Why did this subforum die?

[Godlovesmetwo]

Just curious. I guess all sub-forums go through ebbs and flows.

 

[hedrick]

Because no one knows what it means to be moderate.

 

[Albion]

A year or so ago I suggested that it be closed because of the very little traffic that this forum generates. Even at that, what is posted usually has no basis for being on this forum--"Do you have a Living Will?" and "Is Homeopathy a good thing?" for instance.

 

[Landon Caeli]

We like walls.

 

[Tigger45]

I like the purpose of this forum. Much akin to TLT. Maybe it lacks a more specific focus group of whom also like mature, respectful even friendly interactions from opposing view points.

 

[Albion]

I like the purpose of this forum. Much akin to TLT. Maybe it lacks a more specific focus group of whom also like mature, respectful even friendly interactions from opposing view points.

Maybe it should be retitled, therefore, because it's true that most people think "moderate" refers to a political POV or else some sort of "middle of the road" theology. The term "bridge builders" was meant to refer to the spirit you have in mind...but it just doesn't click with people.

 

[Tigger45]

Maybe it should be retitled, therefore, because it's true that most people think "moderate" refers to a political POV or else some sort of "middle of the road" theology. The term "bridge builders" was meant to refer to the spirit you have in mind...but it just doesn't click with people.

Yeah I agree. I like the phrase 'bridge builders' but I remember first coming to this sub-forum and not liking the term 'moderate' thinking it might be referring to my dedication to Christianity. Once it was explained to me I was cool with it. It's funny where You, I and others have pointed this out to various posters over time and they just tend to stop posting here. I'm assuming they aren't interested in it's correct forum SoP. So I'd agree that to get more activity here we'd need to catch the eye of like minded posters as they are perusing CF's forum selections.

Off the top of my head I'd suggest something to the effect of Bridge builders-ecumenical dialog.

 

[Albion]

It might work, although the idea of being civil (which was one reason for this forum being created) might be lost. However, "moderate" surely never accomplished what was hoped for.

 

[JM]

When I read "moderate" I think lukewarm and without passion. If I am correct that would explain the lack of interest in this forum.

Yours in the Lord,

jm

 

[lismore]

Because no one knows what it means to be moderate.

'In all things moderation'

 

[lismore]

When I read "moderate" I think lukewarm and without passion. If I am correct that would explain the lack of interest in this forum.

Yours in the Lord,

jm

Could it mean a balanced view without the extremes of the fringes on either side? If so, the forum would be quiet because everyone loves extremes. Sensationalism, us against them

 

[Albion]

Part of the problem is that there is an explanation on this forum (as with all the other forums) that explains what it's all about, but people come upon the forum and post whatever it is that they are thinking...without bothering to read the Statement of Purpose first.

 

[WannaWitness]

I believe the word "moderate" is interpreted in a variety of ways. Personally, I view a so-called "moderate Christian" as one who believes Christians should respect one another despite having different convictions on a variety of things (such as what Bible translations to read or not read, dresses only vs. pants for women, whether or not to watch movies, whether or not to drink alcoholic beverages, and the list goes on). Others may not see it that way, and see it as meaning, as one poster put it, "lukewarm", with an "anything-goes" attitude and not really caring about serving Christ. But the confusion surrounding the meaning of "moderate" could probably be part of the cause of the seeming lack of interest in this particular forum. That, and that there are not enough of "us" (the "moderates" or "bridge-builders") and too many who are extreme on either end who engage in deep debate, and even all-out uproars complete with name-calling and bashing that simply go nowhere. Now, I can understand that debating in an orderly fashion has its place. It's interesting and even sometimes exciting, I will have to admit. I just find it a bit annoying when it ceases to be an orderly debate and turns into something of a "oneupmanship" between brothers and sisters whose common bond is supposed to be Christ: "I'm better/wiser/holier than you because I do this, don't do that, or whatever". It just baffles me sometimes. That's why, even though I've posted in the FC, CC, and WWMC forums, I identify more as a "moderate" who seeks to be a "bridge-builder". I have my convictions and stardards on things according to my understanding of the Scriptures, but I also believe all Christians are unique, and God speaks to us all as the individuals that we are. And we have an eternity in Heaven to spend together, where none of the things we disagreed about on earth will matter one bit. Therefore, now is the time to start agreeing to disagree, and respecting one another despite our differences. Just my thoughts.

God bless you all.

 

[Tigger45]

Amen Romans 14:2-4 The Law of Liberty
…2For one man has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. 3The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him. 4Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.…

I believe the word "moderate" is interpreted in a variety of ways. Personally, I view a so-called "moderate Christian" as one who believes Christians should respect one another despite having different convictions on a variety of things (such as what Bible translations to read or not read, dresses only vs. pants for women, whether or not to watch movies, whether or not to drink alcoholic beverages, and the list goes on). Others may not see it that way, and see it as meaning, as one poster put it, "lukewarm", with an "anything-goes" attitude and not really caring about serving Christ. But the confusion surrounding the meaning of "moderate" could probably be part of the cause of the seeming lack of interest in this particular forum. That, and that there are not enough of "us" (the "moderates" or "bridge-builders") and too many who are extreme on either end who engage in deep debate, and even all-out uproars complete with name-calling and bashing that simply go nowhere. Now, I can understand that debating in an orderly fashion has its place. It's interesting and even sometimes exciting, I will have to admit. I just find it a bit annoying when it ceases to be an orderly debate and turns into something of a "oneupmanship" between brothers and sisters whose common bond is supposed to be Christ: "I'm better/wiser/holier than you because I do this, don't do that, or whatever". It just baffles me sometimes. That's why, even though I've posted in the FC, CC, and WWMC forums, I identify more as a "moderate" who seeks to be a "bridge-builder". I have my convictions and stardards on things according to my understanding of the Scriptures, but I also believe all Christians are unique, and God speaks to us all as the individuals that we are. And we have an eternity in Heaven to spend together, where none of the things we disagreed about on earth will matter one bit. Therefore, now is the time to start agreeing to disagree, and respecting one another despite our differences. Just my thoughts.

God bless you all.

 

[WannaWitness]

Amen Romans 14:2-4 The Law of Liberty
…2For one man has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. 3The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him. 4Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.…

 

[JCFantasy23]

I like the purpose of this forum. Much akin to TLT. Maybe it lacks a more specific focus group of whom also like mature, respectful even friendly interactions from opposing view points.

Same. I check in here semi-regularly but it seems pretty inactive, especially when compared to the other labeled forums like Conservative or Liberal.

I consider myself moderate not because I am "moderate" with my enthusiasm for views, but because I think it is actually limiting to place myself into a strict, labeled category. I can see points of different sides for certain issues and think that makes me more open-minded and gives a broader, healthier viewpoint.

I can see what you mean on the word "Moderate" though - it brings to mind average, middle, lukewarm, so-so there

Definition that I just googled:

mod·er·ate
adjective
adjective: moderate
ˈmäd(ə)rət/

1. 1.
   average in amount, intensity, quality, or degree.

Obviously we are not average in our Christian beliefs or dedication. I agree that the word 'Moderate' is probably off putting to some, so not as many visit or participate in this section. A shame.

 

[TheApostleJohn]

The statement of purpose doesn't really aim it towards any particular group of people. It's more of a forum for very general open discussion.

I've always been open to identifying as moderate because conservatives/evangelicals/fundamentalists would say I was liberal where as liberals would say I was conservative, so moderate seems the best religious identifier for me. I've lurked this forum as a result but there never seems to be much going on.

 

[Cappadocious]

Centrism is---almost by definition---uninteresting and unworthy of discussion.

 

[JM]

Definition that I just googled:

mod·er·ate
adjective
adjective: moderate
ˈmäd(ə)rət/

1. 1.
   average in amount, intensity, quality, or degree.

Definition that I just googled:

luke·warm
ˈlo͞okwôrm/
adjective

1. (of liquid or food that should be hot) only moderately warm; tepid.
   "they drank bitter lukewarm coffee"
   synonyms: tepid, slightly warm, warmish, at room temperature, chambré
   "lukewarm coffee"
   • (of a person, attitude, or action) unenthusiastic.

 

[JCFantasy23]

Definition that I just googled:

luke·warm
ˈlo͞okwôrm/
adjective

1. (of liquid or food that should be hot) only moderately warm; tepid.
   "they drank bitter lukewarm coffee"
   synonyms: tepid, slightly warm, warmish, at room temperature, chambré
   "lukewarm coffee"
   • (of a person, attitude, or action) unenthusiastic.

Which was our point - being "Moderate" should not be confused with being lukewarm