New sub-thread in the B/A area

[DeaconDean]

I was just thinking, since there is a little bit of controversy in the GT area, i.e. catholicism vs. protestantism in doctrines and theology, who would be favor of a sub-thread for new believers to the Anabaptist/Baptist faith to come and ask specific doctrinal/theoloical questions?

I don't know how you feel about it, but it is rather hard to drive home a Protestant doctrinal belief in the GT area without someone coming in and say something like "Calvinism is wrong", "There is no assurance outside of Catholicism." This could prove an obsticle for new believers.

So what do you think? Yea or Nay? Or leave it as it is?

[HumbleMan]

I think that is a good idea. At first, I was thinking that anyone could come in and ask a question, so there was no need for a sticky, but I realize that a lot of threads move off the first page quickly, and valuable information is lost because hardly anyone bothers to research past the first page.

Another sticky I'd like to see is one that a person can come to ask a question about their faith, and only ordained or active ministers can respond to. There have been times that I've seen someone ask a sincere question, to only have the thread devolve into a childish debate (and I've contributed to those on occasion, I'm sad to say).

[ZiSunka]

I'd be more in favor of a sticky and less in favor of a whole new subforum.

[newbeliever02072005]

Count me in.......I would be in favor of this.

Good idea DecanDean!

[edb19]

I was just thinking, since there is a little bit of controversy in the GT area, i.e. catholicism vs. protestantism in doctrines and theology, who would be favor of a sub-thread for new believers to the Anabaptist/Baptist faith to come and ask specific doctrinal/theoloical questions?

I don't know how you feel about it, but it is rather hard to drive home a Protestant doctrinal belief in the GT area without someone coming in and say something like "Calvinism is wrong", "There is no assurance outside of Catholicism." This could prove an obsticle for new believers.

So what do you think? Yea or Nay? Or leave it as it is?
sounds reasonable to me.

edie

[MrJim]

Well, DD, that's cool but know that those of us anabaptists might be putting in our thoughts that would be contrary to reformed teaching. Now, I'd like to think this would be presented here better than in that meat shop at GH but just something to think about.

The moldable minds of baby christians present a challenge for us in such a diverse forum as B/A. We have to be careful our disagreements don't sour them on the faith--it could and probably has happened.

[DeaconDean]

I thought it was a good idea myself. Would it help if in the sticky or "rule" of asking questions, the poster should state up front which theology or doctrine they need an answer for? That way we may avoid stepping on each others toes. And I want to thank each one of you who responded for the kind ideas and thoughts, why can't people come together and reach a reasonable concensus as we do here in the B/A threads? I know there is a bit of difference between the Northern Baptists and the Southern Baptists, and I wouldn't want to trip up a Anabaptist believer with Baptist theology. So what do the rest think? And if we can agree to this, how can we present this idea so that it might happen? Suggestions?

[HumbleMan]

How about start the thread with something like this:

This sticky is for specific questions regarding specific theological positions within the Baptist/AnaBaptist belief systems. No baiting or brinking allowed.

When asking your question, please state if you are seeking answers from a Reformed or non-Reformed, or from a OSAS or non-OSAS viewpoint, as these two views cover the vast majority of those who post here, and will keep responses limited to those who subscribe to that theological position.

Any non-specific questions are subject to a multitude of answers, and may cause even more confusion in the end.

We appreciate your queries, and look forward to trying to answer you questions.
_______________________________

[MrJim]

How about start the thread with something like this:

This sticky is for specific questions regarding specific theological positions within the Baptist/AnaBaptist belief systems. No baiting or brinking allowed.

When asking your question, please state if you are seeking answers from a Reformed or non-Reformed, or from a OSAS or non-OSAS viewpoint, as these two views cover the vast majority of those who post here, and will keep responses limited to those who subscribe to that theological position.

Any non-specific questions are subject to a multitude of answers, and may cause even more confusion in the end.

We appreciate your queries, and look forward to trying to answer you questions.
_______________________________

Sounds good to me, ya might mention the other official bodies represented: Anabaptist/Quaker/Brethren. You may want to emphasize "Reformed Baptist" or "Non-Reformed Baptist" since there is a difference in theology between "Reformed" and "Reformed Baptist".

Otherwise :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[HumbleMan]

Sounds good to me, ya might mention the other official bodies represented: Anabaptist/Quaker/Brethren. You may want to emphasize "Reformed Baptist" or "Non-Reformed Baptist" since there is a difference in theology between "Reformed" and "Reformed Baptist".

Otherwise :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Good points. And I apologize to the Quakers/Brethren who post here for not thinking about you when writing that. So few times does discussion occur concerning only Q/B beliefs, that I tend to think of us all as one body of believers.

[mesue]

yea :)

[JPPT1974]

Good points. And I apologize to the Quakers/Brethren who post here for not thinking about you when writing that. So few times does discussion occur concerning only Q/B beliefs, that I tend to think of us all as one body of believers.

Don't worry about it as we are all human my friend
No harm nor foul!

[edb19]

. . . . I tend to think of us all as one body of believers.

I think that's what we are:thumbsup:

edie

[DeaconDean]

Friends, brethren and sisters, I have submitted this on the Suggest New Forums threads. I hope this works out. Let us lift this to the Lord in prayer in the spirit of unity.

God Bless.

[MadFingerPainter]

Maybe try the sticky and if it goes well make a sub-forum? I'd like to have a place to go and ask questions and get answers from actual ministers/pastors as opposed to just anyone only to be told that anything I've been told is wrong or a lie. Plus I feel all the bickering creates confusion and doubt and makes it difficult to learn anything.

[DeaconDean]

I'd like to have a place to go and ask questions and get answers from actual ministers/pastors as opposed to just anyone only to be told that anything I've been told is wrong or a lie.

I was ordained a deacon in 2001. I was liscended to preach in 2003. If you have a question you would like answered, I can offer what I know. I have been a Christian for half of my 43, soon to be 44 years. I have a good grounding in the word and would like to help as much as possible. Although there are those who disagree with me, I can offer answers based on Baptist doctrine. I majored in theology in seminary, and am currently working on my Masters in Theology. If I can help, I will. If I can't give a sufficent answer, I can refer you to others to ask. That is the reason why we need a sub-forum in this area. For people like yourself to come and ask questions about Anabaptist theology or Doctrines, or Baptist theology and doctrines.

If I can help, feel free to ask.

[DeaconDean]

To all who read and agree, here is the link to my request. If you would, please go there and give your support.

http://www.christianforums.com/t3200596-anabaptist-baptist-theology.html

[MadFingerPainter]

Thank you Dean. I posted over there. Hope it helps. And maybe sometime when you have the time I do have some questions.

[Erinwilcox]

This is a great idea. SR has an "Ask a Calvinist" subforum. Perhaps the Reformed questions could be directed there (so as to save battling in B/A) and then maybe this could be our "Ask a B/A" subforum. I found that the one in SR has been very helpful in enabling people to post their questions without detracting from the overall climate of wholesome, loving fellowship in the regular forum. Great idea!

[MadFingerPainter]

what is SR?

[edb19]

what is SR?


Semper Reformanda - its the forum for Calvinist/Reformed theology. A lot of Baptists are Reformed Baptists so we frequent both forums.

edie

[HypoTypoSis]

Sounds good to me, ya might mention the other official bodies represented: Anabaptist/Quaker/Brethren. You may want to emphasize "Reformed Baptist" or "Non-Reformed Baptist" since there is a difference in theology between "Reformed" and "Reformed Baptist".

Otherwise :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Then stickys are needed listing the various statements of faith and core beliefs at the top of each.

Many, particularly, most of the younger ones, havent a clue as to the differences between each denominational belief and statements of faith; and much of the majority have no idea why they believe what they believe; instead, like most, they are still, as the scriptures instruct us, working out their faith.

HypoTypoSis

[mlqurgw]

The only other suggestion I would make is that there be no debate allowed in it. All debates concerning the answers to questions must be taken to another thread in the proper place for debate. The person asking may seek clarification but not dispute answers. :)

[HypoTypoSis]

So far, it appears there are four actual suggestions that have been tendered:

1. sub-thread for new believers to the Anabaptist/Baptist faith
2. only ordained or active ministers can respond
3. stickys listing the various statements of faith
4. no debate allowed

[JPPT1974]

So far, it appears there are four actual suggestions that have been tendered:

1. sub-thread for new believers to the Anabaptist/Baptist faith
2. only ordained or active ministers can respond
3. stickys listing the various statements of faith
4. no debate allowed

Those indeed sound like good ones too!:amen:

[DeaconDean]

Agreed to one extent. Since I'm not ordained as a minister but have been licensed to preach by my church, and I am ordained as a Deacon in my church, would that exclude or include me? For it is my honest desire to help my fellow Baptists. No poke at my Anabaptist friends, just that I'm not 100% sure about their doctrines, so I wouldn't presume to answer for them. The way I see it, if I help just one of my fellow brethren or sisters, then all the time I put in here, night after night, is worth it all.

[DeaconDean]

How about just like the SR threads, we have two areas which are labled

"Ask a Baptist"

and

"Ask an Anabaptist"

?

[HypoTypoSis]

Agreed to one extent. Since I'm not ordained as a minister but have been licensed to preach by my church, and I am ordained as a Deacon in my church, would that exclude or include me? For it is my honest desire to help my fellow Baptists. No poke at my Anabaptist friends, just that I'm not 100% sure about their doctrines, so I wouldn't presume to answer for them. The way I see it, if I help just one of my fellow brethren or sisters, then all the time I put in here, night after night, is worth it all.

Well, I'm not sure now, it seems the rules are starting to confuse things. What would the scriptural thing to do be? If sheepskin qualifications and fellowman approval seem to be the divisive issues what would Jesus do? As far as that goes what were His learned qualifications that would put Him by man's standards and requirements at the head of the class?

HypoTypoSis

[DeaconDean]

(Bump)

[mlqurgw]

Well, I'm not sure now, it seems the rules are starting to confuse things. What would the scriptural thing to do be? If sheepskin qualifications and fellowman approval seem to be the divisive issues what would Jesus do? As far as that goes what were His learned qualifications that would put Him by man's standards and requirements at the head of the class?

HypoTypoSisWell if it takes a degree or even schooling of any kind that leaves me out. If you must have had an ordination of some kind by men it also leaves me out. Yet I am asked almost every weekend to preach somewhere.

[DeaconDean]

Well if it takes a degree or even schooling of any kind that leaves me out. If you must have had an ordination of some kind by men it also leaves me out. Yet I am asked almost every weekend to preach somewhere.

Hey friend, as far as I am concerned, you have nothing, I mean nothing to prove to me. You should be included, and I mean that sincerely.

"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." -1 Cor. 1:21

God Bless
DD