From StMatt's Own Mouth

stmatthew · #1 08-08-2007, 07:43 PM

OK folks,

I have always been as transparent and honest as I know how to be. It does not always mean that I am always agreed with, but that is beside the point.

Here is the story as I know it.

A little over a month ago it was mentioned in the admin area that we needed to be a little more defined in our definition of who we were. This was in reference to several that were starting to propagate the trinity doctrine. It was talked about, and on July 17th, I presented the initial draft to Owners and Admin. One of the things we discussed was that we did not want to impose a stringent definition that would exclude. If this was a church ministry, then a clear, non-negotiable type statement would be needed. But as we are only a discussion board, we only desired to mark a starting point for discussion. The statement was worded to incorporate both the PAJC and PCI viewpoints. It was not something to swear allegiance to. No one was asked to agree to it in order to post here.

During this time MOW felt that we were not going to allow enough freedom in posting. He stated that "If we're going to say that only a narrower spectrum can be propagated, accepted etc. then we are taking a drastic step that will KILL this board for all intents and purposes." He also stated, "If you all want diversity with tolerance, I'll hang around. If not, this place is not for me." I believe his fear was that we would begin drawing a line that would exclude himself and others that did not hold the UPCI view. This was as far from the truth as can be.

During the discourse, I posted this to MOW:

Quote:

Originally Posted by stmatthew

MOW,

I have never thought of you in any other terms than a Gentleman and a Christian. And yes, your post lets me know you are apostolic. The bolded above (An identification with Ac. 2:38 is what binds us together.) is all we are making a statement about.

I do think you are reading something into the 1st post that is not there. The post states NOTHING about where salvation occurs. It simply defines Apostolic in the most raw, generic terms that we all (you included) have stated we believe. I have stated very plainly that I feel it would be the downfall of the forum to define Apostolic in salvational terms. This forum, along with the others (FCF & NFCF), does not seek to do that because there is diversity within the Apostolic ranks as far as salvation concerns.

There are no signatures required. No affirmations to affirm. Anyone is allowed here to post. I have found only a few that differ. I only know one or two that are borderline in their posts that would be considered tearing down our doctrine. So while we do not NEED the definition, I personally think it brings a little more clarity to those that come here that are not Apostolic.

Continued....... (I'll open it when I am done)

stmatthew · #2 08-08-2007, 07:55 PM

Now having stated the above post, I want to state very plainly that MOW has been an asset to the Admin team, and all of us would welcome him back immediately if he desired to come back. We have not even taken his ability to admin away, as we are still hoping he will return. I know he felt that the forum was going toward a UPCI stand, but it is not, and will not while I am here. I personally feel that he stepped out just prior to the forum administration coming into a better place, and if he would have waited, or taken a breather, he would have seen that we can work thinks out as admin. He is still welcome back.

We have tightened up in some area's that needed to be tightened, and have worked a lot within the admin area to come to a clear direction as to moderating this forum. Will there be times we jump the gun, or over moderate?? YES. But the reason we have a group of Admins that range from lib to con is so we always have a balance. Or at least that is the goal.

So those of you who think this is a mod vs con, you might be partially right, as we all are likely biased toward our agenda and position. But it is not a division that cannot be worked out, within Admin, or on the forum itself.

stmatthew · #3 08-08-2007, 07:56 PM

I am here for any questions or comments, but I am not going to argue with anyone in this thread.

Margies3 · #4 08-08-2007, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stmatthew

We have tightened up in some area's that needed to be tightened,

Matt,
I appreciate you sharing this from your perspective. I think that this will help us to understand more what has been happening. At least, I hope

I do have one question tho. Regarding the above statement: Could you please share with us (the general public) what areas you might have tightened up in? We need to know so that we are forewarned so we don't find ourselves banned. LOL

J-Roc · #5 08-08-2007, 08:07 PM

Thanks for the transparency and willingness to discuss!

#6 08-08-2007, 08:07 PM

QUESTION:

Is this another one of those tempest in a teapot storms that we've seen before that means little to nothing but got everyone all riled up?

J-Roc · #7 08-08-2007, 08:12 PM

Question:

Does the Admin feel pressure (from Ownership) to decide a certain way or is the Admin free to decide how they view a matter? The pressure does not necessarily have to be vocalized, merely simply implied.

rgcraig · #8 08-08-2007, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Roc

Question:

Does the Admin feel pressure (from Ownership) to decide a certain way or is the Admin free to decide how they view a matter? The pressure does not necessarily have to be vocalized, merely simply implied.

As an Admin - no. We are all very honest with each other.

CC1 · #9 08-08-2007, 08:16 PM

I did not have a problem with the "defining" of the forum that was given. There are a lot of "Christian" forums out there that I could post in but I specifically want to participate in one that is Oneness Pentecostal in perspective.

Within that OP designation I want it to be as inclusive as possible and so far it has been. Those of both the so called PAJC and PCI view are welcome as are pre-trip, mid-trib, post-trib and no-trib folks.

People who wear shorts to Titans football games and those who insist that not only must shorts not be worn but sleeves must be full length are all welcome.

People with Home Theater's with 92" screens are welcome as are those who dont allow any screens at home or church (at least one not even recorded music played in church!).

This all seems pretty inclusive to me.

I welcome the distinction that this is not a trinitarian site. I say that as one who does not think trinitarians are going to hell nor do I believe they believe in "another god" or "three gods". I do however recognize that there is a difference in trinitarian and Oneness views of God.

Felicity · #10 08-08-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

So those of you who think this is a mod vs con, you might be partially right, as we all are likely biased toward our agenda and position. But it is not a division that cannot be worked out, within Admin, or on the forum itself.

I don't understand why they has to be any agenda either with Admin or on the forum itself.

If there is an agenda how would it be described? To accomplish what? To do what?