Question posed to me on blocking

[Herald]

A friend of mine who lurks on this board recently asked me, "I've noticed BB board members who have blocked each other's posts. How is that in the spirit of Christian unity?"

I was challenged by his question and finally had to admit it was not in the spirit of Christian unity. I explained it was more a matter of maintaining civility and personal sanctification. Yes. It limits dialog on the board, but it also limits arguing and negative comments. In that regard it makes for a better experience for both parties.

My friend disagrees with me saying it is a sign of immaturity (he is a friend, so he has earned the right to say that to me).

Thoughts?

 

[annsni]

I agree with you. The Bible tells us to avoid those who quarrel and so blocking is a way to do that. You can still click to see a person's post if you wish but for those who name-call, poke and cause one to be angry, it's sometimes best to just block them and walk away.

 

[evangelist6589]

A friend of mine who lurks on this board recently asked me, "I've noticed BB board members who have blocked each other's posts. How is that in the spirit of Christian unity?"

I was challenged by his question and finally had to admit it was not in the spirit of Christian unity. I explained it was more a matter of maintaining civility and personal sanctification. Yes. It limits dialog on the board, but it also limits arguing and negative comments. In that regard it makes for a better experience for both parties.

My friend disagrees with me saying it is a sign of immaturity (he is a friend, so he has earned the right to say that to me).

Thoughts?

Depends... I usually do not block someone or unfriend someone without a good reason. Many professing Christians these days are very immature and unfriend or block someone because they disagree with them and are intimidated by other views other than theirs. That said I have unfriended those that have posted sexual content, swear words, attacks against God, and the like. The number of these is low, but they are out there.

 

[saturneptune]

A friend of mine who lurks on this board recently asked me, "I've noticed BB board members who have blocked each other's posts. How is that in the spirit of Christian unity?"

I was challenged by his question and finally had to admit it was not in the spirit of Christian unity. I explained it was more a matter of maintaining civility and personal sanctification. Yes. It limits dialog on the board, but it also limits arguing and negative comments. In that regard it makes for a better experience for both parties.

My friend disagrees with me saying it is a sign of immaturity (he is a friend, so he has earned the right to say that to me).

Thoughts?

No, it is a sign of maturity. I have been here eight years, and only in the last month have I put two on the ignore list. It is not like it was the first time an angry debate erupted. It was after going back to them, trying to mend a fence, and getting names from past posts like heretic, evil person, shameful, liar, etc. They are totally unable and unwilling to forgive, regardless of fault. After two or three rounds of that, and talking to other posters, I finally put two on ignore. I am not going to mention names, but all their presence does to me is encourage unChristlike words. I should have put them on ignore years ago. As I said in another thread, I am far from perfect, but my words go downhill when my buttons are pushed. I do not seek out ways to anger posters.

 

[Herald]

No, it is a sign of maturity. I have been here eight years, and only in the last month have I put two on the ignore list. It is not like it was the first time an angry debate erupted. It was after going back to them, trying to mend a fence, and getting names from past posts like heretic, evil person, shameful, liar, etc. They are totally unable and unwilling to forgive, regardless of fault. After two or three rounds of that, and talking to other posters, I finally put two on ignore. I am not going to mention names, but all their presence does to me is encourage unChristlike words. I should have put them on ignore years ago. As I said in another thread, I am far from perfect, but my words go downhill when my buttons are pushed. I do not seek out ways to anger posters.

That is what I meant when I said it is a matter of sanctification.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

A friend of mine who lurks on this board recently asked me, "I've noticed BB board members who have blocked each other's posts. How is that in the spirit of Christian unity?"

I was challenged by his question and finally had to admit it was not in the spirit of Christian unity. I explained it was more a matter of maintaining civility and personal sanctification. Yes. It limits dialog on the board, but it also limits arguing and negative comments. In that regard it makes for a better experience for both parties.

My friend disagrees with me saying it is a sign of immaturity (he is a friend, so he has earned the right to say that to me).

Thoughts?

Ask him if he knows what opinions are like ... & why is he lurking....cant he come in here and speak for himself? To me it shows a lack of Christian civility on his or her part.

 

[saturneptune]

That is what I meant when I said it is a matter of sanctification.

I agree, as it helps each of us grow. Next time an out of control person(s) like these two come along, I will know better how to handle it other than lashing back.

I am a lay person, and what amazes me the most, is the words coming from the keyboards of called pastors, missionaries, professors in seminaries, and all sorts of other types of Christian leader. I might expect that out of me, but this is these person's livelihood. What baffles me is how one could make some of these posts, then, turn right around on Sunday morning with the Godly sermons, the smiles, and hand shakes, etc.

Can you imagine a screen above the pastor preaching the sermon with a scrolling constantly going across the screen of their Baptist Board posts?

Before coming to this board, I suppose I never gave a second thought to a pastor or other leader of the Christian faith having the ability to talk in that manner.

 

[Herald]

Ask him if he knows what opinions are like ... & why is he lurking....cant he come in here and speak for himself? To me it shows a lack of Christian civility on his or her part.

EWF, I have no problem with his lurking. In fact there are quite a few lurkers on this board. His question was honest and made me think. Good questions always make us think.

 

[Herald]

I agree, as it helps each of us grow. Next time an out of control person(s) like these two come along, I will know better how to handle it other than lashing back.

I am a lay person, and what amazes me the most, is the words coming from the keyboards of called pastors, missionaries, professors in seminaries, and all sorts of other types of Christian leader. I might expect that out of me, but this is these person's livelihood. What baffles me is how one could make some of these posts, then, turn right around on Sunday morning with the Godly sermons, the smiles, and hand shakes, etc.

Can you imagine a screen above the pastor preaching the sermon with a scrolling constantly going across the screen of their Baptist Board posts?

Before coming to this board, I suppose I never gave a second thought to a pastor or other leader of the Christian faith having the ability to talk in that manner.

For some people message boards are like being intoxicated; they remove common sense and lower inhibitions. As a matter of self-control, if a person cannot maintain their sanctification on a message board they should not participate or make use of tools such as blocking.

 

[preacher4truth]

Ask him if he knows what opinions are like ... & why is he lurking....cant he come in here and speak for himself? To me it shows a lack of Christian civility on his or her part.

I totally agree with this assessment.

The attitude of the 'outsider' lends itself toward self-righteousness and of pointing the finger at those involved whilst remaining on a high horse of judgment.

There is Scriptural precedence for avoiding others.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I totally agree with this assessment.

The attitude of the 'outsider' lends itself toward self-righteousness and of pointing the finger at those involved whilst remaining on a high horse of judgment.

There is Scriptural precedence for avoiding others.

:thumbs: highland genetics will out.

 

[Zaac]

I agree, as it helps each of us grow. Next time an out of control person(s) like these two come along, I will know better how to handle it other than lashing back.

I am a lay person, and what amazes me the most, is the words coming from the keyboards of called pastors, missionaries, professors in seminaries, and all sorts of other types of Christian leader. I might expect that out of me, but this is these person's livelihood. What baffles me is how one could make some of these posts, then, turn right around on Sunday morning with the Godly sermons, the smiles, and hand shakes, etc.

Can you imagine a screen above the pastor preaching the sermon with a scrolling constantly going across the screen of their Baptist Board posts?

Before coming to this board, I suppose I never gave a second thought to a pastor or other leader of the Christian faith having the ability to talk in that manner.

You know SN, that's one of the reasons I think discussions about what's going on outside the Church in politics and other social venues needs to be kept off any board that is supposed to honor Christ.

Whenever we start using our time to go back and forth about what folks outside the Church are doing, it makes for some very ugly conversations that do not honor Christ. Because like Herald's friend, people, believers and unbelievers, are lurking.

We should be concerned with what WE, the CHURCH, are doing and what we're supposed to do. Acknowledge what the world is doing, but keep it moving as to what we are supposed to be doing to combat that.

We don't have to take up pickets and name calling to let folks know we're against abortion. Preach the value for ALL life and love for ALL people consistently and it will be known why we're pro-life.

We don't have to call a President vile, ugly names because of his policies. Policies are of this world and cannot prosper against us. Let's do as commanded and pray for the man and start raising up people who are not going to compromise on Christian values to run for office.

We don't have to call gay people all sorts of dirty names and treat them as though they are the worst of the worst. In humility , WE, the folks inside the Church, should understand that we're capable of and commit equally vile sins daily. So correct them in love and point them towards Christ.

We shouldn't be going back and forth over Calvin this, Arminian that as it simply isn't something that's gonna point people towards Christ.

We're supposed to be known by our love one for another. But when the issues of the WORLD become more important than the issue of GOD, we start to look as unloving and chaotic as the world.

 

[Herald]

You know SN, that's one of the reasons I think discussions about what's going on outside the Church in politics and other social venues needs to be kept off any board that is supposed to honor Christ.

Whenever we start using our time to go back and forth about what folks outside the Church are doing, it makes for some very ugly conversations that do not honor Christ. Because like Herald's friend, people, believers and unbelievers, are lurking.

We should be concerned with what WE, the CHURCH, are doing and what we're supposed to do. Acknowledge what the world is doing, but keep it moving as to what we are supposed to be doing to combat that.

We don't have to take up pickets and name calling to let folks know we're against abortion. Preach the value for ALL life and love for ALL people consistently and it will be known why we're pro-life.

We don't have to call a President vile, ugly names because of his policies. Policies are of this world and cannot prosper against us. Let's do as commanded and pray for the man and start raising up people who are not going to compromise on Christian values to run for office.

We don't have to call gay people all sorts of dirty names and treat them as though they are the worst of the worst. In humility , WE, the folks inside the Church, should understand that we're capable of and commit equally vile sins daily. So correct them in love and point them towards Christ.

We shouldn't be going back and forth over Calvin this, Arminian that as it simply isn't something that's gonna point people towards Christ.

We're supposed to be known by our love one for another. But when the issues of the WORLD become more important than the issue of GOD, we start to look as unloving and chaotic as the world.

Zaac,

But truth does matter. There are some things worth contending for because the consequence of error may be devastating. The problem occurs when we become the cause of offense and not the truth. Some people are not able to play nice. As a result we have just a few choices: block, be blocked, not participate, or play dirty.

 

[Zaac]

I totally agree with this assessment.

The attitude of the 'outsider' lends itself toward self-righteousness and of pointing the finger at those involved whilst remaining on a high horse of judgment.

There is Scriptural precedence for avoiding others.

Perhaps. But are we not observed by Christ the same way? He's not partaking in it, but is aware of all of it.

I think that perspective is always interesting because you have the opportunity to take in the big picture of behavior.

 

[Zaac]

Zaac,

But truth does matter. There are some things worth contending for because the consequence of error may be devastating. The problem occurs when we become the cause of offense and not the truth. Some people are not able to play nice. As a result we have just a few choices: block, be blocked, not participate, or play dirty.

Oh I definitely agree that the truth matters. I think you can go back to Scripture.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing. 1 Cor. 13:1-3

If the truth is not wrapped in love, it's pretty useless. And that's what is seen a lot on this board.

You can be speaking the truth, and righteously angry in doing so, but cynicism and attempts to belittle folks because they have a different POV tends to take the place of love.

I know from personal experience that I can say ANYTHING and there are individuals who can't help themselves and have to make some sort of disparaging remark. It just is what it is.

I have seen new people show up on this board and almost be brought to tears for them over the callous, present a thesis with footnote or your comment will not be entertained mentality. Only to see them try and STILL be chewed out and ostracized because of a different POV.

But what it is simply isn't pretty especially as SN said when some of these stand before a congregation and preach every week.

Politics on here, just seems to be a difference of opinions from both sides and there really doesn't seem to be any Kingdom of Christ reason in making those type of discussions the face of Christ on this board.

But of the BIBLICAL truths, we should be in one accord.

 

[preacher4truth]

:thumbs: highland genetics will out.

Well it all becomes sickening sweet.

We have a few who incessantly argue and complain about the indecency, hatred, unloving, mean-spirited, argumentative, hateful, trollish 'others' (those they are always pointing fingers at) and all of this is nothing but neo-pharisaism IMO and is in all truthfulness them pointing to THEMSELVES as if they are self-righteous.

Perhaps a new room in BB should be created for them since they deem so many as such and themselves as much better. I have little room for these types -- they reek of IFBism. :wavey:

 

[Zaac]

Well it all becomes sickening sweet.

We have a few who incessantly argue and complain about the indecency, hatred, unloving, mean-spirited, argumentative, hateful, trollish 'others' (those they are always pointing fingers at) and all of this is nothing but neo-pharisaism IMO and is in all truthfulness them pointing to THEMSELVES as if they are self-righteous.

Perhaps a new room in BB should be created for them since they deem so many as such and themselves as much better. I have little room for these types -- they reek of IFBism. :wavey:

Or perhaps the indecent , unloving, mean-spirited, argumentative, hateful, trollish folks need to get their own room in BB that can't be entered by a new person until the inhabitants have observed a new person and deemed him to be equally ascerbic in their indecent , unloving, mean-spirited, argumentative, hateful, trollish wit?

Self-righteous, judgmental and holier than thou are thrown around on this board anytime anyone dares call the unGodly behavior what it is.

It's time to break the cycle and take back that which is supposed to be a witness for Christ.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Or perhaps the indecent , unloving, mean-spirited, argumentative, hateful, trollish folks need to get their own room in BB that can't be entered by a new person until the inhabitants have observed a new person and deemed him to be equally ascerbic in their indecent , unloving, mean-spirited, argumentative, hateful, trollish wit?

Self-righteous, judgmental and holier than thou are thrown around on this board anytime anyone dares call the unGodly behavior what it is.

It's time to break the cycle and take back that which is supposed to be a witness for Christ.

....yes & the horse you rode in here on.:wavey:

 

[preachinjesus]

Thoughts?

I have a block list, some folks are on it. It isn't a static list, it will grow but you've got to be really "special" to get on it.

Honestly, I have no problem blocking someone and don't think its a sign of immaturity at all. (Talking about people with whom you refuse to engage in conversation might another issue.) Around here, and on other forums, there are some who I need to avoid. In order to do so, I block them. But it isn't something I take lightly.

Frankly, for my own sanctification blocking someone might be the most mature thing I do if I sense there will be spiritual trouble down the road.

 

[Herald]

I have a block list, some folks are on it. It isn't a static list, it will grow but you've got to be really "special" to get on it.

Honestly, I have no problem blocking someone and don't think its a sign of immaturity at all. (Talking about people with whom you refuse to engage in conversation might another issue.) Around here, and on other forums, there are some who I need to avoid. In order to do so, I block them. But it isn't something I take lightly.

Frankly, for my own sanctification blocking someone might be the most mature thing I do if I sense there will be spiritual trouble down the road.

You said it better than me.