Debate, Argument, Christian Discussion?

[Sam]

How would you describe what we do here?

[The Matt]

Insanity and egoism.

[AreYouReady?]

Running around in circles and getting nowhere.

[Falla39]

Hopefully there would not be those of this catagory!

2Timothy 3:7
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Falla39

[Amanah]

I have been on others forums and I think this is one of the most disrespectful forums I have been on. There seem to be little empathy to try to see other points of view and discuss them. If anything there is a spirit of looking for any small point to jump upon and rip a person's viewpoint to shreds. I feel there is not enough edification in the spirit of brotherly love, but rather swords are drawn with the purpose of cutting a person's heart out.

There are also exceptions to this. There are poster's who post with brotherly love and compassion and in a spirit of unity. I think they are the exception to the rule though.
I think many posters hold a grudge, are just interested in their own viewpoint, are bitter, venomous and want to strike at you until you are also infected with their venom. The venomous snakes strike from all sides of the debate, UC, Moderate, and Liberal.

Then why do I come to the forum you ask? There are those here who I consider friends. In spite of the unfriendly spirit that predominately prevails that sometimes cuts me to the heart, I also feel that I learn from others by coming here. I learn others viewpoints. I’m able to see more than one side of an issue. I still find value in considering opposing viewpoints.

I also find value in the times we come together to pray for one another and encourage one another, although even those times are tainted by debate and posturing.

[Titus2woman]

I signed on here several years ago, thinking that being Apostolic was my primary identity and that I would find common ground with other Apostolics. However, I was totally turned off by the arguing and pettiness on this forum, and after a couple weeks of reading could not even bring myself to post. So I found another forum (non-religious) where the people were friendly and helpful and we were even able to discuss religious issues with caring and compassion and I've mostly spent my internet time there discussing what interests me, God, family, farming, work, daily life to the tune of 5K posts or so.

I made a recent return to this forum looking for fellowship when departing my brick and mortar church and still find it sad that there is no place here that is not for debate and very few topics that do not wind up in unproductive argument with a few even disintegrating into outright put-downs and name calling. I really only ever read or post in the fellowship hall and even that is dicey.

I think most of what is said and done here is largely unproductive. No one is changing anyone's minds. But I too like some of the people here so like to stop in and see how they are doing and I hope that sharing about life in the country and farming lightens the mood around here some.

[Pressing-On]

For whatever reason people come here - friends and fellowship - this forum, as an offshoot of FCF, is designed and has the underpinnings for debate - period. It is what it is.

[bbyrd009]

While I understand the ladies above,
I have to compare this to my experience,
and wonder how I might have been affected
by the debate here if I were, say, ten years old.
I would prolly never have posted again after
the first reply.

Does this mean that I don't appreciate
contrary replies to my posts? Hmm...yes, that
is exactly what it means; and why I keep coming back.
I trust that that reply, even while my ears are burning,
is read the same way that I am reading it, by others,
and differently by others.

It is common for one to suppose that their post
might be somehow "reduced" by another's reply--when this may not
be at all true--and then decide to post less,
thereby reducing some imaginary "conflict,"
effectively stilling a voice that might resonate
most loudly with those most in need.

It's hard for me at least to think of
more impactful posts than Amanah's
or T2W's, each for their own reasons,
and I would be disappointed if some
goosy reply I've made (possibly just to
get a clarifying rebuttal) might cause them
or anyone to backpedal, say, or worse yet
just disappear.

[AreYouReady?]

Bbyrd makes me laugh..and think about what he is trying to convey in his posts. He makes good points many times...if one will try to decipher what he is trying to convey.

Amanah adds sweetness to this forum. She has been through fiery trials and I am suspecting that maybe she thinks what she reads here much of the time is petty nonsense as compared to some of the deep sorrow she has experienced. (I know I would if I went through what she has gone through)

T2W adds sensibility and reasoning to this forum. I love her straightforwardness in her replies.

Falla's testimonies about her generational apostolic family is a great faith builder.

Sam is truly an inspiration whose wisdom comes from God.

Cindy always says what I think about some subjects....good grief!

The many others who post here, I enjoy reading their posts. Some are informative, some are funny. Many I agree with, some I do not agree with, but I never disagree to the point that I feel hate. I recognize that is their viewpoint and they are entitled to such as long as it pertains to them and not forced upon me.

I believe the old adage that your freedom ends just before your fist hits my nose.

I can say this, there is not one person on here that I would not defend if I perceive that they are being unjustly accused of something.

So as someone else said long before me...welcome to this dysfunctional forum...and one that goes round in circles getting nowhere.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

For whatever reason people come here - friends and fellowship - this forum, as an offshoot of FCF, is designed and has the underpinnings for debate - period. It is what it is.

I agree here, with the understanding that "debate" need not be undesirable nor unproductive.