Preterist Forum...

[Katy-follower]

What can be done?

I'm finding the differing eschatology views to be a stumbling block here, when it comes to learning.

When one chooses a camp, they put on certain spectacles when viewing scripture, and so when they come across scripture that pokes holes in their view, the scriptures are then twisted in such a way to support their view. Never is a view twisted to agree with what scripture says, it's always the scripture twisted to fit the view.

When we're looking to learn about the finer details of a prophecy or certain scripture pertaining to certain events we then run into issues, because those believing in past fulfillment of all prophecies (preterism) jump in and give wrong interpretations and sway the discussion in a different direction. This then clouds the whole thing and makes it impossible to learn anything. We are then faced with conflicting arguments and it all becomes fruitless.... you just go round and round in circles, when the initial purpose of the thread was to learn something, but those with a different view of eschatology just gatecrash the thread.

Does this site have a specific view when it comes to eschatology?

Is there a way to have a separate thread for preterists to discuss their mutual beliefs on prophecies and scripture, because otherwise I feel like topics end up being fruitless, because the differing views don't get us anywhere, they just keep arguments going and then you have to weed through all the information, trying to figure out if what the person shared is based on their particular eschatology view or what scripture actually says... it becomes exhausting and you regret ever getting involved in a discussion.

For example, if I want to discuss a scripture that speaks of end times events and preterists believe this scripture was already fulfilled, then it ruins my discussion, because it turns into defending your view, rather than the intention of the discussion, which was to learn more about the particular event.

There is already division within the body with all these eschatology views, and sad to suggest there be more division, but no one gets anywhere when scriptures are twisted 5 different ways. Preterism should maybe have a separate forum. I believe the preterist view to be heretical and damaging to the church, because it takes people away from the truth.

It will probably never happen, but would love if there was an agreement that those holding to the preterist view have to fit in with the site and not let this view intrude on others when it comes to discussions. Maybe a seperate forum for them would be ideal.

Another option, I guess, could be to just mention in the thread title (no preterist views wanted), although this causes division and will likely backfire.

Not sure what to say really, but I feel like I get nowhere when preterist views intrude on discussion, because it all just causes confusion.

I also feel bad for the lost, having to deal with all this confusion and seeing such division among us all.

 

[danschance]

Preterism is a minority view among Christians. I don't know how many are here, but I doubt it is more than a few. If you find a person is causing you grief and drawing you into bitter debate, there is a wonderful ignore feature you may wish to explore.

 

[Ugly]

Regardless of specific views, they will still allow things to stay open. The sites official view on Catholocism is it is not Christian, but they still allow Catholics and Catholic teachings to persist.

 

[Siberian_Khatru]

Never is a view twisted to agree with what scripture says, it's always the scripture twisted to fit the view.

Aye, couldn't agree more. All the 'isms' and 'alogies' are attestations of this.

I also feel bad for the lost, having to deal with all this confusion and seeing such division among us all.

I appreciate that. The collective Church is not the example it should be, with said subdivisions. I pray that we can close - or at least narrow - that gap with love if we can't put our translations, interpretations, and ideologies on the wayside.

 

[Oncefallen]

This is the complication with what you're suggesting. If we were to create a preterist forum then would need to create a partial preterist and futurist forum to complement. This would then entail creating pre, mid, and post trib forums. Then the Calvinists would insist on having their own forum so as to not have to deal with the Arminians. This would then create tons of reports to Admin of people "pushing" their Preterist view on people in the Futurist forum if they chose to post there hoping to broaden people's understanding of an opposing viewpoint.

IMO the greatest division in the church has been caused by people insisting on only worshiping and having fellowship with persons who have identical doctrinal stances. If you don't wish to deal with opposing viewpoints on eschatology I would recommend not opening threads that deal with eschatology.

To the best of my knowledge we do not have an "official" stance on eschatology since I know that those of us on the Admin team are not in full agreement in our individual eschatological convictions.

 

[Ariel82]

create a group for preterist.

others can create their own groups.

post on thread: groups for varying estalogical views (correct the spelling on that) and then discuss to your hearts content.

 

[Katy-follower]

IMO the greatest division in the church has been caused by people insisting on only worshiping and having fellowship with persons who have identical doctrinal stances. If you don't wish to deal with opposing viewpoints on eschatology I would recommend not opening threads that deal with eschatology.

To the best of my knowledge we do not have an "official" stance on eschatology since I know that those of us on the Admin team are not in full agreement in our individual eschatological convictions.

My point is that most of the time we are not even discussing eschatology. When a person picks a camp it taints how they view all scripture. The discussion could be about any topic and you will have many claiming you are wrong because they believe it was all fulfilled in the past or that the scripture is not speaking about a particular group etc. I've seen animosity towards Jews, based on a person's view of eschatology, because certain camps manipulate a person into a certain way of thinking.

I once started a discussion about a scripture which spoke about the division of land, as mentioned in Joel, giving some thoughts on it, only for it to then lead to the accusation that I hate Palestinians. Some have the opinion that God has done away with Israel, based on their view of no future salvation coming to the Jews and their belief that Jerusalem is the whore.... walks hand in hand with a specific camp. So these things come up when all you do is discuss one scripture.

I'm not opposing fellowship with those who hold to a different eschatology at all. I'm just stating that no matter what topic you discuss preterists will twist the scriptures and pretty much everything you say they will oppose, so what happens is you end up not learning anything, because the edification you seek has to be weeded out from among those who are swayed by their eschatology - versus those who actually have an open mind when reading scripture.

I saw a member on here tell a non believer that there is no future Antichrist. A sad thing

 

[pickles]

Although I do agree there needs to be some way to find respect for threads that are trying to bring a discussion with out a constant attack derailing the thread.
I have also been greatful that this forum has remained open to allowing most interpitations and views on the scriptures.
For this does bring good discussions and a better desire to seek the truth in scripture through the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ is Lord come in the flesh.
One does humbly ask though for more respect for discussions that seek a spacific understanding and truth with out the tearing down of that thread.
Too often lately, this has not been seen.
When one sees constant attacks and what is disruptive responces designed to derail and intimidate, often to the point of insulting accusations that destroy the discussions desired, this is never acceptible.
One realises that we cannot ask the mods to pick and choose what should be decided.
For this is not realistic.
And their job is already difficult as it is. Thankyou mods for your efforts here.
But it is possible that we all here, could find the humilty and have the accountibuility to respect that there are opposing views, interpitations, and give some respect to each other.
Because in the end, we all desire the truth,and we all will have to give an account before God , and there is only one truth, Jesus Christ is Lord come in the flesh!

In Jesus, God bless
pickles

 

[jimmydiggs]

Seriously, create a group. It has forum functions, and you can invite and manage membership. It's like your own mini christianchat within chiristianchat. What's not to like?

 

[1still_waters]

I saw a member on here tell a non believer that there is no future Antichrist. A sad thing

And some would say its a sad thing to look forward to a future anti Christ.

 

[1still_waters]

There is some stuff I feel needs untangling of sorts.

When one chooses a camp, they put on certain spectacles when viewing scripture, and so when they come across scripture that pokes holes in their view, the scriptures are then twisted in such a way to support their view. Never is a view twisted to agree with what scripture says, it's always the scripture twisted to fit the view.

This could be said of and by most anyone who has a certain interpretation of eschatology. Of course if someone disagrees with you then you'll say they're twisting it to a certain extent.

When we're looking to learn about the finer details of a prophecy or certain scripture pertaining to certain events we then run into issues, because those believing in past fulfillment of all prophecies (preterism) jump in and give wrong interpretations and sway the discussion in a different direction. This then clouds the whole thing and makes it impossible to learn anything. We are then faced with conflicting arguments and it all becomes fruitless.... you just go round and round in circles, when the initial purpose of the thread was to learn something, but those with a different view of eschatology just gatecrash the thread.

I feel like you want to have your discussion but not have it too. You assume it's wrong because it disagrees with you. Well if the only ones contributing are those who agree, then what level of discussion will you get?

Does this site have a specific view when it comes to eschatology?

Not really as far as pre/mid/post trib, or preterist/futurist/amil/postmill/premill.

I believe the preterist view to be heretical and damaging to the church, because it takes people away from the truth.

I think you may have a misunderstanding of Preterism.
Preterism is within the realms of orthodoxy.

Hyper/full-preterism is not within the realms of orthodoxy. That IS heresy. If you see anyone on these forums saying that the dead are not physically raised from the dead, and that Jesus won't come back again ever, please report them.

It will probably never happen, but would love if there was an agreement that those holding to the preterist view have to fit in with the site and not let this view intrude on others when it comes to discussions. Maybe a seperate forum for them would be ideal.

Yeah we're not going to lance off a complete wing of eschatological thought, that's within the realms of orthodoxy, just so there isn't a certain opposing view.

Not sure what to say really, but I feel like I get nowhere when preterist views intrude on discussion, because it all just causes confusion.

This is something that could be said by anyone of an opposing perspective on things.

Oh and there is a chat group already where preterists go off and muse over their preterist things. You can also create one for folks who are more like minded, so you don't have to deal with the clutter of someone with a radically different view than yours.

I can appreciate the desire to want a place to talk about ideas with those of like mind. There is a certain clutter that comes when you want to discuss a topic, but then there is all this surrounding noise.

If you want to create such a group click--->http://christianchat.com/group.php
Then click create group.
Feel free to invite folks of like minds.

As far as duct taping the orthodox preterists fingers closed so they can't type in the forums, that's probably not going to happen.

 

[1still_waters]

Not sure what to say really, but I feel like I get nowhere when preterist views intrude on discussion, because it all just causes confusion.

One more thing.
If a preterist, or anyone for that matter, radically changes the intended topic of a thread, please report their post.

Example...you create a post about how cute kittens are...

Then someone replies with...

OH YEAH...WELL THE TEMPLE GOT DESTROYED IN AD70!

By all means report it.
That's highly obnoxious and does ruin discussions about important things like cute kittens.

 

[Graybeard]

KITTENS ARE NOT CUTE...PUPPIES ARE...OKAY!

 

[Graybeard]

Preterism is a minority view among Christians. I don't know how many are here, but I doubt it is more than a few. If you find a person is causing you grief and drawing you into bitter debate, there is a wonderful ignore feature you may wish to explore.

They may very well be the minority, but they sure like to shout the loudest!