...technically, that's not quite true. Seeing as how Arel and Mobius are my friends, we do talk about... stuff. I mean, they do tell me things like the reasons given to them for being banned.
They can appeal to you? I figured being banned means they can't send messages on CC. In any case, I'm not appealing their case. I am saying nothing with the expectation that my arguments might have their bans lifted. An appeal, in legal terms, means that upon a verdict being made in the trial courts, the appellant goes to appeals courts and tries to get the decision reversed by presenting a convincing argument that some breach in the rules of evidence-or any other rules of court- was committed. I am not vying for any sort of reversal in the bans of Arel and Mobius. I honestly think there is no argument I could make, no matter how convincing, that could get my friends back on this site, so I would not even bother.
I am sure I do not have the full side of you and the other admins' story, since I cannot know what you are thinking, but I have the full side of the story from Arel and Mobius, and seeing as how I have a friendship with them I would suppose I am rather biased.
In any case, as I said, I am not arguing for their return. I am simple pointing out the discrepancies I see in the character of the so-called Christians on here that profess love, grace, mercy, and understanding. None of these character traits have I seen demonstrated by most of the Christians on here in relation to Mobius and Arel. All I want is for the people who were acting hypocritical to realize that, yes, they were wrong, and maybe next time an occasion arises where they must deal with true Messianics (and not Jews-for-Jesus) they will be better able to interact with them and perhaps converse on friendly and understanding terms without casting insults out toward them.
The thing is, the only example I have to live by is that of my family -more specifically my sister- when it comes to Messianics and the belief that people should follow mitzvot. She did not appreciate the fact that I follow mitzvot at first and has made it abundantly clear through insults masked in humor or blatant statements of distain, such as "how long are you going to act like a Jew?" It was hurtful, but she is family, so what could I do?
But you know what? When we finally sat down and talked about why I believe what I do the insults and hurtful comments ceased completely. She still does not agree with my beliefs, but because she was finally willing to listen to why I believe what I do she became more understanding.
And I really feel like it could be the same for those on here that reacted so offensively toward Mobius and Arel. If you had just been willing to listen to why they believe what they do, an understanding could have been reached and discussions could have branched off from there. My sister and I still talk about my beliefs, and she still thinks I am wrong. she even said she was praying for me(that I might return to my former beliefs, I suppose, where I didn't follow mitzvot), but that is it. There is no hostility, no insults, no snide remarks. It could have been the same on here. It can be the same on here. I believe God gives second chances, and there are numerous Messianics out there that, when given the chance, you all can listen to instead of attacking.
