Magnetic Poles said:
I would only say that truth can withstand debate. Only false ideas need protection. I disagree with the ME folks wholeheartedly, but I am sad to see the wholesale bans. Still, it ain't my board.
Same here. I'm just a guest and don't have any say in BB decision-making, but I feel it was poor judgment to come to a decision to massively ban people like that. I don't feel their beliefs were so extreme that they merited complete separation. I find discussing doctrines by weighing all viewpoints and comparing them to scripture (such as we often do here) to be a good tool in rightly dividing the word of truth, as long as it's done with mutual respect and in the right spirit.
If we choose to not communicate with anyone that holds to a different position than our own, we will soon find ourselves very, very lonely. I personally don't take separation to the extreme that the Amish, for example, do. I have a Catholic (heresy) friend and feel comfortable discussing the doctrinal differences we have.
We all have friends and family that have different beliefs (yes, even heretical beliefs), yet I doubt many of us would separate ourselves from them like the group that got separated from these boards.
Of course, this forum is privately run, and can be administered however the owners and leaders decide. But I respectfully disagree with their decision. Hopefully it doesn't set a bad precedent of massive banning based on beliefs.