What's too much moderation

[Patrick1978]

I read the thread from Christian73. As a moderator, I'm sure it can be a tough job, but I think if someone who is not from the RM movement has a objection or question that may ruffles some feathers they should be allowed to voice their concerns.
I have learned so much from debating. Debating has turned my objections to approvals. If it wasn't for debating I would have never became a Christian. You never know who may be touched by this wonderful ministry opportunity we have here.
I attend the Churches of Christ. I would like some feedback from this thread. Christian73, I would like to hear your response also. The Bible teaches us to always be prepared to give an answer, and if we don't allow those with other opinions debate, I don't believe we can give an answer or a rebuttal.

Thank you so much and I love reading all the threads. God Bless you and our troops.

Patrick

[ParsonJefferson]

I read the thread from Christian73. As a moderator, I'm sure it can be a tough job, but I think if someone who is not from the RM movement has a objection or question that may ruffles some feathers they should be allowed to voice their concerns.
I have learned so much from debating. Debating has turned my objections to approvals. If it wasn't for debating I would have never became a Christian. You never know who may be touched by this wonderful ministry opportunity we have here.
I attend the Churches of Christ. I would like some feedback from this thread. Christian73, I would like to hear your response also. The Bible teaches us to always be prepared to give an answer, and if we don't allow those with other opinions debate, I don't believe we can give an answer or a rebuttal.

Thank you so much and I love reading all the threads. God Bless you and our troops.

Patrick

I see no reason why he shouldn't be allowed to post here - so long as it's for the purpose of debating, and not for the purpose of name-calling and antagonizing. :)

[JDIBe]

Patrick,

Although I understand and agree that a respectful discussion between people of different movements can be helpful to both involved, I have to disagree that this forum is too moderated.

1. Non-IM people are welcome to post here anytime. They are welcome to post a question or an objection. What they are not allowed to do (as we are not allowed to do in their forums) is debate. This is clearly stated in the rules of this forum and all others too. If someone comes in debating, they know (or should know) better.
2. Not everyone who goes to a different forum has good intentions. Some just like to argue for arguments sake. Some post just to offend and to watch the ensuing fireworks. Others have an ax to grind, or a specific pet peeve having nothing to do with the RM or Christianity in general. (such as Pres. Bush or the death penalty, for example) Most people, I believe, come to this board with honest intentions, but unfortunately the ones that do not seem to post more.
3. How do you stop those above? How do you consistently determine what is "offensive" and what is not? The easiest way is to simply limit debate to IM members. That way people have a stock in being respectful to each other instead of just doing their damage and moving on to the next board.
4. The moderators let many things go by that probably violate the policy already. I have no problem with that and think they, for the most part, use their discretion wisely, but I would hardly say this forum is "over-moderated".

There are a couple of things that could be done that might prove to be a good compromise.
1. Create a common space for all movements (call it "The Courtyard" or something) to get together and discuss issues on which we disagree.
2. Create a subforum within the RM forum with different rules on debate.

I would support either of these suggestions.

In the meantime, if you wish to discuss issues with non-IM members there are a couple of options open to you. One is the "non-denominational" forum. It is wild, quirky and sometimes fun. You never know what you will run into there. The other is the "Gen. Theology" forum.

Regardless of where you end up, welcome to CF and I hope you will use the RM forum as sort of your "home base" like most of us do.

[Patrick1978]

I agree w/ the rules of Christian forum, but I also think that we have to be aware that other views should be addressed or heard. I am saved b/c of a gracious man who voiced his oppositions and was crucified because of them. Although His crucifixion was planned before time, God used the hardheartedness of the Jews for the foundation of His plan.

I also agree w/ the idea of having a subforum strictly for debates w/ those outside of RM. What a great idea! I don't think this forum is overly moderated and I think our moderators do a superb job.

Again, I appreciate the input on the thread.

Patrick

[annie1speed]

Patrick you make a good point. Debate has so many positive effects. In working on debate with Lads to Leaders, I have watched some of the most scatterbrained giggly girls I have seen develop into confident, well informed, articulate young women. :)

JD has such a gift for distilling issues down to the heart of the matter. I think the subforum for debate is a very good idea. :thumbsup: What an opportunity to engage people of different faiths and share the purpose of the restoration movement! For this reason it should certainly remain a part of the restoration movement forum.

Two things will help this be a good thing. First, nothing positive is accomplished when we argue just to be arguing. Second - Truth will stand up to scrutiny. Honest debate is not something to avoid.

Annie

[FreeinChrist]

Closing for review

Please review the rule regarding congegational areas:

1.4 Congregational Areas

You may post in any of the Congregational Forums if you agree with the contents of the Nicene Creed and the Trinitarian nature of God, but you may not argue or debate with members of particular denominations and groups in their congregational areas unless you are a member of that particular denomination or group.

I realize only RM members have commented here, but am simply posting the rule i as to why nonnRM's cannot debate here.

BTW, christian73 is the Protestant admin in Theology now. I miss him here!

[FreeinChrist]

The thread is reopened.

AS the rules currently state, only RM members can debate within this forum. The rules would have to be changed for the whole congregational area for that to change.

I remember when we didn't have these forums for congregations and there was no 'safe haven' for groups to discuss their own beliefs - and it was nothing but debate/fighting. I've learned alot via debate with other denominational groups as well, but it is nice having a place to discuss beliefs without having to defend those beliefs constantly.

[annie1speed]

Forgive me for being dull. Does that mean a subforum is not an option?

[Splayd]

It's kinda covered in this subforum anyway: http://www.christianforums.com/f451-denomination-specific-theology.html

Peace

[FreeinChrist]

Forgive me for being dull. Does that mean a subforum is not an option?
Do you mean a subforum that allows for debate by nonRm members? I would think it would not be allowed ( and I am not the one who makes that decision).

An example of a subforum that relaxes the rules on debate a bit is this one:
http://www.christianforums.com/f493-ask-a-calvinist.html

However, even in it, debate by nonCalvinists are really not allowed.

[FreeinChrist]

It's kinda covered in this subforum anyway: http://www.christianforums.com/f451-denomination-specific-theology.html

Peace

yep! :thumbsup:

[christian73]

I read the thread from Christian73. As a moderator, I'm sure it can be a tough job, but I think if someone who is not from the RM movement has a objection or question that may ruffles some feathers they should be allowed to voice their concerns.
I have learned so much from debating. Debating has turned my objections to approvals. If it wasn't for debating I would have never became a Christian. You never know who may be touched by this wonderful ministry opportunity we have here.
I attend the Churches of Christ. I would like some feedback from this thread. Christian73, I would like to hear your response also. The Bible teaches us to always be prepared to give an answer, and if we don't allow those with other opinions debate, I don't believe we can give an answer or a rebuttal.

Thank you so much and I love reading all the threads. God Bless you and our troops.

Patrick
Patrick, sorry for not seeing this thread. As stated by FreeinChrist, I'm now longer in this forum.

You make some very good points. You are right in saying that being a mod is tough at times. However, being a mod means that we as staff are bound by, and have agreed to enforce the rules of CF. Non-RM people are welcome to post questions and learn about the RM movement. However, according to the rules, people who don't consider themselves part of the RM can't engage in debates in the congregational forums.

I hope this answers your question. If not, you can pm me and I'll answer anymore questions you might have. I was just made aware of your question, and wanted to give you the respect you deserve and respond to you.

Again, as stated, I'm on a different team and was not aware of this thread. I just wanted you to know that I was not avoiding you or ignoring you in any way.