Members' view on BB policies

I say ditto to what Thomas Cassidy said. It is fine the way it is.


God speed.

 

I cast my vote with Dr. Cassidy. My only complaint is that certain administrators (well maybe very few or one or so ) tend to abuse their power and treat people as if they were of a lower level and do not accept appologies when given. This needs to change--just because a person is an administrator and has greater command of the English language than other posters does not mean they are necessarily correct. My suggestion would be for two moderators to review anything that is removed from the thread that is related to actions taken by administrators whether complaints or appologies. Otherwise, the board is just fine, the non-Baptists show up pretty quickly.

 

1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board? (Baptists only, Baptists and other “friendly” born-again believers, everybody, etc.)
I think it is fine like it is. Non baptists shouldn't post everywhere, an out of control free for all would result.


2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? Or is the current “Baptist-only” and “Free-for-All” limitation a good solution?

I do not think it would be a good idea for non Baptists to be able to post everywhere. We should be able to discuss baptist doctrines as just baptists.


3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?
4.) Should the registration process be modified so that everyone would need to provide the name of his/her church – or would that mean a loss of privacy?

I believe we have had some with problems on the BB this year because someone else knew their home church and complained to their pastors everytime they disagreed. If someone wants to let everyone know the name of their church then fine. Maybe they should have to state what denomination they are, what type of Baptist.


5.) How should the board be moderated? Would an unmoderated board make more sense? How should the moderators change?


I've been on a 'christian' board with a mederator who allowed a free for all, and it was horrorable. There were pagan's(witches, athiests,everythng) posting all under the guise of open discussion of christianity, but all it really was was christian bashing.Everyone was out of control. The moderator did next to nothing. So I don't think unmodersted(or more lienient modersting) is the answer.


So far I think the moderators and webmaster are doing a good job. We have to have some rules, as we keep hearing it is a private board,and if that means it mostly Baptist then thats what it is. But I think we need to stay mostly Baptist, with areas for others.

 

I am new to the Baptist Board, It is the best I have seen. Leave it the way that it is.

There could be a problem with listing the type of Baptist (ie Sourthern Baptist, in it we have Liberal, moderates and conservative). Personally I prefer the KJV, I use it to study with, teach, and preach from exclusively. To keep people out because they don't use it would be unfair to them and to us who do use the KJV.

I was in one chatroom, which allowed everyone in. There was several 'beliefs' allowed in that wrongly believes that Jesus was only a prophet. This caused confusing in the room. There was a person who was asking questions about Jesus and salvation, who was confused by the 'talk' of this person(s). I chatted with that person, and explained the plan of salvation, who Jesus is.

Lastly keep the Board the way that it is. It needs to be moderated.

 

Well,

My confusion when I came to this site was that I thought it was a Christian site. I thought that Baptists were just a certain group of Christians. I have come to find out that I was wrong. Baptist has nothing to do with believing in the Bible it has to do with calling yourself a Baptist and saying that Jesus is Lord and because I said this I am always saved.

This is what I have learned about the Baptist viewpoint on at this site. People are more concerned about calling yourself a Baptist than by the fruit you bear.

All and all I'd have to say it was worth the education.

One other thing I have learned. It is OK to bash other Christian denominations and say that they are unsaved, but it is not OK to say anything close to that about Baptists. At least this is true when Joseph is around.

 

Hello Fellow Baptists,
Although I joined a while back I have not been a faithful poster nor reader. I apologize for that and aknowledge that you may not feel I have a right to post now because of that. Never the less, here is my humble opinion....
It is clear by the complexity of this board that the host has put an awful lot of time and effort into it. It would be a shame to delete it all and call it quits. I understand the rush of desperation you feel from the recent e-mails and notes you have received. However, please understand that not everyone has sent them to you. I suggest that you e-mail the members who are complaining and ask them to exit of their own power if they are not satisfied with the content of the board. By the way...it is a Baptist board, right?? Therefore, only Baptist should be allowed. There are "Christian Boards" for the others. I mean...if there were a "millionaires Board" do you think they would let me in there?? Yea! Those who wish to join to "uderstand" the Baptists should do so on an observation basis only until they can agree with the doctrinal statement. Like I said...I have not spent a lot of time here but it seems that some members have a problem with intolerance. Here is a quote from 1847: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> There is no spirit more hateful than an intolerant one. And none are more intolerant than those who are continually boasting of their tolerance. An intolerant person is one who cannot endure the presentation of an argument in opposition to his own. Point out an error in his theology, and show him wherein his opinions are erroneous; and instead of calmly looking at the question, and feeling that both sides have a right to be heard, he will cry out persecution and opposition, will talk about thumb-screws and iron bedsteads, and will declaim against all who do not see as he does.... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>"The Advent Herald", 1847
Thanks for letting me say my part. I like Dr. Cassidy....my sentiments echo his opinion.

Oh, yea... Call me dense if you want, but it is taking a while for me to learn all the little buttons and faces on the posting window. I'll get it though. I promise to hang around more from now on! God bless,
Because HE Lives, -Ron Pittman

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by webmaster:
Baptist Board.com

1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board? (Baptists only, Baptists and other “friendly” born-again believers, everybody, etc.)

Anyone. Repeat offensive offenders should be barred - as they are from other boards religious or otherwise. Consider each case of repeat offensive offenders on its merits.
I haven't really seen any really offensive stuff here (like people advocating paedophilia) as I have on other boards. I probably hear worse in back yards - or from my unsaved friends. People here do have unsaved friends don't they?

2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? Or is the current “Baptist-only” and “Free-for-All” limitation a good solution?

I think you have reached a happy compromise.
Oops, am I allowed to use that word?

3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?

You can't. Besides which Baptists are OK? Bapos can preach error as well - sometimes simply because they are new or immature to the faith. State the basis of participation and leave it to people's conscience to judge. There'll be the occasional troll and the like, but sooner or later, liars are always found out. We can trust God on that one!

4.) Should the registration process be modified so that everyone would need to provide the name of his/her church – or would that mean a loss of privacy?

No. Leave as is.

5.) How should the board be moderated? Would an unmoderated board make more sense? How should the moderators change?

You're doing just fine. If we don't like it we can take our ball and go play somewhere else.

6.) Is it time for “lights out” because the idea of a civil and constructive Baptist discussion board is not achievable?

No, you have to allow for debate. And yes, it will get heated and emotive at times (gee Paul got a bit heated and emotive about certain Judaizers preaching false gospels) - and perhaps degenerate to unsconstructive...we just have to learn to control ourselves. Moderators can help there too. And too bad if they are 'too strict' or 'too soft' sometimes - them's the breaks.

It does people good to
a. learn how to give a considered answer in defense of their faith
b. learn about what other people are thinking
c. learn to identify what is false in their perspectives
d. may be even learn what is false in their OWN perspective

I am all for debate. As long as people remember that no-one is convinced of the truth of the gospel through reasoned argument. Reason is important. But the revelation comes from God.

Thank you.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

I am not a Baptist. I joined this board to see what the beliefs of the Baptist are as I was and still am considering joining a Baptist Church.

I think anyone should be allowed to post with the exception of Athiests whose only goal is to tear down the Christian faith. There are Athiest and others who are searching for answers. I think we should keep the other religion sections as it keeps us ready to give an answer to false doctrine and possibly some will come to Christ through discussion.

I haven't been able to visit and post as much as I would like to lately but as for the moderators deleting posts I think unless they are useless or use profanity they should be left for people to discuss the issues.

I also think it is asking too much for people to have to name their churches and or phone numbers. People need to feel safe without giving information that could get into the wrong hands.

I have enjoyed this board when I can visit and really have no complaints and have learned alot from all the different views. I can't really see anything that needs to be changed. With that many members you are bound to have some complaints and different views. God bless and I hope to see this board continue as it has since I joined.

Elnora

 

It appears the ones writing all the emails of conplaint may be the ones causing all the preceived problems. If the machine works, don't try to fix it. Tinker a little from time to time, maybe...........but don't try to fix it.

It's a good place to visit. The Moderator is to be congratulated on a fine board

 

I am not a Baptist currently, but I do enjoy the discussions and threads. As long as the moderators can expunge any profanity, I think anyone should be able to come in. As far as limiting the BB to Christians only, why would you remove a forum where the unsaved can come and see our apologetics in action, or are we afraid that our faith cannot withstand the scrutiny of unbelievers? This is a good place, with a great opportunity for "arming the saints."

Off subject: I do recommend a strategy that I have seen on secular sites where the strongest apologists have banded together to meet heretics head-on with great results.

Otherwise, keep it going!!!!

 

I think that the Baptist Board has been run great. The moderator's are doing a good job screening and moving when necessary.

I think we could do without the non-Baptist discussion. I simply choose to not read them.

By all means don't close the Baptist Board. It has helped me alot and given me a lot of good questions to take to my Pastor, and even some to take to the Lord in prayer.

As for the idea of passwords. I don't like them. It implies that secrecy is a part of the Baptist Church, and that is not the case. Scripture is quoted so much on this forum and that should never be locked behind a password. Just my two cents worth.

 

1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board? (Baptists only, Baptists and other “friendly” born-again believers, everybody, etc.)

Anybody who can make a constructive comment. Once any Board is made exclusive we only get to see and read those things we want to hear and don't get challenged by different points of view.

2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? Or is the current “Baptist-only” and “Free-for-All” limitation a good solution?

The trouble with erecting any barrier is that it may exclude worthwhile comment form someone on the wrong side. Surely the purpose of these boards is to build us up in our faith and non-Baptists are just as capable of making intelligent comment as Baptists - sometimes more so as they ar enot locked into our system and see things from another perspective.

3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?

That's difficult. Baptist denominations aren't the only ones who baptise believers. And look at the plethora of people there are that have the tag "Baptist". There are quite a few Baptist groups and plenty of individuals that question the legitimacy of others on issues such as charismatic renewal, use of the KJV pr over calvinism/arminianism issues.

4.) Should the registration process be modified so that everyone would need to provide the name of his/her church – or would that mean a loss of privacy?

Why should anyone be ashamed of syaing who they are or where they come from? It's no use suggesting exclusivism on one hand and claiming your freedoms on the other.

5.) How should the board be moderated? Would an unmoderated board make more sense? How should the moderators change?

I think moderation is sensible provided that it does not turn into doctrinal censorship. Their job as I see it is to prevent profanity, off the point stuff and plainly abusive material from getting on the board. There are plenty of unmoderated Christian boards around where wierdos can peddle their wares.

6.) Is it time for “lights out” because the idea of a civil and constructive Baptist discussion board is not achievable?

Yes it is - it depends on what you regard as constructive. If people aren't civil then that's abusive - tell them to be more polite as they are supposed to be Christians after all. Perhaps they should go away and read their Bibles - you know, the bit about loving one another!

Mark

 

You all know I think this is an excellent board and I echo Dr. Cassidy's post.

The one concern I have is that there is an emphasis on "Baptist" over and above "Christian" or "Biblical Christian" in so many of the posts. Being a Baptist, or a member of a Baptist church does not guarantee that one knows the Lord or even the Bible. In the same way, there are many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ who are not Baptist. I do understand the need to proclaim the 'sort' of 'understood' Christianity that is being referred to by the official designation of Baptist Board, and that is important. So I guess it is just that sometimes it kind of bothers me when I see reference to "Baptist doctrine" or "Baptist teachings" instead of "what the Bible says."

Maybe, perhaps starting January, a forum for daily Bible study where the Bible really is gone through in one year? Each day's threads and discussions to be taken off of that day's readings? I've never seen this done, but I would sure like to encourage regular Bible reading among my brothers and sisters in the faith. So few seem to do more than a couple of verses now and then...

Knowing that some of the chapters of the Bible are quite long, if the goal is four chapters a day, then when you reach Psalm 119, for instance, you have the chance to deal with only one chapter (that Psalm!) for one day.

I know that this seems like it is not 'in depth' study, but sometimes I think we lose the context because we will concentrate on a few verses instead of getting the grand overview and seeing the sweep of it all which only the faster and determined daily practice can give.

Just a thought. Again, this is the best-run board I have come across and God bless you all for the incredible work you put in.

In Christ,
Helen

 

Ok lemme answer your questions one at a time:

1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board? (Baptists only, Baptists and other “friendly” born-again believers, everybody, etc.)

Answer: ALL SHOULD BE allowed to post as long as their Christians


2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? Or is the current “Baptist-only” and “Free-for-All” limitation a good solution?

Answer: YES!

3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?

They can't.


4.) Should the registration process be modified so that everyone would need to provide the name of his/her church – or would that mean a loss of privacy?

Answer: Yes.

5.) How should the board be moderated? Would an unmoderated board make more sense? How should the moderators change?

Answer: Let the members moderate the board


6.) Is it time for “lights out” because the idea of a civil and constructive Baptist discussion board is not achievable?

Answer: NO

 

The board must be doing something right for there to be so much struggle! Leave well enough alone. Negative always comes with something good. We can handle it!

 

Webmaster, First I thank you for the BB. I think that overall it is an excellent board, and like some others have said, other forums on the internet are terrible. You can only do so much when you are dealing with people. As long as we are around, someone won’t be happy. Just know that I have benefited greatly from being here, so your board has a positive influence!


1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board? (Baptists only, Baptists and other “friendly” born-again believers, everybody, etc.)

I think Joy is on track when she says that this should be a more Baptist board. That is what attracted me. To be able to discuss the Word of God with people who really know the Word. In GENERAL people who are Baptist are those who study the Bible, and care about the truth over other religions/denominations. ( I don’t really like the word denominations )

2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? Or is the current Baptist-only” and “Free-for-all” limitation a good solution?

Again you can only do so much when dealing with people. I think the way it is is good.
Again I like Joy’s reply that it should be more of a Baptist only board. I do not like some of the teachings that is being posted in the free-for-allsections. But we
need a place to be able to share the truth of God’s Word. The problem is you have all
sorts of teachings going on, and for a lost person they categories it all as Christian. But I do not know the solution.

3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?

I don’t know how hard it would be, but I once registered to a Board that required that I answered some questions before I could become a member. They even wanted my
testimony. (The board is no longer there.) Perhaps you could have a separate membership for the Baptist Only sections where the moderator could ask pointed questions to try to determine if that person is Baptist. And the membership to that section would be revoked if the truth comes out they are not who they claimed to be. Eventually you will be known by your fruit. Not that Baptist are always saved, as Helen said, but it does narrow it down.

4.) Should the registration process be modified so that everyone would need to provide the name of his/her church – or would that mean a loss of privacy?

State what you are. If you are a Baptist say it, of you’re a Catholic, say it. If you’re a Pentecostal, say it.

5.) How should the board be moderated? Would an unmoderated board make more
sense? How should the moderators change?

I like the moderators the way they are, and we do need them. Not only for the
breaking of rules, but for logical reasons as well. I don’t want to wake up and see a
poster using foul language describing my Jesus. This would happen. Personally I have
zero complaints.

6.) Is it time for “lights out” because the idea of a civil and constructive Baptist
discussion board is not achievable?

It is achievable, minor changes may be needed from time to time for whatever reason, but keep this board going!

With love,

Chet

 

"Hey, it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

I echo Paul here. The Baptist board is one of the best run message boards I have ever run across. I like how it is run, and I appreciate having Baptist only and free for all forums. It allows us to set aside room for those of us who ascribe to the Baptist faith to discuss issues by ourselves, and it allows for others also to come into the conversation. Many are very uncomfortable with non-Christians on the board, but it is a chance to spread the gospel message, even to those who are hostile to the gospel message. We just don't know when a seed will be planted and must try to reach all persons.

UNP, Adam

 

I'm a really new member to this board, but I have been BBS-ing for close to 17 years now, so my comments are a reflection of my experiences on BBSs of all types. In all honesty, I think concerns about the quality of this board are a tempest in a teacup -- in 17 years of BBS-ing, this is one of the sanest and friendliest boards I've ever encountered. Even the most flaming threads are models of decorum and courtesy compared to 99% of the rest of the online world. This is the only place I've ever found where such diverse views as creation/evolution, KJV/NIV, etc. are discussed reasonably, intelligently, and on-topic.

My favorite section is the Creation/Evolution debate. The two biggest problems I see there are:

1) Confusing the scientific debate about origins with religious debates about scriptural inerrancy, existence of God, etc. Both the evidence about origins and implications of that evidence are important and should be discussed, but they are not necessarily interchangeable. People can look at evidence and draw different theoretical conclusions, but people can also look at theories and draw different theological and philospohical conclusions.

2) Heated attacks on ideas are not always personal attacks. As a scientist and engineer I know this first hand professionally. Scientific discussion at its best is vehement and absolutely ruthless. This is how it should be; how can I be sure my ideas are correct if they can't withstand the most vigorous onslaught my colleages can bring against them? Science is a "friendly war" which says: "Try your best to defeat my ideas and opinions, I'll try my best to defeat yours, and between us we'll arrive at the truth." You can only succeed in science to extent that you are willing to fail. No one who doesn't believe this -- whether atheist or Christian -- has any right to the title of scientist or engineer.

-Neil

p.s. My Baptist two cents regarding tests of "Baptist-ness"/home churches. As a Baptist, I am opposed to this since it goes against what helps make Baptists unique: the priesthood of the individual believer and congregational autonomy.

[Edited twice for typos!]

[ November 04, 2001: Message edited by: NeilUnreal ]

[ November 04, 2001: Message edited by: NeilUnreal ]

 

First, thanks to all who do so much to make this board work. I only post on Other Religions. Joseph is an excellent moderator.
He steps in to stop anything really out of line but lets the discussion go otherwise.

I told my husband a few days ago that Baptist Board is one of the best organized boards I've seen.

1. Keep it like it is.

2. Keep it like it is.

3. You probably can't and it isn't necessary.

4. Registration should not be modified.

5. The one moderator I've seen at work is doing very well. An unmoderated board would, indeed, be chaos.

Keep it going. You're doing well. Just keep the rules posted and give people opportunity to appeal in a reasonable way and for a reasonable number of times.

You know, if someone gets too carried away and isn't really communicating, I just quit reading or answering his posts. We members can vote with our feet (ah! fingers). And thanks, too for asking for our input.

Pauline