Ignore Button Abuse: Ignorance is NOT BLISS!!!

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BenFTW

Senior Member
Oct 7, 2012
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#1
Where to start? Lets just say that there is a certain person who ignores others because they disagree with his doctrine and so this person uses the ignore button. In doing this they have now made it "safe" for them to continue spreading their doctrine and without opposition in their eyes.

So, for the sake of others these people on ignore continue to refute the person at the cost of being accused of stalking, derailment of threads, defamation, and the likes. This goes on because no resolution can be made between the two parties because one party has decided to use the ignore button. The ignore button abuser uses selective hearing and only replies to posts that aren't addressing his doctrine, so no leeway can be made towards edification.

This has been going on lately, and the certain user has even gone to the lengths of trying to ban people he has ignored wrongly. Why do people use the ignore button as if it makes everything bliss, when in fact it breeds division? Using the ignore button is ignorant because if what you believe is truly false, then you wouldn't know it because you silence opposing ideas. To use the ignore button keeps you in ignorance of the truth if, indeed, what you believe is false but you would never figure that out if you ignore those with opposing view points.

It has caused so much strife as of late, using the ignore button and yet continuing to propagate doctrines others disagree with. Instead of having a bible study and going through the scriptures the person places people on ignore. How would that work in a bible study, in real life? Its even been pointed out, if you do have the truth and ignore others, how inconsiderate and selfish of you to withhold it. Right? The ignore feature while it has appropriate uses, it is also being abused lately to the degree that it has now caused strife and division to such a degree that the instigator is even trying to get people banned.

How can we define standing for the truth and refuting error as stalking? How can we be looked down, negatively, upon for representing the truth and refuting error? A person creates multiple threads with a perspective others disagree with and are put on ignore so they can't address him and yet they are in the wrong for being persistent in standing for the truth, at least for the sake of guests and those babes in Christ?

PS: Stop using the ignore button, ignorance is not bliss when such ignorance puts people in bondage!
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
24,852
13,459
113
#2
Ben, that's a good insight. I can't help thinking someone is going to make a joke about ignoring you for it though. :p

There are one or two people who I'm tempted to ignore just so I don't see their trash, but there are other ways to deal with it. Like simply not reading it, and if I do, choosing not to respond. What is seen cannot be unseen, but it can be unremembered.
 
Sep 30, 2015
46
0
0
#3
Where to start? Lets just say that there is a certain person who ignores others because they disagree with his doctrine and so this person uses the ignore button. In doing this they have now made it "safe" for them to continue spreading their doctrine and without opposition in their eyes.

So, for the sake of others these people on ignore continue to refute the person at the cost of being accused of stalking, derailment of threads, defamation, and the likes. This goes on because no resolution can be made between the two parties because one party has decided to use the ignore button. The ignore button abuser uses selective hearing and only replies to posts that aren't addressing his doctrine, so no leeway can be made towards edification.

This has been going on lately, and the certain user has even gone to the lengths of trying to ban people he has ignored wrongly. Why do people use the ignore button as if it makes everything bliss, when in fact it breeds division? Using the ignore button is ignorant because if what you believe is truly false, then you wouldn't know it because you silence opposing ideas. To use the ignore button keeps you in ignorance of the truth if, indeed, what you believe is false but you would never figure that out if you ignore those with opposing view points.

It has caused so much strife as of late, using the ignore button and yet continuing to propagate doctrines others disagree with. Instead of having a bible study and going through the scriptures the person places people on ignore. How would that work in a bible study, in real life? Its even been pointed out, if you do have the truth and ignore others, how inconsiderate and selfish of you to withhold it. Right? The ignore feature while it has appropriate uses, it is also being abused lately to the degree that it has now caused strife and division to such a degree that the instigator is even trying to get people banned.

How can we define standing for the truth and refuting error as stalking? How can we be looked down, negatively, upon for representing the truth and refuting error? A person creates multiple threads with a perspective others disagree with and are put on ignore so they can't address him and yet they are in the wrong for being persistent in standing for the truth, at least for the sake of guests and those babes in Christ?

PS: Stop using the ignore button, ignorance is not bliss when such ignorance puts people in bondage!
So long as you listen to your conscience BenFTW you will be a OK.
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,721
3,659
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#4
I guess that would be a way to have your own private pulpit (or should I say bullpit?) ...by putting everyone on ignore :p
 
A

atwhatcost

Guest
#5
Two thoughts:
1. If this is about what I think it's about, go check out the Discussion forum for corresponding post.

2. I have many ignored. (Notice, you aren't one of them.) I ignore for three reasons:
a. I wasn't kidding that I'm not passive-aggressive. I'm aggressive. If I "aggress" like my emotions want me to, I'd have been banned months ago.

b. What's the use of getting stuck reading post from people if you absolutely know they wouldn't even listen if you offered them a million dollars?

c. Am I really supposed to say "God bless you" and give a pasty Christian smile to someone who is intentionally stalking me to insult me, lie about me, and try to convince others that I'm a mental case or I'm just nuts enough to think everyone is a robot? I can't stop idiots from acting the part, but I don't have to watch them either.

As for folks ignoring me? So what? I'm still free to clarify where they're wrong for whomever checks out the post. That they ignore me doesn't stop me from doing what I do, anymore than me ignoring others stops them from doing what they do.

I am always baffled by folks who preach don't ignore like it's proper etiquette for believers. Give me the verse in scripture that says that, and I'll reconsider.

I don't preach everyone should ignore. I don't see what it is to anyone to worry about, even after reading what you wrote. (Granted, my mind is working at 10% with my insomnia, so I might have missed an implication somewhere.)
 

BenFTW

Senior Member
Oct 7, 2012
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#6
Two thoughts:
1. If this is about what I think it's about, go check out the Discussion forum for corresponding post.

2. I have many ignored. (Notice, you aren't one of them.) I ignore for three reasons:
a. I wasn't kidding that I'm not passive-aggressive. I'm aggressive. If I "aggress" like my emotions want me to, I'd have been banned months ago.

b. What's the use of getting stuck reading post from people if you absolutely know they wouldn't even listen if you offered them a million dollars?

c. Am I really supposed to say "God bless you" and give a pasty Christian smile to someone who is intentionally stalking me to insult me, lie about me, and try to convince others that I'm a mental case or I'm just nuts enough to think everyone is a robot? I can't stop idiots from acting the part, but I don't have to watch them either.

As for folks ignoring me? So what? I'm still free to clarify where they're wrong for whomever checks out the post. That they ignore me doesn't stop me from doing what I do, anymore than me ignoring others stops them from doing what they do.

I am always baffled by folks who preach don't ignore like it's proper etiquette for believers. Give me the verse in scripture that says that, and I'll reconsider.

I don't preach everyone should ignore. I don't see what it is to anyone to worry about, even after reading what you wrote. (Granted, my mind is working at 10% with my insomnia, so I might have missed an implication somewhere.)
Hey atwhatcost, yes I notice the aggression. It isn't passive, as you have shared with me in the past. It's blunt. haha :D

The point you may have skimmed over was that wrongly using the ignore button to silence those who disagree with you so that you may be comfortable in your bubble and continue spreading your doctrine peacefully (that is false) doesn't lead to edification of all parties. It is self-centered and arrogant. It also closes you to learning. As I show you scripture about listening to others you'll see that the use of the ignore button, at least in the way its been described(in the OP), is foolish.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Those who ignore those with opposing view points thinks he is right, but doesn't listen to others advice in regards to redirecting them to scripture that clearly reveals the error of their doctrine. They remain in their bubble and their position is not questionable, they never allow it to be vulnerable so that it may be questioned on its validity. They don't heed advice, but stay firm in their belief by silencing differing ideas (through the ignore button).

Proverbs 18:2
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

This one most strongly defines the mindset of the person who abuses the ignore button (in my OP). We cannot reach understanding between one another if someone is on ignore. Edification towards mutual understanding cannot be met if discussion is halted by ignorance (that is forced by using the ignore button).

Those are only two verses, but are sufficient verses to reveal the error of abusing the ignore button. It is foolish to do so. Remember, to abuse it by using it wrongly to not listen to an opposing view point. This isn't about using it properly, but in the wrong way so as to stifle edification and understanding.

 

Angela53510

Senior Member
Jan 24, 2011
11,782
2,952
113
#7
For me, the ignore button is essential. If I get too upset with someone, then I can just ignore what they are posting for a while. I don't have to engage them, because they are not there!

At times, I have lots of people on ignore. Then, I gradually start opening their posts one by one. If they have "changed their ways" then I stop ignoring them. Of course, they may not have changed at all, but my perception of them has.

At one point, I was down to almost no-one on ignore. Then some heated debates, and the numbers went up! Easy come, easy go!

As far as false doctrine, if it is against forum rules, I report them immediately. Sometimes they are banned (I am probably not the only one who reported them!) and sometimes not. That is not my decision.

If the poster's bad doctrine is not against forum rules, I have two choices - debate endlessly with them, or just not read the posts they write. I usually don't put someone on ignore because I don't agree with them. I put them on ignore because they are nasty, argumentative, or a waste of time to read.

I also sometimes put people on ignore who consistently twist the Bible, in my opinion. But it would have to be some very, very twisted stuff for me to be pushed to do that

I think we need an ignore button. And whatever the reason someone has US on ignore, well, that is their business, isn't it?
 

MarcR

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2015
5,486
183
63
#8
Where to start? Lets just say that there is a certain person who ignores others because they disagree with his doctrine and so this person uses the ignore button. In doing this they have now made it "safe" for them to continue spreading their doctrine and without opposition in their eyes.

So, for the sake of others these people on ignore continue to refute the person at the cost of being accused of stalking, derailment of threads, defamation, and the likes. This goes on because no resolution can be made between the two parties because one party has decided to use the ignore button. The ignore button abuser uses selective hearing and only replies to posts that aren't addressing his doctrine, so no leeway can be made towards edification.

This has been going on lately, and the certain user has even gone to the lengths of trying to ban people he has ignored wrongly. Why do people use the ignore button as if it makes everything bliss, when in fact it breeds division? Using the ignore button is ignorant because if what you believe is truly false, then you wouldn't know it because you silence opposing ideas. To use the ignore button keeps you in ignorance of the truth if, indeed, what you believe is false but you would never figure that out if you ignore those with opposing view points.

It has caused so much strife as of late, using the ignore button and yet continuing to propagate doctrines others disagree with. Instead of having a bible study and going through the scriptures the person places people on ignore. How would that work in a bible study, in real life? Its even been pointed out, if you do have the truth and ignore others, how inconsiderate and selfish of you to withhold it. Right? The ignore feature while it has appropriate uses, it is also being abused lately to the degree that it has now caused strife and division to such a degree that the instigator is even trying to get people banned.

How can we define standing for the truth and refuting error as stalking? How can we be looked down, negatively, upon for representing the truth and refuting error? A person creates multiple threads with a perspective others disagree with and are put on ignore so they can't address him and yet they are in the wrong for being persistent in standing for the truth, at least for the sake of guests and those babes in Christ?

PS: Stop using the ignore button, ignorance is not bliss when such ignorance puts people in bondage!
IMO, Some come to the Forum to be helpful and to instruct others. Some come to the forum to receive instruction or advice. Some who are willing and able to teach realize that they still have things to learn. Some come to the forum to see their own thoughts made public and being correct or corrected is of little importance to them.

Unfortunately the latter are not screened out; so the rest of us must deal with whatever disruption they cause as we can.
 
Jan 25, 2015
9,213
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#9
You are all on my ignore list... I am also sending it to the Santa Clause Naughty List Hotline!!! :p
 
W

wwjd_kilden

Guest
#10
we all handle people different ways.
If you don't want to use ignore , no one is forcing you, but to downtalk those who do is hardly friendly is it?
 

BenFTW

Senior Member
Oct 7, 2012
4,834
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#12
To clarify, I am not in opposition to the ignore button. I am opposed to it being abused and used in such a way that goes contrary to edification. This happens when we, the CC community, want to discuss a topic someone brings up but the person puts us, of the contrary position, on ignore to where no discussion of the topic can truly take place in depth. They desire to preach but not be tested, their doctrine is secure so long as it is not vulnerable to questioning.

So there is a place for the ignore button (not that I've ever used it or found reason to, or even know how)such as Angela pointed out but when it is used to silence biblical study of a particular topic just so its one-sided, it can be aggravating. The person calls for unity, for edification but mutes all in opposition and wishes to preach to those already on his side. He preaches to the choir, as it is said. Is it to stroke the ego? Possibly, but to ignore people in such a way I found to be close-minded.

This isn't a thread against the ignore button but a call for proper usage. Realize that there are cons to using it, just as some find pros to it such as quieting those that are constantly being offensive or harassing them. The biggest con of all is that your position may be false and someone offering another perspective might be right, but if you ignore them and don't give them the time of day to present their argument you may be stuck in error indefinitely.
 
U

Ugly

Guest
#13
Quite honestly pretty much every post I see ranting against using ignore tries to turn it into a spiritual issue. Indicating that not using it makes you more spiritual, wiser, more open minded and other things. I've yet to see a valid argument for not using it and a post where the poster didn't seem to put those that use the ignore down. This post is no different. Just another thread complaining that others don't agree with them and how wrong those people are and how much lesser of a person they are for doing so.
 
K

Karraster

Guest
#14
Ben must be an only child. Sometimes an only child will learn that "tattling" on friends come over to play may get that toy back for ya, where kids that have siblings know..you got to go to sleep sometime. :) JK Ben, don't tell on me please.:cool:
 
Jan 25, 2015
9,213
3,189
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#15
Quite honestly pretty much every post I see ranting against using ignore tries to turn it into a spiritual issue. Indicating that not using it makes you more spiritual, wiser, more open minded and other things. I've yet to see a valid argument for not using it and a post where the poster didn't seem to put those that use the ignore down. This post is no different. Just another thread complaining that others don't agree with them and how wrong those people are and how much lesser of a person they are for doing so.
I am ignoring this nonsense from now on :p
 

BenFTW

Senior Member
Oct 7, 2012
4,834
981
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#16
we all handle people different ways.
If you don't want to use ignore , no one is forcing you, but to downtalk those who do is hardly friendly is it?
I am not down talking you, or anyone who uses the ignore feature properly and respectfully. I am speaking of people, actually a particular person, who abuses it to preach and not be challenged. They call for edification and yet stifle it with the ignoring of others, and claims to be a victim. The ignore button can be used in certain scenarios of harassment for example, its proper usage. The way its being used in the way I described in the OP is abusive in that it has caused strife the last week in the BDF forum.
 

BenFTW

Senior Member
Oct 7, 2012
4,834
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#19
Quite honestly pretty much every post I see ranting against using ignore tries to turn it into a spiritual issue. Indicating that not using it makes you more spiritual, wiser, more open minded and other things. I've yet to see a valid argument for not using it and a post where the poster didn't seem to put those that use the ignore down. This post is no different. Just another thread complaining that others don't agree with them and how wrong those people are and how much lesser of a person they are for doing so.
It is a spiritual issue when it is being used to promote false doctrine and silence people from having a discussion to get to the truth of a matter. I am not speaking down on anyone who uses the ignore feature properly and for its intended purpose. This post is different. It is addressing the ABUSE of the ignore feature, to promote false doctrine and cause strife, to stop the edification of others from growing in truths of God's word by refraining from discussion and yet still preaching falsehoods.

Please, people realize this is about abuse, not the proper use of the ignore button. Don't think this is some poll to get rid of it, its more so a thread for me to get off my chest somethings that a person has been doing this week at the cost of edification of the BDF forum.
 
J

jennymae

Guest
#20
I have a complaint to make. People are making too many complaints.