I have long been mystified by the apparent inability of Christians, here as in any place of discussion, to let things go. Perhaps this is one of the reasons Paul warns against debates. He knew that debate would degenerate into personal attacks.
I enjoy a good discussion, but cannot abide name calling hate filled attacks. I have been here almost two years, and have been moderating about 18 months, and my biggest complaint about our board is this fighting, squabbling, un-Christlike spirit that only a few members use to make their point. There is almost a "I HAVE to get the last word in" mentality for this select few posters.
Of course, admin/moderators cannot win. For example I have been attacked and received vicious hate mail from both sides of the versions debate. However, that is par for the course and was to be expected when we accepted our role as moderator.
In another context I have posted these words of Christ several times in the last week. I wonder what our debate could be like if we, all of us, including moderators, took this to heart?
For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
- 1 Peter 2:19-23
We have a mechanism short of a scathing response when a personal attack takes place. It is called the "Report Post" button (the button is there here now, at the bottom right of every post). If one is not satisfied with that, there is another option. Just be man or woman enough to walk away from the fight. Too often our pride, and our pride alone, won't let us do that.
Belonging to and posting on the BB is not a right, it is a privilege granted by the owner of this site. He pays the bills, the rest of our get to use this place for free. Yet, some seem to only want to complain about how the place is run. If I don't like the way a store is run, I don't go back. I have joined several boards, not liked the way they were run, and left. I didn't leave with a scathing attack on the admin, I didn't even write demanding that my name be removed from the roles, I just quit posting. Perhaps some may feel compelled to take that step. Unfortunate, but perhaps sometimes necessary.
Christ left us an example to follow, when we are reviled, revile not again, but commit ourselves to the One Who judges righteously.