How would you define AFF?
 

I recently wrote a paper for a Rhetorical Communication course, and the paper was on digital communication. One of the topics was on "online personas". I included a paragraph about AFF in the paper and gave a brief description of the forum.
So here is my question- if you were describing AFF to someone how would you describe it?

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

The main area is like a big ole fellowship hall at church. You've got all types of people talking about all different topics. Some serious, some silly and then you have the quirky ones too.

I'm anxious to read your paragraph!

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

A safe place to express your views. You know that someone is likely to disagree with you and offer you debate - but it is civil and you don't have to worry about slamming or flamming.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

AFF is a variety package of people. Some gently spoken, some moderate, and some adament (sp) about their opinions. But when it comes to prayer needs we are all on the same page. :)

It is set up like a church with the fellowship hall discussing everything that can be thought of in life and church.

The prayer room where prayer request are made and prayed over.

The chefs corner where you can share and discuss recipes and cooking techiniques.

The library where articles written are posted to go back and read.

The deep waters where more thought is given to deeper studies.

The little used debate room, that can get pretty firey.

The more light hearted blogs, or the sports section, and then there is the political area where the thin skin will get quickly hurt.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

AFF is a big Christian Halloween party. The members who don't believe in masks and costumes come as they are, show their faces, and accept accountability. Others, for whom the mask of the internet is not enough, wear additional masks that at times morph into strange spirits, with impunity.

:usa

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

I haven't decided yet if I want to post the paragraph, as some might be offended. I am happy to PM it though, if you want it :blush

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

A place where people can come for fellowship, dialogue and discussion without fear of repercussions from their "overseers" or peer group. A place where people can come for encouragement, laughs and support! A place to make new (imaginary) friends! :D

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

It's a pretty typical Internet chat forum; one geared toward those of a Oneness Pentecostal background with a rather wide diversity of opinion from within that genre.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

I did decide to post it. Please keep in mind that this was a paper about digital communication and online profiles (specifically when people choose not to reveal their true self) and why people might use them. I attend a Christian University and much of discussion revolves around a Christian Worldview.

"An online discussion board, www.apostolicfriendsforum.com is an online forum where people choose user names and as long as they are respectful, almost any topic is acceptable. What makes this site unique is that most of the members are either former or current members of a religious denomination (UPCI). Many of the threads directly relate to the UPCI, its preachers, its bylaws, etc. because this organization leans to the legalistic side, many of the “lurkers” are looking to leave the organization or are members who watching for people who are looking to leave. This forum allows people, under an assumed name, to ask questions that they would never be able to ask their pastors or fellow church members without fear of condemnation. Thankfully, in this instance, there are “gatekeepers” (administrators) who maintain a form of decorum and demand truth in what people say. When someone comes on looking to start a fight or promote gossip, they are quickly warned and then locked out. Isaiah 1:18a says, “Come now, let us reason together,’ says the LORD” (NIV). These people are looking to think through many major issues in their life and with their relationship with God, it is a healthy way to reason for people who otherwise would not be able to seek this information."

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

I can't imagine why someone would be offended at what you've written. It seems to me to be factual. Well said. :D

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

Is this statement true and how do you know?

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

I disagree that most are connected to the UPC or the characterization that the UPC is legalistic.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

Another good question.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

I think there are lurkers on both sides of the fence!

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

If I thought this was a place to usher folks out of the UPC I would not want to be a part of it.

We can talk about education, changing hermeneutics and maturity of Oneness Pentecostals, but this is NOT AN EXIT ZONE.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

Because I know many of the "lurkers" on both sides. I have friends that would never post who they really are for fear of being ostracized and I know people who have told their pastors about people who reveal themselves.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

I said the UPC because that was my affiliation, and all of the people who I know personally (meaning in person, not those I have met through AFF) were through the UPC. I should have said Oneness.

I did not say that the UPC IS legalistic (although that could be argued depending on the church), I said it leaned that way, which I think it does, at least in my experience.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

I do not think it a place to usher people out, and I apologize if it came across that way. I meant that it was a place to have open and healthy conversations, which it is. Some people's circumstances and churches do not allow for that, and so the anonymity afforded them here allows for hard questions.

If someone is happy in the UPC, then they shouldn't be offended or encouraged to leave, but if they are thinking about it, I think that is a safe place to air those questions and concerns. But that is by no means the only thing that AFF does.

Even people who are satisfied with their church can come and ask theological questions for others to weigh in on.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

Thanks for the apology but I never questioned your intention. I certainly think there could have been a much nicer (not to mention more factual) way of telling the people you were addressing.

At the very least you could have shown balance.

Not all lurkers are "looking to leave". There are those here looking to join the UPC or similar conservative Christian churches. Some are fleeing a Christianity that they feel is neutered. Others are Oneness Pentecostal and know that we as other groups are maturing and working through things within our churches.

Sorry Pro31, but that "chapter" does not reflect myself nor many others in the UPC. It did make me want to call Rick Ross for a deprogramming appointment and set up an exit strategy. :nah

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

You did know that Rick Ross is Pro31's uncle, right?

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

Who woulda thunk it!

http://www.rickrossdeeperthanrap.com/

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

Ya NO not that one.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

How would I define AFF?

America's Future Farmers.

OK, maybe that is FFA -Future Farmers of America.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

yeah, neither of those Rick's. Completely different.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

Hoovie,
I need to ask, what did I say that was not factual? As I stated in my earlier post, we were specifically talking about why people would use screen names and hide their identity in online discussion boards. I never stated nor implied that it was the underground railroad for escaping the UPC, simply that it was a safe place for people to air their concerns and questions.

I personally find AFF a warm and accepting place to come and fellowship with people who understand where I come from. I didn't write a chapter, only a paragraph, and I felt that I was truthful (factual) as I could be.

I am sure that for every member there is a slightly different reason for hanging out here. I gave my perspective, and the perspectives of those with whom I have spoken to about it.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

I did change it to "more factual" before you posted this. :)

This is highly subjective and assumes leaving legalism is the preferred goal of lurkers who are UPC members.

"...because this organization leans to the legalistic side, many of the “lurkers” are looking to leave the organization..."

Fact is, we have had a few AFF members and lurkers (that we know about) leave the UPC - some become more conservative and some more liberal. We also have some who have joined the UPC.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

I think it must be acknowledged that the last couple years have seen more leave the UPC to embrace greater conservatism than those who left to become more liberal.

Of course this only means anything in regards to this thread if one equates standards and conservatism with legalism.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

How is this a fact?

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

Perfect example:

http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com...7&postcount=61

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

That's like saying there are more conservatives in DC based on the number of conservatives that were there today. I think the numbers who have left and are more "liberal" over a statistically significant period of time, would eclipse the number that ran away to become the new wrestling federation.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

LOL! Well... it assumes they are not still anonymous lurkers does it not? They have shared their stories with us here otherwise one can claim 100% of the lurkers are Satan worshipers.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

LOL!

I tend to agree with what Proverbs has stated. Also, she's only acknowledging UPC because it's her background - - it was her paper and she wrote it from HER view.

I didn't take what she wrote to be against UPC at all which it seems some are. She just stated "in her experience" which is what we all do.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

To be fair, we need to mention that we have one go back to UPC, then leave, then go back, then leave.

Just saying.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

I would not argue with that - a significant number even appear to have embraced homosexuality...

oops!

Look. I think the WPF forming was a good thing for the UPC - and I don't mean "good riddance" - just that there is a difference in direction. I don't wish to defend the ultra cons be they in or out of the UPC.

I believe the UPC is moving in the right direction in many areas. We have more progressive pastors than ever before. More are joining the UPC then are leaving. OK - so it may not be much, but that is far better than most mainstream denominations can say.

I think very, very few are anonymously planning their escapes from legalism.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

Yeah. And we have one with a doctorate from Regents who is doin time...

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

I agree it has been good for the UPC, however events like youth congress and reverting back to a business dress for people on the platform was a step backwards. It also shows the Wrestling Federation still has influence on the UPC.

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

HAHAHA! I was just thinking about him today!

But on a more serious note Hoovie, why do you think that people lurk or want to stay anonymous here?

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

Does it really mean anything at all other than politics? Naturally there will be a temporary move to pacify the conservative elements who remained after the departure... :thumbsup

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

There are still many folks who simply are anonymous when online period. That can range from concerns socially to fear of criminal activity and online predators like the "doctor".

One reason I have been online anonymously is because it's more fun to engage when there aren't the preconceived notions of the guy who used to be Amish or the villain from ABC's Wife Swap. :ursofunny

Re: How would you define AFF?
 

It means the Gospel is still secondary to giving young people a platform to minister to their own. It means legalism still plays a major roll in UPC thought and action. It may be a small thing, but it is a symptom of bigger problems and is why they continue to bleed their youth.