What is ClubAdventist to you?

[Neil D]

I'm looking for why you come here?

What are your circumstances that allow you to come here?

Why here, and not somewhere's else?

And since you have come here, have you changed? In what way?

What are you seeking from ClubAdventist?

[Neil D]

When I came to ClubAdventist, there was this group of people who were open...It communicated vulnerability and reception of ideas to me...and I was a bit vunerable, for me, in this place [i know, I am not one of those vulnerable people now]...I could be more open and I could explore ideas about how to expand the role of the church in the community.

I also saw a very legalistic group...a group of people who were more behavorists than relationship people orientated..And there were more standards to be held up. And yes, more than once, while talking about sexual topics , when they came up, were sent to the "adventist communications abyss"...Some of these saints couldn't handle these subjects being talked about..."improper" they said....I wonder if 'eatable underwear' were to come up, how it would be treated now??

We explored our behavior [and not just sexual], as Adventists, and as human beings...what was ok, when was it ok and under what circumstances amid the doctrines we loved....

Since then, many of those people have moved on, or become moderators or administrators...

[Liz]

I'm looking for why you come here?

[Woody]

Quote:

Have I changed? I hope so, I hope for the better. But have I really? I don't know, you tell me.

Unlike most of us here ... you didn't NEED changing Liz.

[Liz]

((((Uncle Woody)))) you're so sweet!!!

[LynnDel]

I originally came here when the Compuserve Adventist forum ended, and I joined that forum just because it was so neat to run across people I had known over the years whom I hadn't seen since I'd started to wrinkle. For me it was a social outlet for a time when I was somewhat isolated due to location and church affiliation - and my husband's work which took him out of town most of every week.

Several other forums sprang up at the same time, and I joined those also, but this was generally the most active, with the best sense of good will, and the software was kept up with the times.

I have changed in the last ten years, but I am almost sure the forum had nothing to do with it.

If I had not joined back then, I wonder if I would have at this point in time. Probable the only reason I keep coming back here now is that I feel I am keeping in touch with old friends, most of whose real names and faces I do not know.

LD

[SivartM]

I came here because I was looking for Adventists who were smarter than me. Found them! Specifically, I was looking for apologetics resources. How scholarly of me.

I was able to come here because I was homeschooled, and got nearly all of my social interactions on forums. Most of my childhood friends were other homeschoolers on a Christian forum (which, sadly, closed down a few years ago).

I joined this and another forum. I've since left the other because a bunch of people basically went witch-hunting after a friend of mine. But that's okay, because it's gotten way too unbalanced. I like how CA has people from different points on the theological and political spectrum.

I have definitely changed a lot. A lot of it has to do with this forum, I think. I used to be against female pastors, homosexuals, and liberals. I used to think that people could not possibly believe such-and-such and be a Christian. I used to revere Ellen White, then fear Ellen White, and now I just like to read her books. I learned that there is a lot that I don't know (and there is a lot that adults don't know, no matter how certain they may sound). And there are a lot of adults who will actually listen to young people. So, yeah, I've definitely changed. I look back at my opinions a few years ago and compare to today and it really blows my mind. I hope I keep changing, because if I stayed the same forever it would be really dull. And honestly, I don't know if I would still want to be Adventist (or even Christian) without CA.

I really like this place. And the people in it, despite our faults. So... yeah. Yay, CA. :D

[Stan]

Interesting, that it has been a blessing to you, when you have been such a huge blessing to the forum.

[MariaS]

Hi Siv,

I certainly think you have changed. Some-how some changes I think is not for good course for example, you said "I used to revere Ellen White, then fear Ellen White, and now I just like to read her books". "You just like to read her book?" ...that sounded misleading to me though..as her writing should be taken seriously next after the bible...But yea true, she should be respected but not to fear her like fear to God.

I have a good impression that a home schooled kids are well bread kids especially in Malaysia. They loved their parents, active in the church, good musicians and etc. I realised in the USA, home schooled actualy are very common. I hope you do have time to ballance your home and outside world.

Anyway..nice sharing..C/A is only a medium to interact and sharing but becareful because not all that are here fear the Lord and right spiritually. We are an Adventist or Christian because of GOD and Jesus and not other reasons.

God bless

[MariaS]

I am here for the below reasons:

1) Sharing

2) Learning

3) Social

4) My Boyfriend brought me here

Have I changed because of C/A?

1) Not, as most of what I learn here I knew it before

But I learn some unintended lesson such as:

1) some people are here for the sake of debating what they think is right in their own eyes when they are so wrong theologically in all point.

I am not comfortable with the debating things especially when one is very wrong but insisting they are right. I will flee away with such situation

[Dr. Shane]

What are your circumstances that allow you to come here?

[SivartM]

Hi Siv,

I certainly think you have changed. Some-how some changes I think is not for good course for example, you said "I used to revere Ellen White, then fear Ellen White, and now I just like to read her books". "You just like to read her book?" ...that sounded misleading to me though..as her writing should be taken seriously next after the bible...But yea true, she should be respected but not to fear her like fear to God.

What I meant was that I used to take it for granted that everything she wrote was absolute truth for all time. I couldn't understand why people would drink coffee or dance or anything like that. So instead of reading her books for her intended purpose, I spent more time making sure that I believed and followed everything she said. Now I appreciate her for who she was as a human apostle, and her experiences, and the great literature she left behind to inspire us to follow Jesus. But not as an infallible guide.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I'm looking for why you come here?

What are your circumstances that allow you to come here?

Why here, and not somewhere's else?

And since you have come here, have you changed? In what way?

What are you seeking from ClubAdventist?

I'm responding to the question, "have you changed"...

Yes, I have changed. I've become more cynical about people and the Adventist church in general. I had hoped to find a place to "belong."

[Woody]

Originally Posted By: Maria Sangkong

Hi Siv,

I certainly think you have changed. Some-how some changes I think is not for good course for example, you said "I used to revere Ellen White, then fear Ellen White, and now I just like to read her books". "You just like to read her book?" ...that sounded misleading to me though..as her writing should be taken seriously next after the bible...But yea true, she should be respected but not to fear her like fear to God.

What I meant was that I used to take it for granted that everything she wrote was absolute truth for all time. I couldn't understand why people would drink coffee or dance or anything like that. So instead of reading her books for her intended purpose, I spent more time making sure that I believed and followed everything she said. Now I appreciate her for who she was as a human apostle, and her experiences, and the great literature she left behind to inspire us to follow Jesus. But not as an infallible guide.

Woody likes

[Stan]

Originally Posted By: Maria Sangkong

Hi Siv,

I certainly think you have changed. Some-how some changes I think is not for good course for example, you said "I used to revere Ellen White, then fear Ellen White, and now I just like to read her books". "You just like to read her book?" ...that sounded misleading to me though..as her writing should be taken seriously next after the bible...But yea true, she should be respected but not to fear her like fear to God.

What I meant was that I used to take it for granted that everything she wrote was absolute truth for all time. I couldn't understand why people would drink coffee or dance or anything like that. So instead of reading her books for her intended purpose, I spent more time making sure that I believed and followed everything she said. Now I appreciate her for who she was as a human apostle, and her experiences, and the great literature she left behind to inspire us to follow Jesus. But not as an infallible guide.

ACTUALLY, you are now reading them for her intended purpose.

[abelisle]

Responding to Stan's question: I like the critical lens that CA provides, knowing that most participants have a similar religious background as I do. It keeps things in perspective for me.

For the most part my views, as non-traditional Adventist they might be, have been accepted on face value without having to deal with lots of personal attacks.

It has taught me to how to deal with these personal attacks, ultra-conservative mindsets, crazy posters, strident apologists, cynics, agnostics and the whole spectrum of Adventists that make the human race so interesting.

Plus PK, my friend from childhood is here.

Alex

[phkrause]

Awesome post ab, especially the last part. :)

[Woody]

Responding to Stan's question: I like the critical lens that CA provides, knowing that most participants have a similar religious background as I do. It keeps things in perspective for me.

For the most part my views, as non-traditional Adventist they might be, have been accepted on face value without having to deal with lots of personal attacks.

It has taught me to how to deal with these personal attacks, ultra-conservative mindsets, crazy posters, strident apologists, cynics, agnostics and the whole spectrum of Adventists that make the human race so interesting.

Plus PK, my friend from childhood is here.

Alex

Great Post. By a GREAT author and one that I am very happy that we have on this forum.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Ignore my previous post.

Here's a good analogy for C/A:

Quote:

“Hospitality, therefore, means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.

~ Henri Nouwen ~

[Bravus]

Quote:

What are your circumstances that allow you to come here?

I spend most of most days on the computer, usually with a lot of windows open doing various things. That's the same whether I'm at work or home (and I'm pleased I work in a job where I'm measured on productivity, not uninterrupted hours at work). It means I do spend time in conversations on a couple of web forums - which helps get me thinking more deeply.

Quote:

Why here, and not somewhere else?

I started coming here so long ago I can't quite remember what started me, but my friends here are the reason I keep coming, even in spite having got frustrated and deciding to leave a couple of times. I keep coming back for the people. And I think Stan does a great job of (a) being a great guy himself and ( getting out of the way of the people and the community.

Quote:

And since you have come here, have you changed? In what way?

I think I've changed in an 'iron sharpens iron' sort of way: I've learned from discussions, and from trying to explain my ideas and understand the ideas of others. I suspect I may have also become even more mellow, just because I see how destructive conflict can be to the things I value in a conversation. I've got much better at just stepping back when there's nothing further I can usefully add to a discussion.

Quote:

What are you seeking from ClubAdventist?

I'm here to have conversations. That involves sharing and discussing ideas, and having my own ideas challenged. I'm not here to win fights, or even to participate in them. I'm looking to converse with people with a wide range of different views, thoughtstyles and lifestyles.

[Stan]

I really appreciated Bravus comment, and others here as well.

Wish we could do more community and less confrontation.

[Guest]

I agree Stan. But I still love it here. I have some true friends here that I never would have known otherwise.

[Woody]

Someone important said:

"Be the change you would like to see."

[phkrause]

Someone important said:

"Be the change you would like to see."

I like that Woody.

[Tallmark]

So I can share my thoughts and feelings with other Adventists and they can share with me. Hopefully for mutual learning.