To Nondenominationalists

[FreeinChrist]

Do you want this forum to become like the old General theology forum? Do you want anyone but anyone debating theolgy here?

Do you want proselytizing by aethieists, Mormons, JW's here?

The site wide rules do not prevent that.

I'd encourage you to prticipate in the wiki.
I am.

[arielette]

As long as people are polite I don't have a problem with anyone speaking their minds here....

[james415]

As long as people are polite I don't have a problem with anyone speaking their minds here....
I agree, polite and respectful would make the biggest difference.

[ALiberalTeen]

I don't have a problem with Mormons or JW's, or whoever coming in here as long as they treat everyone with respect

[zeke37]

How about a suggestion that only those who are non-denominational can start threads here!!!!?????

[arielette]

How about a suggestion that only those who are non-denominational can start threads here!!!!?????

Why do you think that would be a good idea? :)

[Godiswithus]

i think it is okay as long as people are not aggressive in trying to change others' faith, theological beliefs etc. you can tell if someone's goal is just to preach OR if someone is trying to discuss a topic anticipating to both learn from others and inform others. generally politeness is the most important.

[FreeinChrist]

So as long as they are "nice and polite" they can argue against the diety of Christ?

Or argue that God was once a man who was so good that he became god of his own planet- and that is possible for you too?

How many threads arguing against the existence of God should be allowed at one time?

I noticed that most of you who have responded so far have not been members long or haven't posted much.
I would also like to hear from some who have been around, who have experienced GT, for that is what will happen to this "congregational forum" if apathy continues here.

[arielette]

....I take your point....Maybe we should state our beliefs more clearly, (perhaps do a poll on it for some clarity)...and say something to the effect of:

We are a non-denominational forum that believes the the divinity of Christ and that the Bible is Word of God. While we welcome the chance to share our beliefs with those who are seeking spiritual truth, debating the validity of our faith is not welcome.

[pgp_protector]

As long as people are polite I don't have a problem with anyone speaking their minds here....

Can't rep so I'll quote.

I agree.
This site is the real world, we're inviting them into our site. lets actually welcome them.

[HypnoToad]

There are already plenty of areas in these forums for non-Christians to argue for their view.

As a congregational forum, this should be more of a safe haven for Christians, as a typical church actually is.

Anyone should be welcome for fellowship, but debating should be for Christians only, voting members should be Non-Denoms only. (Those with the generic Christian or Protestant icons can be Non-Denom also.)

[FreeinChrist]

Can't rep so I'll quote.

I agree.
This site is the real world, we're inviting them into our site. lets actually welcome them.
You can be welcoming without eliminating the congregational area as a forum for Nondenominationals to meet and fellowship and discuss and turning it into a forum like GT of old except also including all nonNicene and nonChristian debate.

For instance, you can limit debate in the main forum to nondenom only AND have a subforum called Ask a Nondenominational and allow debate in that forum. THEN there will be a safe haven for nondenom's and an area that will include all who want to post.


I really don't think that very many will be happy if this forum turns into a forum filled with debate about the existence of God, or about the deity of Christ, or debate by denominational members trying to proselytize folks.

[Spiritofprophecy]

Greetings in the Name of Jesus: :hug:

I agree in principle with the Original poster: there should be Non denominational rules against bad theological actions and words.

I suggest a "Parable of fruit tree rules". Which states all people posting must agree; that all those claiming Jesus as a God. Cannot be Judged as damned for doctrine shortfalls. To Not Judge as if God; on who is saved or not but only how: and all are part of Church; to speak on what sin and Gods words are saying to us.

I appreciate your thoughts and perspectives into this Rule. Based on " Parable of Fruit Tree". Judge the acts and words of men; sins. and Cannot Judge the salvation or tree; of fellow claimed Christians. Accept all in church, claiming Jesus as God.

I pray no one takes offense by my words, God bless C.F. and all who use it.:wave:

[New_Wineskin]

Do you want this forum to become like the old General theology forum? Do you want anyone but anyone debating theolgy here?

Do you want proselytizing by aethieists, Mormons, JW's here?

The site wide rules do not prevent that.

I'd encourage you to prticipate in the wiki.
I am.


Agreed .

[New_Wineskin]

Do you want this forum to become like the old General theology forum? Do you want anyone but anyone debating theolgy here?

Do you want proselytizing by aethieists, Mormons, JW's here?

The site wide rules do not prevent that.

I'd encourage you to prticipate in the wiki.
I am.

Ok . Where is the wiki ? There is no link in your post and I couldn't find one in the stickies .

[HypnoToad]

It's not in the Non-Denominational forum. All the denominational wikis are in the Congregational section, in the Ecumenical Forums Wiki

[Zecryphon]

How about a suggestion that only those who are non-denominational can start threads here!!!!?????
What's the reasoning behind that? What if I have a question about some point of non-denom doctrine and wish to start a thread about it? Why should I not be allowed to do so?

[Zecryphon]

You can be welcoming without eliminating the congregational area as a forum for Nondenominationals to meet and fellowship and discuss and turning it into a forum like GT of old except also including all nonNicene and nonChristian debate.

For instance, you can limit debate in the main forum to nondenom only AND have a subforum called Ask a Nondenominational and allow debate in that forum. THEN there will be a safe haven for nondenom's and an area that will include all who want to post.


I really don't think that very many will be happy if this forum turns into a forum filled with debate about the existence of God, or about the deity of Christ, or debate by denominational members trying to proselytize folks.
"I really don't think that very many will be happy if this forum turns into a forum filled with debate about the existence of God, or about the deity of Christ, or debate by denominational members trying to proselytize folks."

But isn't that very situation the reason for the great soul harvest everyone is hoping will take place under this new vision? How do you know who to witness to, if you don't know who denies the existence of God, the deity of Christ, and who comes here prosyletizing for atheism or other non-belief stances? It seems very hypcritical to me to allow only one group the ability to prosyletize, in this case Christians can preach to the unsaved and try and convert them, but the unsaved can not try and convert the Christian to non-belief.

[FreeinChrist]

"I really don't think that very many will be happy if this forum turns into a forum filled with debate about the existence of God, or about the deity of Christ, or debate by denominational members trying to proselytize folks."

But isn't that very situation the reason for the great soul harvest everyone is hoping will take place under this new vision? How do you know who to witness to, if you don't know who denies the existence of God, the deity of Christ, and who comes here prosyletizing for atheism or other non-belief stances? It seems very hypcritical to me to allow only one group the ability to prosyletize, in this case Christians can preach to the unsaved and try and convert them, but the unsaved can not try and convert the Christian to non-belief.

"It seems very hypcritical to me to allow only one group the ability to prosyletize, in this case Christians can preach to the unsaved and try and convert them, but the unsaved can not try and convert the Christian to non-belief."

Wow, I can't believe a Christian would advocate that. (No, I am not saying you aren't a Christian).
This IS the Nondenominational congregational forum. And as a Nondenom church would not allow an athiest in to try and convert folks away from Christ, I see no reason why it should be allowed here.

AND you are Lutheran. I note that your own forum limits debate by nonLutherans.

this is a decision that needs to be made by Nondenominationalists, including folks like me who identify as a denom. in theology (Baptist for me) but attend a nondenom church (and hav for 15 years.)

[zeke37]

http://www.christianforums.com/clear.gifNon-denominational (http://www.christianforums.com/f11-non-denominational.html)
The forum for non-denominational Christians


This forum is under the Congregation heading....

I do not venture into the Pentacostal /Charismatic section and preach to them, nor to the Catholics...etc....there are many places where we can all come together to exchange theology and doctrine....and everyone has a home...

including the non-denom's.....

This is ours.



Maybe only non-denom's should debate here...

[Zecryphon]

"It seems very hypcritical to me to allow only one group the ability to prosyletize, in this case Christians can preach to the unsaved and try and convert them, but the unsaved can not try and convert the Christian to non-belief."

Wow, I can't believe a Christian would advocate that. (No, I am not saying you aren't a Christian).
This IS the Nondenominational congregational forum. And as a Nondenom church would not allow an athiest in to try and convert folks away from Christ, I see no reason why it should be allowed here.

AND you are Lutheran. I note that your own forum limits debate by nonLutherans.

this is a decision that needs to be made by Nondenominationalists, including folks like me who identify as a denom. in theology (Baptist for me) but attend a nondenom church (and hav for 15 years.)
"It seems very hypcritical to me to allow only one group the ability to prosyletize, in this case Christians can preach to the unsaved and try and convert them, but the unsaved can not try and convert the Christian to non-belief."

"Wow, I can't believe a Christian would advocate that. (No, I am not saying you aren't a Christian)."

No, of course you're not.

"This IS the Nondenominational congregational forum. And as a Nondenom church would not allow an athiest in to try and convert folks away from Christ, I see no reason why it should be allowed here."

Think of it as the free and open exchange of ideas. But before we get into a big discussion of why it should be allowed or why it should not be allowed, I think it would be wise to define a couple of terms. Where is the line drawn on prosyletization for instance? When does sharing your opinion or what you believe with another person, become trying to convert someone? This is important for both sides to know. I used to mod a forum that allowed prosyletization on both sides, both for the Christian and atheist. In my 8 months as a mod in that forum I never saw anyone switch sides. The atheist never became a Christian and the Christian never became an atheist. So, I see no reason not to allow an atheist the same freedom here that a Christian has. The atheist will see this protection of Christians as a weakness on our part. We can dish it out to them, but we can't take it in return from them.

"AND you are Lutheran. I note that your own forum limits debate by nonLutherans."

You need to decide what is best for your forum based upon your needs. You should not be influenced by what we have done. For this decision on debating you need to define debating. Is simply exchanging differing ideas or opinions on the scriptures or Christianity considered a debate?

"this is a decision that needs to be made by Nondenominationalists, including folks like me who identify as a denom. in theology (Baptist for me) but attend a nondenom church (and hav for 15 years.)"

I agree the non-denoms need to make the decision. I am offering my experiences in this area only, so that the non-denoms may consider more possibilities and be exposed to new ways of looking at this situation and make a more informed decision.

[Zecryphon]

http://www.christianforums.com/clear.gifNon-denominational (http://www.christianforums.com/f11-non-denominational.html)
The forum for non-denominational Christians


This forum is under the Congregation heading....

I do not venture into the Pentacostal /Charismatic section and preach to them, nor to the Catholics...etc....there are many places where we can all come together to exchange theology and doctrine....and everyone has a home...

including the non-denom's.....

This is ours.



Maybe only non-denom's should debate here...
"This forum is under the Congregation heading...."

Sure is.

"I do not venture into the Pentacostal /Charismatic section and preach to them, nor to the Catholics...etc....there are many places where we can all come together to exchange theology and doctrine....and everyone has a home..."

How am I preaching? I'm sharing an opinion and my experiences with atheists in the past and giving you all an insight into how they view Christians who put these kinds of protections in place. I thought this input would be welcomed and that the people here could benefit from it. I see now that I was wrong.

"including the non-denom's.....

This is ours."

Then make an informed decision based upon all you have read here and consider all you have read. I believe the rest of your sentence is missing. Ya know, the part where you tell me to "get out" of your forum. LOL!

[Spiritofprophecy]

Greetings in the name of Jesus: :hug:

This Goes to the proselytizing of what some have said should be banned. Which I agree: And I find all voices of merit and value unto respect and discourse of spirit for this forum. May God bless you all.:thumbsup:

This means if you come to Non denominational chat: yet you only Proselytize and preach your truth: and take not questions or offer origins and verses to support;

Meaning, if you seek not Honorable discourse: but seek to only show contempt for others words and precepts and interpretations: then you are not here, in purpose of civilized discourse; but have your own agenda.

One should not post and continue to post in thread if one does not respond in respect and honor unto others whom respond in respect unto you.

I had one man who would not even Give the" translation of Bible he uses"

All should be welcome if they meet certain respectful and discourse rules; you cannot ignore others who ask pertinent questions; as if their words are worthless and precepts are contemptible.

As a rule, I would add any faith cannot in " non denominations forum" Openly say their denomination is the Only truth, without considerations for others being saved or of Gods Church. This would add more separation of Church not unifying it. Having strong rules about respecting others, and personal attacks.

One must Say, All who claim Jesus are with us. And No man or Denominations can claim another of faith is damned or cannot be saved. Which denies the validity of others words, and makes their meat contemptible to hear; if labeled outside God... People should only stick to Gods words and precepts; and No conclusions on who's saved: which is Gods Judgement alone; and specifically condemns actions, which Judge salvation of others. Judge not lest ye be Judged. Judge only their fruits and words related to Bible, and Judge not the man. " Parable of Fruit tree".

I pray my words do not offend, but this is my opinion of rules of NON denominational forum. :wave:
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[Spiritofprophecy]

Greetings in the name of Jesus: :)

I also would add: that Only Non denoms. should be of voting power in that forum. If not, then atheist or others could gang up and take over forum authority.

I pray my opinion does not offend any, God bless Christian Forum and all who use it. :wave:
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[zeke37]

Zecryphon,

All I am trying to get across is that I would enjoy having a forum free of the traditional teachings of the church systems... vbmenu_register("postmenu_37416196", true); I do not want someone to come here and discuss how we should all strive for speaking in the charismatic tongue so we can be baptized, nor about how it is OK to pray to Mary, or a plethora of other subjects that there are many places here to discuss...

If there are non-demon's out there with questions, then by all means they can ask them here or elsewhere ....



but I think you get my point.

and I never wished you OFF "my" forum...lol.


in His service
c

[Zecryphon]

Zecryphon,

All I am trying to get across is that I would enjoy having a forum free of the traditional teachings of the church systems... vbmenu_register("postmenu_37416196", true); I do not want someone to come here and discuss how we should all strive for speaking in the charismatic tongue so we can be baptized, nor about how it is OK to pray to Mary, or a plethora of other subjects that there are many places here to discuss...

If there are non-demon's out there with questions, then by all means they can ask them here or elsewhere ....



but I think you get my point.

and I never wished you OFF "my" forum...lol.


in His service
c
I understand now what you are saying Zeke. I have long felt that the non-denom forum needs to declare what it means to be non-denominational and what doctrines and teachings the non-denominational church as a whole, at least as it pertains to this forum, confesses. I don't know if that will ever be possible given the great variety of differing beliefs that can be observed by going to various non-denom churches in real life, some are conservative, some are moderate, some are liberal. How do you satisfy all those groups with a core set of beliefs? That's something you'll have to answer for yourself.

[Elife3]

As long as we show respect and that non-Christians respect our beliefs, then what's the problem?

[Zecryphon]

As long as we show respect and that non-Christians respect our beliefs, then what's the problem?
The problem is that non-Christians typically do not respect your beliefs. They respect your right to believe as you do, but not your beliefs. They think your beliefs are silly when critical thinking skills are applied. Since they are the "brights" and we are the "dims", they're smart, we're stupid, silly ideas such as ours deserve no respect from them and therefore they will not give any. This is a generalization based upon what I have experienced in the past. There are some non-believers who are genuinely seeking and are curious, but for the most part, that is not the case.

[ALiberalTeen]

The problem is that non-Christians typically do not respect your beliefs. They respect your right to believe as you do, but not your beliefs. They think your beliefs are silly when critical thinking skills are applied. Since they are the "brights" and we are the "dims", they're smart, we're stupid, silly ideas such as ours deserve no respect from them and therefore they will not give any. This is a generalization based upon what I have experienced in the past. There are some non-believers who are genuinely seeking and are curious, but for the most part, that is not the case.
Really?

I think most non-Christians do respect people beliefs

[Zecryphon]

Really?

I think most non-Christians do respect people beliefs
I've talked to many atheists in other forums and what they, as a group, respect is your right to hold your beliefs, but not the beliefs themselves.

[Adonaijah]

I haven't been here very long, but the reason I came was because it was christian. If everyone was allowed was allowed what would make this site any different from other sites. there are tons of secular chat rooms, most I have went into become filled with filthy talk and things of that nature. I want a chatroom with people of the same faith and morals. i want the focus of our discussions to be on God and how our faith is part of our lives like breathing instead of like a hobby or just some topic for a debate.

[Spiritofprophecy]

The problem is that non-Christians typically do not respect your beliefs. They respect your right to believe as you do, but not your beliefs. They think your beliefs are silly when critical thinking skills are applied. Since they are the "brights" and we are the "dims", they're smart, we're stupid, silly ideas such as ours deserve no respect from them and therefore they will not give any. This is a generalization based upon what I have experienced in the past. There are some non-believers who are genuinely seeking and are curious, but for the most part, that is not the case.
greetings in the name of jesus:

Its a wonderful depiction of man and his arrogance of other beliefs, Although I believe that many groups have the " bright and dim light" mentality:

The truth is that all who believe in their creed have the bright light mentality. Some lights are brighter to the owner and see others as dimmer. Hard line Catholics think they are Gods only bright light and all others are candles under a bucket. But it is not all.

But on Atheists, that depiction is appropriate, for they do believe they have God like all knowing wisdom. That they Know it all.

And Christians the closer to God the more humble and unassuming subservient they become. At least the ones I know.
But " bright lights and dim lights" seems to fit all men, with vanity of themselves.

But it was accurate, and a nice post to read. well done.

I pray my words do not offend, God bless C.F. and all who use it.