Do you want an open sub-forum for non-Chrtistians to be allowed to post in?

[Zacharias]

It's not a hard thing to do...

Which denominations want an Open subforum?

As taken from: http://www.christianforums.com/t1810178-non-christian-posting-area-in-congregation-forums.html&page=5

Erwin is allowing congregational forums to have a subforum that allows people from "outside" to come in and post questions about our particular beliefs.

[Father Rick]

My concern is that it only takes a few trolls to lock a lot of threads. Right now, the mods are capable of providing a safe haven for good theological discussions, christian fellowship, etc.

The forums I have seen that don't have such rules have a few jerks who come on just for fun and just try to cause havoc. While I am in no way trying to shut out someone who may be a genuine seeker, I'm just not sure what kind of rules would be necessary to 'keep the peace'.

If it was a separate subforum within STR, then it shouldn't be too hard to moderate--- if it was all of STR then I would be against it.

[PaladinValer]

I wouldn't mind a new subforum within STR that would be open for non-Christians (and perhaps even Christians of a different church or denomination) to post questions in.

[ahab]

The forum is split for Christians and open. STR is in the Christian area. Seems sensible to me, one can assume Anglicans are Christians.

:)

[Zacharias]

A seperate sub-forum within the congregation is what Erwin's talking about. :)

[Zacharias]

Erwin is allowing congregational forums to have a subforum that allows people from "outside" to come in and post questions about our particular beliefs.

[AveMaria]

Since there seems to be confusion -

Let me see if I have this right - an 'open' subforum (like the devotional or chapel area?) where non-Christians and non-Anglicans could post or ask questions, but the rest of STR would remain off-limits for posting?

I think it would be an excellent idea, if it could truly be done. It would probably mean additional work for the mods, though, I can see how there'd be potential for it to get heated up (like General Theology can!), so I think ultimately it ought to be up to them.

[Zacharias]

Since there seems to be confusion -

Let me see if I have this right - an 'open' subforum (like the devotional or chapel area?) where non-Christians and non-Anglicans could post or ask questions, but the rest of STR would remain off-limits for posting?

Yes you're right! :thumbsup:

[cenimo]

I voted no. There's already one person that has left the site because of non-believers.

If it absolutely had to be done, I would suggest taking a look at the format over on beliefnet - "Learn about _ _ _ _ _" where people can ask about specific denominations, but not debate. (There are other forums for that).

[alban]

Is there really point? We already have a fellowship thread that's open to all, and i fear that the opening of a subforum would just mean that our already small number of posters would be split over both forums. There are plenty of places on the forum to ask about various Christian beliefs, to debate of have fellowship.

[Rev. Smith]

I voted yes, the very fact that they are members of a community called "christianforums.com" means that we ought to hear what they say. Mere scoffers and opponants mostly wouldn;t bother. We can assume that most non-Christians who come here are either interested in our faith, desire to promote dialoge to increase understanding or are seeking to resolve issues that are causing them angst and pain. In the case of the first two we ought to cooperate, and in the case of the latter loving our neighbor may require us to help.

[RedneckAnglican]

I already voted on the Lutheran board...I voted yes...to me it's a question of evangelism...more of us need to do it...I'm at the top of the list...

[thejesusfish90]

I voted no, but now upon thinking twice I must say I think Yes there should be a subforum for non-christians in congregational forums, provided there are strict, enforceable rules similar to those of the questions by non-christians forums (Ie only Christians are allowed to answer questions and debate is kept a close eye upon)..

YBIC

Chris