Calling for a GT boycott

[Borealis]

The levels of nastiness have grown by leaps and bounds in GT; I freely admit to losing my temper more than once in there of late.

I suggested a December boycott of GT over on OBOB, and someone thought it would be good to invite our Orthodox brethren to join in. Simply put, the idea is to starve out the flames of anti-Apostolic churches by refusing to feed them.

Any takers? This means no browsing, posting, responding, reporting...nothing. Just ignore it completely until the new year

[sdcheung]

Agreeed. But I dunno my sense of sarcasm and need for arguments needs to fulfilled.

[Monica, child of God]

It sounds like a good idea. I never go there but I won't start now :)

[Xpycoctomos]

I have never read anything good about going to GH either here or in OBOB. I never go... I will make it a conscious effort to not start going.

I agree with the Boycott.. if they want to learn, they will come to TAW or go to OBOB. IF they don't, they will go to GH.

People are not there to be convinced or to learn (from EVERYTHING I'VE READ about it) but rather to convince.

Boycott GH!

John

[Orthosdoxa]

I never go there either, until I stumbled upon some absolute garbage that an 'Orthodox' person was saying and tried to do damage control. But that's been the only time. I don't feed into the baits the fundies put out there. They need to know the Truth. But nasty fights with them won't do it.

I agree with this. I'd like to see everyone stop taking the bait in there. It's a profoundly unChristian board.

LK

[Ragamuffins]

Okay, I am out too.

[Oblio]

Bu Buy ...

[eoe]

HA! I AM ON TO YOU!!!!
You just don't want us Orthoguys posting alternative views to your western theology! Well I have news for you buddy!

Just kidding....... I think I have posted like 2x in GT ever. It really does not matter to me. If it really is as bad as you say then maybe the powers that be should step up and take notice.....

[Akathist]

I wish that the Anglican's and other congregations would do the same thing. That area is rough. I go there to read only when there is something EO related. As a mod, I can't go join the boycott as far as reading because I have agreed to read things that are EO related there but I can give you my thumbs up!

A fast from GH... great idea!

[Llauralin]

Yeah, sounds like a good idea. Things tend to become thater bitter and angry over there....

[xenia]

Good idea. I'm with you.

[VickiY]

I can't join in, because they have accepted my application to be a mod, starting in a couple of weeks, so, all I can say is, do what is right for you to do during the fast, and pray for those who are argumentative.

[pjw]

no, please don't leave us. I enjoy your company! If people aren't properly informed of others' beliefs, they'll keep on making misinformed comments about other Christians' beliefs.

[OnTheWay]

Despite my deep love of arguing I'm on board.

[VickiY]

pjw...thanks for the kind thoughts, but I suspect that the problem that arises, arises because people insist that they know what we do: "You WORSHIP Mary" is a good "for instance". What we tell them makes not difference...they insist that we do. We can, and do, set the record straight....but, you see....we get attacked for it. :(

[Maximus]

I don't post in GT.

It's too big a mess and there is far too much real ignorance over there.

How can one reason with folks who have read every Tim LaHaye book they can buy but not one single respectable Church history?

It's a wasteland, a desert.

Doesn't Jack Chick post over there under a different screen name? ;)

[pjw]

Doesn't Jack Chick post over there under a different screen name?
or 10, perhaps. ;). only kidding, of course.

[Monica, child of God]

Doesn't Jack Chick post over there under a different screen name? ;)

LOL :D

[OnTheWay]

I don't post in GT.

It's too big a mess and there is far too much real ignorance over there.

How can one reason with folks who have read every Tim LaHaye book they can buy but not one single respectable Church history?

Do you mean to tell me you are impling that the Left Behind series is not an accurate dipiction of the end of the age? ^_^

[OnTheWay]

pjw...thanks for the kind thoughts, but I suspect that the problem that arises, arises because people insist that they know what we do: "You WORSHIP Mary" is a good "for instance". What we tell them makes not difference...they insist that we do. We can, and do, set the record straight....but, you see....we get attacked for it. :(

I've found if you correct them about anything having to do with the Theotokos you get tons of rants about how Mary has nothing to do with salvation, so even though you're right it no longer matters.

[Monica, child of God]

I honestly don't understand the vitriol over the Theotokos. Even as a Protestant I didn't hate her or disparage people who had a special devotion to her. In fact I secretly wished I could have a little statue or icon of Mary :) I grew up and still live in a very Catholic area. I always liked the Marian gardens and would stop and look at them on walks. They made my heart very tender toward her and to her Son. I think it all contributed to my coming into Orthodoxy.

M.

[Maximus]

I honestly don't understand the vitriol over the Theotokos. Even as a Protestant I didn't hate her or disparage people who had a special devotion to her. In fact I secretly wished I could have a little statue or icon of Mary :) I grew up and still live in a very Catholic area. I always liked the Marian gardens and would stop and look at them on walks. They made my heart very tender toward her and to her Son. I think it all contributed to my coming into Orthodoxy.

M.

I agree. As a Protestant, I never felt the animosity that I have seen some display over Marian devotion.

I wasn't overly fond of some of the especially large and garish statues that I saw, but otherwise it wasn't something that occupied much of my thought.

[Oblio]

IMO, we are starting to get a influx of anti-Apostolics from TMBTSNBN plus her sister sites. Cheer up folks, from whence they come we all would have been banned and our posts edited years ago.

[OnTheWay]

I honestly don't understand the vitriol over the Theotokos. Even as a Protestant I didn't hate her or disparage people who had a special devotion to her. In fact I secretly wished I could have a little statue or icon of Mary :) I grew up and still live in a very Catholic area. I always liked the Marian gardens and would stop and look at them on walks. They made my heart very tender toward her and to her Son. I think it all contributed to my coming into Orthodoxy.

M.

I think with a fair number of them it borders on a nearly pathological hatred. I believe it stems from the idea that if the Theotokos was chosen by God it is a form of acknowledging some people are more holy than others. If that is the case than the idea that all one needs to do to be saved is confess faith in Christ but for a moment cannot possibly be the case.
Then again, I could be completely off base. I've never been able to grasp how they mange to believe that Holy Tradition is of men because it's not directly recorded in Scripture but the rapture, despite not being found in Scirpture, is correct.:doh:

[MariaRegina]

Another forum (outside of CF) that I used to visit quite frequently has gone the way of TMBTSNBN. What's up? I haven't been banned there yet, but I cannot say very much there at all. They are just bitting the bit waiting to ban me. They bait me every time I visit. They even changed my signature without warning because it was too "Orthodox."

There was an announcement of a preacher who is touring America spouting Anti-Catholic and Anti-Orthodox propaganda. Churches pay big bucks to have him put on his hateful retreats and then the people in those churches become very intolerant and hateful toward the Theotokos. As a finale, they put on a play with the people in the congregation playing the role of extras and feature actors. Then they invite all their friends and encourage them to buy their video. What a money making racket!

More and more forums it seems are picking up this anti-Apostolic, cut-flower, are-you-saved mentality. Needless to say, I stay out of GT also.

How can anyone say that they love Christ when they hate His Mother?

[Maximus]

Revelation 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

[Akathist]

I honestly don't understand the vitriol over the Theotokos. Even as a Protestant I didn't hate her or disparage people who had a special devotion to her. In fact I secretly wished I could have a little statue or icon of Mary :) I grew up and still live in a very Catholic area. I always liked the Marian gardens and would stop and look at them on walks. They made my heart very tender toward her and to her Son. I think it all contributed to my coming into Orthodoxy.

M.

My mother has his intense negative reaction to Theotokos. She hates that I have an icon of her and that is one of her loudest comments she has made about my conversion. (Though honestly, she has not made too many negative comments to be fair.) Her comment was "WE don't pray to Mary or make her so special."

Yet growing up, she had the lovely "Maddonna and Child" statue that she put out every Christmas and she always made a big deal about it, how much she loved it. In fact at Christmas there are a number of hymns and contemporary and Protestant songs on the Christian Radio station to Mary.... like "Mary did you know that your baby boy...." and others.

I don't think she has any theological reason for her attitude about Mary at all.

She just plain hates Catholics. And that is one thing she can associate with Catholics. It is pure predjudice with no redeaming thought behind it other than generations of people in her family have had the same attitude.

I was lucky, growing up my grandmother worked at "Mercy Hospital" and she was allowed to have me there sometimes with her. The Nuns of the Order of Mercy were a big inflluence on me. (And on my grandmother who told me privately that she no longer hated Catholics but not to tell my grandfather she said that.)

[Xpycoctomos]

So, it sounds like those who can be are on board... let's stick with this.. I have a feeling we can make more of a difference staying here than going there. Much more. If they truly want to learn... they will do it on our turf at their own will. If not, they will do it in GH... lets not be a part of that and throw pearls to swine.

John

[Xpycoctomos]

By the way... to the OP.... thanks for bringing this up.. Perhaps another benefit will just be finding some form of fraternity with our OBOB friends through this mutual boycott of GH. I hope the OBOBers are on board and that we stay on board.

[MariaRegina]

Nor should we tell of "Thy Mysteries to Thine enemies."

[Borealis]

Glad to see the level of support for the idea. For those who are thinking about joining in but haven't said so, just post on the thread to subscribe to it; I'm going to try to make regular (daily) posts to remind people (including myself ;) ) to stay the course.

The original idea isn't exactly mine, though; I Bogarted it from another OBOBer. I know, I know...this Papist has no shame... ;)

[Greg the byzantine]

Glad to see the level of support for the idea. For those who are thinking about joining in but haven't said so, just post on the thread to subscribe to it; I'm going to try to make regular (daily) posts to remind people (including myself ;) ) to stay the course.

The original idea isn't exactly mine, though; I Bogarted it from another OBOBer. I know, I know...this Papist has no shame... ;)
:hug: We love you anyway.

I am on board because I never go there anyway.

[Oblio]

I'm going to try to make regular (daily) posts to remind people (including myself ) to stay the course.

/me raises hand

:wave:

I am a GT refugee, I am powerless over my addiction ...

[EricTheRed]

Instead of boycotting it we could just invade it :cool:

[88Devin07]

been there done that lol

i've only posted about twice to three times in the past 3-4 months (in GT)...

GT isn't General Theology...
GT is General Heresies... And IDD reincarnated

[Borealis]

Instead of boycotting it we could just invade it :cool:
Been tried. Unfortunately, there's a better chance of a successful French invasion of China. Those people are just seriously entrenched.

[Stephanida]

I am so very much whole heartedly in!

[Theophorus]

I think it is an excellent idea. I'm off to OBOB to see who all is in.

[OnTheWay]

I think it would be a shorter list to ask if anyone was opposed to the idea and why.

[Theophorus]

I'm in.

[EricTheRed]

lets just move to church history to protestants can not touch us in that

[Prawnik]

Probably the antipathy towards the Theotokos is a case of defining oneself by whom one is not. In this case, Catholic.

[ExOrienteLux]

Sign me up.

Hi, my name is Philip. I'm an HRU addict...

[EricTheRed]

Well if we boycott GT we might as well boycott general apologetics also. Athiests are bent on making us mad

[Annoula]

i haven't really been in these places, but i LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE a christian boycottage.

it brings the renegade out of me!

BOYCOTT - BOYCOTT - BOYCOTT

[Borealis]

Day 2, everyone. :) Just a reminder that it's a good idea to unsubscribe to any GT threads you've posted in, just to keep them from popping up in your UserCP. I almost broke the boycot within the first hour yesterday because of that... :sorry:

[Ragamuffins]

Day 2, everyone. :) Just a reminder that it's a good idea to unsubscribe to any GT threads you've posted in, just to keep them from popping up in your UserCP. I almost broke the boycot within the first hour yesterday because of that... :sorry:
It got me once yesterday, I have the whole section turned off now.

[The Prokeimenon!]

I've been "boycotting" GH for months now, and my life has greatly improved as a result :) No longer do I walk around in a baffled fog all day wondering how anybody with a God-given brain can come up with the things that they say.

Rdr Moses

[Xpycoctomos]

i haven't really been in these places, but i LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE a christian boycottage.

it brings the renegade out of me!

BOYCOTT - BOYCOTT - BOYCOTT

My sentiments exactly. :)

[eoe]

Well...... someone start a fight. Just because we are staying away from GH does not mean we can't have any fun.


Harry Potter is the devil and the Pope wears a funny hat!

[Xpycoctomos]

...and the Pope wears a funny hat!

Maybe, but our Patriarchs wear a funnier hat than theirs! Take that OBOBers!
http://www.byzantines.net/byzcathculture/images/patriarch_bartholomew1.jpg http://adweek.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/popejohnpaul_1.jpg

[Borealis]

Well...... someone start a fight. Just because we are staying away from GH does not mean we can't have any fun.


Harry Potter is the devil and the Pope wears a funny hat!
That hat is a fashion statement, thank you very much. The statement is, 'I'm so secure in my manhood I don't care WHAT I wear.' ;)

As for Harry Potter...he might be the devil, but at least kids are reading; I'll take that small victory.

[Melethiel]

I'm in, as much because I really ought to be studying for finals if anything else. But you all will have to keep me occupied, because it's an ADDICTION, I tell you. :P

[rainbowbright]

Sure, I'm in. I have never else better to do

[OnTheWay]

As for Harry Potter...he might be the devil, but at least kids are reading; I'll take that small victory.

You won't be saying that when your kids are mud dancing in celebration of their dark lord or find that they've sacraficed the family pet. ^_^
We really need to be getting the message of the Left Behind books out to the kids.:doh:

[Borealis]

You won't be saying that when your kids are mud dancing in celebration of their dark lord or find that they've sacraficed the family pet. ^_^
We really need to be getting the message of the Left Behind books out to the kids.:doh:
My kid plays in the mud, but AFAIK he doesn't bother dancing in it. And since his Dark Lord goes by the name of Daddy, I'm not too worried about it. ;) And we've already sacrificed one hamster. But we did get a sympathy card from the vet, which was nice.

[Theophorus]

...And since his Dark Lord goes by the name of Daddy...

You too? I have been even been shunned from "tuck-ins". :D

[Maximus]

WOW! Crud!

I just inadvertently made a post in GT, violating my promise here!

It would take too long to explain, but I made the post in reply to something that came in as a pm.

I didn't even realize what froum I was in until after I posted it. I hardly ever even look at GT.

Please forgive me!

I will be more careful in the future.

Wow, do I feel stupid! :blush:

[OnTheWay]

WOW! Crud!

I just inadvertently made a post in GT, violating my promise here!

It would take too long to explain, but I made the post in reply to something that came in as a pm.

I didn't even realize what froum I was in until after I posted it. I hardly ever even look at GT.

Please forgive me!

I will be more careful in the future.

Wow, do I feel stupid! :blush:

Oh, yeah sure. SINNER :P

[OrthoCanuck]

Oh, yeah sure. SINNER :P


And I thought I was the only sinner here.;)

[OnTheWay]

And I thought I was the only sinner here.;)

Nope, there are two of you. Everyone else is completely perfect. ;)

[Borealis]

WOW! Crud!

I just inadvertently made a post in GT, violating my promise here!

It would take too long to explain, but I made the post in reply to something that came in as a pm.

I didn't even realize what froum I was in until after I posted it. I hardly ever even look at GT.

Please forgive me!

I will be more careful in the future.

Wow, do I feel stupid! :blush:
You are forgiven. Just say a dozen Rosaries (or the Orthodox equivalent) and flog yourself fifty times with a piece of wet spaghetti.

[Oblio]

WOW! Crud!

I just inadvertently made a post in GT, violating my promise here!

It would take too long to explain, but I made the post in reply to something that came in as a pm.

I didn't even realize what froum I was in until after I posted it. I hardly ever even look at GT.

Please forgive me!

I will be more careful in the future.

Wow, do I feel stupid! :blush:


Would it be violating the boycott to ask what you saw while you were over there :) , sorta like someone bringing a sixpack to an AA meeting ? :eek:

[Maximus]

You are forgiven. Just say a dozen Rosaries (or the Orthodox equivalent) and flog yourself fifty times with a piece of wet spaghetti.

Thanks. Will do (as long as I don't have to hit myself on the head with a board like those monks in Monty Python and the Holy Grail).

[Maximus]

Would it be violating the boycott to ask what you saw while you were over there :) , sorta like someone bringing a sixpack to an AA meeting ? :eek:

It was a thread by Clement of Alexander, our erstwhile inquirer, in which he proclaims himself both an Eastern Orthodox Christian and a universalist.

I merely explained that such a proclamation is an oxymoron.

[eoe]

How is it possible that people from an Apostolic church are letting those that follow a woman that believed that tall people lived on jupiter (http://www.ellenwhite.org/criticb.htm)attack their doctrine without absolutely shredding them? I really don't understand that at all. Are people just being nice? Ellen White has had more failed prophecies than I can even stand to look at and people seem to tolerate attacks from those that follow her. It really blows my brain that her followers are not being absolutely put to shame in GT - especially because it is so very easy.

I don't get it......

[Theophorus]

How is it possible that people from an Apostolic church are letting those that follow a woman that believed that tall people lived on jupiter (http://www.ellenwhite.org/criticb.htm)attack their doctrine without absolutely shredding them? I really don't understand that at all. Are people just being nice? Ellen White has had more failed prophecies than I can even stand to look at and people seem to tolerate attacks from those that follow her. It really blows my brain that her followers are not being absolutely put to shame in GT - especially because it is so very easy.

I don't get it......

Seems plausible to me. Jupiter is a gas planet, so only gassy people could live there.

[OnTheWay]

Seems plausible to me. Jupiter is a gas planet, so only gassy people could live there.

Brigham Young, the second Mormon "prophet," said that people lived on the moon and the sun.
I would imagine the 7th days duck this the same way the Mormons deal with Young's absurd statements. They say he wasn't speaking as a prophet then but only putting out his personal opinion. This raises the question of how is one to know when they are speaking as prophets and when they are just offering conjecture. The answer seems to be whenever it suits the church.

[Borealis]

Day 4, everyone. Keep it up!

[Monica, child of God]

I couldn't help but post some laughing smilies in Lotar's parody thread but now I am off GT, which I nevery used to post in anyway :sigh:

M.

[eoe]

So everyone reading nastygrams about the EO with no rebuttal - what are they thinking now?

Is it not selfish to boycott like this? Who is benefitting? Who is being harmed?

[OnTheWay]

So everyone reading nastygrams about the EO with no rebuttal - what are they thinking now?

Is it not selfish to boycott like this? Who is benefitting? Who is being harmed?

That's the thing, as you say they post "nastygrams." I have no problem with discussion or even spirited debates. However, basic civility is a required ground rule. If two children are calling eachother "poo-head" do you join in or be an adult and stop the childishness?
No it's not selfish. It benefits the entire board as it sends a message that being rude is simply not going to be tolerated.

[MariaRegina]

By silence, you give consent.

By joining in, you remove all doubt that you too are childish.

No win situation.

[Borealis]

So everyone reading nastygrams about the EO with no rebuttal - what are they thinking now?

Is it not selfish to boycott like this? Who is benefitting? Who is being harmed?
Those who want to ask questions will come to the appropriate Congregation board, be it Orthodox, OBOB, or Anglican. Those who just want to spread more hateful screeds will continue to do so, boycott or no boycott. They'll find less amusement, perhaps, with the bulk of their intended targets walking away and ignoring them as they so rightly deserve.

Who's benefitting? Me, for one; my post count is climbing. ;) :D

Seriously, though, isn't a little peace and quiet worth the effort? At least at this time of the year, when we're preparing for the Birth of our Lord and Savior, let's leave the fighting alone.

If you want to continue posting in GT (or simply do so out of spite for the boycott, as some have done), that's your perogative. But many of us have spent months dealing with the constant attacks against Mary, Apostolic Tradition, etc. and we're simply tired of it.

[Akathist]

So everyone reading nastygrams about the EO with no rebuttal - what are they thinking now?

Is it not selfish to boycott like this? Who is benefitting? Who is being harmed?

If there is a thread anywhere that makes negative statements about the EO faith without using citations to back up what they are saying, then report it and mention rule

1.3 You will only post negative statements about another individual’s belief or religious organization (including non-Christian religions) with objective evidence provided. Members are allowed to say “The doctrines X church is false because of Y scriptures and Z other relevant evidence”.

Then send me a link to the thread so I can watch it for you and you can keep your boycott.

In the meantime, i am trying to watch GH for you'll and makeing reports. I reported one today from there for a 1.3.

[Kolya]

I honestly don't understand the vitriol over the Theotokos. Even as a Protestant I didn't hate her or disparage people who had a special devotion to her. In fact I secretly wished I could have a little statue or icon of Mary :) I grew up and still live in a very Catholic area. I always liked the Marian gardens and would stop and look at them on walks. They made my heart very tender toward her and to her Son. I think it all contributed to my coming into Orthodoxy.

M.

For me, accepting the Theotokos was one of the hardest parts to becoming Orthodox. Now that I am Orthodox, I can not stand it if the protestants start Trashing Her.
For me, that is one of the main reasons for staying out of GT.

Kolya

[Kolya]

How is it possible that people from an Apostolic church are letting those that follow a woman that believed that tall people lived on jupiter (http://www.ellenwhite.org/criticb.htm)attack their doctrine without absolutely shredding them? I really don't understand that at all. Are people just being nice? Ellen White has had more failed prophecies than I can even stand to look at and people seem to tolerate attacks from those that follow her. It really blows my brain that her followers are not being absolutely put to shame in GT - especially because it is so very easy.

I don't get it......

Hi eoe. I was an SDA before I became Orthodox. It was only by a miracle, because they have shin thicker than a rhino and permament blinders over their eyes and minds. I've tried, but only the Holy Spirit can convict them. There is no other hope for them, as the also believe they are THE one true church, and they have been given all the low-down on what will happen before the "end of the world."
What might hit them in the guts though is if you can post a picture of the grave of James White, EG White's husband. It has a nice big Obelisk on it!:cool:

[Borealis]

Hey, everybody! Day 5 is now in session!

[Ragamuffins]

I echo what Borealis has said and will add that it makes no sense to keep answering the same questions, when no one cares about the answers. They will know we are Christians by our love, not our sarcasm. Since that are breeds spite and is a weapon of the evil one, I am not likely to return to it any time soon.

I feel like extending my "month" to forever, as I have shaken the dust off my feet for the people in GT. I am done trying to defend what i believe to people who care only of themselves and what they believe. I have better things to do with my time then to keept his up. Besides i feel much better and my anger and frustration level is down.

JMHO

[contriteheart]

Dear Friends,

I got sick of GT and tried a different approach. Some of you have seen the GT Christmas Season Cease-Fire Thread. It's a place for everyone to come together and celebrate the nativity of our Lord. No debating allowed. Only posts of encouragement, blessing, and goodwill. It's up to over a hundred posts now, and some of you have posted there (before the boycott started).

We need you in that thread. Your nativity hymns are beautiful and and profound, and have blessed me and others. If you want to boycott GT, please consider boycotting all of it except the Christmas Cease-Fire thread. We need all the goodwill we can get in GT. And we need people to set an example of love and brotherly kindness.

If you don't want to be tempted by browsing in GT, you can find it here: http://www.christianforums.com/t2357905-gt-christmas-season-cease-fire-thread.html

Of course, I don't want anyone to violate their conscience or be untrue to their word by going there, so please do what you need to do. This message is really for those who haven't yet agreed to the boycott.

Thanks for considering...

Blessed Advent!

With love in Christ,
Grace

[Oblio]

If you don't want to be tempted by browsing in GT, you can find it here: http://www.christianforums.com/t2357905-gt-christmas-season-cease-fire-thread.html

Of course, I don't want anyone to violate their conscience or be untrue to their word by going there, so please do what you need to do. This message is really for those who haven't yet agreed to the boycott.


We'll need a ruling from our team leader on this.

What say ye Borealis ?

[eoe]

If there is a thread anywhere that makes negative statements about the EO faith without using citations to back up what they are saying, then report it and mention rule

1.3 You will only post negative statements about another individual’s belief or religious organization (including non-Christian religions) with objective evidence provided. Members are allowed to say “The doctrines X church is false because of Y scriptures and Z other relevant evidence”.

Then send me a link to the thread so I can watch it for you and you can keep your boycott.

In the meantime, i am trying to watch GH for you'll and makeing reports. I reported one today from there for a 1.3.

What I have learned:


Any threads that mention the EO are irrelevant because they are so quickly taken over by RC and the Anti-RC that any attempt to get them back on topic is met with foaming at the mouth by both sides.
There are so many 1.3 violations in just one thread alone that I would hav to resport 90% of the posts in the thrad.
It is utterly poisonous in GT and I am too weak to really post there without passions being inflamed.

[Xpycoctomos]

By silence, you give consent.


Not in all cases, not in this case. By silence you are saying... I'm not going to play your game... experience tells me that you will never listen to me... but only argue.

SOmeone else (not you Aria) asked who is benefitting by not going in there. I'd ask who is possibly benefitting by going in there. Certainly not your soul (on the contrary) and no one else in there. People are not brought to the truth through GH... true seeker can (and WILL) come to TAW once they get serious nad curious enough. It's a proven fact. We see it all the time.

John

[Ragamuffins]

true seeker can (and WILL) come to TAW once they get serious nad curious enough. It's a proven fact. We see it all the time.

John
I am living proof of this.

[Xpycoctomos]

And it's great to have you here Bud ;)

[OnTheWay]

Silence is consent, but we aren't being slient. We're pleading nolo contendere. By refusing to take part in the "trial" those protestants who have an open and honest mind are still free to come to their own conclusions. Those protestants that do not will not be influenced by anything we say anyway, so what we are doing is refusing to take part in an unfair process. If civilty isn't expected and enforced then no one benefits from the exchange and the exchanged is reduced to issuing ad hom attacks against one another.

[Happy Orthodox]

My both arms are up for a boycott untill Christmas or until never. I gave up arguing with Protestants a loooong time ago. If they are interested, let them come to me and ask me questions. In no way I'm gonna give them another chance to mock Theotokos, because of Whose prayers, by the way, we all, including them, are alive today. It hurts me too much. I aint going in there at all.

[Borealis]

We'll need a ruling from our team leader on this.

What say ye Borealis ?
I say thanks, but I'll pass. I also say that I'm releasing all team members to vote their conscience on the issue. ;)

If you want to go to the cease-fire thread, by all means. It's not like I have any way of enforcing any decrees I might foolishly make. But for myself, I'm staying OUT of GT (I'm sorry, I forgot who I'm visiting; GH it is) until January. I do tend to take things to the extreme sometimes.

[Anhelyna]

OH BOY

OK I'm a noob - but I've just been and had a look at GT/GH WOW !!

Please can this EC stay here ?

[Borealis]

OH BOY

OK I'm a noob - but I've just been and had a look at GT/GH WOW !!

Please can this EC stay here ?
Sure, unless you'd prefer OBOB (seeing as how your symbol is Catholic).

Day 6, everyone!

[Oblio]

I posted in the cease fire thread before the boycott and I thought the thread was a good idea, but I am going to stay out of even that. I liken it to an alcoholic just taking a sip of beer ;)

[Anhelyna]

You folk have been here much longer than me - but even I would describe that area as being very dangerous to one's health.

Strange - I'm much happier with Orthodox folk :D

[Ragamuffins]

Strange - I'm much happier with Orthodox folk :D
Me too :)

[contriteheart]

I posted in the cease fire thread before the boycott and I thought the thread was a good idea, but I am going to stay out of even that. I liken it to an alcoholic just taking a sip of beer ;)

I'm so sorry to hear that, Oblio.:sigh:

Your presence will be missed. Our celebration of Christ's advent and nativity will be much poorer without your presence and the presence of your Orthodox brothers and sisters, but I understand. Thank you for posting the nativity hymn before the boycott started. It was beautiful.

Blessed Advent!

With love in Christ,
Grace

[Ragamuffins]

Still boycotting here <img>

[Kolya]

Me too.:thumbsup:
and Seraphima says why subject yourself to "chemical and biological weapons" {WSD's} Weapons of Soul Destruction.;) It is a place pervaded by Morgoth!

[Happy Orthodox]

I hope we are allowed to say these things here against the fundies *closes her mouth regretting being so careless, but the word had already been sounded* and the cru...
*looks frightenedly from side to side being prepared for an attack of the monstrous invaders MODS."

Seriously, do we have a bit of freedom of speech here? Which is at least half equal to the freedom of the fund... sorry, individuals from the Reformed movement? Or am I also subject to a spanking from the mods for even asking this?

[Xpycoctomos]

Well, whether we have freedom to do so or not here, we should be prudent as to how we show respect to others. We shouldn't be ranting on the fundamentalists having fun at their expense. Criticisms of their doctrines, sure... but I would say that these should be brought up not as rants as much as response to others' (generally outsiders') questions.

John

[Happy Orthodox]

Well, whether we have freedom to do so or not here, we should be prudent as to how we show respect to others.

You're right :sorry:

[OnTheWay]

Seriously, do we have a bit of freedom of speech here? Which is at least half equal to the freedom of the fund... sorry, individuals from the Reformed movement? Or am I also subject to a spanking from the mods for even asking this?

I think you can say anything you want about the errors in their doctrines. To the more general notion of bashing, I think it's not really apporiate anywhere. Using language or jumping to conclusions shuts down communication, and the individual doing it is the one that comes out looking like a jackass.
Honestly, I can handle the fundie proddies at lot easier than I can handle the "liberal" christian (little c as they don't accept the divinity of Christ) sects.

[Kolya]

"Bashing" anyone is wrong. In the first place, they will shut their minds and ears to you immediatly. Arguing about thological points also usually does not serve any good purpose. Only the Holy Spirit can convict.
One can say you disagree with a doctrine or point and then explain why, but don't expect the other "debater" to agree with you. Usually the will not.

Just my 2cents

[Borealis]

Day 8, everyone. Time flies when you're having fun.

[Xpycoctomos]

:)

[Ragamuffins]

I am really liking the idea of of staying out alltogether. I have been curious at times to go back in and take a peek, but that would mean I would be cheating to do it, so... Perhaps I shouldn't, no matter what. [shrugs]

[eoe]

I was perfectly happy not knowing anything about GH till this thread... grr..

[Akathist]

bump

[Kolya]

I had a peek at the thread about what Catholics and Protestants like about each other. I went back on my word as I simply had to post. It is an exceptional thread, though I will not look at anything else in GH right now. The other posts are mostly "sinful". They tempt one to wrath.:eek;
My advice, in general, stay out of there. Perhaps only look at a single OP that GMP or TG/Xenia may recommend.:)

[Borealis]

Day 9 From Outer Space is upon us. :)

[Melethiel]

Well, the boycott is helping me...forcing me to use my free time to study for finals instead of browsing GH. :P

[katherine2001]

I've found if you correct them about anything having to do with the Theotokos you get tons of rants about how Mary has nothing to do with salvation, so even though you're right it no longer matters.

Of course, she has nothing to do with salvation;) Jesus must have been found under a cabbage leaf or the stork brought Him.:crosseo:

[katherine2001]

For me, accepting the Theotokos was one of the hardest parts to becoming Orthodox. Now that I am Orthodox, I can not stand it if the protestants start Trashing Her.
For me, that is one of the main reasons for staying out of GT.

Kolya

Me, too. It just breaks my heart to see how people talk about her. How do they think it makes Jesus feel when they tear His mother (and she was His mother in every way) apart like that? There are times I feel like asking them how they would like it if someone talked about their mom the way they are talking about Christ's mother?

[Borealis]

Day 13. Who's still with us?

[Ragamuffins]

Day 13. Who's still with us?
Is it really 13 days? Wow, I don't miss it a bit.

[Melethiel]

Day 13. Who's still with us?
*pulls head out of science books* huh wha? ;)
I'm still with you...forcing myself to study. :P

[Theophorus]

Day 13. Who's still with us?

I have not even lurked. :thumbsup:

[Michael the Iconographer]

I refuse to go into that realm of treachery. It would be like daring the rude frenchman in Monty Python and the Holy Grail to "taunt me a second time!"

[xenia]

I wound up there once accidentally by following a link. I'm sorry.

[Borealis]

I wound up there once accidentally by following a link. I'm sorry.
Well, say half a dozen Rosaries (or the Orthodox equivalent) and flog yourself with a wet noodle fifty times and you shall be forgiven. :)

Day 14.

[Silent Bob]

Forgive the ignorance and lazyness but what is GTor GH that you people are boycotting?

[Oblio]

GT = General Theology, and when the theology wanders from the orthodox (as it often does), we replace the T with H for Heresies.

[Michael the Iconographer]

GT = General Theology, and when the theology wanders from the orthodox (as it often does), we replace the T with H for Heresies.

Sometimes I wonder if GT should be labeled as TH for Totally Heretical.

[Oblio]

:sigh:

I went and looked, not directly, and I can't recall how I got there, but I'm sorry I was there.

:sorry:

[Michael the Iconographer]

:sigh:

I went and looked, not directly, and I can't recall how I got there, but I'm sorry I was there.

:sorry:

Shame on you! Twenty lashes with a wet noodle!

[Annoula]

when is this boycott gonna end??

not that am really interested in going there but just out of curiosity

[Xpycoctomos]

Christmas... but some I thinik want to make it more or less permanent... obviously that's up to each individual.

[Borealis]

Christmas... but some I thinik want to make it more or less permanent... obviously that's up to each individual.
The plan was for the entire month of December; after that (or before that, if you prefer) it's entirely up to people to make up their own minds.

Day 16; halfway to the New Year.

[Ragamuffins]

The plan was for the entire month of December; after that (or before that, if you prefer) it's entirely up to people to make up their own minds.

Day 16; halfway to the New Year.
The parish I am attending has the old calender in effect so Christmas is not until January 7th. I am going to try and stay out of there until February.

[Ragamuffins]

Day 21. Can you feel it yet? I have been 21 days without wading into GH. Feels pretty good.

[Oblio]

I can feel it :)

[katherine2001]

I finally broke down and went over there. Forgive me.

[Ragamuffins]

23 days and no GT. At this point I could care less. I never thoguht I would say that and mean it.

[xenia]

The parish I am attending has the old calender in effect so Christmas is not until January 7th. I am going to try and stay out of there until February.

Same here and me, too.

[Shubunkin]

Doesn't Jack Chick post over there under a different screen name? ;)

Jack Chick!! :eek:

:crosseo:

[TheRedFox]

Just curious. . . what's "BT?"

[Oblio]

GT == General Theology

[Shubunkin]

I don't go there at all. :) No problem for me to boycott something if I don't participate in the first place. ;)

[TheRedFox]

GT == General Theology

Oui. I'll have to look into this whole issue myself now.

[Dust and Ashes]

Day 21. Can you feel it yet? I have been 21 days without wading into GH. Feels pretty good.

Yeah, isn't it nice not to have to scrape all the...errm...stuff off your boots every day? ;)

[Oblio]

FTR, I peeked over there, mostly reading the thread titles, and the last posts of a couple of them. Same old slander. There is nothing new under the sun :sigh:

[Dust and Ashes]

FTR, I peeked over there, mostly reading the thread titles, and the last posts of a couple of them. Same old slander. There is nothing new under the sun :sigh:

I just poked my head in to look and ended up posting in a thread but it wasn't really a theological issue. Some guy said autistic people will never have to face judgement (I guess he thinks we're all severely retarded) so I had to clarify the issue for him. :doh:

[Victrixa]

If at least they were charitable even if they disagree! :sigh:

[Borealis]

Day 26...how pleasant it is. :) I'm considering extending the boycott to Octember the 32nd.

[Anhelyna]

What's the saying ?

"30 days hath September , April, June and............"

Do you think they have noticed :D
:clap: :clap: :clap:

[Stavroula]

If at least they were charitable even if they disagree! :sigh:

Why are they so rude there? I was there today when someone was not honoring the Theotokos and they accused me of not reading the whole thread. I did, but I was also reading their post and reacting to their rude remark. They were rude to me for remarking about their rudeness. Are they capable of anything but rudeness?

[Oblio]

[Charlie Brown Voice]
Arrrrrrrgh ....

I posted over there :(

[/Voice]

[Maximus]

[Charlie Brown Voice]
Arrrrrrrgh ....

I posted over there :(

[/Voice]

I think I may start visiting over there occasionally, even though it's nuts.

It's too bad we don't have a sort of Orthodox/Catholic GT in which to discuss things. I would like to discuss controversial topics and pick the minds of Orthodox and Catholics, but I am not really too interested in forging through the tangled doctrinal hedgerows inside the maze of Protestant sects.

[Oblio]

but I am not really too interested in forging through the tangled doctrinal hedgerows inside the maze of Protestant sects.

Twas brilling ...

[Maximus]

Twas brilling ...

Jabberwocky.

Actually, the whole "tangled hedgerows" imagery for GT occurred to me because I was watching a documentary on the History Channel a week or so ago about U.S. paratroopers in the D-Day operation and how they had to fight their way through the huge hedgerows (which are grown atop hills that separate farm fields) in Normandy.

GT is the theological version. Once you break through one hedgerow and clear that patch of real estate of Nazis, you're looking at three other hedgerows (the other sides of the square), each of which leads to yet another field surmounted by four hedgerows bristling with machine gun nests.

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!

[Victrixa]

Are they capable of anything but rudeness?

That's a good question.... :sigh:

[orthodoxy]

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

I posted the Holy Orthodox Church is the organic body of Jesus Christ on the Earth in that thread because it is the truth. We must be honest in love no matter how rude or nasty the heterdox get.

IMHO I believe if orthodoxy can get the protestants who are so anal about "scripture alone" to see that scripturally they are worshipping a "different jesus" in the fact that the protestant trinity model is based on the ficticious and fraudulent roman catholic trinity that contains the belief that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Son whether on an eternal basis or just His work in the world then progress can be made towards conversion.

Jesus said, But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which PROCEEDTH from the Father, he shall testify of me. John 15:26 .

It is obvious and plain that the scriptures tell us the Holy Spirit that will testify of Jesus Christ proceeds from the Father. Plain as the nose on ones face. The only Holy Spirit that testifies of Jesus Christ proceeds from the Father, spoken by the mouth of the savior Himself. I can proof text this some more but that is not the point of this post. The point of this post is if you want the protestants to stop being rude so them the error and reason with them.

Of course this is just my opinion.

There is a scripture that tells us if we love our enemy that it pours hot coals over their heads (the love of God covers them). What better place to be than to be showered by the love of God? :D

Love them where they are.

In Christ

kyril

[Akathist]

closed for staff review.