! It is no longer against the rules to spew hatred and venom, as long as its "Christian" hatred and venom. After checking the FAQ in order to accurately quote the rule, I find I have to add the disclaimer in red to the statement above.

are you saying that it is ok to use the wrong faith icon but it's wrong for someone else to point it out?

and for your info, i did not say anyone specific was doing this. i just figured it's a possibility. so i broke no rules, past or present.

 

[Crazy Liz]

How / What is this sites definition for "Christian" ???

For the site to make a definition of "Christian" is an arrogance I don't think I could tolerate.

Not that a site that decided to define "Christian" would miss me.

 

[Crazy Liz]

Non-Christians are still welcome in the outreach area.

But the forums where non-Christians could enter into discussions of theology (the former Liberal Theology and Unorthodox Theology forums) are no longer available to non-Christians, and I keep hearing the General Apologetics forum is going to be closed, also.

 

[tulc]

Oh man! Have the pogroms started again and no one told me?
tulc(is going to have to start paying more attention)

 

[Texas Lynn]

I’m guessing the real problem was that the non-Christians were winning arguments and daring to confront false statements about homosexuality with actual facts

Can’t have any of that now can we?

No other explanation has been offered. It is certainly true that the fundamentalist right-wing Christians were unable to hold their own in free and open debate, thus, the need to tweak the rules to prevent this from the dominant faction.

No explanation has been given for this move. I disapprove of it and question those who made this decision. This was an unfortunate way to present it and indicates the disregard of the members who are not politically correct.

The decent thing to do would be for all discussion on this from the secret staff forums to be released fully and those who agree with the decision to sign their names to it. John Hancock affixed his large siggy to the Declaration of Independence with the note, "There, I guess King George can read that!" In constrast here we have received an anonymous missive from those who are unwilling to stand up for it.

 

[icedtea]

Oh man! Have did the pogroms started again and no one told me?
tulc(is going to have to start paying more attention)

There are No non tulc areas!

 

[Crazy Liz]

Or "The Court of the Gentiles" as some may call it.

The Court of the Gentiles, which by the first century had no place for Gentiles to pray or worship because it had become the marketplace for Temple commerce.

CF could follow the biblical example and flood the Outreach area with ads so the CO area could be more pure.

 

[pgp_protector]

Oh man! Have did the pogroms started again and no one told me?
tulc(is going to have to start paying more attention)

Bad Tulc