Character Assassinations

[Stan]

Seems like no one can do character assassinations quite like professing Christians on forums.

I have never seen anything like it on the secular forums I belong to.

[Woody]

I don't think the secular forums allow for it like the Christians forums do.

[Woody]

Quote:

on christian forums you think you have to

convience the other people that your religious

beiefs are the only true one.

I just can't imagine why anyone would do that. The only name I can come up with for that is Arrogance.

[LynnDel]

I have, from time to time, seen horrific name-calling and reputation slandering done in secular (art) forums. I have been the brunt of it on two occasions--innocently, of course (ahem). It doesn't last long, because I see no point in responding and thereby perpetuating the acidity.

Christians tend to see things in black and white, light and dark. One person's understanding is brighter in one particular area, while another doesn't see the emphasis that way at all and has their flashlight shining on the topic with a slightly different slant. That's one reason why we have differing denominations. Adventism isn't the only holder of truth, and thank God for that, because we're inching along in our outreach. We are SDAs because we believe we have the best interpretation and practice, but we need to honor the understandings of others, both inside and outside of our little circle.

In an online forum, those who have the strongest opinions will be the ones who have the courage to speak out. We each hold strongly to our beliefs, and those who are less aware of the variances of human minds and culture, of interpretation and understanding, think it is impossible, probably heresy, for anyone to believe differently than they do, even in the most minor issues. They love to analyze the argue the tiniest little points (look at the first four letters of "analyze," and you will see what I mean) - and that is fine, as long as each remains kind, and willing to part disagreeing friends if unity on a certain point cannot be reached.

Someone once told me that EGW said something like, "err on the side of the people," which I take to mean that if there is a difference where a person could be hurt or turned away from the kingdom, to take love rather than judgment as your course. As times passes, I see more and more how important that is, and less and less--in some arenas--of it being practiced.

I wonder if anyone would frequent a "Dear Ms/Mr Forum Manners" section (if one were created) where people can write in and ask something like, "How do I say, 'You are an idiot,' using more polite terms?" And other questions. I wonder how often some of our more personally confrontational posters consider how negatively what they write comes across to the vast majority of those who read their posts.

I wonder if--after a long harangue goes on on a particular topic--if a moderator should step in, perhaps even post a list of the points made on all sides, and call a Time Out on that topic for a ten days, giving everyone involved time to review and think before returning to the discussion.

[Amelia]

I have been to some forums where foul language and obsene discriptive actions were allowed toward other members. One forum where foul language was used was a "Religion" forum.

[carolaa]

Christians tend to be more "forgiving" of those kinds of things. We don't want to cause trouble by confronting people. That wouldn't be the Christian thing to do, you know. Better to be silent while others get attacked.

[carolaa]

Well, I think CA has been doing really well lately. Of course, I haven't been on much lately.

Actually, I don't know if you consider these forums, but I have been shocked and appalled at comments in feedback forums, like on YouTube and on MSN news articles that invite comments. People start attacking each other, and the language is quite something.

[Woody]

Christians tend to be more "forgiving" of those kinds of things. We don't want to cause trouble by confronting people. That wouldn't be the Christian thing to do, you know. Better to be silent while others get attacked.

[carolaa]

See what a difference one person can make! I've always wanted to be in a place where I could make a difference. This is a dream come true.

[carolaa]

Come to think of it, Redwood, I haven't seen you on as much lately, either. Hmmm.....

[Woody]

I'm going to let you win on this one. If I go any further with this banter .... I will be accused of being off the topic. And then my character might be assassinated if that is possible.