Is there value in Christian discussion board

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

I am posting this in respons to the now closed thread ( http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?t=33401 ) and with the approval of the moderator who closed the thread.

I am posting it here so that anyone can enter the discussion.

I have recently been aware of a debate involving the value of Christian discussion boards. Some have said that they are simply a waste of time, others have said that they are evil or "disgusting" because of the occasional bit of rancor or debate.

The topic has been discussed the in the IFB publication "Frontline" magazine and a resolution concerning them was passed at the FBFI (Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International).

The question before us is this - do the benefits outweigh the negatives on Christian discussion boards or vice-versa. Are they a waste of time, or are they a place for positive fellowship and ministry?

Below are my own feelings from the closed thread.

I am offended by what takes place here at times, we all are. I have also been challenged, had my interest piqued, and even greatly edified. People here have encouraged me during some of the darkest days of our ministry. There are people here who pray for our ministry every day as a result of conversations here. In many of the cases we have disagreed on issues yet they still love us and pray for us. We have received care packages from friends in the states we have met here. As a direct result of this board's existence there is a meeting taking place in Co Sligo, Ireland today between a Baptist pastor and a man who is seeking to know more about Christ. His interest was piqued by a member of the Baptist Board and her faithful dealing with him for seven years. The connection was made through a thread on this board.

What do you think folks?

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I cannot express, in mere words, the value of this message board. I can fellowship with Christians when I need it most, when there are no churches open. I have learned so much, here, and in being challenged, have learned to teach myself. My bible study habits are better, my fact-checking has improved, & talked with folks who have been through the exact same things I have. It has been rewarding beyond my dreams to be a member of this excellent blog.

 

[Diggin in da Word]

My thoughts are as follows:

While I do question the sincerity of one's walk in Christ because of certain stands and views that are quite contrary to that which is written in the Holy Word of God, I would not like to see the board shut down for the following reasons:

1. Those who are spreading lies about my Lord are needing to hear the truth. If we shut the board down, we are missing opportunity to minister to those in err.

2. The falsehoods on the board challenge me to Search the Scriptures to see if it be so. The Holy Spirit brings to remembrance things written in the Word of God and gives me assurance of what I have taken a stand on is sound doctrine.

3. Occasionally, I do see posts that do feed my spirit. I have learned much concerning truth in scanning through the many threads.

4. There is humor on this board, something we all need.

I have to say, this board does get heated at times, and at those times, I would have to say Moderators and Administrators need to monitor posts more carefully and prayerfully. Many posts that are truly unscriptural have gone without any admonition from the ones in charge of the board.

I am reminded of a verse in the Bible:

1 Timothy 3:5 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

While I know that the BB is not the house of God, we are all who are saved supposed to be of the Body of Christ. Those in charge need to address issues that are clearly against the Word of God. They are supposed to be leaders and examples to others.

 

[Diggin in da Word]

Don't get me wrong, C4K, I know that there are not a whole lot of Moderators on the BB, and so many threads, that it is hard to read every single post.

Is there a possibility of taking on more Moderators to lighten the workload on the ones already laden down with several threads?

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

A lot could be done by users clicking the "report post" button on offensive posts.

 

[Chemnitz]

Is there value? Yes
Do things get heated? Yes
Should it be banned? No
Should moderators admonish those posting things they view as unscriptural (theologically speaking)? No, this is a debate board and as such must maintain the freedom to express views even when we disagree.
Should moderators admonish those who do not act in love and charity by making personal attacks? Yes

 

[Jim1999]

Every river collects the filth of the air and earth. As the river flows over the rocks and the sands it is purfied. but we cannot escape the filth that collects first.

Life is like that. We all collect, consciously or subconsciously, the same filth, and we must filter it through the scripture, as understand them.

On scripture, we may differ on what they are saying, and who is to say which understanding is the absolute? Take what is said and filter it. Learn by what is said, and get on with life. Even a flea has purpose. It teaches man and beast alike it is nigh time he had a bath.

I love the forums, even those who disagree. At least they are speaking; the beginning of knowledge.

Having been a moderator, I know that wisdom does not always interfere with discussion when it is heading somewhere. Often a discussion works itself out, and that is always the best solution.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Diggin in da Word]

Even though it is a debate forum, those who post things clearly contrary to the Word of God should be admonished.

Titus 3:10 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

Strongs defines a heretick as:

141 ai`retiko,j hairetikos {hahee-ret-ee-kos'}
Meaning: 1) fitted or able to take or choose a thing 2) schismatic, factious, a follower of a false doctrine 3) heretic

Yes, when false doctrine is given, it is the responsibility of the child of God to be studied up so that he can correct and instruct in the right way to go.

Those in charge have an even greater responsibility as set forth in 1 Peter:

1 Peter 5:1-3 KJV 1 Peter 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

 

[Blammo]

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

I'm just sayin' ... :tongue3:

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Even though it is a debate forum, those who post things clearly contrary to the Word of God should be admonished.



Strongs defines a heretick as:

141 ai`retiko,j hairetikos {hahee-ret-ee-kos'}
Meaning: 1) fitted or able to take or choose a thing 2) schismatic, factious, a follower of a false doctrine 3) heretic

Yes, when false doctrine is given, it is the responsibility of the child of God to be studied up so that he can correct and instruct in the right way to go.

Those in charge have an even greater responsibility as set forth in 1 Peter:

There are no pastors here - only those who try to moderate discussions.

Anyway, the topic of the thread is the value of these boards, not the actions of the moderators on them.

 

[DHK]

Is there value? Yes
Do things get heated? Yes
Should it be banned? No
Should moderators admonish those posting things they view as unscriptural (theologically speaking)? No, this is a debate board and as such must maintain the freedom to express views even when we disagree.
Should moderators admonish those who do not act in love and charity by making personal attacks? Yes

I agree with most of what you say. Just this one statement I would need to clarify.
"Should moderators admonish those posting things they view as unscriptural (theologically speaking)? No, this is a debate board and as such must maintain the freedom to express views even when we disagree."
Definitely we disagree on many things, and thus the need for debate. There is no argument there. But how far is the disagreement allowable. There must be limits set. That is why we do not have cults on the board--J.W.'s, Mormons, etc. Those wlho deny cardinal doctrines such as the deity of Christ or the trinity soon find their way out. Basically our discussions fall within the realm of what is considered orthodox Christianity, or at least discussed by those who fall into that realm (if the topics are otherwise).
DHK

 

[Diggin in da Word]

There are no pastors here - only those who try to moderate discussions.

Anyway, the topic of the thread is the value of these boards, not the actions of the moderators on them.

C4K,

I agree on no pastors, only moderators. But, there is application there. That is why I posted that verse out of 1 Peter.

What is a moderator? Is he or she not one who oversees? Just as the pastor/elder/bishop would do?

 

[Lagardo]

C4K,

I agree on no pastors, only moderators. But, there is application there. That is why I posted that verse out of 1 Peter.

What is a moderator? Is he or she not one who oversees? Just as the pastor/elder/bishop would do?

A pastor/elder/bishop oversees a church. This is just a forum. A place for discussion.

 

[Mike McK]

There are no pastors here - only those who try to moderate discussions.

Anyway, the topic of the thread is the value of these boards, not the actions of the moderators on them.

Although I rarely post here anymore, I can tell you first hand that BaptistBoard has been a tremendous blessing to me in a lot of ways.

There are people here who have shown me encouragement and prayerful concern when I was going through a dark place.

There are people who challenged and corrected me when I was wrong.

There are people who have taught me a lot about walking with Christ.

Do people get frustrated and say things that they wouldn't say to someone face to face? Sure.

But the good far outweighs the bad.

There are some boards, like ChristianForums, where you really have to dig to find edifying conversation, but still, that edifying conversation is worth it 9/10 times.

I think the only concern I have is for those who see Christian message boards as a replacement for the church.

I recently spoke with one person who claims to be a staunch Baptist.

She flat out told me that she didn't want to and didn't have to be a part of a local assembly of believers. She did not want to be a part of the church.

I asked her, when Jesus comes back to claim His bride, if she wanted to be a part of the church then. She said no, that ChristianForums is her church.

When I told her what the Bible says about the Christian and the corporate body of believers, she just told me I'm narrow minded.

That's not only wrong, it's going to be harmful to her and her walk with Christ. I mean, her attitude brought up many red flags in that thread alone.

The bottom line is that they can be good and they can be bad. Like everything else, use discernment, don't let it become an idol, examine your motives, and don't use them to do or say anything that might be a stumbling block.

 

[menageriekeeper]

Personally, I love boards like this and not just Christian ones (but I'll stick to the OP).

Many of you know that I have a husband that doesn't "do" church and two chronically ill kids. Often, this board right here is my best source of information and sometimes fellowship. If I have a question, I get answers, quickly most times. Yes, there is sometimes disagreement, but often something gets pointed out that I didn't know/hadn't considered. Sometimes, folks come up with ideas that are completely opposite of my ideas. This serves to make me go back and reconsider my position. Now 90% of the time I stick to my own idea, but being challenged makes me go back to the scripture and KNOW why I believe the way I do.

When I'm stuck in the house with a couple of sick, whiny kids, I can come here for "tea and sympathy". Or in my case coffee and sympathy. I can find encouragement and usually just when I need the most someone here will tell me to get over myself and get on with life.

For Diggin:

There are many other "Christian" boards and quite a few of those have a Baptist slant. I'm a member of THIS board precisely because the moderators allow us to debate an issue from all angles, without insisting that we all believe exactly the same thing. It's hard to defend against an idea when you can't even imagine another person holding on to it.

The alcohol issue is one of those. I can't believe you think I might not be saved because I don't think merely sipping a glass of wine occasionally to be a sin. You, can't believe I would dare to hold a position directly in opposition to what you believe. And it is precisely subjects like this that teach us, strengthen our knowledge and give us a chance to "love our neighbors as ourselves".

Our beliefs may not be exactly the same, for me to call you brother and believe you to be sincere in your desire to please Christ. I'm even going to respect you for sticking to your beliefs right up to the point to where you disrespect me for sticking to mine. That crosses the line of love and it is not loving to insist that a person isn't/can't possibly be saved because they don't do yadda or they do do yadda because that is God's decision alone. It is not up to you to decide the salvation of anyone. And whether you mean to sound as if you are condemning someone to hell or not, that is exactly how it sounds in a lot of the threads you have partaken in.

Now the mods here aren't here to be our spiritual advisor or to be in authority over our spiritual lives because such a thing is impossible in a forum such as this where I might actually be a man and you might actually be a woman! We don't KNOW who each other is in real life, so there is no possible way any here could have actual spiritual authority over another. That sort of thing is best left to the local church.

The mods are here to enforce the board rules that are/have been set by the board owner. Like any board of this type it is the owner who decided what he/she will allow or won't allow. This board is set up so that a variety of different Baptist beliefs could be shared, discussed, enjoyed and learned from. If you believe that you shouldn't be associating with folks who don't believe exactly as you then perhaps you should find a different board, better suited to your own beliefs.

:flower:

 

[Diggin in da Word]

A pastor/elder/bishop oversees a church. This is just a forum. A place for discussion.

And where no overseer is, rebellion, anarchy, and confusion abounds.

 

[nate]

Yes to the original question in the OP.

 

[menageriekeeper]

Diggin, read my post again, you missed the point completely.

 

[TaliOrlando]

This board is great!!!
:godisgood: :godisgood:

 

[Bob Farnaby]

I enjoy the board and think it worthwhile.
Some areas don't interest me, others fascinate me, some folk i find very interesting and seek to read their comments, others i find narrow minded and don't spend much time following their writing. Sometimes threads are sooooooo AMERICAN... that they don't have any relavence to me or, dare i say it, to the church. Like any other large group of people we have a whole variety of thoughts and ideas, so many seek to follow Christ and it is great to see people trying to work out the best way to do it.

Being from Australia i find it interesting to see how so many of the Americans in particular interpret nationality and christianity.

I've learnt a lot, most of it positive, thought through opinions i'd never considered before, and look forward to seeing/meeting so many of the folk here in heaven.

Yes, the board is worthwhile.

Regards
Bob:thumbs: