Thoughts on the forum, and the future..

[Stan]

looking for feedback on questions like the following..

What makes a forum adventist?

Should theology forums be more like a theology classes where corrections are made for 'errors'?

Should C/A be used by people to grab an audience for 'whatever cause' against or non supporting of the 28, or complaints about the GC? (I do not mean not having issues or comments but the constant hammering in every 2nd post by people)

Are 'debates' something you want to see?

If the constant debaters drive away members, what should happen?

A place for conspiracy theories to be promoted? (Wait are Jesuits forcing me to say that?)

etc etc

[John317]

What makes a forum adventist?

Because the Administrators, moderators, and many of the members are SDA and are obviously favorable toward the church and SDA beliefs, although it isn't necessary to agree on all the details or in all interpretations.

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Should theology forums be more like a theology classes where corrections are made for 'errors'?

No, definitely not.

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Should C/A be used by people to grab an audience for 'whatever cause' against or non supporting of the 28, or complaints about the GC? (I do not mean not having issues or comments but the constant hammering in every 2nd post by people)

NO. This is surely going to drive people away.

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Are 'debates' something you want to see?

Not "debates" but exchanges and dialogue. These can seem to be very much the same to some viewers but there's actually a distinct difference.

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If the constant debaters drive away members, what should happen?

If this is found to be the case, the so-called "debates" should be limited to certain threads, and the debates should not be allowed on threads that are reserved for non-debates.

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A place for conspiracy theories to be promoted? (Wait are Jesuits forcing me to say that?)

etc etc

We wouldn't want to rule out all discussion of a conspiracy if that is what people want to talk about. To have such a discussion once in a great while is OK but members shouldn't be allowed to conspire for the purpose of such a discussion more than once in a blue moon. :-)

[teresaq]

That brings a question to my mind,

Should we be offended at such?

I have to admit that when I first got on discussion boards, and went back to church, I was just as much bothered by what I saw as non-adventist thought, still am to some degree, but I feel the Lord is asking me to approach the problem in a different light.

His purpose is to win souls for heaven, for bliss in eternal life. I have not arrived, all too sadly to say, but that is a goal I want to work towards.

"Press together, press together", is our counsel. Little by little I am getting a picture of what that means. I have the choice to enter into a discussion with the worst "heretic" and not let it upset my mental/emotional stability. If it appears the other person is on a soapbox and has no intentions of addressing my points then I can walk away. If it starts affecting my mental/emotional stability to where I am in danger of losing my mind then I have the problem, not the "heretic".

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Should theology forums be more like a theology classes where corrections are made for 'errors'?

NO. Exactly who among us is fit for such a job? Whoever raises their hand is claiming infallibility.

It would be nice to see theology discussions where there is a sharing of thought and ideas,- aka understanding of the scriptures-, in my opinion, not a place where all morals and any sense of decency goes out the window in an effort to defend whatever.

How can we dare to discuss the word of God if we are in any way acting like demons? Will we not be held accountable and won't that be the most horrible experience?

But the problem, I think, is that there are some who are still dead among us and can't see that.

[teresaq]

I still think an alternate theology forum would be nice. Those who want to fuss and fight can do so in one.

And those of us who would like to discuss in a different environment could do so. The second one would probably not be as "popular" as the first, but it would probably be more effective.

[phkrause]

Very interesting questions Stan. I'm pretty much in agreement with John.

I also don't believe there is anyway to stop the debating, unless CA becomes like some other Forums and has more rules and regulations to prohibed any kind of discussion.

[phkrause]

I also think that teresaq makes some excellent points.

[Aliensanctuary]

There could be areas where only SDAs in good standing are allowed to post, but without anyone to argue with, those areas would likely become extinct.

It's human nature to think we are right and the other guy is wrong. We see these arguments here, and they sometimes go on forever. What we do need to see is that there is hope because there is a light at the end of the dark tunnel we are trapped in.

The debates on whether EGW is the inspired prophet of God, or just another charlatan, etc., could go on and on until the end of time. We can choose not to look at the attack-mode stuff, or, we can attempt to make positive comments there, or in other, safer areas where our ideas will not be publicly ripped to shreds. Unfortunately, my flawed human nature will occasionally permit me to post something less than kind, and I do regret those moments.

It is good, though, to see ourselves through other's eyes, whether flattering or not. We do need to grow tough skins, like Jesus had, so our egos will not be destroyed if some rude or inconsiderate poster attempts to embarass us, or ignores, criticizes, or shreds our personal beliefs. True Christianity is not hard-nosed. If it were, Jesus would have had no disciples.

[phkrause]

There could be areas where only SDAs in good standing are allowed to post, but without anyone to argue with, those areas would likely become extinct.

It's human nature to think we are right and the other guy is wrong. We see these arguments here, and they sometimes go on forever. What we do need to see is that there is hope because there is a light at the end of the dark tunnel we are trapped in.

The debates on whether EGW is the inspired prophet of God, or just another charlatan, could go on and on until the end of time. We can choose not to look at the attack-mode stuff, or, we can attempt to make positive comments there, or in other, safer areas where our ideas will not be publicly ripped to shreds. Unfortunately, my flawed human nature will occasionally permit me to post something less than kind, and I do regret those moments.

It is good, though, to see ourselves through other's eyes, whether flattering or not. We do need to grow tough skins, like Jesus had, so our egos will not be destroyed if some rude or inconsiderate poster attempts to embarass us, or ignores, criticizes, or shreds our personal beliefs. True Christianity is not hard-nosed. If it were, Jesus would have had no disciples.

One of the few posts that I can actually agree with you Aliensanctuary. :)

[teresaq]

Yes. :)

[Gail]

And me makes 3!!

Are there so many contentious people out there as a general rule, unhappy people, angry people, insecure people, that we suffer from so much bickering on here? What is wrong with Live and let live or Let go and let God?

[abelisle]

Speaking for myself, I've seen much more polarization and fractiousness exhibited on this forum in the last few months. The very nature of our beliefs lends itself to disagreements over interpretation plus the factor of our uniqueness attracting eccentric people to argue their points.

I don't think you can control this in an administrative sense but hope that individuals will learn how to 1)show others more courtesy 2)respect other beliefs 3)step away when necessary 4)ignore what you might consider totally bizarre ideas or comments 5)realize that the internet doesn't represent the interactions of "real" people.

Alex

[ClubV12]

One thing that bothers me (OK, it's on a list of a LOT of things, but...) is folks that post a LOT but never offer anything new, never actually engage in the conversation. It's the same old song and dance, endlessly repeated, usually in a negative way.

Here in the townhall if we have a thread about coffee or gambling or whatever we will get lots of opinions, some EGW quotes, some insight, it's a community sharing their ideas, with differing opinions.

In the theology forum just ANY thread will draw "nay sayers" like flies to honey (or something like that). NO matter WHAT the subject is, those who want to bash the church, the prophecies, the prophet come out of the woodwork. To often without insights, or a reason for their faith, or an alternate view. Same old tired routine, thread after thread, negative, extreme views we've heard countless times already.

They are only a handful, but incredibly vocal, abusive and sarcastic. I'd rather have a conversation with a Muslim that was at least civil, than an argument with someone with a one way or the highway less than civil approach who refuses to consider ANY alternative. Prophecy is complex, among SDA's their are differences, thats OK, let us REASON together, not do a "drive by" shoot the place up and then leave to the next thread.

[teresaq]

I tend to think that regarding 5) yes it does, but in real life they practice your first 4 to some degree. Many walk away stewing and discussion forums are a great place to practice what one, perhaps is not able to practice elsewhere.

Some of us are little fish in big ponds wanting to be big fish in little ponds. Some want to be able to control, and be in control of, others.

My opinion, tho. :)

[Aliensanctuary]

The endless arguments and insults of some posters just demonstrate the evidence of an unconverted heart. Plus, it's much easier to say things in writing that we normally wouldn't if we were speaking face-to-face with someone who doesn't agree with us.

Although our bodies mature, sometimes our minds never leave the self-centered childhood years. We take things that don't belong to us, we taunt, belittle, or bully others, and then throw a fit if we don't get our own way. Without proper training in the graces of courtesy and respect for others, we continue to behave like ill-tempered children trapped in adult bodies.

We can memorize the Bible and the entire works of EGW, but without TLC for others, we're like a bag of escaping hot air that makes noises like balloons do when they're blown up and released. The rocketing, squealing, blub-blub-blubbing balloons fly overhead, hit the wall with a splat, and then they are gone.

For those whose gentle spirits recoil at conflict, they could gravitate to the areas where the fighters avoid. We shouldn't be too surprised, though, if there is some critical spirit waiting there to take the wind out of our sails, even if it is a peaceful place that the argufiers dislike.

[teresaq]

You just keep getting better and better!

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even if it is a peaceful place that the argufiers dislike.

That was just so funny. lol

Maybe because it hit home. lol

[Dr. Shane]

Some people like to debate, or have lively discussions. They come here for that reason. Others like to silently follow such debates (aka discussions) and come here for that reason. Others hate having their beliefs and opinions challenge and feel attacked or abused when anyone disagrees with something they post. So what may run one person off may draw another person here. The threads that are the most heated tend to get the most hits which tells us people like reading and/or participating in them.

I have learned that when I give other people the benefit of the doubt I sleep much better at night. Also, many members here becoming my Facebook friends have introduced me personally to some of the people I have most disagreed with. That has caused me to become even more willing to give others the benefit of the doubt. I don't think polarization is such a bad thing as long as it is civil. Sadly, most often it is not.

[teresaq]

Your post is headed with [Re: teresaq(sda)].

So I will repeat, that is that an alternate forum for those of us who would like a different environment in which to discuss, disagree, debate would be nice.

I don't think it would take from J's forum in the least.

[CoAspen]

There is the 'ignore' button. Questions answered!

It like complaining about TV programming..you have an off button or channel change!!!

[phkrause]

There is the 'ignore' button. Questions answered!

It like complaining about TV programming..you have an off button or channel change!!!

[ClubV12]

I don't like the ignore button, it's like telling someone to go sit in the corner. If I am here, I want to see whats going on, not hide in the closet. :)

[CoAspen]

The person/s being ignored are not notified...tis no different than a 'mental ignore'!

Don't want to ignore, that's okay...just don't complaine about their content!

I thinks mods doing okay, they be human...I think!

[ClubV12]

I think the mods are doing an outstanding job, of hurding cats.... :)

[Bravus]

All I know is that I read and post here a lot less these days. Make of that what you will. I don't know how to solve it, but I've been here for years and in the past it felt like a haven and a discussion, not a war zone. And I'm reasonably sure it's not me that's changed... or not only me.

[Dr. Shane]

I post a lot less these days too but it is because I have got so many other things going on in my life. I have picked up the guitar again so I go to lessons and practice at home. I got a lot more active in the church over the past couple of years which includes going to church Wednesday night, Friday night and pretty much all day Sabbath and sometimes even stuff going on Sunday. I am also trying to have family worship and devotions with the wife and kids more and attend more 12-Step meetings than I had been in previous years.

I am quite sure I have changed - and hopefully for the better. I accept others where they are and while I often express my opinion, it is just about exchanging ideas for me and not trying to convince others to think like I do. After all, a few months from now, I may be thinking differently (I reserve the right to be wrong).

One thing that is hard for me is calculating what is going on with other members emotionally when we are disagreeing on the forum. I think sometimes when I am slapping my knee and having a good chuckle, they are turning red and pulling out their hair. That is, when I am being light-hearted, they are taking a discussion much more seriously than I am.

Overall I am happy with the forum. I have apologized on several occasions and probably will have to do so in the future. I don't have the answers for creating a forum where everyone will find what they are looking for and no one will find anything to complain about.

[teresaq]

All I know is that I read and post here a lot less these days. Make of that what you will. I don't know how to solve it, but I've been here for years and in the past it felt like a haven and a discussion, not a war zone. And I'm reasonably sure it's not me that's changed... or not only me.

Yes, I can understand. But I do have a haven, so to speak, to post in whether anyone likes it or not.

I am seeing a lot of personal remarks and judgments -that are being encouraged in some -that really don't have to be made. If people believe what they believe, well they believe what they believe.

I haven't seen my arguing with them change that. I know a person who says that denial is a wonderful thing. I think not.