Baptist icon... [Archive] - Christian Forums

Crazy Liz

27th June 2005, 12:34 PM

The general consensus among Anabaptists, Quakers and Brethren seems to be not to wear the Baptist icon. However, (hoping this is helpful and not a violation of Rule 7.1) at least some of us who post here regularly and are not Baptist have been asked to put something in our profile indicating our denominational affiliation so new mods can look at it before telling us not to debate here.

MrJim

27th June 2005, 06:28 PM

Crazy Liz

27th June 2005, 06:39 PM

I had a "Christian" icon for the longest time but changed it to "Baptist" because during one thread I felt I got called down for being an outsider. I consider myself anabaptist but that isn't a choice...
Unfortunately, that has happened all too many times. However, moderators shouldn't do this if you use the generic Christian icon and have something in your profile indicating you are Mennonite, Quaker or Brethren.

We've also had several threads about whether or not it's proper to start a thread saying "Baptists only."

MrJim

27th June 2005, 06:50 PM

Well then I changed mine back and scribbled another note on my profile. Hopefully that will satisfy the mods. It may have just been my paranoia to change it. Thanks for clarifying this CL!

bleechers

27th June 2005, 07:06 PM

I think with the handle of "menno" you should be safe. :)

bleechers

27th June 2005, 07:23 PM

While we're on Menno... :)

I will here humbly entreat the reader for Jesus' sake, to accept in love, this my confession in relation to my illumination, conversion and calling, and to meditate thereon. I have made it out of urgent necessity, for the information of the pious reader, because I was slandered by the clergy, and am accused, without foundation of truth, of being called and ordained to this service by a seditious and heretical sect. He that feareth God let him read and judge. -Menno Simon

Source: Menno's Renunciation (http://www.e-menno.org/ren.htm)

A little history for all of us here. :)

Crazy Liz

27th June 2005, 07:24 PM

I think with the handle of "menno" you should be safe. :)
One would think...

But when vague warnings are posted in threads about the forum-specific debating rules, it can lead anyone not wearing a Baptist faith icon to wonder whether they are the person to whom the post is directed. Especially if all the posts in the thread are by Baptists and other B/A regulars who wear the generic Christian icon.

...or maybe I'm just too sensitive.

MrJim

27th June 2005, 11:50 PM

While we're on Menno... :)

Source: Menno's Renunciation (http://www.e-menno.org/ren.htm)

A little history for all of us here. :)

:cool:

graysparrow

28th June 2005, 02:15 AM

Just a suggestion

Maybe an anabaptist icon should be a cool idea... what about a buggy? :)

MrJim

28th June 2005, 10:30 AM

Just a suggestion

Maybe an anabaptist icon should be a cool idea... what about a buggy? :)

LOL you're killin' me here:D :D

And for the Quakers we could have a bowl of oatmeal;)

Crazy Liz

28th June 2005, 11:21 AM

Personally, I have not advocated for more denominational icons, since I would choose to continue using the generic Christian one. My background is Mennonite Brethren, and I still think of myself mostly as Anabaptist, although I currently belong to a Friends church. I would not be able to make an honest choice between an Anabaptist icon and a Quaker icon.

Imblessed

28th June 2005, 06:47 PM

and then you have people like me, a born and raised quaker that is now a member of a calvinistic (baptist) community church.

I think I'll stick to the regular old Christian icon....

McDLT

29th June 2005, 09:25 AM

I think it would be nice to have an Anabaptist and Friends icons, if nothing else for the sake of inclusion.

It's confusing to me that Anabaptists, Baptists, and Friends have all been lumped together (but I've stated that already and am learning to deal with it). With the other icons it may be easier for the mods to notice.

I have nothing in my profile that says I'm anabaptist and would love an icon. Maybe if there is enough interest here, we can start a poll with some options.

Just some of my thoughts.

ZiSunka

29th June 2005, 10:41 AM

Icons separate us into divisions and ascert that our identities are in man-made divisions and not exlusively with Christ as our identities should be!

MrJim

29th June 2005, 04:49 PM

Icons separate us into divisions and ascert that our identities are in man-made divisions and not exlusively with Christ as our identities should be!

Yeah but we already are divided up all over CF. We're just Island of Misfit Toys so we got lumped in with the Baptists ;)

Imagine in heaven one day-I suppose we'll all be laughing about the fuss we put on labels (since there'll be no more tears I suppose God is doing the crying now).

ZiSunka

29th June 2005, 05:02 PM

Yeah but we already are divided up all over CF. We're just Island of Misfit Toys so we got lumped in with the Baptists ;)

Imagine in heaven one day-I suppose we'll all be laughing about the fuss we put on labels (since there'll be no more tears I suppose God is doing the crying now).

My point exactly. Why do we have to divide the divided more finely by having to have icons for the forum subcategories? Can't we just rename the Baptist icon the "baptist/anabaptist/quaker icon" and be done with it that way?

daveleau

29th June 2005, 06:39 PM

I know it looks like a trivia question, but even though I don't want to tell why now, I am genuilely concerned about it

Is the baptist icon just for baptist or for anabaptists too?

What about people thinking about converting to one of those?

Thanks

It's for anyone that fits under the umbrella of the Baptist/Anabaptist forum. this includes Menonite and Quakers, as well.

daveleau

29th June 2005, 06:41 PM

If someone really, really wanted an Anabaptist icon, I think this would be a great place to post a design for one, even though I don't personally see the need for one. I am not saying that it would be accepted, if posted (that's not up to us), though.

ZiSunka

29th June 2005, 07:16 PM

Since Anabaptists all have the peace witness in common, how about an olive branch and a cross as our icon? Something like this very rough sketch:

aReformedPatriot

29th June 2005, 07:51 PM

I kinda like that LL.

McDLT

30th June 2005, 10:24 AM

Since Anabaptists all have the peace witness in common, how about an olive branch and a cross as our icon? Something like this very rough sketch:

GREAT IDEA and PIC!!! :thumbsup:

RED that's ME

30th June 2005, 11:39 AM

AnaBaptist/Mennonite/Quaker are under the Baptist forum because of not having enough members to warrant a forum of their own.
Staff has no problem with that. :)

Even though staff has been blamed here for asking which church affliation a member belongs to, it is to identify who is posting here. CF has many members using the general icon that are from all faiths Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal even Catholics who are in the process of converting. We've even had members from other faiths to change their icon to come debate/argue here.

It is staffers job to help keep peace and unity among the members. Even amongst the Baptist/AnaBaptist many of you can see we have different opinions. We have specific forum rules to help keep peace and unity where we can come and talk among ourselves without other faiths coming in to debate our beliefs here.

Staff gets reports from members many times asking if a certain member with a general icon is a Baptist in fact one just a little while ago. :P

We have other forums for members to discuss/debate other faith groups. The Baptist/AnaBaptist was set up so that we could have discussions amongst ourselves without the interference of other faith groups.

I hope that members won't resent being ask their church affiliation but appreciative of staff trying to keep the Baptist/AnaBaptist forum a great place to come visit. :angel:

MrJim

30th June 2005, 06:44 PM

Since Anabaptists all have the peace witness in common, how about an olive branch and a cross as our icon? Something like this very rough sketch:

Works for me-I like it!

McDLT

5th July 2005, 10:36 AM

So whose going to submit the icon proposal to the staff? I think you have to be a site supporter to ask for a new icon (not too sure though).

graysparrow

5th July 2005, 10:57 AM

Well I am a site supporter but not mennonite, however if somebody wants me to do it, just tell me.

Maeyken

5th July 2005, 11:13 AM

I like that icon LL!

I hope you don't mind... I added a little colour, just to see what it would look like.

ZiSunka

5th July 2005, 05:34 PM

I like the color!

McDLT

5th July 2005, 06:07 PM

I like the colour too.

Who would like this to be the Anabaptist icon? With enough input we can find out what we need to make this an official icon. Do we need a poll first or after we ask?

Crazy Liz

5th July 2005, 07:53 PM

I think there are size constraints. Can someone make it the size of the other faith icons and see how it looks?

Maeyken

6th July 2005, 04:44 PM

ok, I tried to make it small. It was hard to get it clear at all. All I've got is paint...
What do you think? (don't worry, I won't be offended)

RED that's ME

6th July 2005, 04:49 PM

Looks good to me :) When the AnaBaptist members decides on an icon here it needs to be requested to Erwin in the Official Forums. :)

Maeyken

6th July 2005, 04:56 PM

Thanks Red. :) I wasn't sure what happens next in the process

ZiSunka

6th July 2005, 07:59 PM

I'd like to see the olive branch be a bit bigger. :)

McDLT

7th July 2005, 12:13 PM

I think when it is shrunk the colour doesn't look as good. Hope not offending. Just giving an opinion.

Richard

7th July 2005, 12:21 PM

It's prettier then the Baptist Icon we have now :P

Maeyken

9th July 2005, 12:35 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys... I'll try a couple different variations next week. (My weekend is very busy!)

Maeyken

9th July 2005, 12:52 AM

Ok, I just did a quick one with a bigger olive branch... it seems maybe a little fuzzy? I'll try to fix that later.
Opinions?

ZiSunka

9th July 2005, 07:24 PM

I don't think it "reads" very well. Let's try something else.

Victrixa

9th July 2005, 08:39 PM

I think that a simple brown wood-looking cross is pretty too. :)

I like the Baptist icon. It's pretty. :thumbsup:

(Hope you don't mind an outsider giving her opinion... :sorry: )

ZiSunka

9th July 2005, 08:58 PM

We don't mind your opinion! :)

We're looking for something that expresses the unique Christianity of the anabaptists though.

How about a fish with a peace symbol?

ZiSunka

9th July 2005, 10:16 PM

Fish with peace symbol:

Victrixa

9th July 2005, 10:50 PM

Hey, what about the olive branch with a brown (wood-like) cross over it? ;)

That peace symbol looks, well.... New Agish, maybe? :)

Sorry, can't help but intruding in this thread! :D

ZiSunka

9th July 2005, 10:53 PM

You're not intruding Vic! I value your input! :)

Maeyken

12th July 2005, 07:49 PM

I tried one where the olive branch was behind the cross, and it just looked like a green blob no matter what I did. As much as I like this icon idea, I think perhaps we should explore other possibilities!

Crazy Liz

12th July 2005, 08:09 PM

Fish with peace symbol:
I like it, but I think Erwin requires Christian denominational icons to include a cross.

Maeyken

12th July 2005, 08:26 PM

ok, here's another attempt...

edited to add- I fixed the cross so it doesn't look lobsided... just didn't want to bother posting it *again* after this message took 3 attempts already!!

ZiSunka

12th July 2005, 09:34 PM

Like it a lot!!!!!

OrthoCanuck

12th July 2005, 10:20 PM

Looks great. I wasn't sure how a olive branch would look and if anyone would get the meaning (I thought a peace sign and a cross would be more obvious), but this icon looks excellent. Good job.

ZiSunka

12th July 2005, 10:34 PM

The olive branch could be a bit bigger. I like your idea of the peace sign and the cross, but some folks have objected to the peace sign as being a bit too worldly.

OrthoCanuck

12th July 2005, 10:38 PM

I like your idea of the peace sign and the cross, but some folks have objected to the peace sign as being a bit too worldly.

Good point.

P_G

12th July 2005, 11:05 PM

I like it, but I think Erwin requires Christian denominational icons to include a cross.

Boy don't tell the Messianics that :)

I will likely as not put the Anabaptist icon in my sig
Nice work gang!

PG

Maeyken

13th July 2005, 11:42 AM

ok, one more try with a slightly larger olive branch...

edited to add: ok, this time I'll attach the picture!

McDLT

13th July 2005, 12:26 PM

Fish with peace symbol:

You might want to do a little background on the "peace symbol". There is controversy over what the symbol means and where it came from. So having it as an Anabaptist symbol might be rather, unpeaceful ;)

McDLT

13th July 2005, 12:31 PM

Mabye we could just go back to this one or post 21 in this thread:

http://www1.christianforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41180

OrthoCanuck

13th July 2005, 01:11 PM

You might want to do a little background on the "peace symbol". There is controversy over what the symbol means and where it came from. So having it as an Anabaptist symbol might be rather, unpeaceful ;)

Origin of the peace symbol according to soc.religion.christian faqs (http://geneva.rutgers.edu/src/faq/peace-symbol.txt):

"I had a letter from a guy who was at the meeting where it was designed. He was Laurens Otter, who published a magazine for Christian anarchists in London. According to him, neither explanation is correct. Though it is true
that the central part represents the semaphore sign for ND (nuclear disarmament) the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament had nothing to do with the
design. It was a small group, and they were discussing some kind of symbol they could use. As they were Christians, they wanted a variation on the cross, and someone suggested that it should have dropping arms because it
looked sad.

One of the members of the group, Jerry Horton, did some research, and the next time they met he said that he had found that the circle could be a sign for an unborn child, and the cross with drooping arms was the sign of a dead
person, which was used by medieval monks.

They adopted that as a logo to symbolize the effects of Strontium 90 on unborn children. It was only a year later that it was taken up in a big way by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

It would therefore be an entirely appropriate symbol for the anti-abortion lobby in countries like the USA today, where abortion seems to be a greater threat to unborn children than Strontium 90."

So it appears that the peace symbol was influenced by Christianity. Interesting.

Peace.

McDLT

13th July 2005, 02:21 PM

Crazy Liz

13th July 2005, 04:28 PM

Mabye we could just go back to this one or post 21 in this thread:

http://www1.christianforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41180
Can you size it so it looks good at the size of the other faith icons?

OrthoCanuck

13th July 2005, 04:35 PM

Canadian75 that is just one opinion. There are also others who believe that it has origins in witchcraft and still others believe that it refers to the upside down cross of Peter (Nero's Cross) and used as an anti-Christian symbol.

Thus I think the olive or palm branch is a much better representation and has less controversy surrounding it.

I totally agree that it would be better to not use the peace symbol, if only because of the controversy. I like the icon with the olive branch.

That being said, the idea that it is a "satanic" symbol is rather silly. The story I posted is far more credible.
Why would anyone use an evil symbol to represent peace? Why would Satan want to have one of his icons used as a universally recognized symbol for one of the very things he opposes? In the end a symbol is just a representation of an ideal and has no "power." IF the peace symbol is "satanic" in origin, it no longer has any satanic connotations and represents one of God's highest ideals (in other words it would be a monumental failure on Satan's behalf if he did have anything to do with it).

Peace.

PS. The only reason I'm inputting on this thread is because I'm considering joining a Mennonite church.

ZiSunka

13th July 2005, 08:54 PM

You might want to do a little background on the "peace symbol". There is controversy over what the symbol means and where it came from. So having it as an Anabaptist symbol might be rather, unpeaceful ;)

Actually, the peace symbol was created by an organization that wanted to end nuclear proliferation and the symbol is an abstract representation of the semifore code for "No Nukes." It's not goth, it's not new age, it's not wiccan or nazi, although I have heard all those rumors.

ZiSunka

13th July 2005, 08:57 PM

Origin of the peace symbol according to soc.religion.christian faqs (http://geneva.rutgers.edu/src/faq/peace-symbol.txt):

"I had a letter from a guy who was at the meeting where it was designed. He was Laurens Otter, who published a magazine for Christian anarchists in London. According to him, neither explanation is correct. Though it is true
that the central part represents the semaphore sign for ND (nuclear disarmament) the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament had nothing to do with the
design. It was a small group, and they were discussing some kind of symbol they could use. As they were Christians, they wanted a variation on the cross, and someone suggested that it should have dropping arms because it
looked sad.

One of the members of the group, Jerry Horton, did some research, and the next time they met he said that he had found that the circle could be a sign for an unborn child, and the cross with drooping arms was the sign of a dead
person, which was used by medieval monks.

They adopted that as a logo to symbolize the effects of Strontium 90 on unborn children. It was only a year later that it was taken up in a big way by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

It would therefore be an entirely appropriate symbol for the anti-abortion lobby in countries like the USA today, where abortion seems to be a greater threat to unborn children than Strontium 90."

So it appears that the peace symbol was influenced by Christianity. Interesting.

Peace.

No offense, but this information is a total fabrication. The man who designed the symbol in the 1950's died about three years ago and the NY Times did his obit and told the whole and true story of the origins of the peace symbol and it had nothing to do with Christians OR anarchists. :(

OrthoCanuck

13th July 2005, 10:11 PM

No offense, but this information is a total fabrication. The man who designed the symbol in the 1950's died about three years ago and the NY Times did his obit and told the whole and true story of the origins of the peace symbol and it had nothing to do with Christians OR anarchists. :(

Interesting. Just goes to show you can't trust everything you read on the net, even if it comes from a reputable website (CF excluded of course;) ).

Peace.