Possitive Future for Conservative Christians

[JimfromOhio]

I believe it is time for us to bury our negative behaviors in the past and start looking into positive future.

Learning our mistakes are signs of two things.
First, it is a sign of God's working in our lives
Second, it is a sign that God wants us to do it differently next time

Quotes about "Learning from History".
"What I am great advocate of looking into the past, I could warn everybody against living in the past. The only justification for looking to the past is that we may learn great lessons from it and apply them" (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

By avoiding the mistakes of the past: "Those who fail to remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (George Santayana)

By repeating the victories of the past: "Those who fail to remember the past are condemned not to repeat it" (David B. Calhoun)

Romans 14:19
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

1 Corinthians 10:23All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Let's find ways to promote "Conservative Christians" with better reputation and that we are not closed minded.

We are not closed minded. I am open minded however, at the same time, I hate what God hate. I am not one of those who is "worldly minded". I am one of those who are "spiritually minded". The spiritual knowledge is received by faith. This knowledge consists of data given by divine revelation and received by the believing mind without proof that by faith, I trust based on God's Character and God's great faiths in the Biible.

We ourselves must keep in mind, and those we disciple, that truth is greater than our understanding of it. Our spiritual outlook is to be on God and trust that God's glory that will be revealed. We have to remind ourselves that if we frequently relive our reasons for discouragements, we will lose our positive spiritual direction. We need to focus in following God today and tomorrow. We just press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

Let's start talking about to "improve" Conservative Christians forum.:thumbsup:

[JimfromOhio]

No one wants to find ways?

[Voegelin]

The OP is based upon points which I do not concede. I am not going to explain why I am not "closed minded". I am not going to abase myself.

Hier steh’ ich

[Nadiine]

honestly, I think we need to just let this go right now & just BREATHE.
People are emotionally spent imho.

[edb19]

honestly, I think we need to just let this go right now & just BREATHE.
People are emotionally spent imho.

letting go is a step forward sometimes

[Nadiine]

letting go is a step forward sometimes
sorry I should have been more clear, I was mostly referring to his last paragraph:
Let's start talking about to "improve" Conservative Christians forum
We've already been this route for days and each thread pretty much ends in blowout right now.
I'm a little pooped & drained to start "talks" again.
:swoon: :help:

[~free~]

When I'm going through a really difficult time, I have a hard time seeing any solution to an end or change while in the midst of it. After a bit of time tho, looking back on the situation, I see what happened, why it happened and usually what I could have done different. I think we need to take some time for that to happen here.

[Nadiine]

When I'm going through a really difficult time, I have a hard time seeing any solution to an end or change while in the midst of it. After a bit of time tho, looking back on the situation, I see what happened, why it happened and usually what I could have done different. I think we need to take some time for that to happen here.
:thumbsup: At least some of us need that time... I agree.
To be honest, I'm unsure of what I want to do here in this section right now.
I don't know what Lee will change yet (if anything), I still don't think we came to a conclusion on WHAT the actual source of the problem is... (and am I ready to delve back into THAT mess again? :doh: :help: No I'm not).

I don't know what direction I want to go right now - I'm 'floating' along right now. I'm waiting for the Lord to lead me.
So if people here want to try these talks again... I may just sit on the sidelines this time.
I just don't know, I only know i'm not ready to FIX things that I don't even know what part is broken.
Let alone how to fix that.

[~free~]

:thumbsup: At least some of us need that time... I agree.
To be honest, I'm unsure of what I want to do here in this section right now.
I don't know what Lee will change yet (if anything), I still don't think we came to a conclusion on WHAT the actual source of the problem is... (and am I ready to delve back into THAT mess again? :doh: :help: No I'm not).

I don't know what direction I want to go right now - I'm 'floating' along right now. I'm waiting for the Lord to lead me.
So if people here want to try these talks again... I may just sit on the sidelines this time.
I just don't know, I only know i'm not ready to FIX things that I don't even know what part is broken.
Let alone how to fix that.
I agree, Nadiine. Trying to fix things hasn't been helping. I think that Jim is saying he things we should learn from this and move on from it. I agree.

[Nadiine]

I agree, Nadiine. Trying to fix things hasn't been helping. I think that Jim is saying he things we should learn from this and move on from it. I agree.
Ok, I didn't entirely grasp everything he was saying in all that.
Then again, different sides will probly "learn" different things LOL
:help: :tutu: HELP US LORD~~~

[RobNJ]

Then again, different sides will probly "learn" different things


Actually, as long as we keep looking at it as "sides" , we've learned nothing.

That "US" against "THEM" is the main cause of the sorry state of affairs, around here. :sigh:

[Nadiine]

Actually, as long as we keep looking at it as "sides" , we've learned nothing.

That "US" against "THEM" is the main cause of the sorry state of affairs, around here. :sigh:
Yet we all hold them - we all see a view. If you're neutral, it's still taking a side of neutrality.

The truth is, we can agree to disagree on things that aren't essential to salvation -- but the rub comes when a whole section is vying to set standards for itself.

Look at what happened to CF ~ 4U when it changed. It forced us into setting new rules and guidelines & statements of beliefs for EACH section that was being created or reestablished becuz Erwin yanked them.

When a group is forced to invent itself, you cannot just sit back & say "I'm neutral" and at the same time make guidelines, wiki's & rules to govern the area.
If a group of people are wanting to force something new or make a standard upon ALL members of an area, then how does one stay "neutral" if they differ from the viewpoint of those pushing another agenda that affects them (negatively)?

So I know what you're trying to say, but it's actually moot to say there shouldn't be sides... there HAVE to be sides in order to establish rules & guidelines in the format of the forum.
If you want to stay neutral, then you have to take whatever comes from the 2 involved "sides".

I also know of a church right now who's top leadership is in SIN - and is violating the regulations of church leadership - all who stand to oppose what they are doing GET FIRED from their positions as "usurpers" and "dividers".
Staying neutral in an environment isn't always the best thing. Sides are not always "bad". Why do we tend to see it that way? If one side is wrong (ie. what's being proposed is harmful in some way or unbiblical), then I'd HOPE we take a side and not be neutral.

The issue becomes disagreeing in a GODLY MANNER. Even the bible writers disagreed amongst themselves - and split up.

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

When I'm going through a really difficult time, I have a hard time seeing any solution to an end or change while in the midst of it. After a bit of time tho, looking back on the situation, I see what happened, why it happened and usually what I could have done different. I think we need to take some time for that to happen here.

Amen. :hug:

I agree, Nadiine. Trying to fix things hasn't been helping. I think that Jim is saying he things we should learn from this and move on from it. I agree.

That's what I think he's saying too. :)

[Albion]

A day of two ago, I got into a tiring and timeconsuming discussion about all the "sides" -- Liberals, Fundamentalists, CCs, and so on...

...and finally came to the conclusion that most of it was based upon misunderstanding.

How to resolve that, I haven't any idea, but I get the thought that we're not as divided as we think. If so, maybe just taking a "time out" IS the best way forward.

One problem I've always noticed is that there are few issues to discuss and yet we are a group that wants to deal in ideas. If someone could just put up a few "meaty" topics for discussion, we could work on them instead of organizational concerns.

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

A day of two ago, I got into a tiring and timeconsuming discussion about all the "sides" -- Liberals, Fundamentalists, CCs, and so on...

...and finally came to the conclusion that most of it was based upon misunderstanding.

How to resolve that, I haven't any idea, but I get the thought that we're not as divided as we think. If so, maybe just taking a "time out" IS the best way forward.

One problem I've always noticed is that there are few issues to discuss and yet we are a group that wants to deal in ideas. If someone could just put up a few "meaty" topics for discussion, we could work on them instead of organizational concerns.
:hug: :thumbsup:

[~free~]

A day of two ago, I got into a tiring and timeconsuming discussion about all the "sides" -- Liberals, Fundamentalists, CCs, and so on...

...and finally came to the conclusion that most of it was based upon misunderstanding.

How to resolve that, I haven't any idea, but I get the thought that we're not as divided as we think. If so, maybe just taking a "time out" IS the best way forward.

One problem I've always noticed is that there are few issues to discuss and yet we are a group that wants to deal in ideas. If someone could just put up a few "meaty" topics for discussion, we could work on them instead of organizational concerns.I agree!! :hug:

[Nadiine]

A day of two ago, I got into a tiring and timeconsuming discussion about all the "sides" -- Liberals, Fundamentalists, CCs, and so on...

...and finally came to the conclusion that most of it was based upon misunderstanding.
Misunderstanding... according to what or whom tho?
There WERE some misconceptions in some issues that I did see in the fundamentalist discussion specifically.

How to resolve that, I haven't any idea,
No one really does - & that's a problem.

but I get the thought that we're not as divided as we think.
It's like the political divide (in general) - liberals and conservatives mostly agree together on WHAT the problems are, the divide is in the actual paths taken to resolve those problems.

This is where genuine Christians can have real divides

If so, maybe just taking a "time out" IS the best way forward.
It seems to be since the result of 'lets fix it' threads have errupted into battle zones. :|

One problem I've always noticed is that there are few issues to discuss and yet we are a group that wants to deal in ideas. If someone could just put up a few "meaty" topics for discussion, we could work on them instead of organizational concerns.
worth a try if people are interested in chatting about them.
Who knows how they would turn out.

[Albion]

Misunderstanding... according to what or whom tho?
There WERE some misconceptions in some issues that I did see in the fundamentalist discussion specifically.

I don't think it would be helpful to go over that ground now. Suffice it to say that my conclusion after reading and re-reading and asking posters for clarification, etc. was that most of the "sides" thinking was based upon misunderstanding. Of course, someone else could well disagree with my conclusion, but that's mine.


worth a try if people are interested in chatting about them.
Who knows how they would turn out.

Alas, I'm not thinking of any good ones myself at this moment, or else I'd follow my own suggestion. Hopefully, someone else will do it, though. You know, questions about public policy and morals or some religious developments recently in the news, etc.

[Nadiine]

I don't think it would be helpful to go over that ground now. Suffice it to say that my conclusion after reading and re-reading and asking posters for clarification, etc. was that most of the "sides" thinking was based upon misunderstanding. Of course, someone else could well disagree with my conclusion, but that's mine.
Ok, thanks for clarifying that. Now I know what you're assessing & what it's based on.
I tend to agree on that too - I read the one on fundamentalism & saw some stuff that was concerning to me. :doh:


Alas, I'm not thinking of any good ones myself at this moment, or else I'd follow my own suggestion. Hopefully, someone else will do it, though. You know, questions about public policy and morals or some religious developments recently in the news, etc.
Ya... we're all kind of at a loss and I'm personally gunshy about starting all that up!! lol
*ducks for cover* lol:cool:

[~free~]

Ya... we're all kind of at a loss and I'm personally gunshy about starting all that up!! lol
*ducks for cover* lol:cool:
I think a lot of us are...afraid of debate I think.

[Hentenza]

Hi All,

Since the beginning of October CC's main forum has generated 80 reports of which 35 reports were either reported by non members or non members being reported. The other 45 reports were reports generated by members reporting members. I like to look at actual data to give me an idea of problem flow and in this case I can see us turning on each other. BTW- out of the 45 member reports only 6 yielded a violation.
So, looking at this numbers, how do you interpret the trend?

ETA- Also keep in mind the between July and September, CC's main forum only generated about 120 reports.

[edb19]

Hi All,

Since the beginning of October CC's main forum has generated 80 reports of which 35 reports were either reported by non members or non members being reported. The other 45 reports were reports generated by members reporting members. I like to look at actual data to give me an idea of problem flow and in this case I can see us turning on each other. BTW- out of the 45 member reports only 6 yielded a violation.
So, looking at this numbers, how do you interpret the trend?

ETA- Also keep in mind the between July and September, CC's main forum only generated about 120 reports.

You know I thought about going in and checking that but decided I didn't really want to know. I just know the mod staff has been very busy of late.

We're not going to agree on every issue - that's a given (heck, I can't get my husband, 2 children and myself to agree on everything - why would I expect it here). But this is my forum of choice for fellowship. I want to be here, so moving forward with the attitude that we treat each other with grace works best for me.

edie

[Nadiine]

I think a lot of us are...afraid of debate I think.
oh absolutely Free -- it's either a false fear, or we truly think there's still a powder keg under there that's ready to blow sky high.
Who knows??

*hides behind chair*

[Hentenza]

You know I thought about going in and checking that but decided I didn't really want to know. I just know the mod staff has been very busy of late.

We're not going to agree on every issue - that's a given (heck, I can't get my husband, 2 children and myself to agree on everything - why would I expect it here). But this is my forum of choice for fellowship. I want to be here, so moving forward with the attitude that we treat each other with grace works best for me.

edie

Absolutely!!! I love this forum and that is why I posted the numbers.

We need to band together to deflect any attacks that come our way.:groupray:

I think things are finally settling down which I pray is lasting.:prayer:

[~free~]

You know I thought about going in and checking that but decided I didn't really want to know. I just know the mod staff has been very busy of late.

We're not going to agree on every issue - that's a given (heck, I can't get my husband, 2 children and myself to agree on everything - why would I expect it here). But this is my forum of choice for fellowship. I want to be here, so moving forward with the attitude that we treat each other with grace works best for me.

edie

Absolutely!!! I love this forum and that is why I posted the numbers.

We need to band together to deflect any attacks that come our way.:groupray:

I think things are finally settling down which I pray is lasting.:prayer:
Agreed to both!!! :hug::hug:

[JimfromOhio]

I agree, Nadiine. Trying to fix things hasn't been helping. I think that Jim is saying he things we should learn from this and move on from it. I agree.

That's what I was trying to say. I am sure we won't be able fix anything. However, we can LEARN from this and find ways to avoid this from happening again.

A day of two ago, I got into a tiring and timeconsuming discussion about all the "sides" -- Liberals, Fundamentalists, CCs, and so on...

...and finally came to the conclusion that most of it was based upon misunderstanding.

How to resolve that, I haven't any idea, but I get the thought that we're not as divided as we think. If so, maybe just taking a "time out" IS the best way forward.

One problem I've always noticed is that there are few issues to discuss and yet we are a group that wants to deal in ideas. If someone could just put up a few "meaty" topics for discussion, we could work on them instead of organizational concerns.
I agree. I don't think I have any idea how to resolve our issues. I don't think we are that divided but at the same time we are divided on "how" rather than "what".

Time-out is probably one of the better solutions for the time being.


We're not going to agree on every issue - that's a given (heck, I can't get my husband, 2 children and myself to agree on everything - why would I expect it here). But this is my forum of choice for fellowship. I want to be here, so moving forward with the attitude that we treat each other with grace works best for me.

edie

I agree. We are not going to agree on everything at 100%. I don't know whether the doctrines I follow are 100% true unless I allow the Holy Spirit to convict my heart to follow certain doctrines. I will be 49 years old very soon, I have learned so much about doctrines since I was a teen. To this day, I never met a Christian who AGREES with my beliefs 100%. I have not met a Christian who I agree with their beliefs 100%. That includes my wife, family and close friends.

My wife is liberal politically while I am conservative.

Theologiacally, my wife and I almost agree on major doctrines but don't agree on many minor doctrines. (Am I living and sleeping with an enemy? ;) )

I will speak up when I hear (see) doctrines that I disagree with.

Lately, I have learned to "remove myself" from my fundie upbringing tactics that causes strife. That requires transformation spiritually because I have learned that it was my "flesh" that my fundie attitude have caused in the past.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. Romans 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in His kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.

I will still fellowship and debate with my Christian brethren even though I may not agree with their beliefs. They are not my enemies. They are just those whose beliefs I disagree with and nothing more.

Finally,

ENEMY: Is NOT the flesh (liberals). The enemy is spiritual which is Satan. If you want to be strong, know your weakness. We who conquers our anger has conquered an enemy. have been embracing my own spiritual reality that I have learned the enemy of opportunity of my life has been "preoccupation" of superficial issues.

The carnal approach usually does little more than to alienate the enemy still further from us and, worse than all, it puts us in a position where God cannot help us. The enemy never quite knows how to deal with a humble man; he is so used to dealing with proud, stubborn people that a meek man upsets his timetable. And furthermore, the man of true humility has God fighting on his side--who can win against God? A.W. Tozer

[Nadiine]

That's what I was trying to say. I am sure we won't be able fix anything. However, we can LEARN from this and find ways to avoid this from happening again.

I agree. I don't think I have any idea how to resolve our issues. I don't think we are that divided but at the same time we are divided on "how" rather than "what".

Time-out is probably one of the better solutions for the time being.
Time out's are helpful & necessary, but they only put off the inevitable if the situation reoccurs.

Basically, there should be some sort of understanding between parties here sometime in the future. Even if there isn't a "fix" or change, at least understanding where someone is coming from can be helpful if for nothing more than seeing good motive for the disagreement.
I don't quickly divide with people that share the same doctrines as me but have some differences on liberties & social views, but if it comes to harming the flock then I do divide.

Hopefully we can understand where each other is coming from at least.


I agree. We are not going to agree on everything at 100%. I don't know whether the doctrines I follow are 100% true unless I allow the Holy Spirit to convict my heart to follow certain doctrines. I will be 49 years old very soon, I have learned so much about doctrines since I was a teen. To this day, I never met a Christian who AGREES with my beliefs 100%. I have not met a Christian who I agree with their beliefs 100%. That includes my wife, family and close friends.

My wife is liberal politically while I am conservative.

Theologiacally, my wife and I almost agree on major doctrines but don't agree on many minor doctrines. (Am I living and sleeping with an enemy? ;) )

I will speak up when I hear (see) doctrines that I disagree with.

Lately, I have learned to "remove myself" from my fundie upbringing tactics that causes strife. That requires transformation spiritually because I have learned that it was my "flesh" that my fundie attitude have caused in the past.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. Romans 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in His kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.

I will still fellowship and debate with my Christian brethren even though I may not agree with their beliefs. They are not my enemies. They are just those whose beliefs I disagree with and nothing more.

Finally,

ENEMY: Is NOT the flesh (liberals). The enemy is spiritual which is Satan. If you want to be strong, know your weakness. We who conquers our anger has conquered an enemy. have been embracing my own spiritual reality that I have learned the enemy of opportunity of my life has been "preoccupation" of superficial issues.[/quote]

[~free~]

Nadiine...that was confusing!! I was reading that you had a wife!! :eek::eek::eek: ^_^

[JimfromOhio]

Nadiine...that was confusing!! I was reading that you had a wife!! :eek::eek::eek: ^_^

I think the "quoting" got messed up. LOL ^_^ :P

[JPPT1974]

Very funny my friends!:wave: :thumbsup:
Have a great night!

[Nadiine]

Nadiine...that was confusing!! I was reading that you had a wife!! :eek::eek::eek: ^_^
:swoon:
OH MY GAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWSH

now that's how rumors get started :sorry: ... sadly, I started that one myself.:help:
What the heck did I type?? :swoon: :swoon: :swoon: AHHAHAHAH^_^

That one's SO bad I'm going to hafta edit it. :scratch:

(I officially blame the high winds today)

[Nadiine]

I think the "quoting" got messed up. LOL ^_^ :P
Ya, that's it!! lol After I read it over, it isn't even me.
I don't talk like that... especially I wouldn't say I have a wife! :swoon: :swoon: (that's something my husband mite need to know about ya think?) lolo

Shew... I was scared there for a minute that I had a mental meltdown. :sorry:
[looks like i Picked the wrong week to quit drinking] heh

[Hentenza]

:swoon:
OH MY GAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWSH

now that's how rumors get started :sorry: ... sadly, I started that one myself.:help:
What the heck did I type?? :swoon: :swoon: :swoon: AHHAHAHAH^_^

That one's SO bad I'm going to hafta edit it. :scratch:

(I officially blame the high winds today)

You might be catching a rare head version of cat scratch fever.^_^^_^^_^:P

[Nadiine]

You might be catching a rare head version of cat scratch fever.^_^^_^^_^:P
You aren't kidding Jim!!.... LOL I was really worried about myself for a minute! It was a ruff day yesterday - but I read Free's post about a wife and was really baffled... so I glanced down at my post & read I had wife.....
I about fell over. both laughing and in serious shock!! LOL :eek: ^_^
I did think that I had written it at first :doh: -- then wrote my first post back to free..., then read your post about quoting probs & took another look at it and thought "oh thank God" LOLOL
:tutu: :swoon: