Guidelines for Theological Discussions

<blockquote>Hm…let's see…you could…I dunno…maybe…understand the fact that people will think differently than you, and accept that? Or, am I asking too much? </blockquote>

No you're not. That is a completely reasonable request…. but the rest of that comment was sarcastic and not needed at all!

I will say the two magic words that will dispel all arguments and spatations:

I'm Deadpool.

@Sam and Noah: I've been reading through this, and am very disappointed by the lack of maturity I'm seeing (I apologize for sounding rude, considering I am younger than you both). I don't understand why you both think that it is fine to be so sarcastic/silly about this, when it clearly seems to be a problem. This has already been mentioned by both Ian and Steve, but I'd like to re-state it.
How is what you are doing reflecting Christ? How would this look to anyone who decided to check out the forums?
Again, as Ian said, your usual silliness/sarcasm is fine on general topics, but the Theology Discussions is not the place; most of the things discussed on this section of the forums are important topics regarding Biblical doctrines, truths, beliefs, teachings, etc.
Please don't continue to add unhelpful/off-topic comments on here; they distract from the intended discussion, and often get out of hand.

^Please forgive me if I spoke out of place or have misunderstood something.^

And everyone seems to enjoy cracking down on Noah and I. We're used to people complaining about us. No one seems to care why we're sarcastic, but then, you peeps like to see us as jokesters only anyways.

I personally do not like to see you both as "jokesters" only - because there is a time and a place for that, but I do not think the TD forums is the proper place for it. It nearly always goes too far, and someone is bound to take it the wrong way or it leads to a long "rabbit trail", and is just overall not helpful to what people try to discuss on here.

@Sam and Noah: I've been reading through this, and am very disappointed by the lack of maturity I'm seeing (I apologize for sounding rude, considering I am younger than you both). I don't understand why you both think that it is fine to be so sarcastic/silly about this, when it clearly seems to be a problem. This has already been mentioned by both Ian and Steve, but I'd like to re-state it. How is what you are doing reflecting Christ? How would this look to anyone who decided to check out the forums? Again, as Ian said, your usual silliness/sarcasm is fine on general topics, but the Theology Discussions is not the place; most of the things discussed on this section of the forums are important topics regarding Biblical doctrines, truths, beliefs, teachings, etc. Please don't continue to add unhelpful/off-topic comments on here; they distract from the intended discussion, and often get out of hand. ^Please forgive me if I spoke out of place or have misunderstood something.^

Many are not 'truths'.

But that is what they are trying to discuss - stating what they believe on a topic and why, and trying to "debunk", if you will, the argument of a person who believes the opposite, but in a Christ-like manner.

Yeah. Dani was SO helpful, wasn't she?

Sam - Dani has been trying to grow in being kind and Christ-like in her arguments; and although we might disagree on certain things, she can state what she believes, and we can agree to disagree in the right way. She has sought to make things right. You guys are not trying to; this looks more like passing the blame.

Ha ha! Wow. That IS funny. Y'know, that's EXACTLY what we were doing? Weren't we happy to disagree? Haven't I been saying this over and over?

Fine. I'm tired of this argument. Believe what you want.

Sam - Dani has been trying to grow in being kind and Christ-like in her arguments; and although we might disagree on certain things, she can state what she believes, and we can agree to disagree in the right way. She has sought to make things right. You guys are not trying to; this looks more like passing the blame.

I do believe we are being attacked, Sam. I didn't believe it before, but its become plain as day to me now. We are under fire!

And it seems you and I are the only ones of our profession that are being smitten.

Because we're the heroes MV needs, not the ones it deserves or even wants!

As the joker predicted, the civilized people have cast us out, like lepers!

Noah, the only reason I'm bringing this up to you two specifically is because you both continue to act this way, and even when you are asked to stop, you just respond sarcastically or something and usually go on.

Hm…sounds like us and Dani, don't it?

As the joker predicted, the civilized people have cast us out, like lepers!

Well…I have my First World Problems Help Kit. It contains a bridge, a straw, and a full cup with a lid!

Did you not read my previous comment about Dani?

Did you not read my previous comment about Dani?

You obviously haven't seen much of our conversations with her, if you can call them that.

Are you thinking particularly of the Music topic?

Are you thinking particularly of the Music topic?

Particularly of Media, and the one she started on the Prayer Requests thread.

Okay; so she wasn't dealing with it properly in those instances. Since I haven't seen those, I won't argue anything, nor would I anyway.
But I am asking you and Noah now - will you yourselves please try to not do this on the TD?

1. Why?
   2.Why?
   3.Why?

Please Sam, don't do this; I explained in my first comment.

1. It distracts from the conversations taking place,
2. It often gets out of hand, and
3. Whether or not others are responding rightly, we ourselves should always be striving to.

1. Only distracting when you want 'em to be.
2. Subjective.
3. Responding to lighten the mood is bad?

1. True. But then what is the point?
   2, Again, if that is subjective, then what is the point?
2. It likely won't lighten the mood; because if someone is already not responding rightly, then that's not going to help them much.

I have to go now.

Ha ha! Wow. That IS funny. Y'know, that's EXACTLY what we were doing? Weren't we happy to disagree? Haven't I been saying this over and over? Fine. I'm tired of this argument. Believe what you want.

Very quickly, as I only just saw this.

That's great! But although you say you've been doing that, I'm still seeing you respond the same way. Continuing to reply with sarcasm is not agreeing to disagree.

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

-Titus 3:1-3

Can we all try to follow this verse? Can we focus on how we ourselves have failed in this area? Can we try to not judge others, that we be not judged? Can we act like the mature, Christian young people that we are? Can we try to be a good example to those around us?

A foundational principle from How to Win Friends and Influence People says: _NEVER CRITICIZE, CONDEMN, OR COMPLAIN_ And I very much believe it.

May I say this?

In my Bible reading recently, I came across a verse where Christ is telling his disciples that they will be persecuted for following Him. He said that the world would hate them. He did not say that their fellow Christians would hate them.

Why should I be ridiculed for trying to be more Christlike, or 'holy', as it's been said to me many, many times? Do you have a problem with that? Why do you, fellow Christians, think I'm 'silly' or 'unreasonable' for trying to follow Christ?

Are you thinking particularly of the Music topic?

Particularly of Media, and the one she started on the Prayer Requests thread.

That was completely in the gutter…….even to a guy like me that was cold!

Dani: Your thing about "going to heaven without believing in God" isn't logical there. Sam and someone who blieves there is no God are two different things.

The point there being that if we were tolerant, we would not make very good missionaries.

May I say this? *Since its a stupid-- post, no.* In my Bible reading recently, I came across a verse where Christ is telling his disciples that they will be persecuted for following Him. He said that the world would hate them. He did not say that their fellow Christians would hate them. *Are you saying me and Sam are persecuting you because you believe different than us? I believe _you_ were the one looking for all those fights.* _Why_ should I be ridiculed for trying to be more Christlike, ... *So me and Sam are less christlike because we believe different than you? Nice innuendo in the above post, I'm still smarting from all the hidden (and not so hidden_ messages.*

Dani: Your thing about "going to heaven without believing in God" isn't logical there. Sam and someone who blieves there is no God are two different things.

The point there being that if we were tolerant, we would not make very good missionaries.

But using a thing like that isn't logical. Disagreeing on a secondary matter and disagreeing about God are two totally different things and shouldn't be compared. Especially when you both are Christians.

May I say this? In my Bible reading recently, I came across a verse where Christ is telling his disciples that they will be persecuted for following Him. He said that the world would hate them. He did not say that their fellow Christians would hate them. _Why_ should I be ridiculed for trying to be more Christlike, or 'holy', as it's been said to me many, many times? Do you have a problem with that? Why do you, fellow Christians, think I'm 'silly' or 'unreasonable' for trying to follow Christ?

It's not that they think you are silly or anything cause you're following Christ. It's because you haven't done it in a kind manner. But I see that you are working on that and I appreciate. And please do not think that I think Sam and Noah have been acting all fine…cause they haven't.

Dani: Your thing about "going to heaven without believing in God" isn't logical there. Sam and someone who blieves there is no God are two different things.

The point there being that if we were tolerant, we would not make very good missionaries.

But using a thing like that isn't logical. Disagreeing on a secondary matter and disagreeing about God are two totally different things and shouldn't be compared. Especially when you both are Christians.

Mkay- I see what you're saying. But the point was that Christianity is not tolerant, which was the subject of that little discussion, not about music or media or whatever.

Dani: Your thing about "going to heaven without believing in God" isn't logical there. Sam and someone who blieves there is no God are two different things.

The point there being that if we were tolerant, we would not make very good missionaries.

But using a thing like that isn't logical. Disagreeing on a secondary matter and disagreeing about God are two totally different things and shouldn't be compared. Especially when you both are Christians.

Mkay- I see what you're saying. But the point was that Christianity is not tolerant, which was the subject of that little discussion, not about music or media or whatever.

I agree…it is not tolerant. Wait…what discussion are you referring to?

_Why_ should I be ridiculed for trying to be more Christlike, ... *So me and Sam are less christlike because we believe different than you? Nice innuendo in the above post, I'm still smarting from all the hidden (and not so hidden_ messages.

I'm not saying you are less Christlike for believing differently. I'm saying that I am trying to be more like Christ. Nothing about you whatsoever there.

Please forgive me if I've said anything offensive that was not backed up with Scripture.

The one about tolerance a few pages back.

Then why did you post that (stuff) about being persecuted?

The one about tolerance a few pages back.

Oohh…that discussion. But my point still stands. One is a matter of opinion the other is a matter of fact.

Then why did you post that (stuff) about being persecuted?

Don't you think being called a hypocrite, heretic, etc. for trying to be more 'holy' is being persecuted? And I was talking about what was in the third paragraph, not the second.

Then why did you post that (stuff) about being persecuted?

Don't you think being called a hypocrite, heretic, etc. for trying to be more 'holy' is being persecuted? And I was talking about what was in the third paragraph, not the second.

I don't remember anyone ever calling you that….please show me.

And if someone did, its probably because you're a really abrasive and insensitive person (when arguing, not in other conversations), like me. I confess, I am the same way.

I don't remember anyone ever calling you that....please show me. *I don't know that _you've_ actually _called_ me that, though it has seemed implied at points, but you have called others that.* And if someone did, its probably because you're a really abrasive and insensitive person (when arguing, not in other conversations), like me. I confess, I am the same way. *Thank you.*

I don't remember anyone ever calling you that....please show me. *I don't know that _you've_ actually _called_ me that, though it has seemed implied at points, but you have called others that.* And if someone did, its probably because you're a really abrasive and insensitive person (when arguing, not in other conversations), like me. I confess, I am the same way. *Thank you.*

Yes, I have called others heretics before, but that was because they liked ASM better than the original Spider-Man series. As a joke, essentially. Who has called you a heretic or hypocrite?

For what? Is that sarcastic? HORRORS!

Yes, I have called others heretics before, but that was because they liked ASM better than the original Spider-Man series. As a joke, essentially. Who has called you a heretic or hypocrite? I don't think that you have, and I thank you for it.

For what? Is that sarcastic? HORRORS!</blockquote>

Actually, no, that wasn't sarcastic. You definitely changed your tone there and you were a lot more gracious, which is why I was thanking you.

First off, I have really profited from these theological discussions. And I'm very glad for all the discussions I've had here with y'all. I've learned a lot about theology and I've also learned a lot about discussion skills, and resolving conflicts.

But I've been very disappointed lately. There have been several arguments on here. They do not profit the discussions and only serve to make tense feelings and get people mad at each other. I believe a lot of us have all done something wrong and I would like to ask that each one of us consider how they have acted. Have you acted as a servant of Christ? How would God think of how you've acted? Does it honor Him?

I would like to suggest a couple things:

1. Before you post please make sure that what you are saying is a. Helping build others up (Eph. 4:29) b. That your words are kind and "seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6) c. And that it is not going off on a bunny trai but is helping the discussion along.

2. No teasing/joking is used. Sarcasm, can be used, but only a little and only if it is not used in a mean way.

3. No name calling or mean retorts.

4. That each of you look today at how you have acted in the past…don't look at others…and if you have done wrong then apologize for that. And that tomorrow everything should be taken care of and we can start again.

5. If you think someone has done something wrong but they haven't taken care of it…please email me or something about that…but donxt stir up more trouble by pointing a finger at them.

If I habe done anything wrong I would like to apologize for that. And I will seek to do better in the future.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cari

Proverbs 25:11

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.

Thank you, Carissa!

1. Useful, except when a call to agree to disagree is ignored.

2 I can make no promises I am not sure I will keep.

1. See #2.

2. Okay. What am I supposed to do now?

3. Can I point a few fingers? Or a foot?

1. Useful, except when a call to agree to disagree is ignored. 2 I can make no promises I am not sure I will keep. 3. See #2. 4. Okay. What am I supposed to do now? 5. Can I point a *few* fingers? Or a foot?

I'm Deadpool, I cannot but speak of the things I think.

1. Useful, except when a call to agree to disagree is ignored. *Then I sugges if you ask to "agree to disagree" and that is ignore you kindly tell the person that you are stepping out of the discussion or something like that* 2 I can make no promises I am not sure I will keep. 3. See #2. *This is something that everyone has to agree to. This is to build up...not be mean to each other* 4. Okay. What am I supposed to do now? *If you have done anything wrong you should apologize.* 5. Can I point a *few* fingers? Or a foot? *No. If you have problems with people please don't do anything that will cause another big rift*

1. Useful, except when a call to agree to disagree is ignored. *Then I sugges if you ask to "agree to disagree" and that is ignore you kindly tell the person that you are stepping out of the discussion or something like that* Kindly giving them my First World Problems Help Kit will work nicely. 2 I can make no promises I am not sure I will keep. 3. See #2. 4. Okay. What am I supposed to do now? *If you have done anything wrong you should apologize.* Well, I guess Noah and I have nothing to apologize for. Glad that's settled. :) 5. Can I point a *few* fingers? Or a foot? *No. If you have problems with people please don't do anything that will cause another big rift* I don't cause rifts. I rift others.

I am a rift.

Of personalities.