What are we supposed to do?

[Colabomb]

Those of us who disagree with the new rules are being characterized as closeminded exclusivists. A dear sister of ours is considering deconversion because of how she hates our "exclusivity".

WHat are we supposed to do, not discuss our disagreement? Not put forward our own ideas for the forum? Are we supposed to stay quiet and let everyone else run the board in fear of offending others and causing deconversion? Many of us are truly distressed by this.

What would you have us do?

[Fish and Bread]

Jesus was a member of the same dining group as prostitutes and tax collectors who shared an interest in his teachings and in dinner. I think perhaps it might be worth considering that it might not be so bad to be in the same posting group as liberals or people you consider unorthodox who share an interest in the same topics as you.

Keep in mind two things:
1) This group isn't a church, so by having broad inclusive posting and membership rules, you're in no way saying that's how the church should or shouldn't operate, or making a comment on who is part of the "City of God" and who is part of the "City of Man".
2) By allowing inclusive rules, you're not giving up the right to your opinions that people should believe in what you believe, you're just saying they can be members of our forum "club" and post here.

Maybe looking at it that way would help?

[Inside Edge]

Oh for the love of all that is Holy, Cola. I can't believe you're taking this so seriously (i.e. to heart).

This is not going to sound nice, but at least in my head, it's meant as advice.

1. It's an internet board. Let some of it go.

2. From what I gather, the rule changes state pretty clearly that it's time for us all to set up our own rules. The slate is as clean as we want it to be and we all have (technically speaking) equal input.

3. Someone is talking about leaving the faith because you don't like the changes? That person needs help and nothing your complain about (or don't complain about) will change that. If their faith is such that people on a message board bickering causes them to lose it - well, it wasn't really faith, then, anyway.

4. Channel your discontent or angst or whatever into something productive. Push for rules you want to see implemented or retained. If you're really bothered by a new rule or lack of one, ask people how on earth they could suggest such a thing and read their replies thoroughly. When something is being discussed that you have an opinion about, state your case.

In the past few days, it seems to me you've spent way more time complaining and lamenting the changes than actually being part of making the changes (even if that means trying to conserve things as they were). You're appear to be on the border of freaking out the way a 13 year old girl would after her 2 best friends inform her that she is now odd girl out.

Life's gonna go on, bro, and STR is in all likelihood going to look an awful lot like it did before. The more you worry about it the worse it's going to seem and instead of helping rebuild the boat you'll have spent all your time/energy lamenting how nice the old one looked.

I totally understand that one of your (if not your biggest) complaint is that the CF didn't need this kind of change in the first place. We heard you. Now you're complaining about how people are bothered by your complaining, and now you're frustrated because you feel like you can't complain.

You're allowed to complain. You did so, fervently. We heard. What's done is done and it's time to get on with settling things down - make yourself a part of the process, it'll benefit everyone, and probably alleviate a lot of your frustration.

[Albion]

Those of us who disagree with the new rules are being characterized as closeminded exclusivists. A dear sister of ours is considering deconversion because of how she hates our "exclusivity".

WHat are we supposed to do, not discuss our disagreement? Not put forward our own ideas for the forum? Are we supposed to stay quiet and let everyone else run the board in fear of offending others and causing deconversion? Many of us are truly distressed by this.

What would you have us do?

I think your concerns are valid. OTOH, I tend to agree with those who say that, in the end, not much is likely to change except that some people will go outside their normal orbit. That doesn't mean that they will be more than a nuisance. For one thing, if any statement of principles is made the prerequisite, anyone can claim to believe in it while redefining every word in it for themselves, just as is done with the Articles of Religion now.

[Fish and Bread]

I think your concerns are valid. OTOH, I tend to agree with those who say that, in the end, not much is likely to change except that some people will go outside their normal orbit. That doesn't mean that they will be more than a nuisance. For one thing, if any statement of principles is made the prerequisite, anyone can claim to believe in it while redefining every word in it for themselves, just as is done with the Articles of Religion now.
Actually, it is those of us who are the most honest with our disagreements who lose out when a statement of principles or creeds becomes the criteria for membership. The people who agree with the principles or creeds and the people who are willing to craftily interpret the principles or creeds to say the opposite of whatever they say are the ones who get to stay. People like me who honestly disagree just aren't welcome. I find that sad.

[Albion]

Actually, it is those of us who are the most honest with our disagreements who lose out when a statement of principles or creeds becomes the criteria for membership. The people who agree with the principles or creeds and the people who are willing to craftily interpret the principles or creeds to say the opposite of whatever they say are the ones who get to stay. People like me who honestly disagree just aren't welcome. I find that sad.

Oh, I think you are welcome, but how anyone can make the boxes that each of us is permitted into, I have no idea. I support Colabomb in at least wanting to try to make sense of it all.

[longhair75]

Those of us who disagree with the new rules are being characterized as closeminded exclusivists. A dear sister of ours is considering deconversion because of how she hates our "exclusivity".

WHat are we supposed to do, not discuss our disagreement? Not put forward our own ideas for the forum? Are we supposed to stay quiet and let everyone else run the board in fear of offending others and causing deconversion? Many of us are truly distressed by this.

What would you have us do?
Friend Colabomb

I am not by any means thinking you are closeminded. I welcome your discussion about your disagreement, and I think you should contribute your ideas as to how the STR forum should take shape.

I don't think anyone wants you to do anything different. We all have an opportunity to remake STR into the forum where we can all feel comfortable. your input is essential.

[Wigglesworth]

A dear sister of ours is considering deconversion because of how she hates our "exclusivity". . . . What would you have us do?

I can go over to OBOB to find out how to pronounce an anathema against deconverters.

[Albion]

anathema against deconverters.

I think they're a device you have to take with you if you want your electric shaver to work in Europe. Right?

[Wigglesworth]

I think they're a device you have to take with you if you want your electric shaver to work in Europe. Right?

The Amish and Orthodox Jews certainly do not approve of them. Why should we?

[Albion]

The Amish and Orthodox Jews certainly do not approve of them. Why should we?

All right then, for the sake of interfaith harmony, we're against deconverters. Glad we can all come together on something around here!