What is Your Purpose in Coming to Baptist Board?

[InTheLight]

Why do you come to Baptist Board?

I've been here since December 2010 and my reasons for reading/posting on BB has evolved. I'm wondering why others come here. I'll start first and if others want to comment or put up their own lists, it would be appreciated.

Listed in chronological order and/or importance.

1. Challenge and sharpen my theological viewpoints. As a former Lutheran that got born again when I was 13, I've been in Baptist churches (or non-denom churches that might as well been Baptist) ever since. My background is IFB and mega-church non-denom. I was amazed at the diversity of viewpoints on theology which I assumed had been settled among Baptists long ago. Cal vs. non-Cal, the differing eschtalogical positions, handling of the ordinances, Bible versions, personal liberty, etc. Also interesting is the differing ideas on how the local church should be run. Up until I joined here I had been exposed to a fairly unified theological stance. The knowledge I've gained on Bible versions/translations is one area that has really blessed me.

2. One stop shop for getting news, politics, and current events relative to the Christian faith. I know the current events and politics sub-boards can get somewhat heated but I find that it's a great resource to quickly catch up on the daily news that's important to people of faith. Several posters here routinely post items that save me the time and trouble of trawling through Google News. Also interesting is the differing viewpoints on political issues, although I've found that the views are more homogenous than the theological issues. Surprisingly, I've been called a liberal on several occasions.

3. Fellowship. I feel as if I know some of the people here even though we've never met. People reveal personal information occasionally which helps to form a more complete picture of the posters here. Sometimes posters will admit personal difficulties and personal problems which brings a sympathetic reaction. I sometimes find myself praying for people, calling them by their screen name, which is kind of weird, but it's all good.

4. Entertainment. OK, I admit it, I do enjoy the back-and-forth that occurs among some posters. How's so-and-so going to respond to that latest salvo? If I were he I would quote this verse and follow up with this one. And so it goes...

 

[agedman]

Those are excellent reasons, InTheLight, and would fit exactly why I am here.

At my age, it is good to engage others in lively discussion and debate to exercise my mind. Once I got out of high school, I have always enjoyed the educational side of discovery and analysis. Group effort in revealing truth presents a much greater learning environment. I am far too gone to get another degree, and the BB offers "refresher courses" that are insightful and multi-perspective.

Also, there is the hope that, in some small participation of a discussion, something I post will help spur the believer through edification and enjoyment into a closer relationship with family, friendships, and especially the Lord Jesus. Like most on the BB that have come through the fires, floods, and blood, there are wonderful anecdotal experiences to help others come to terms with issues of their journey.

 

[Arbo]

What is Your Purpose in Coming to Baptist Board?

What's my purpose? Many of the same reasons ITL listed. It interests me.

Lately I've been wondering why I still check in to this site, given the darker tone as of late. I've noticed the site's rulers seem to have taken notice, so perhaps it'll get better.

 

[Tom Butler]

I find participation in the BB a valuable opportunity to impart my extensive knowledge of scripture, my deep and solidly Biblical perspective on doctrine and practice, and my wit and sense of humor.

And of course, my wisdom and humility.

All seriousness aside, I like In The Light's list; and agedman makes some good observations.

I have to admit that in choosing my spare-time reading, I gravitate toward authors and subjects whose views I share.

You can't do that here. And one really can't grow spiritually or intellectually unless he exposes himself to opposing views and tests his own opinions against them. It really is iron sharpening iron.

I tell you, if you want to have a discussion with folks like Winman, Skandelon, webdog, Iconoclast, you'd better be ready. You'd better know your Bible or they'll eat you alive.

Have I changed any of my views as a result of my time here? Frankly, not much. But I've been forced to think until my head hurts.

 

[InTheLight]

I'd like to add to the reason of sharpening the theology part it also helps me to adhere to Peter's instruction:

..always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 1 Peter 3:15.

 

[Yeshua1]

I find participation in the BB a valuable opportunity to impart my extensive knowledge of scripture, my deep and solidly Biblical perspective on doctrine and practice, and my wit and sense of humor.

And of course, my wisdom and humility.

All seriousness aside, I like In The Light's list; and agedman makes some good observations.

I have to admit that in choosing my spare-time reading, I gravitate toward authors and subjects whose views I share.

You can't do that here. And one really can't grow spiritually or intellectually unless he exposes himself to opposing views and tests his own opinions against them. It really is iron sharpening iron.

I tell you, if you want to have a discussion with folks like Winman, Skandelon, webdog, Iconoclast, you'd better be ready. You'd better know your Bible or they'll eat you alive.

Have I changed any of my views as a result of my time here? Frankly, not much. But I've been forced to think until my head hurts.

PLUS its mainly by BAptists, for baptists!

many sites are more geared towards Christiandom, and to more "beginners" level talks....

 

[TadQueasy]

I came here for the alcohol.

 

[matt wade]

I came here for the alcohol.

Still trying to figure out what your former name on this board is....

 

[saturneptune]

My main influence in coming to Baptist Board six years ago was Tom Butler.

The topics I have learned the most about are God's sovereignty, covenant theology, end times, and the ordinances.

I also enjoy discussing the differences between the different denominations, since I grew up as a Presbyterian.

Politics, history, and government are also interesting topics. The main issue I have gone back and forth with inside myself is the third party concept vs the present state of the Republican Party. Due to discussions mostly with Lady Eagle, Targus, and In the Light (sometimes lively), I have concluded it is better to swallow Romney than be a part of Obama being reelected. WebDog has also been a large influence in this area.

Of course, since Tom and I attend the same church, we at times continue discussions at church, especially open vs closed communion.

The only real series of threads that turned my stomach are the recent series over depression. I thought these went over the line of human decency.

 

[righteousdude2]

For Me....

....it was to have fellowship [not arguments] with my fellow Baptists. When I post, I make my point. I just don't like someone who is militant in doctrine and their own brand of theology to attack me for what I believe.

When I share from my heart, no amount of attacks will get me to change how I believe.

I say this, because to me, it doesn't matter what someone else believes and lives by, so long as they have received Jesus and their name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. That is all that should matter in this life, because no one on this board [including me] has the final say as to what God meant or means in the Scripture being debated.

I find it interesting to see what others believe, but I didn't come here to be attacked and made to feel less than another person because they believe differently.

For instance, I have leanings that take me closer to the out pouring of the Holy Ghost and the signs and gifts that follow. If another doesn't see it as me, sobeit! It is not going to stop either of us from entering that narrow gate.

When all is said and done....who am I to rain on someone elses parade? We are each allowed to believe as we feel led to do so, so long as we don't differ in how we came to know His grace, and believe that we will one day, all be with Him.

The only time I may jump into a debate is, if and when I see the person may have a wrong idea of what it means to be saved. For instance, if a homose%$#l were to come on board and claim to be saved, I might debate their understanding of the word and why they believe as they do. However, in the end, if I can't change their mind, I am willing to leave it there. They will answer to God for what they believe, not for what I believe.

Shalom :type:

 

[SaggyWoman]

I came to the board back in the day...Shortly after it was opened. I think I found it to be an entertaining place to argue and move on. And make online friends.

 

[Salty]

To argue - of course! :smilewinkgrin:

and to prove to others I am always right:thumbsup:

Salty :saint: :laugh:

 

[saturneptune]

To argue - of course! :smilewinkgrin:

and to prove to others I am always right:thumbsup:

Salty :saint: :laugh:

No, your real purpose is to create a fusion Baptist-Reformed Party.

 

[Salty]

No, your real purpose is to create a fusion Baptist-Reformed Party.

Unless they are believe that SS should be after morning worship! :smilewinkgrin:

 

[HAMel]

This forum board is a perfect example of what takes place in the average Baptist Church across this once great spiritually minded land of ours.

Tell me I'm wrong.

 

[Tom Butler]

This forum board is a perfect example of what takes place in the average Baptist Church across this once great spiritually minded land of ours.

Tell me I'm wrong.

Then my church is not like the average Baptist church because we're not anything like the Baptist Board. While there is a diversity of opinion on some issues, on the basics we're pretty much unified.

And we don't argue.

Discuss, yes. We've learned to disagree agreeably. Hmm, that's not the usual Baptist way, is it?

 

[HAMel]

Then my church is not like the average Baptist church because we're not anything like the Baptist Board. While there is a diversity of opinion on some issues, on the basics we're pretty much unified.

And we don't argue.

Discuss, yes. We've learned to disagree agreeably. Hmm, that's not the usual Baptist way, is it?

The church we currently attend is as you describe. We've been in some however where Business Meetings were a war zone. Then the various sides re-grouped for the next meeting. What a waste.

 

[Tom Butler]

the usual Baptist way, is it?
The church we currently attend is as you describe. We've been in some however where Business Meetings were a war zone. Then the various sides re-grouped for the next meeting. What a waste.

I've been in some of those war-zone business meetings, but not in a long, long time.

I think those meetings made me resolve to never get involved in another church fight. It was the most unpleasant time I've ever experienced.

If a vote doesn't go my way, so be it.

There is very little that would justify that kind of division and animosity in the life of a church.

Now, heresy is a different thing. I'll tear up jack if necessary if it rears its head.

 

[Jim1999]

Quote: If a vote doesn't go my way, so be it.

----------------------------------------------------

Best way to get along here.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[DiamondLady]

I think I've forgotten why I came here. The adversial tone makes me sorry I'm here at times and saddens my heart. It makes me wonder what God thinks of us, his children, who speak to one another and treat one another so abysmally. It makes me wonder HOW another Christian could treat a brother or sister in such a manner as to cause them to sin. It makes me wonder why I stay in such a place.