Can we go with a little discernment on here once in a while?

[atwhatcost]

I've seen it at least three times in the last day. Someone posts a question and then just about everyone else believes that gives them the right to go with their prove-a-point. Most of the time it does. Not a problem. The problem comes in with who you're doing that to.

Three people who aren't believers yet but are trying to figure out who God is have posted questions. What do they get instead of answers? The same freaking wars we have on here every day in every post! Yeesh!

I'm not saying don't war. I'm not saying don't argue. It's not like we don't have posts where we can argue until 2115. So why do you argue on posts from people who are simply trying to figure out who God is?

Honestly, folks! A little discernment can't hurt! It's not a pain. It's not great effort. How about making it this simple -- if you haven't argued with the OP before, check who the OP is. Blue links and everything set up to do just that. And then, if you go take a peek and find out they're new and may not know all the prove-a-points yet, then simply do your best to actually answer their question.

And, not a problem if you happen to disagree with someone's answer -- just try and make your response in such a way that it continues to answer the original question.

If you're not getting this, try and remember back when you were first trying to figure out God. Did you really spend all those first moments trying to figure out which is right -- Calvinism vs. Areminianism, which moment you were saved, how long until Christ returns and when does he return, etc? If someone started that stuff up, how much further would you go with trying to figure out God? In short, (and yes, once again way too late for me to be short lol), if it would have frustrated the heebeegeebees out of you when you were first considering God, why would you not think it wouldn't confuse the same heebeegeebees out of the asker you're stepping all over just to prove-a-point?

If you just got to prove-a-point, (like I'm doing here), then hello? This "Post New Thread" is still working. Watch! I'll prove it.

But yo! "discernment." At least figure out who you're talking to before getting all prove-a-pointy on the person!

Can we at least agree on that idea?

And, warning, I might just pull out my bean shooter to hit you with a spitball, if you dare turn this into prove-a-point! (Now putting away my soapbox and looking for my bean shooter. )

 

[Viligant_Warrior]

You expect reason, intellect, and discernment on a chat board? I've never seen it.

 

[Budman]

I agree, and admit my own guilt. It seems in the heat of battle, we tend to swing our swords in every direction. Yet, it's also very personal when one's belief system gets attacked/challenged. We rush to defend, because in today's world, we see a lot of our brothers and sisters in retreat.

But again, I agree with you. "Friendly Fire" isn't very friendly at all.

 

[atwhatcost]

You expect reason, intellect, and discernment on a chat board? I've never seen it.

You have to! Once every third blue moon it happens. I remember seeing it with you.

 

[Willie-T]

You have to! Once every third blue moon it happens. I remember seeing it with you.

Oh, c'mon! When?

 

[crossnote]

I've seen it at least three times in the last day. Someone posts a question and then just about everyone else believes that gives them the right to go with their prove-a-point. Most of the time it does. Not a problem. The problem comes in with who you're doing that to.

Three people who aren't believers yet but are trying to figure out who God is have posted questions. What do they get instead of answers? The same freaking wars we have on here every day in every post! Yeesh!

I'm not saying don't war. I'm not saying don't argue. It's not like we don't have posts where we can argue until 2115. So why do you argue on posts from people who are simply trying to figure out who God is?

Honestly, folks! A little discernment can't hurt! It's not a pain. It's not great effort. How about making it this simple -- if you haven't argued with the OP before, check who the OP is. Blue links and everything set up to do just that. And then, if you go take a peek and find out they're new and may not know all the prove-a-points yet, then simply do your best to actually answer their question.

And, not a problem if you happen to disagree with someone's answer -- just try and make your response in such a way that it continues to answer the original question.

If you're not getting this, try and remember back when you were first trying to figure out God. Did you really spend all those first moments trying to figure out which is right -- Calvinism vs. Areminianism, which moment you were saved, how long until Christ returns and when does he return, etc? If someone started that stuff up, how much further would you go with trying to figure out God? In short, (and yes, once again way too late for me to be short lol), if it would have frustrated the heebeegeebees out of you when you were first considering God, why would you not think it wouldn't confuse the same heebeegeebees out of the asker you're stepping all over just to prove-a-point?

If you just got to prove-a-point, (like I'm doing here), then hello? This "Post New Thread" is still working. Watch! I'll prove it.

But yo! "discernment." At least figure out who you're talking to before getting all prove-a-pointy on the person!

Can we at least agree on that idea?

And, warning, I might just pull out my bean shooter to hit you with a spitball, if you dare turn this into prove-a-point! (Now putting away my soapbox and looking for my bean shooter. )

I still think there should be available a Room for new believers to ask questions AND no debating allowed.

 

[Willie-T]

I still think there should be available a Room for new believers to ask questions AND no debating allowed.

Ok...... Alright.

I'm willing to volunteer to be the only one authorized to give them answers in a room like that.

 

[crossnote]

Ok...... Alright.

I'm willing to volunteer to be the only one authorized to give them answers in a room like that.

It would be better to teach them about the Bereans (Acts 17:11) but I get your drift.

 

[psychomom]

good points, Lynn.

based on limited experience, even if 85% of us agreed to do it....

(85 ain't 100 yet, right? )

i tend to hit and run post.
bye!

 

[atwhatcost]

I still think there should be available a Room for new believers to ask questions AND no debating allowed.

What's the history of this suggestion? As in-

Asked recently?
Only asked once?
Got a distinct "never gonna happen?"
It too became another chance at prove-a-point?

Looks brilliant, but I don't want to beat a dead horse. I'm not even into hitting live horses, but I don't want to sound pushy if there's some kind of history that would annoy RobOp and/or mods. (Not to be confused with I'm never pushy. lol)

 

[Willie-T]

It would be better to teach them about the Bereans (Acts 17:11) but I get your drift.

Yeah, a room like that sounds good at first look, but then................

 

[SolidGround]

I still think there should be available a Room for new believers to ask questions AND no debating allowed.

Or perhaps using a room like that as the "Junior Bible Discussion Forum", and when one has proven themselves to be genuine in intent (through some sort of a rep system) they gain access to this Forum.

Many times, I log in with the intent of helping young believers sort out the basic doctrines... but then see a controversial issue or one of my pet theologies being discussed, and get distracted from my original purpose of logging in.
With a forum like that, just for "newbie" questions, it would be much easier to stay away from the heated topics, and productively edify the growing Church.

 

[Willie-T]

Or perhaps using a room like that as the "Junior Bible Discussion Forum", and when one has proven themselves to be genuine in intent (through some sort of a rep system) they gain access to this Forum.

Many times, I log in with the intent of helping young believers sort out the basic doctrines... but then see a controversial issue or one of my pet theologies being discussed, and get distracted from my original purpose of logging in.
With a forum like that, just for "newbie" questions, it would be much easier to stay away from the heated topics, and productively edify the growing Church.

Like the Pharisees "proved" themselves to be the ones to listen to?

 

[phil112]

[h=2]Can we go with a little discernment on here once in a while?[/h]

Oh come! There's a little discernment on here! Very little!

 

[purgedconscience]

I've seen it at least three times in the last day. Someone posts a question and then just about everyone else believes that gives them the right to go with their prove-a-point. Most of the time it does. Not a problem. The problem comes in with who you're doing that to.

Three people who aren't believers yet but are trying to figure out who God is have posted questions. What do they get instead of answers? The same freaking wars we have on here every day in every post! Yeesh!

I'm not saying don't war. I'm not saying don't argue. It's not like we don't have posts where we can argue until 2115. So why do you argue on posts from people who are simply trying to figure out who God is?

Honestly, folks! A little discernment can't hurt! It's not a pain. It's not great effort. How about making it this simple -- if you haven't argued with the OP before, check who the OP is. Blue links and everything set up to do just that. And then, if you go take a peek and find out they're new and may not know all the prove-a-points yet, then simply do your best to actually answer their question.

And, not a problem if you happen to disagree with someone's answer -- just try and make your response in such a way that it continues to answer the original question.

If you're not getting this, try and remember back when you were first trying to figure out God. Did you really spend all those first moments trying to figure out which is right -- Calvinism vs. Areminianism, which moment you were saved, how long until Christ returns and when does he return, etc? If someone started that stuff up, how much further would you go with trying to figure out God? In short, (and yes, once again way too late for me to be short lol), if it would have frustrated the heebeegeebees out of you when you were first considering God, why would you not think it wouldn't confuse the same heebeegeebees out of the asker you're stepping all over just to prove-a-point?

If you just got to prove-a-point, (like I'm doing here), then hello? This "Post New Thread" is still working. Watch! I'll prove it.

But yo! "discernment." At least figure out who you're talking to before getting all prove-a-pointy on the person!

Can we at least agree on that idea?

And, warning, I might just pull out my bean shooter to hit you with a spitball, if you dare turn this into prove-a-point! (Now putting away my soapbox and looking for my bean shooter. )

Well, whaddya know? Somebody else who actually cares about seekers and new believers. I thought that I'd never live to see the day. Thanks and God bless you.

 

[Willie-T]

Well, whaddya know? Somebody else who actually cares about seekers and new believers. I thought that I'd never live to see the day. Thanks and God bless you.

If any of us truly cared about them, the very first (and ONLY) thing we would tell them is to get off this (or any) forum, and go find a local church.

 

[purgedconscience]

If any of us truly cared about them, the very first (and ONLY) thing we would tell them is to get off this (or any) forum, and go find a local church.

Actually, that's the problem:

That many members here seem to think that this forum is actually a church. As such, all leaven must be purged, all heretics must be run out of the sanctuary, etc., etc. Seriously, if several members here interact with seekers and even adversaries of the gospel of Christ off of this forum in the same manner in which they interact with people here, then I honestly believe that hell will be their final end. They'll probably get punched in the face a time or two before the final judgment as well. In other words, some folks here are just obnoxious jerks. Yeah, I said it.

 

[SolidGround]

Like the Pharisees "proved" themselves to be the ones to listen to?

There are a small handful of members on this forum that would abuse such a forum for the sake of spreading their heresies, but most are trustworthy and solid on the firm doctrines of Scripture.

Also, I am not sure I know what verse you're quoting, so it was difficult to respond to the heart of your comment.

When someone new has a question, especially about basic doctrines, they are generally assumed to be a troll or a heretic. They need a safe place to grow. And also this forum could use a decent filter.

When we are embroiled in deep discussions, it is difficult to instantly return to the surface without carrying the weight of the deep with us.
When there is so much meat being digested and passed around, it ends up choking those who need milk.

 

[SolidGround]

It is true that a forum is no replacement for local fellowship and personal discipleship,
but forums are also a great discipleship tool.

All tools can become weapons with improper use and/or ill intent.

 

[phil112]

It is true that a forum is no replacement for local fellowship and personal discipleship,
but forums are also a great discipleship tool.

All tools can become weapons with improper use and/or ill intent.

Sounds like you are one of those the OP was addressed to.
The bible is a weapon and it is one with proper use and good intentions. I always have the sword of the spirit within reach.
I would suggest you read the 6th chapter of Ephesians my friend.