Debate, Argument, Christian Discussion?

[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.

[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.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

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

Of course, sometimes it's not and I am fine with that also. Just roll wid it. At least you get a whole lot more viewing.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by 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.

Ms Titus, rather than debate your thoughts I this (my view is that I can get what I want here other Pentecostals - Friendship, discussion, debate, chit-chat ) I would be interesting to find out how this might be a better experience for folks coming from your POV.

We want more involvement on AFF, but it must be across a wide and diverse spectrum.

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

Ms Titus, rather than debate your thoughts I this (my view is that I can get what I want here other Pentecostals - Friendship, discussion, debate, chit-chat ) I would be interesting to find out how this might be a better experience for folks coming from your POV.

We want more involvement on AFF, but it must be across a wide and diverse spectrum.

You know my post sounds more negative then I meant it. I think I came in originally at some bad time or got hung up reading some really hot threads where there were a lot of personal attacks... I really don't see that much any more... a couple of the really stinkin' onrey folks have jumped ship.

While I am not opposed to debates it does seem that most everything turns into a debate, no? Except my farm updates... it's hard to argue with cute fuzzy farm critters

I do see that sometimes debates still turn into arguments that degenerate into creative name calling and then drag on well beyond any usefulness as no one is having any softening in their spirit to see the other side(s) and are only digging in deeper to prove their own points.... and sometimes I even see resentments brewing... in a way that probably would not happen in face to face contact... I just don't love that part of internet stuff... and that is probably not just an AFF issue

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Titus2woman

You know my post sounds more negative then I meant it. I think I came in originally at some bad time or got hung up reading some really hot threads where there were a lot of personal attacks... I really don't see that much any more... a couple of the really stinkin' onrey folks have jumped ship.

While I am not opposed to debates it does seem that most everything turns into a debate, no? Except my farm updates... it's hard to argue with cute fuzzy farm critters

I do see that sometimes debates still turn into arguments that degenerate into creative name calling and then drag on well beyond any usefulness as no one is having any softening in their spirit to see the other side(s) and are only digging in deeper to prove their own points.... and sometimes I even see resentments brewing... in a way that probably would not happen in face to face contact... I just don't love that part of internet stuff... and that is probably not just an AFF issue

I like your farm updates! It is part of the same reason I like posting photos and talking about general hobbies and interests people have here. I really believe we all need to get to know each other in ways that don't revolve around church and worse, doctrine.

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

I like your farm updates! It is part of the same reason I like posting photos and talking about general hobbies and interests people have here. I really believe we all need to get to know each other in ways that don't revolve around church and worse, doctrine.

I loved the firearms thread for that reason... I was amazed that it never blew up into a gun debate... on my farm board it would have, I was very proud of AFF for that.

[The Matt]

Originally Posted by 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.

Your posts always bring light into my life T2W, much hugs from me.