"Christians are such closed-minded and exclusive hypocrites"

I was inspired by a current thread to start this one:

This is a Christian forum, for starters. It is for those who already have Christ as their Savior and Lord, and also for those current nonbelievers who are genuinely and sincerely seeking Him.

Second, it's like going to a party. You can be invited and welcomed in, but you do not have the right and privilege to treat the host and the other guests any way you want. And then, when you're called on your behavior, get all upset, pack your toys and go home. We're not gonna slam the door in your face from the get-go, but you need to conduct yourself with dignity and self-respect once you're in.

And if you've got an ungodly agenda to push, you can forget that around here.

To the regulars: I know this is probably my harshest post to date, but I feel it needs to be said.

Love is tough sometimes.

In Christ Jesus,

Michael (NMBH)

I'm not positive that name calling ("hypocrites") is the way to go when trying to lovingly teach people......
Peace!!

No, I put it in quotes to show that's what a lot of people say about us.

All I can say is great post and there is a rep in it for you brother.

yeah....not going with this...to be sure at one time I would have signed it

I honestly think some folks here think they are in an exclusive club

you are not...in fact, you accepted the invite only by the grace of God

tough love is best applied to those we love...not to strangers who could care less and may test us

now I am all about giving the boot to genuine spammers and muslims who make profane arguements against the Holy Spirit...as was witnessed here not all that long ago

but...and hang on cause this is about YOU (and me of course)

Christians...some...are afraid to discuss what they consider forbidden as though they will be sucked in somehow...if that is you, just back off. You don't have to answer everyone who comes here...and you should sometimes listen to the Holy Spirit who is telling you...be quiet

are we all big enough to shrug that off? if you are not, may I suggest, again, that you just keep quiet

you have nothing to prove...you don't really know who you are talking to and sometimes, you give away far too much of yourself and not Christ

how's that for tough love

throw the bricks and rocks...I have armor

love,

just one of you​

those are EXPECTATIONS and doomed for failure before you even put a foot out the door

What I took from the OP was that there ARE people who come on here, only to criticize, call people names, and do nothing but try to promote THEIR agenda. They are not here to "discuss" anything... (and, this is, after all, a discussion forum)

When it becomes apparent that is their agenda, then I feel no need to try to "lead" them into the fold. They have already proven that is not going to happen.

Sometimes you simply have to "shake off the dust"....

I don't mind, in fact, I enjoy, discussing my beliefs with those that disagree... it's a learning experience for me. But when a person shows that they have no interest in a back and forth, honest discussion, then I move on..... or suggest THEY do...

why we need to use discernment...one size does not fit all

but I have been contributing in a certain thread wherein I sense the indignation of Christians who just are so offended by what the poster states...

we cannot be that way...I have been that way...but it's not the way to be

there are spammers and we did have that muslim who spoke profane things about the Holy Spirit some time back...but I honestly think they are exceptions

it's a little hard to shake off the dust in the forums, eh? LOL!...there is the ignore button feature though.....

it is not always an agenda...but you know, and speaking as someone who could really let loose a volley of indignation and 'how dare you', I think we need to understand that non-Christians are not going to behave like Christians...for that matter, we see that type of behavior right here on a daily basis, eh?

I think I can pretty much tell when someone is being genuine or not...and of course now folks will say I think I am all that

to use a much worn Christian cliche...'God is my Judge'

haha...here's a live to the minute example of what I'm talking about

someone just started another thread on 'the sons of god'

my personal response?

oh goody...we've never discussed that before...with some sort of silly meme

but I'll wait haha



it's a relatively new poster...we'll see how it goes..........

It seems to me that seasoned members can be very passionate especially when the subject matter is well within their scope of knowledge but as a new member who was warmly welcomed and not extremely verse, I'm still just as passionate. As I scrolled through some of the threads on various topics, I saw a lot of ridicule and sarcasm as well as understanding, knowledge and compassion so it's not all bad so as some constructive criticism, I have some ideas that may help:

Be aware that new comers can have a little of the "Ready Fire Aim" mentality so it would be helpful to keep that in mind before responding to a post. Ask questions to clarify further if needed. The reason I say this is my sister had mentioned she helps lead youth groups and she said they have a problem with young adults just giving up too quickly. Even though some sections on this site are for adults, whether you are young or old, getting pounced on for misunderstanding the scripture can lead others to not want to participate. Just sayin.

Maybe a section strictly for new comers to explore ideas and thoughts where only certain level rep power advisers can respond would help? Especially for those whose ideas might be a little misguided at first. You never know the background or experiences people have or what people are going through in their lives that brought them here in the first place.

Owners of a thread should have a facilitator to keep it on topic. I've seen threads that were de-railed completely by nonsense. I am not against having fun but pick the time and the place. Pick a day or make a Happy Hour section. Don't come complaining unless you bring solutions with you.

Find a way to bring understanding for a particular subject. Some of the seasoned reps can maybe pose a question that most should know the answer to. In my mind, this would challenge new comers to explore their knowledge and understanding without ridicule. Being able to fully defend and idea is one goal of the teaching (i think) so considering others viewpoints should not always be dismissed so easily.

Having a section for gathering more information about new comers might also be helpful. For example, have they participated in ministry or do they experience leading groups? How do they actively use their knowledge to educate others and lead them to Christ in the real world?

Maybe new thread should indicate if you are only looking for references from scripture as opposed to those that might be looking to get someone else's interpretation. Add to each others thoughts when you can.

Maybe a Frequently Asked Questions section about scripture that is based on user contributions similar to a Wikipedia style section that changes as understanding improves and as the community grows. Give users a way to challenge thoughts and ideas to the common answers posted that have already been generally accepted by the leading members?

Coach, teach, review, adjust, and learn from one other. If this site is truly for those seeking answers and not just for those that know everything, making a mockery of new comers who participate is not going to achieve that end. Leaders should challenge students thinking and strive towards increasing their spiritual growth and the strength of their armor in a positive and constructive way. Not only that, it should be creative and fun so if you don't know how to do that, it's possible you could learn from others that do. I want to be part of this group but I don't want to be wasting my time. I am here to learn and grow and bring His Word to those that don't know it. I have a lot to learn I will be the first to admit, but I am also here to be challenged.

Don't confuse righteousness and arrogance with drive and ambition. Determine first what you are working with and take it from there.