Utterance

[ByGracethroughFaith]

I have been thinking of this today.

The format of an internet forum of any type is usually not very conducive to fellowship, but is usually very conducive to argument/apologetics. People are much more likely to respond in disagreement than they are to respond in agreement with anything. Those who look into a forum of any kind, whether Christian or not, should see this evidence everywhere. Christians as children of light, are meant to operate to a higher standard than the world does, and as such it is always a good reminder to keep back much of what we might feel the need to say.

It is bad enough to think bad thoughts, worse to say them, and downright rebellious to write them.

I am still learning the fulness of this truth.
Prov 29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.


BGTF

 

[BobRyan]

You are right on many counts. It is easier to post a difference of opinion on the internet than express it in person.

It is also easier to state your view very adamantly in this annonymous format.

The upside is that no matter how enthusiastic the posting - you are free to stop think take your time and post thoughtful careful responses to see just how deep the other side's view goes beyond an emotional outburst.

By carefully reading the discussions and watching for objective clear-thinkging biblically-faithful posts on both sides you can see where they have strengths and where they are just totally parrotting stories they have been told.

Could be very rewarding if observed carefully.

But it is also a place where winds blow strong and hot at times -- so reader beware.

I preffer to keep things away from the personnal level - just look at the Bible support (or lack thereof) for the various views posted.

in Christ,

Bob

 

[ByGracethroughFaith]

You are right on many counts. It is easier to post a difference of opinion on the internet than express it in person.

It is also easier to state your view very adamantly in this annonymous format.

The upside is that no matter how enthusiastic the posting - you are free to stop think take your time and post thoughtful careful responses to see just how deep the other side's view goes beyond an emotional outburst.

By carefully reading the discussions and watching for objective clear-thinkging biblically-faithful posts on both sides you can see where they have strengths and where they are just totally parrotting stories they have been told.

Could be very rewarding if observed carefully.

But it is also a place where winds blow strong and hot at times -- so reader beware.

I preffer to keep things away from the personnal level - just look at the Bible support (or lack thereof) for the various views posted.

in Christ,

Bob

If we are in such vehement disagreement with someone on a particular topic, that harsh words are aroused, it means either that we believe they are lost, or at the very least in a miserable condition. If so, it is normally impossible to do them any good with harsh words.

Not sure about you, but I have spent too much time winning the argument, and losing all chance of winning the soul. Having had my outlook adjusted from on high, I am now more concerned about winning the soul than the argument.


BGTF

 

[BobRyan]

Harsh words don't work - ever.

Take the case of someone who is lost because of bad doctrine - Col 4:1-8 argues that even in that case our words are to be 'seasoned as it were with salt'.

But when you see a Christian (saved or not) use junk-bible-study methods where they basically turn a blind eye to what the text of scripture says and respond with exact contradictions to the text of scripture "as the real meaning" that they want from the text -- then you can at the very least "point out" that mistake in their method of Bible study.

You may even say "such methods are not objective and are not helpful in getting to the truth" -- but calling them "lost" etc is not helpful.

Rule of debate number 3 -- "With the sinful human nature - ad hominem prevails when Bible study reason and logic fails".

in Christ,

Bob

 

[Eliyahu]

We must admit that there is a limitation in the communication on the internet.

On this board, one can hardly check out whether the counter parts are saved, or what their testimonies are. The thread of Bible Version/Translation clearly even prohibits the questioning about the salvation of the other people. In other words, if Jesus or Apostle Paul come there, they will be kicked out since they often asked about the salvation of the people and asked them to be saved. So, the discussion should be done without Jesus or any of His faithful followers.
Even on this world, there are many churches which would exclude or excommunicate Jesus if He comes to them today.
Our human natures are very quick to fight and argue unless the Holy Spirit works in their minds and Jesus Christ becomes the Lord in any subjects.