Run. Don't walk. And most certainly don't look back.

[nyj]

I made this post in the Support section, but I'll post it here as well.

As a Christian ... am I responsible for the fate of those I interact with? If I pass something by which is detrimental to my fellow man, without making an effort to correct the injustice ... am I responsible? Likewise, if I make an incorrect stand, which proves detrimental to my fellow man ... am I responsible?

As I live my life, I must make these decisions almost on a daily basis. And that is tough enough.

Add this "virtual world" with real people, and there is simply too much to process. When you add in the additional spiritual factor (and eternity), such as what we deal with on this MB ... my gut twists , and my mind tells me (actually, at this point it's screaming) that I'm in too deep.

I'm getting out.

I've been thinking about this for awhile, and I've actually discussed with a close friend about these very issues. I've been of the mind that the internet can serve as a very detrimental tool to our faith. Places which especially dissect religion, theology, faith ... essentially anonymously ... can be dangerous traps. I've had my faith shaken, stirred and all but torn apart many a time during my stay on the internet. Nowadays, I think I'm stuck in more of an apathetic mood.

I've got too much to live for. I think we all have too much to live for. Eternity!

If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out!

Or, to put a new spin on it ... keep the eye from seeing that which offends and tempts!

I don't expect a mass exodus to result from this post. I'm just saying good-bye to the people who I've grown fond of in the past few months. I wish you all the best of luck, but I urge you to be cautious ... and to supplement the friendships you've developed here, with friendships in real life situations.

Be active in your church/parish.

Avoid past temptations, both on the internet and in real life.

And most importantly, walk always with God.

God bless you and yours,
Tom (nyj)

[Time2BCounted]

My friend,
Have you considered the possibility that since you see this, you may now be responsible to stay to help guard those who do not see?

Reconsider, i dont know God's will for your life, but i do know you would likely serve others who dont see, better by staying.

[JoeWill]

I made this post in the Support section, but I'll post it here as well.



I've been thinking about this for awhile, and I've actually discussed with a close friend about these very issues. I've been of the mind that the internet can serve as a very detrimental tool to our faith. Places which especially dissect religion, theology, faith ... essentially anonymously ... can be dangerous traps. I've had my faith shaken, stirred and all but torn apart many a time during my stay on the internet. Nowadays, I think I'm stuck in more of an apathetic mood.

I've got too much to live for. I think we all have too much to live for. Eternity!

If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out!

Or, to put a new spin on it ... keep the eye from seeing that which offends and tempts!

I don't expect a mass exodus to result from this post. I'm just saying good-bye to the people who I've grown fond of in the past few months. I wish you all the best of luck, but I urge you to be cautious ... and to supplement the friendships you've developed here, with friendships in real life situations.

Be active in your church/parish.

Avoid past temptations, both on the internet and in real life.

And most importantly, walk always with God.

God bless you and yours,
Tom (nyj)

I agree with you a fair bit.

I think it is possible to get drawn into spending vast amounts of time in cyberspace, when that time could be spent more profitably by being active in one's parish.

Also, that fellowship on the net is no substitute for face-to-face fellowship. Jesus said that whenever two or three Christians are gathered in his name, he would be there with them. I get a much stronger sense of that when Christians really are gathered together, say, in a room. I have never feel it strongly when we are 'gathered' on this forum.

On one or two occasions I felt that God has given me a task to do on the net, and living alone, there are times when I appreciate the communication here (as I write my dissertation in another window).

Still, there is a lot in what you say.

[GreenMunchkin]

I made this post in the Support section, but I'll post it here as well.



I've been thinking about this for awhile, and I've actually discussed with a close friend about these very issues. I've been of the mind that the internet can serve as a very detrimental tool to our faith. Places which especially dissect religion, theology, faith ... essentially anonymously ... can be dangerous traps. I've had my faith shaken, stirred and all but torn apart many a time during my stay on the internet. Nowadays, I think I'm stuck in more of an apathetic mood.

I've got too much to live for. I think we all have too much to live for. Eternity!

If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out!

Or, to put a new spin on it ... keep the eye from seeing that which offends and tempts!

I don't expect a mass exodus to result from this post. I'm just saying good-bye to the people who I've grown fond of in the past few months. I wish you all the best of luck, but I urge you to be cautious ... and to supplement the friendships you've developed here, with friendships in real life situations.

Be active in your church/parish.

Avoid past temptations, both on the internet and in real life.

And most importantly, walk always with God.

God bless you and yours,
Tom (nyj)
Changed mind. Will email :(

:hug::hug::hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

:( :hug:

[Auntie]

I made this post in the Support section, but I'll post it here as well.



I've been thinking about this for awhile, and I've actually discussed with a close friend about these very issues. I've been of the mind that the internet can serve as a very detrimental tool to our faith. Places which especially dissect religion, theology, faith ... essentially anonymously ... can be dangerous traps. I've had my faith shaken, stirred and all but torn apart many a time during my stay on the internet. Nowadays, I think I'm stuck in more of an apathetic mood.

I've got too much to live for. I think we all have too much to live for. Eternity!

If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out!

Or, to put a new spin on it ... keep the eye from seeing that which offends and tempts!

I don't expect a mass exodus to result from this post. I'm just saying good-bye to the people who I've grown fond of in the past few months. I wish you all the best of luck, but I urge you to be cautious ... and to supplement the friendships you've developed here, with friendships in real life situations.

Be active in your church/parish.

Avoid past temptations, both on the internet and in real life.

And most importantly, walk always with God.

God bless you and yours,
Tom (nyj)



God love you, nyj. :hug:

I have learned a lot from you. Your leadership, and your guidance, will not be soon forgotten.
:(


I will keep you in my heart, always. :crossrc:


Thank you for having the courage to do God's will. I pray I may soon be able to follow your lead.

:crossrc:

[Lisa0315]

Well, what can I say? I strongly disagree, but then, those are my convictions, not yours. Go with God. :hug: You are always welcome back.


Lisa

[3girls2dogs]

By nyj. You don't know it, I'm sure, but you have always been one of my favorite people, since my very first encounter with you. Your avatar of your dog made me feel like this might be a place where there were others like me. Sounds silly, now, I'm sure, but true nonetheless.

Good luck, and I wish you a most happy and blessed marriage.

[Andy Broadley]

The harveast is white and the labourers are few.

We need you Tom.

[Auntie]

I think he is gone. :(

His mod statis is gone.

God bless you, and go with you Tom.:crossrc:

We travel a dark night.:(

[Andy Broadley]

I think he is gone. :(

His mod statis is gone.

God bless you, and go with you Tom.:crossrc:

We travel a dark night.:(


Remember what David said Auntie?

Yea though I make my bed in hell.....


THOU ART THERE!

[Rep Daddy]

I think he is gone. :(

His mod statis is gone.

God bless you, and go with you Tom.:crossrc:

We travel a dark night.:(

Tom resigned... a sad day for this place. He and frumanchu were awesome in theology as Admins. He has my great respect.

I think I will take a break from posting while I reassess my involvement here. I'll check and respond to PMs.

I appreciate the good folks of this forum.

Steve

[bill16652]

I am saddened by this and he is not the only good one we have lost. It only reaffirms what I believe everyone here will eventually have to face. Will I stay and by staying support this board or will I leave to a more Christian board? This is not because of the people I am around but rather the policies, ever shifting, ever changiing, that are moving us further and further away from what we should be as a board. I have felt this for awhile and joined where auntie is but am still here fighting, just dont know for how much longer as this gets sadder every day.

[GreenMunchkin]

But look who's now a SuperA. If we all leave, what will become of the people who are lost or the people who are searching? This is a prinicpality that we have to come against and we can't do that from somewhere else.

[bill16652]

But look who's now a SuperA. If we all leave, what will become of the people who are lost or the people who are searching? This is a prinicpality that we have to come against and we can't do that from somewhere else.Actually we can this is not the only board on the net, there reaches a point where to fight and stay will only encourage the policies to continue to move further away and gives this place an air of Christian. Not quite to that point but am fast approaching it and have even left for a little. Call it what you want, say it isnt so, but the forces of darkness are pushing for more and more and they are getting it.

[GreenMunchkin]

Actually we can this is not the only board on the net, there reaches a point where to fight and stay will only encourage the policies to continue to move further away and gives this place an air of Christian. Not quite to that point but am fast approaching it and have even left for a little. Call it what you want, say it isnt so, but the forces of darkness are pushing for more and more and they are getting it.I agree with that whole-heartedly :( It feels a little like we're in a rowing boat, trying to bail water, while more keeps coming in.

The only thing that worries me is the more people leave, the fewer there are to stand up for what's right, and the fewer people there are to hold the place accountable.

[Melethiel]

Tom resigned... a sad day for this place. He and frumanchu were awesome in theology as Admins. He has my great respect.

He was. I firmly believe that his and fru's leadership was what made the Theology forums what they are.

Sorry to see you go Tom, although I understand exactly where you are coming from.

[ContentInHim]

I am saddened by this and he is not the only good one we have lost. It only reaffirms what I believe everyone here will eventually have to face. Will I stay and by staying support this board or will I leave to a more Christian board? This is not because of the people I am around but rather the policies, ever shifting, ever changiing, that are moving us further and further away from what we should be as a board. I have felt this for awhile and joined where auntie is but am still here fighting, just dont know for how much longer as this gets sadder every day.
Bill, if you leave, I would like to know where you go. THX!

[Rep Daddy]

Tom resigned... a sad day for this place. He and frumanchu were awesome in theology as Admins. He has my great respect.

I think I will take a break from posting while I reassess my involvement here. I'll check and respond to PMs.

I appreciate the good folks of this forum.

Steve

On second thought, truth is worth contending for in any location. I will continue to post as I think appropriate.

Truth does not take Sabbaticals.


dretevj

[Criada]

On second thought, truth is worth contending for in any location. I will continue to post as I think appropriate.

Truth does not take Sabbaticals.


dretevj
:hug: :hug:

[annie1speed]

Question: Is your glass half-empty or half-full?

We can look at the internet as a very dark place with lots of areas where we can be tempted and lots of ugly images with wich we can pollute our minds.

Or we can look at the internet, particularly this forum (even though it has changed) as an opportunity to share our light with the world. We can influence people to dwell on good and pure and lovely and holy things. It is an opportunity for evangelism.

There are at least two ways to look at everything. It is all in how you look at it. It is all in our attitudes.

Annie

[Criada]

Question: Is your glass half-empty or half-full?

We can look at the internet as a very dark place with lots of areas where we can be tempted and lots of ugly images with wich we can pollute our minds.

Or we can look at the internet, particularly this forum (even though it has changed) as an opportunity to share our light with the world. We can influence people to dwell on good and pure and lovely and holy things. It is an opportunity for evangelism.

There are at least two ways to look at everything. It is all in how you look at it. It is all in our attitudes.

Annie
Amen! :hug:

[KarenJoy]

On second thought, truth is worth contending for in any location. I will continue to post as I think appropriate.

Truth does not take Sabbaticals.


dretevj

:hug:

So glad to hear this

BTW I loved it the other day when you signed a post, as
'Pastor Steve'

[Rep Daddy]

:hug:

So glad to hear this

BTW I loved it the other day when you signed a post, as
'Pastor Steve'

Thanks,
Pastor Steve :wave:

[Lisa0315]

Thanks,
Pastor Steve :wave:

Yes, you are "my" pastor here. Regardless of what the three year olds think.

Lisa

[Rep Daddy]

Yes, you are "my" pastor here. Regardless of what the three year olds think.

Lisa

ROTFL

I am honored.

[Rochir]

nm

[Lisa0315]

Adn who would they be?:scratch:

Private joke.

Lisa

[GreenMunchkin]

Tom may have had it right, you know. Mac is a *wonderful* addition to Omega; the other one is an absolute *disaster*. Shocked that such an appalling decision would be made.

[bill16652]

This is one of the reasons that recall should be sitewide

[Nicki4Christ]

I will miss you Nyj,

God Bless You.

I pray you and the Mrs. keep the joy in your heart everyday.

(On a side note, I am confused.:scratch: ) I did not log on this weekend and come in today...:sigh:

[Gregged]

Question: Is your glass half-empty or half-full?

We can look at the internet as a very dark place with lots of areas where we can be tempted and lots of ugly images with wich we can pollute our minds.

Or we can look at the internet, particularly this forum (even though it has changed) as an opportunity to share our light with the world. We can influence people to dwell on good and pure and lovely and holy things. It is an opportunity for evangelism.

There are at least two ways to look at everything. It is all in how you look at it. It is all in our attitudes.

Annie

Yes, you can look on the bright side, and we should make the most of every opportunity - but while the few on here are doing that, there is disruption from others.

I use the example of the teen forum - I have a number of younger "buddies" from when I was active in the rec room games - who are wonderful people, and really running after God. Since the changes, I've heard it more than once that things can't be discussed as they used to - it isn't long before someone comes and disrupts the thread. It is no longer a safe environment. A recent effect of this was that a young in Christ teen joined the forum not so long ago, but found her faith decreasing with all that was going on in those threads- and so she left. How many others are being hurt or coming and seeing all that's going on and thinking "The world isn't wrong about "Christians", is it!":(

There are of course good stories too - as Lisa said about someone contacting her on something she had said ages ago, and making an effect in their lives (she tells the story better ;) ) But how many are put off? Personally, I am glad that this is no longer called Christianforums - changed when it couldn't even define a Christian. It's a shame that domain name still links here.

I'm glad that this is a very tiny drop in the ocean which is the internet. It has over 200,000 members, but how many of those are active? I've never seen anything close to the 6,554 online users back in April 2005. I just quickly looked at the members list and there are (this is a very conservative figure for a conservative forum ;)) of 64,000 members who have zero posts, who joined before Jan this year. There are tens of thousands more who have zero posts, or have 3 or 4 posts but joined back in 2003 or way back. Add to that the socks, and you probably have a regular membership of a fraction of that 200,000. And I'm glad in the sense that more aren't seeing all that goes on, or aren't putting money into this thing.

Yes, God is ultimately in control, but we are showing others Him, through us... except most of the forum doesn't show that. This little corner may be great, but how many seekers come this way? So, while there are still a few believing Christians here, we should pray that God brings those to the right places on the internet, where they will receive the answers that will point to Him, and if it's this forum, for them to know that we all need to only focus on Jesus, because He is not like the ugliness that is happening.