I have reflected on what you've said and offer my own thoughts on this issue. While its undoubtedly true that we are ALL guilty at times of intolerance and stubbornness, for some it seems to be the bedrock of their professed faith. The attitude" What i say is right and anyone that disagrees with me is not a true Christian" or is in some way trying to pervert the true nature of Christianity is all too prevalent amongst some on these forums. some even claim to have a direct line to God, to know his will and can therefore condemn others should they disagree with them.
What is lacking is humility, an understanding that all we have is "belief", and that we may indeed be wrong. We are here to discuss and learn, well i am anyway, what it means to be a Christian, a follower of Christ, none of us have ALL the answers and our beliefs can only be tested when we engage in conversation with others in a tolerant and understanding manner. We may not resolve our differences, but hopefully in discussing those differences the seeds of truth may be sown., and if we allow them, come to fruition.
I think we must also bear in mind that there are a large number of "Visitors" to this site, some may be Christians, some may not be, but ALL have a reason for coming to this forum, and the exchanges we have, and the attitudes shown in those exchanges, may have an influence far beyond our sometimes petty bickering and perceived self righteousness.
Brother RAD,
I appreciate your level headedness, and all your impersonal dialogue : )
You made a brilliant statement:
"I think we must also bear in mind that there are a large number of "Visitors" to this site, some may be Christians, some may not be, but ALL have a reason for coming to this forum, and the exchanges we have, and the attitudes shown in those exchanges, may have an influence far beyond our sometimes petty bickering and perceived self righteousness."
When I came back (after nearly a year's inactivity), the first post that I read was: "Do the Protesters even know what they are Protesting"; the title got my attention.
After reading a few of the comments, I was saddened by how members were speaking to each other.
It confuses me why my comments about how people behave on this forum have been twisted, and taken personally?
Perhaps my comment addressed to "Dear Brothers & Sisters", about not being loving to each other, was a case of "the cap fitted", so someone decided to react rather aggressively!
For me it is not about being "right", it is about
making a stand, as
it is written!
I urge members (and
moderators) to reflect on their
behaviour toward one another, and what they
condone. Is this behaviour honouring God?
Why then am I "attacked" for making this stand to "Dear Brothers and Sisters"? I was not having a personal dig at anyone, because it takes "two to tango".
The irony of this is that some members probably do not know the "whole story" and are also
reacting on part of the story (isolated responses).
Emojis can encourage where perhaps they should be left off (esp if the whole story is not understood).
This kind of fits with the post that got my attention "Do the Protesters even know ..." if you get my drift!?
The other thing that I have learned is to stand up for what I believe is right, and if calling members out, makes me an "evil" one, then what is going on?
Again, anyone reading this may think, "what is she on about " Non unlike quoted Bible verses, used to back up an argument, are often quite out of context. Things should never be read in isolation, lest they be taken out of context. How does a jury come to their conclusion ... by gathering all the facts!
My first point was:
John 13:34–35 —
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 15:12 —
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
John 15:17 —
"This is my command: Love each other."
Ephesians 6:14 instructs believers to
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist," emphasizing that standing for truth is a defensive posture essential to the Christian armor.
2 Corinthians 13:8 reinforces this by stating,
"For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth," indicating that genuine Christian action is inherently aligned with and supportive of truth.
RAD I
re-iterate that this is a
PUBLIC FORUM for VIEWING, where visitors may be looking for a Christian Forum that suits them, or whatever they are visiting for,
the MEMBERS and MODERATORS on this site should BE AWARE OF THIS FACT!
I rest my case, and I am not "preaching" to you RAD, but I think that goes without saying : )