Comments on Poll here

[Stan]

As most people can not respond to a global post please place any comments here.

[Norman Byers, N.D.]

Hi Stan,

I have enjoyed this place from day one. I like the topics and comments. They have caused me to search the Bible for my beliefs and my ideas and to think through what I will write. I have no compaints because I have been blessed being a part of this group.

Norman

[cricket]

Most of the people who will respond to this thread are the "regulars" who post quite frequently. Most of us stick around because we are getting something out of what is already here.

Personally, I have enjoyed much fellowship and have found that times I have learned a thing or two about my own beliefs.

In order to make this place a more effective tool for fellowship and outreach, we need to know the opinions of those who don't frequently respond, but for whatever reason would like to in the future.

In other words, what is missing that keeps those others from joining?

Is this thread open to the general public for posting responses? If not, we may likely never know what it is that others would like to see here.

Chrys

[Stan]

Good point Christine, I have given them access to reply now.

Thanks!!!

[Beryl]

I come to Adventist Forum as a quiet relaxing time, enjoying some interection with friendly chatter, that is why I rarely go in to the doctrinal bull-rings. I started to do so, but found that certain persons were not interested in finding out what others thought, only loudly protecting their own turf. I cannot stand fighting over pinpricking interpretations. I just keep clear of those areas.

This year has been a "horror year" for me, with "voluntary work" in 2 areas both snowballing to become, with each of them, equivalent to almost full-time work, and in addition I have been very much involved with 2 ladies in need of support. As we come to Christmas I have already made my New Year resolutions -- one of my areas of involvment will be reduced to what it was previously -- 1/2 day a week, and what doesn't get done will remain not done!!!!!!!

My involvment with the Adventist Health Association in its outreach programs will continue, and I know that the support needed in at least one of my supportive cases, will be very much lighter -- just a little friendship needed.

I have missed being part of this Forum, and I am looking forward to the New Year -- when all that filing will get done, and...........!! Yes, I will be back!

Missed you all!

Beryl

[dennisinchina]

Adventist Forum is a spiritual life boat for me, better than Spectrum magazine in that, tho I really related to the story of the former SDA Army officer joining the christmas carolers. I related to both the Major and the former Nam medic. As to Forum, U had trouble filling in the personal info by being told it was too long eventho it wasnt. I would like to hear more of SDAs daily christian experience.

last year here in North China I found good fellowship with non SDA christians and continue to dialogue with them over grace/works and the Sabbath and end time scenes.I would like some letters asking about my life experience. Dennis Lowrimore

[bbtrn]

I signed-up for CA over a year ago, came in and read the posts in the forum a few times and quickly realized that there was far too much negativism in it for me. I've only peeked-in a few times since then just to see if the overall tenor had changed. Frankly, I wouldn't be here now if I hadn't been invited via e-mail to give my opinion. I have a few comments and I will stop back once in a while to see if anyone else agrees, although I suspect many, like me, have just quit coming to the site.

First...To your question of whether there's too much coverage of 3ABN. Not only is there too much, but it is not serving the cause of Christ! There clearly seems to be an anti-3ABN, anti-Danny Shelton agenda. Much damage is done to people under the banner of "Truth!"

Second...before I rejoined the Adventist church I was a bar-tender. Yup. I was very far from my early roots. The picture of Fran and her caption is what I saw nightly sitting on a stool at the end of the bar. If she expects to be taken seriously she needs to know that first impressions speak volumes.

Third...Fran and you keep making these references to how much information you know but can't share. (wink-wink) Those kinds of spurious statements are indefensible by either the party you're speaking about or those who know them and would like to speak for them. Sort of like that old unanswerable question."Have you stopped beating your wife?"

Finally...There is no way that Danny Shelton or anyone else who is targed in this fashion can defend him or herself. The proof for me is who takes the high ground. In other words who's LIVING their faith. Not who's perfect because if that's a requirement I think I, and many others on this website, fall far short.

Let me put this post in a succinct sentence. If what you focus on does not up-lift God, if the conversation you're having wouldn't be one you would have with Jesus...drop it.

[cardw]

It has been useful to me for working through the various doubts that I have had about Adventism. It has confirmed many and has revealed some avenues of thought that are new. I am grateful for the general openess of the moderation and CA is not for the faint of heart. There is a vibrant active dialog here many times throughout the year and rather than seeing it as negitive, I see it as pretty healthy. I have not found any benifit to suppressing what people really feel and believe and I hope that the openess and honest dialog continue.

[james423]

Since I checked "other", let me explain the other reasons I come to the Adventist Forum:

1. To post my Sabbath School lesson and notes

2. To find interesting and challenging newspaper articles that others have posted so I can post them on the two classroom bulletin boards I maintain weekly on current news and past history.

3. To get a sense of current Adventist trends

4. To pick up health ideas (usually don't much time for this)

[Bravus]

A chance to chat with people about faith and ideas is what I come here for. I have other forums on the web and other avenues for lots of discussion of other issues, but those don't necessarily allow for discussion of belief with other believers (discussions with unbelievers are also valuable, but in a different way).

I'd love to see more maturity and less aggression, but as Richard mentioned above, that has to come from the individual, not the moderation.

In terms of services, things like blogs and so on might be nice for those who don't have other access, but there are so many free services out there on the web these days that I wonder whether it's an efficient use of CA resources to duplicate those. My vote would be for work on the functionality of the core discussion forum (have I mentioned cookies and Firefox in the last 5 minutes? <img src="/ubbtreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />)

[Kountzer]

I haven't fully explored and utilized CA like I want to. I think the section dedicated to the lesson study can be beneficial. I have this ambigious, ambivalent thing for msg boards, especially sda boards. I'm attracted to this one for a number of the reasons noted. It keeps me preoccupied in a constructive way. It gives me a avenue of fellowship, that probably couldn't be realized otherwise. One of the main things that attracts me is that there is a lot of technical know how around here. Not that other boards don't have the same knowledge, but it is definitely apparent here. Stuff like state of the art board ops., or close to it, podcasts, rss, stuff like that. I haven't sat down and figured those last two out yet. I haven't given them much thought. Perhaps I will here.

DArryl B

[there buster]

CA reflects the reality of most SDA congregations in NA.

[Denise]

Stan,

I too have enjoyed it here also. I enjoy chatting in the chat room whenever I get a chance, and also enjoy the topics also. I may not post as often as my hubby, which at one time I did, but I am always here reading the posts, and enjoy learning from different bible topics. I also like the openness here, that we can express our opinions, thoughts, etc. God Bless, Denise

[darlene]

Club Adventist has been a real eye opener for me. I guess my growing-up years were pretty sheltered. I was not aware of all the 'negative stuff' and the 'negative people' in our church. The church to me has always been 'Gods Church' and it still is though Club Adventist has revealed to me that there are people who are dissatisfied and don't see things the way I do. So, I avoid those areas because they do not help me grow in my relationship with God.

Also, when I first came to Club Adventist I shared a part of myself in a couple of the threads and was shredded! Now, that was an eye opener to me also. Since I've been here for a couple of years I've become hardened to what others think and just let their critisms roll off my back. Live and learn..... <img src="/ubbtreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I still come here as a place to belong, to talk and share ideas. It is a fellowship and I hope all who come here will feel the love, acceptance and support from other fellow Christians. That is what we are all about, I think.

[Gail]

I come here because I like people-watching... <img src="/ubbtreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I love you all!

[swisskris]

I used to be a memeber of the old Adventist Forum years ago. I found it quite interesting. When it folded I was a little sad. Quite by accident I stumbled upon this forum. I was Googleing something and it gave a reference here. From then on I have been an "active lurker".

There is something that I do not understand. I have read some of the posts in the 3ABN area, including the explaination of how the information was all put into one area so as not to offend those who choose not to read it. If that is the case, than why are people still continuing posting comments in the Townhall section about what goes on in the 3ABN section and the people who post there? Wouldn't it just be more pleasing for them to stay away from that area if they are not interested?

I found the character assination of Fran by "bbtrn", earlier in this thread to be quite abusive. Perhaps "bbtrn" might consider taking their own advice, "If what you focus on does not up-lift God, if the conversation you're having wouldn't be one you would have with Jesus...drop it." I find this persons behaviour toward Fran to be the type of negitivity and abusiveness that I would not expect on a Christian Forum. That was also a problem on the "old" Adventist Forum at times.

For me, let the information on 3ABN stand. Each member can choose whether or not he/she reads it. I believe that Gregory is trying to be as fair as possible in his moderation of the 3ABN section.

I must admit, I will miss the interesting presence of Mrs. Gray. It is not often that you hear Americans using the "royal We" speach pattern.

[Morning Glory]

I mostly "lurk" as I am interested in what is being discussed on this forum. I usually just look at the current topics for the most recent posts. My spouse joined first, then I started lurking just to see what it was that he was doing...then I, too, joined as I wanted to be able to post. It was and still is interesting to see what other Adventists think and discus here.

I have found a lot of pontificating that I cannot even read through much less add to. There was a LOT of angry and disrespectful posting when I first joined that seems to have stopped. I was dismayed at the level of ignorance that was flaunted by a former poster as "gospel", and dreaded to think how such attitudes were perceived in that individual's community.

I find the most interesting topics to be in regards to end time issues, Christianity in daily living, and the "girl" forum to name a few.

I really don't post all that much as I feel kinda like I am an outsider here, that everyone else are friends somehow, and I am not part of the group. So, I content myself mostly with looking.

I find that arguing over things such as what day Jesus was crucified on and if Jesus was middle eastern to be ludicrous things to even discuss, much less comment on.

But all in all, I enjoy the forum and will keep checking it out. Thanks.

[UpperMidwest]

I agree with Swisskris that the information about 3ABN, located in a completely separate section, does not need to be read by people who do not donate their money to the 3ABN network and, therefore, need to have no interest in it.

However, as long as 3ABN schedules weekend meetings inside Adventist churches, and collects substantial cash contributions from SDA Church members and ASI, then, certainly, there should be some accounting assurances made as to the disposition of those funds. And the 3ABN leadership needs to be transparent in their dealings with the public.

I wish to leave the readers with the following link.

http://www.llu.edu/gsaminfo.htm

It's about the Good Samaritan and how that philosophy is inculcated in the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In the sculpture, notice the scorn being directed at the Good Samaritan from one of the two who turned away.

Fran and other Adventists have decided not to "pass on the other side" for what they perceive to be their own personal, moral, biblical, and ethical reasons. Yes, it takes a bit of courage to go against the majority and kneel down by the side of the road to help another.

But, that's the decision Fran and a few others have made.

[]http://news.adventist.org/data/2000/08/0968846279/samaritan.jpg[/]

[Stan]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />

dennis said:

Adventist Forum is a spiritual life boat for me, better than Spectrum magazine in that, tho I really related to the story of the former SDA Army officer joining the christmas carolers. I related to both the Major and the former Nam medic. As to Forum, U had trouble filling in the personal info by being told it was too long eventho it wasnt. I would like to hear more of SDAs daily christian experience.

last year here in North China I found good fellowship with non SDA christians and continue to dialogue with them over grace/works and the Sabbath and end time scenes.I would like some letters asking about my life experience. Dennis Lowrimore <denniseslteacher@yahoo.com> <img src="/ubbtreads/images/graemlins/thankyousign.gif" alt="" />

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

hi Dennis..

Appreciate your comments, there are 2-3 other people on here from China as well, but do not think they have been on for a while.

I do, would like to read more of day-to-day experiences people have with Christ.

Keep in touch..

Stan

[Debberzz]

I marked the "other" box on the poll, so this is my follow-up to that.

I confess that I've not been reading the issues with 3ABN so I can't give an educated opinion on it at this point. I'll try to take a (really) deep breath and go take the plunge to learn more about it.

I enjoy coming here because there seems to be a nice cross-section of Adventists from different walks of life and backgrounds. In spite of a few discussions getting rude or overheated, most folks come here freely to share and learn, and I think that says something about the high caliber of people who seek out such a forum.

Also, in a brick-and-mortar church sometimes cliques form and there is some pressure to conform to a perceived standard--at least by one's outward appearance and actions. Churches sometimes believe they're projecting a feeling of everyone being welcomed but sometimes strong members put pressure on others to conform, either with words or with silence. And if you don't conform it becomes tough and lonely to just go and sit in a brick-and-mortar church and "lurk". I've talked to many Adventists who simply won't go to church services anymore because of this. And they don't really have a group to hang out with who is more like them. What they'd really like is a place to have church after church--without the outward expectations from people and with more emphasis on praise and fellowship. They want a place to ask the hard questions without being labled as spiritually immature or rebellious.

Anbody can come and lurk here all day and not be pressured to wear/eat/read/say/listen to/watch whatever the dominant groups in brick-and-mortar churches approve of. One could read and post here wearing purple tuxedos and a pair of sapphire-encrusted bunny slippers. Who'd know or care? There's no fussing about what kind of special music is acceptable during our "service", or why some music is ok for Sabbath School but not worship, or how long the sermon should be or whether the piano should be on the left or right of the podium. The focus is on all the other things that make us brothers and sisters in the Lord and how we can use each of our viewpoints and talents to reach out to others. What could be better? Or more fun?

One question on the poll asked about "more nice people" and I wasn't sure if it meant more and more nice people or for the people who are already here to be nicer. I do know there are some nice ones already here. When I don't get to stop by for awhile, one or more of you have sent me messages and asked how things were going. Wherever that fits in on the poll, I love it! So lurkers, beware. If you do decide to post you just might get noticed--in the very nicest kind of way!

And to Stan, thanks for doing the poll!!

[aka]

Hello all,

This is Hope commenting on Stan’s Forum’s Purpose Poll

(formerly Turmeric but finally got the display name I like the best)

[:"red"] Reasons why you visit The Adventist Forum [/]

1. Fellowship, 2. The Interviews, 3. Chat with Friends, 4. Keep current on 3ABN saga, 5. Keeps me off the street and out of bars, 6. More on Adventist Beliefs, 7. Better than Cable, 8. I am the only Adventist for miles, 9. keep in touch with the Church, 10. Other, (please explain)

[:"red"] What you would like to see more of on the Adventist Forum [/]

11. More nice people, 12. Less of the 3ABN saga, 13. Free Blogs, 14. Podcasts, 15. More Study groups, 16. More Interviews, 17. More of EGW Material, 18. More Church News, 19. More activity in Chat Room 20. Other, (please explain)

#1 is the basic reason I look in to A.F. . I am aware of seeing the body of Christ when I am close to my fellow members of His body as they interact here. In this cyber media I read the thought life of my brethren. They reveal of themselves what I could otherwise never get a chance to learn about. I get a better understanding of who they are within. I stop a good portion of my misunderstanding them after many of their revealing messages. I also read of the happenings of good and bad happening to my brethren. I respond with gladness or sorrow accordingly. It may all be in a passive secret way what I am experiencing because the brethren/sisters online don't get my vibes back after they post something. But what is happening is that being daily a part in their world they reveal here, my heart is softer to the body of Christ and how it suffers, rejoices when good triumphs and respond with the same hope at the soon coming of their Saviour. What burns in my heart is agape for them. I can't deny that I CARE what happens to each. Even to those who irritate me somewhat. God’s love is undying, unfailing and faithful. We get to respond to others like He does when we are firmly connected to the vine and His sap flows in us. When He loves through me he binds me to others.

When I flow out agape it does not die or fail or gets unfaithful.

It remains consistent and enduring.

Chastisement, warning, correction and admonition is apart of agape, by the way.

#2, #4, #9, are the next layers of the basic foundation why I hang out at SDA Forums. Keeping in touch has the side effect of feeding my identity of being a member of the SDAism organisation. If I do nothing to build on this identity it would fade into meaninglessness. I would then be open to denying being an SDA if in a pinch or called to testify. So what I am doing online is strengthening my tie to the outward organisation through talking with those who are involved with it and keeping up on the latest information of what is going on behind the scenes.

I would put #10 as gleaning factual infos about behind scenes happenings as a strong motive why I constantly log on to SDA Forums. Happenings like what went on at St.Louis GC event, or what is going on in the world with ADRA, or what monumental new decisions are coming out of Maryland GC, or other SDA entities. I never gloat over bad happening to any of my fellow baptized members. I groan, I hurt, I pray for God to intervene. I hate it like the next of you when the Devil as lion has pounced on one of us. This constant yearning to seek knowledge in any field is part of me. I am a data junkie. I like bio info about anyone’s life but more so especially about Jesus, God the Father and His Holy Spirit. My hope is there constantly that someone will express what the Godhead has impressed them personally concerning heavenly things, or needed insights about the Kingdom we are in. This hope I have when entering into Forums of our denomination. Expressions of what is in the members hearts of the Testimony of Jesus and how these thoughts look when it comes to print in an online thread. I love also seeing written testimony how a brethren kept the commandment in dire straits and was greatly blessed in having honored God.

#3 is not my bag anymore. I’ve lost too much trust to so many to want much light chit-chat. But I believe that can heal and I get more chattyer.

#4 is the best part of Adventist Forum for me at present. ….au-oh, that sounds sick, eh? It's my curiosity gene needing to be fed...sorry.

#5 is quite funny and I actually laughed. It might fits some though, I bet.

#7 has a bit of truth because of the reality dimensions AdventistForum offers that cable can’t.

#8 yes, this must be a real reason for some.

Personal Wishes for Improvement :

#11 could be turned to read “Less of the judgemental jabbers of the “ultra-tradional conservative tyes” and more honest loving types. The ones who speak straight testimony like LHC but packaged in love as he does it.

#12 -3ABN wipe out? quite the contrary! I am waiting with yearning that the bomb bursts soon that Fran is constantly referring to in the thread.

#13 Blogs are like psycho therapy. Or an ongoing family Christmas chain letters to friends and relatives.

#14 Podcasts. I don’t have a clue what that is and how it works. PLEASE explain.

# 15 Study groups are good and should be nourished.

#16 Interviews are excellent, very rewarding. Most beneficial, satisfying indeed. I love them.

#17 EGW? By all means! Keep her before the eyes with her quotes and teachings!

#18 Church News? Your section for that is full. How could you ever improve?

#19 Chat increase? Sure when the people learn to trust and love one another. The lack of trust causes low participation. The hurts done by others who have chatted with them are still remembered. Distrust to share openly has resulted.

#20 What would I like to see on Adventist Forum? That is a good question. I need more time to meditate and reflect. Will give answer later.

Your Hope gal

[Aliensanctuary]

I beleive it was providence that directed me to this site. The local SDA church has been on life support for a number of years. I wasn't interested in being there to help save it, if possible. I needed to talk to somebody about spiritual things, but there was no one I knew that I could share my ideas with.

A couple of members helped turn my life around last spring by calling attention to some EGW statements concerning Jesus' life. It was a critical moment for me. I was dragging this huge pile of garbage behind me, then suddenly, most of it just dropped away. I was free, at last. I will be eternally grateful to those 2 members for waking me up.

Unfortunately, garbage still comes out of my mouth from time to time, but I don't like it. Nothing like seeing your own garbage in print to humble yourself.

I really have no interest in 3ABN at this time, but read some posts not knowing what was going on. Just another sad story in the sad story of human existence.

I really enjoy the DA study area, and have learned so much by carefully reading one of the best books I have ever come across. I'm afraid I may have driven everyone off, though, since I'm the only one posting of late. Probably because my favorite subject is Alien Technology in the Bible.

Don't go to the Origns Forum. That's where my garbage mouth got me into trouble. It's caused me a lot of grief. It's ok to learn from mistakes, though. But now I've got this dead bird hanging around my neck. I think it's an albatross...I shot it...

[aka]

This sentence of yours “I really enjoy the DA study area, and have learned so much by carefully reading one of the best books I have ever come across” was for my eyes the brightest light in an otherwise melancholic gloomy memo. Morose moody dark thinking will be in your Christian life a damaged Achilles heel causing you to limp and not run the race with power.

The Desire of Ages is our shared Jesus, to whom you have made a loving commitment to be a disciple. The story of how He was and, is now, is in an inspired way written in that book you are studying. In DA is the story you know of the woman at the well who was an alien from Isreal, living in open sin. “This woman represents the working of a practical faith in Christ. Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life." (DA chap 19)

This is your life now. Drinking of living water and becoming a mouth out of which will be flowing fountains of living water for others. He will give you the spirit of wisdom and sound judgment. The grace of Christ is planted in your soul and you will be a missionary going out to others with words coming from your mouth of uplift and encouragement for them to worship God and give Him the glory.

Hope

[Aliensanctuary]

I could have been a little clearer, previously. A couple of members in the DA forum posted a few quotes that cut me to the heart. That was one of the most critical points in my entire life.

As far as what goes on at this website, if we're Christians, our goal should be kindness and service to others. I don't believe meanness and selfishness will be permitted in the next world. We can express ourselves here and maybe get some feedback, hopefully not nasty, and we can also receive or give some encouragement, something to bring a little sunshine into our lives.

Thank you, Hope. I like your new name.

[Stan]

I would really like it if there was more study groups, to go over the Desire of Ages again or Conversations Jesus Had, that may be the wrong title, it is the recent one by Jerry Thomas..

I get blessed by people getting involved with them.