To the people who lurk here......

[Neil D]

As a frustrated user of this BBS, I must say that I for one am fustrated by your lack of participation on this board. I can only surmise as to the reasons why you decide not to post something on this board...

The frank discussion of theology and the admissions of lack of faith come to mind....and while those areas are contentious, I must admit that it does take a certain fortitude to stomach the liberal and [Ahem}...most of all...conservative attitudes that show up on not only the theology threads but the political ones as well.

What I don't understand, is that you're an Adventist...That means that you like to talk...and you MUST have some nifty vegetarian recipes available that others might like...even variations on ones that everyone knows about...[ranch dressing on haystacks...Novel ideal!] Or questions on how to what hobby you want to learn more about...Or how about that noisy thingy that is coming from the passenger side of the rear car wheel everytime it goes over that bump in the driveway [takes a darned good driver to hit that one and only bump!]...Surely there are books that you read from time to time that you would like to kinda give a review...? or criticize? New thoughts that come up to haunt you and need airing out? Just plain vertual fellowship that is needed..[yeah, we haven't met you face to face...but that doesn't mean that we can't get aquainted!!!!!]

Surely there is that vague problem that has been bothering you...er..um...your friend, yeah, that's right...YOUR CHURCH friend that you see each week has been, er, um...telling you of this problem that he has been having and you wanted to get an informal poll as to what others think...[or maybe you think you already know!!!]

Maybe your a former adventist and dont want to voice your opinion cuz you did once, and well...that is why you are a "former" adventist. Didn't you know that there is no such thing as a "former" adventist?...sure, you may not have attended church lately, but once an Adventist, allways an adventist...Trust me on this one...!!!

So, cum'on...post something...What's the latest joke that you have read/heard...introduce yerself and let a few of us know you are here....Pastors are welcomed too...[just let the administration know] Is there a website that is truely something really cool???

...And yeah, we bite...sometimes we chew...sometimes we growl when we bite...But remember, in the virtual world, the biting and chewing are virtual...

And the important thing is that we are glad you are here...

So com' on....post something...move up from lurker to poster...

[Guest surfin.grandma]

Hi Neil, as a newbie here, I really enjoyed your post directed to the lurkers! What you said had a lot of truth to it, such as "one an Adventist, always an Adventist.

When I was in my late teens, I left the church and over the years there were periodic attempts to return, but I just couldn't seem to get where I needed to be spiritually. The thing is though, there was always the thought in the back of my mind that even though I had disliked and been hurt by Adventist people, I knew in my heart that the beliefs that I had been taught were Biblically correct. There was no way around or away from it. Hence my belief that somewhere deep down inside, once an Adventist, always an Adventist. In 2002, I gave up the battle and gave my heart to the Lord. Now I don't know how I ever survived without Him!!

Hope to be around more. I'll try to remember to come back and check for new messages and be a part of the conversation. My time on the computer as been a bit sporadic and limited lately, but I'll sure try to be back here!!

Martha (a.k.a. surfin.grandma)

[Neil D]

Martha-

Welcome to ClubAdventist...the place where "truth" abounds.... and truth... gets found out....

Here you can be the person you always wanted...just be warned....some of us may tell the truth and tell you how you come across...and the truth[aka "truth" ] has a way of coming out...And some of us don't necessarily like to hear THE TRUTH.

Remember, this medium of posting, is pretty limited...and what you say in real life, may not come across the same way here...In fact, more than one arguement has had to be quelled by telling each [sometimes many] participants to go to thier prospective corners and sit for a few days and cool off...I know of this first hand, cus it has happened to me..more than once...and yet, I am still here, participating...even promoting in my own unique way...

Don't be afraid of what you will find if you share here...Discussion is what we are about...sharing ideas and perspectives and our emotional baggage as well....

We like to promote healing in this place...well, not all that is said heals...in fact, I have been known to inadvertantly open a few wounds...And I didn't even try!...[i know that there are some here that are going to say that it is rare that I don't open a few wounds... Am I scaring you yet???? ]

There are places for prayer, and there are places to go to chat, which will help in healing a bit...

Honesty is the best policy in my book... And, in the seven years that I have frequented this place, I have grown to understand that honesty without kindness is cruelty...and sometimes we, on clubadventist, are inadvertantly cruel.

There is, a movement on this board, to listen to the Spirit of God...Sometimes when one is ironing out a discussion, one can listen to the Spirit better...and the Spirit tends to be a bit kinder in allowing wording to be posted...Patience and tolerance is needed here...but kindness, is the active form of those intellectual words, and they are much appreciated here as well....

We welcome your words/posts/opinions/insights/ and thoughts, Martha...Even your emotional baggage...

And remember this well, discussions are not so much about changing others opinions as it is about learning about one's self. If your posts are mean, and come across mean, no matter how much TRUTH you are able to expouse, people will tell you about your character defect....If you listen, you can hear alot about who you truely are...I know that I have....and I know the costs of learning who one truely is...And I don't think that I learned the total cost, yet........

[Kountzer]

Someone's search for truth would be better served by prayer, personal bible study and attendance at a real (as opposed to virutal) church.

[Neil D]

Someone's search for truth would be better served by prayer, personal bible study and attendance at a real (as opposed to virutal) church.

And how do you propose to get them there when they refuse to have contact with the church, generally, Mr. Bishop? At least here, they can see actual Adventists interact with one another and interact with them if they so choose....Depending upon that Adventist interaction, and how the Adventist interact with them will give them hope ...or deny it...as to whether they will choose to allow thier shadow to grace an Adventist entrance or not....

[DrWhoCompanion]

Nice post, Neil. I agree with you wholeheartedly.

Nice to "meet" you, Martha!

[Kountzer]

The goal of most people that post here is not to impress or convert none sda. Most of the time it is exchanging hot air and mis information. I don't think you can convert anyone with that.

besides, this format is too limited. All you have is white space and black letters. very little nuances of expression.

[there buster]

There is a significant difference between the purpose of this forum, that is, what it is intended to be used for, and the actual use of the forum.

The intentions are wholly honorable. The use is. . . .varied.

Whether they realize it or not, one reason people lurk rather than post is that the actual function of the forum mirrors that of many of our congregations. Though intended for spiritual growth, they become arenas of spiritual abuse.

All this in the name of compassion. As C. S. Lewis wrote, "Mercy, separated from justice, grows unmerciful."

[cricket]

Yipes! This reads similarly to the OP:

Dear Lurker,

I'm frustrated with you.

I'm going to guess why you're not here, and guess what, I don't like those reasons.

Don't be afraid to post.

Your Greeter

[there buster]

Just the opposite. People don't post because they see the abuse and want no part of it.

That's wise on the lurkers part.

[Amelia]

Start this argument somewhere else please.

[there buster]

There is no argument.

[cricket]

No disagreement here.

[lazarus]

Don't mind me...just lurking

[Guest surfin.grandma]

Well in this case, I think truth be told, this post could tend to put someone on the defensive. You're already telling me that some of you may tell me the truth, and tell me how I come across. That's not necessarily something a newbie wants to hear. You've already made me cautious about posting because someone may decide they want to "tell me the truth" and who's truth would that be? Yours, or mine?! And what would that

truth be based on? Your perceptions, or mine?

I often wonder why some SDAs are in such a hurry to tell another SDA brother or sister the "truth" about themselves. Maybe more SDAs need to look at themselves and see the truth, rather than being in such a hurry to tell someone else the truth.

Just my thoughts. . . .

Martha

[Guest surfin.grandma]

Thank you for the welcome DrWhoCompanion.

Martha

[Guest surfin.grandma]

I certainly agree with that!

Martha

[shadow]

Hi:

I am a lurker. Why? New Christian...new computer. Wow,

being a Christian is easier than trying to figure out this

chat stuff. I wonder how many others are lurking because

like me, they are computer challenged.

Anyway, I have completed a bible study (Amazing Facts)

but am having trouble with Ellen White. Why can't the

SDA just say that she was a gifted Christian writer and

let it go at that? I don't get the sanctuary either.

The bible says Jesus went directly to sit on the

right hand of God.

Just want you all to know that I have really learned

a lot from you folks. Sorry for lurking. Oh, and

I'm Canadian, eh. Any other Canadians out there?

her Sanctuary thing.

A\

[Denise]

Quote:

Oh, and

I'm Canadian, eh. Any other Canadians out there?

Welcome Shadow! I can always tell the Canadians by the eh, lol! Anyways, there are some Canadians in here. I am married to a Canadian. His name is Norman on here. You will see him post sometimes when he gets the time to. Anyways, we are glad you are lurking, and hope you lurk and post more.....God bless, Denise

[Neil D]

Well in this case, I think truth be told, this post could tend to put someone on the defensive. You're already telling me that some of you may tell me the truth, and tell me how I come across. That's not necessarily something a newbie wants to hear. You've already made me cautious about posting because someone may decide they want to "tell me the truth" and who's truth would that be? Yours, or mine?! And what would that

truth be based on? Your perceptions, or mine?

[ChildofChrist]

Neil, all who stop in to view a certain topic of discussion and have nothing to say about the matter does not a lurker make. There are times I don't even check in to view what the majority are up to, other times, it is just not worth the effort to make a comment.

I recall back before the USA entered this war in Iraq. There was a lot of debate about it but I see that all my fears were realized. I almost wish I could say, I told you so, but the guy is no longer with us; unless he is one of those lurkers.

There isn't any one with all the answers and for me, this is the place to discuss some topics that one can't just walk away from in a face to face situation.

[LynnDel]

ClubAdventist is a social outlet, information center, debate outlet, time filler, and support center for those of use who need all that, and maybe more. BBs are usually frequented only by those who have the time, and participated in only by those who have better than hunt-and-peck keyboarding skills and a flair for public speaking.

That's true, isn't it? -- Writing here is something like public speaking, except you get to take out all the "ums" and disjointedness of oral communication, and you get to hide; I am hiding behind a photoshopped/cropped photo, and the rest of you, except for Stan, boast even greater anonymity.

Reminds me, I should change my avatar. Now where is that photo of me that makes me look like a super model? I can't find it anywhere, and I've looked and looked.

[quirky]

Another Canadian lurker here, eh! I have posted in the past, but not lately. Don't really know why. Maybe I'll start again.

Quirky

[carolaa]

I'm a lurker. Main reason is I couldn't figure out how to reply, but it looks easier now. (We'll see....if this actually will work!) Also, I don't like getting sucked into lengthy discussions that I can't keep up with because I don't log on that often. But I do enjoy reading the comments from time to time. I especially enjoyed the home schooling thread a while back.

Carol

[puddles]

well I've been here for a few years AND I STILL LURK...sometimes I just like to peruse and see what is going on. I am usually busy and unless something just grabs my attention and I can't pass up the opportunity to post something, I just read and go...sorry Neil!!!

Love ya tho my bee-keeping friend!!! Keep posting cos I love reading your rants!!!