Promoting the use of private chat groups in order to reduce arguing in the forums

[Crossfire]

There seem to be much discord in the forums simply because some are more interested in promoting their favorite doctrines instead of walking both in love and respect for one another. I believe such behavior to be a major factor as to why this site sees a lot of turnover among it's members. The solution to this problem already exists in the form of private chat groups however, change will not occur until the website administration decides to rally behind and, if need be, enforce the idea that members who insist upon promoting controversial topics must do so in a chat group among those who share their ideals.

In doing so, you will not only rid the forums of a lot of bickering but also, most likely rid yourself of these troublemakers in time due to the lack of interests expressed in controversial chat groups.

 

[Crossfire]

Earlier today I was asked a few simple questions and upon giving a few simple answers I was accused of being a part of some sort of religious cult. This is the kind of stuff I'm talking about. It's one thing for a person to express their religious views or dislike for other religious views. However, when people of one denomination openly accuse others of a another large denomination of being in a cult, it's easy to feel alienated and unwelcomed. I don't see how this is good for the overall well being of this website.

If this chat is truly nondenominational then it should promote strong denominational persepectives to be expressed in chat groups created and maintained to promote strong denominational views regardless of which denomination's views it might be.

 

[rodogg]

Earlier today I was asked a few simple questions and upon giving a few simple answers I was accused of being a part of some sort of religious cult. This is the kind of stuff I'm talking about. It's one thing for a person to express their religious views or dislike for other religious views. However, when people of one denomination openly accuse others of a another large denomination of being in a cult, it's easy to feel alienated and unwelcomed. I don't see how this is good for the overall well being of this website.

If this chat is truly nondenominational then it should promote strong denominational persepectives to be expressed in chat groups created and maintained to promote strong denominational views regardless of which denomination's views it might be.

Agreed! I'm sick of it.

 

[zeroturbulence]

I say we give 'em all guns and let them settle their differences the old fashioned way.

 

[zeroturbulence]

I honestly think this place should just close the Bible Discussion forum. There is nothing but people arguing in there about who is right and who is wrong. Even the threads that start out trying to be edifying end up turning into an argument. Just put it out of its misery. I don't think its doing anyone any good. I bet a lot of people have left this site because they've been greatly angered by others in that forum.

 

[1still_waters]

There seem to be much discord in the forums simply because some are more interested in promoting their favorite doctrines instead of walking both in love and respect for one another. I believe such behavior to be a major factor as to why this site sees a lot of turnover among it's members. The solution to this problem already exists in the form of private chat groups however, change will not occur until the website administration decides to rally behind and, if need be, enforce the idea that members who insist upon promoting controversial topics must do so in a chat group among those who share their ideals.

In doing so, you will not only rid the forums of a lot of bickering but also, most likely rid yourself of these troublemakers in time due to the lack of interests expressed in controversial chat groups.

The private chat groups really don't provide an efficient format for discussion of many ideas.

as far as for the 'discord' you see in the forums. Trust me, you don't want us admins/mods to get more involved than we already are. When we have a heavier footprint, people act like there is mass censorship and they act afraid to post, out of fear they'll be banned.

What we have right now is a pretty good balance and middle ground.

Christian chat also comes with a 100% guarantee. We guarantee you won't be 100% pleased with all our decisions. But be assured, we're trying our best.

 

[Crossfire]

I honestly think this place should just close the Bible Discussion forum. There is nothing but people arguing in there about who is right and who is wrong. Even the threads that start out trying to be edifying end up turning into an argument. Just put it out of its misery. I don't think its doing anyone any good. I bet a lot of people have left this site because they've been greatly angered by others in that forum.

I actually agree with you. I believe that the damage being done is far greater than any amount of good. I sincerely think this is something that the website administration needs to consider in prayer. It makes no sense to promote denominational unity then allow that stuff to go on day in and day out.

 

[pickles]

Maby add a simple debate forum, a place to go and debate an issue, leaving the learning forum intact so all can post and share.

God bless.
pickles

 

[superdave5221]

The private chat groups really don't provide an efficient format for discussion of many ideas.

as far as for the 'discord' you see in the forums. Trust me, you don't want us admins/mods to get more involved than we already are. When we have a heavier footprint, people act like there is mass censorship and they act afraid to post, out of fear they'll be banned.

What we have right now is a pretty good balance and middle ground.

Christian chat also comes with a 100% guarantee. We guarantee you won't be 100% pleased with all our decisions. But be assured, we're trying our best.

Thank you 1still_waters for your enlightened views on this subject. One of the biggest problems we have in our society today is the lack of communication. In a society that is driven by information and communication through cell phones, tweets, facebook, email, and mass media, we are more than ever ignorant of what it means to really understand and appreciate our differences, as well as our similarities.

Why is this so? It is because most people do not understand reality. Most people live in a world that is dictated to them through goverment and mass media. Their reality is what comes out of their Tv's and the message received through the corrupting influences of music, movies, and news reporting that are controlled by an elite whose purpose is to corrupt and enslave the minds of the people.

Love and harmony cannot be forced on people. It is something that comes with trully understanding and appreciating human diversity. And this understanding can only come about through the spirit of Christ, and in the realm of open and honest communication. We must be free to express our views, (within certain parameters of decency and morality of course), so that we can come to an understanding that is based on our true feelings, desires, and needs, and not on a forced counterfeit cultural belief system that is misleading and unrealistic at best, and strongly corrupting and counterproductive at worst.

 

[zeroturbulence]

I actually agree with you. I believe that the damage being done is far greater than any amount of good. I sincerely think this is something that the website administration needs to consider in prayer. It makes no sense to promote denominational unity then allow that stuff to go on day in and day out.

Yes, I would like someone to show me one single thread in that forum that is actually edifying or positive...besides the ones that are trying to stop everyone from arguing.

 

[rodogg]

Yes, I would like someone to show me one single thread in that forum that is actually edifying or positive...besides the ones that are trying to stop everyone from arguing.

Yeah, agreed.

 

[AgeofKnowledge]

So in other words, you want to severely limit people's freedom of speech and force them into cliques because you have yet to learn to deal with it. I'm not buying. You'll just have to grow up and learn to deal with people that don't think like you as the rest of us have had to do. Once developed, this life skill will help you in real life.

 

[Crossfire]

Maby add a simple debate forum, a place to go and debate an issue, leaving the learning forum intact so all can post and share.

God bless.
pickles

Another good idea although I doubt that it would be enough. Some members just love to start arguments by invading threads that have absolutely nothing to do with them then keep the argument going. I doubt a debate thread could contain them.

It's one thing to to ask questions if your don't understand or to even state why you don't believe a certain way. However, when people purposefully twists the words of others and start calling people names, it's clear that some people are socially inept or possibly unstable.

I doubt the the website admins have the time or the energy to put into a debate thread. Although I do agree that something should be done.

 

[Crossfire]

So in other words, you want to severely limit people's freedom of speech and force them into cliques because you have yet to learn to deal with it. I'm not buying. You'll just have to grow up and learn to deal with people that don't think like you as the rest of us have had to do. Once developed, this life skill will help you in real life.

Another inflammatory post.

It's got nothing to do with limiting someone's freedom. I don't consider name calling, thread stalking, and spreading arguments across multiple threads freedom of speech.

The only reason why many say this is because they ussually agree with the views or even possibly contribute in the behavior of those who are provocating others which happens to be Reformed.

 

[AgeofKnowledge]

I just checked your posts Crossfire and saw you talking down to people in many of your more recent posts... including calling people childish etc... and these were in threads you didn't create.

It seems if you're going to advocate it, you should do it right?

Maybe just learning to live and let live in a world where people can have an opinion is the best option all around. Peace.

Another good idea although I doubt that it would be enough. Some members just love to start arguments by invading threads that have absolutely nothing to do with them then keep the argument going. I doubt a debate thread could contain them.

It's one thing to to ask questions if your don't understand or to even state why you don't believe a certain way. However, when people purposefully twists the words of others and start calling people names, it's clear that some people are socially inept or possibly unstable.

I doubt the the website admins have the time or the energy to put into a debate thread. Although I do agree that something should be done.

 

[Crossfire]

I just checked your posts Crossfire and saw you talking down to people in many of your more recent posts... including calling people childish etc... and these were in threads you didn't create.

It seems if you're going to advocate it, you should do it right?

Maybe just learning to live and let live in a world where people can have an opinion is the best option all around. Peace.

Read the entire thread. In fact read them all. There are people on the boards who seem to take things personally when you disagree with them. All it takes is one disagreement on an issue and they will follow you around accross multiple threads looking for a reason to criticize both you and your views. If they don't find one, they will start one. If that's not childish behavior what is?

No I did not create the thread but I was not the one trying to provoke an argument either. I simply agreed with the initial post.

 

[Steve4U]

Guys,

I feel for you in your concern about the arguing.

If you are going back into the Bible Forum,

"it is to the glory of a man to overlook an offense"

"overcome evil with good"

but

"flee from a fool"

 

[lil_christian]

The problem's solution is right in front of you....just get out of it. Are thing's frustrating you? Stop posting and take a breather....get a cold glass of water to cool you off. Much better than having tensions build and having people exploding like bombs

 

[BlueLagoon]

I say we give 'em all guns and let them settle their differences the old fashioned way.

Then we can definitely prove that the devil is bound

 

[Crossfire]

The problem's solution is right in front of you....just get out of it. Are thing's frustrating you? Stop posting and take a breather....get a cold glass of water to cool you off. Much better than having tensions build and having people exploding like bombs

By doing so, you are giving them exactly what they want. Thread stalking on the forums is a huge issue. Once certain people realize that you disagree with their beliefs, it does not matter if you place them on ignore or stay out of the bible study forums, they will follow around looking for any reason to criticize you. The sad part is that they won't relent until you leave.

What's worse is the fact that nothing is being done about it. How hard it is it to post a couple of ground rules such as no name calling, no thread stalking, keep threads on topic, no bringing up disagreements from other threads, the list could go on.

The solution is people begin acting like Christians and not heathens. As Christians we are to love all and treat all with kindness and respect, even if we disagree. Not love those who agree and scorn those who disagree. Jesus never played favorites.