A Forum of Heaviness

[Tzephanyahu]

Shalom all, 

Is it just me or has this forum become very "heavy" lately? 

I like debate as much as the next guy, if not more. However, I'm acutely aware of the fine line between healthy, intellectual debate and endless locking-of-horns arguing. 

Now when I go in to certain rooms (including General Discussion) it's with a weary sigh at what arguments are still raging and multiplying. 

Look at this forum with the eyes of a new believer, excited at finding the Lord and full of joy to share, only to run into all this heaviness, endless arguments and provocative attitudes. 

At the moment I'm not recommending this forum to anyone. I struggle to find many posts that uplift, teach and encourage others. Even when such posts appear they disappear soon after, eclipsed with repetitive nonsense for 48 pages, fresh for all to see.

What a sad state we're in at the moment. 

Where is the love & peace? 

 

Edited May 14, 2019 by Tzephanyahu

[Michael37]

56 minutes ago, Tzephanyahu said:

Shalom all, 

Is it just me or has this forum become very "heavy" lately? 

I like debate as much as the next guy, if not more. However, I'm acutely aware of the fine line between healthy, intellectual debate and endless locking-of-horns arguing. 

Now when I go in to certain rooms (including General Discussion) it's with a weary sigh at what arguments are still raging and multiplying. 

Look at this forum with the eyes of a new believer, excited at finding the Lord and full of joy to share, only to run into all this heaviness, endless arguments and provocative attitudes. 

At the moment I'm not recommending this forum to anyone. I struggle to find many posts that uplift, teach and encourage others. Even when such posts appear they disappear soon after, eclipsed with repetitive nonsense for 48 pages, fresh for all to see.

What a sad state we're in at the moment. 

Where is the love & peace? 

 

How's your own website going, Tze? You've had a few months to see how things tick over here. What tips have you picked up for your own forum? 

[Tzephanyahu]

33 minutes ago, Michael37 said:

How's your own website going, Tze? You've had a few months to see how things tick over here. What tips have you picked up for your own forum? 

Hi Michael,  

I do not run a forum on my website or plan to.  It's for informative purposes only.

However, my tips would be: 

1. Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
2. Refrain from writing anything you wouldn't want the Lord to scrutinise, on the Day of Accounting.
3. Do not post if you have ANY attitude other than: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

[BeauJangles]

1 hour ago, Tzephanyahu said:

Is it just me or has this forum become very "heavy" lately? 

Yeah brother, there has been an influx of what by all appearances to admin, as 'trolling'. You might check my post backing up Omegaman 3.0's decision to block jason12. It's under the heading: Omega Man 3.0 Stop Defending Immorality. Jason as you might remember, is a staunch atheist. And I made a response to also to natescute, yet one more who claims to be an 'ex-christian'. This is under the header: Reply To Posts. Join with me if you will, in prayer. We've taken some serious hits lately, and it's wreaked havoc. I'm reminded of this verse in  Isaiah 61:3  that states:  the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that might be glorified. KJV  God bless. 

Shalom, 

David/BeauJangles     

[Tzephanyahu]

7 minutes ago, BeauJangles said:

We've taken some serious hits lately, and it's wreaked havoc.

Shalom David,

It's a relief to hear I am not the only one.  However, it's not just the non-believers or "trolls" that are disturbing the peace, but also some brothers and sisters who are becoming consumed with being proved right. 

Basically, had I joined WCF today, after looking through the forums thoroughly, I probably would have left think it was too chaotic and argumentative.  It's a shame, because there are many good people in here but I think they are getting distracted with the foolish challenges of some.

Alas, you are one of the ones whose posts I enjoy reading.  You offer encouraging and edifying words for those in need and support for those without it.  A true asset to the forum. 

May Yahweh bless you richly for the good you sow in here.

Love & Shalom

[Pekoudah]

Yes....having a forum of godliness and not just a form of godliness!

[AnOrangeCat]

Just adding in my two cents that I've noticed as well. Here's hoping it blows over and things calm down so we can focus more on supporting and edifying each other.

[Tigger56]

3 hours ago, Tzephanyahu said:

Shalom all, 

Is it just me or has this forum become very "heavy" lately? 

I like debate as much as the next guy, if not more. However, I'm acutely aware of the fine line between healthy, intellectual debate and endless locking-of-horns arguing. 

Now when I go in to certain rooms (including General Discussion) it's with a weary sigh at what arguments are still raging and multiplying. 

Look at this forum with the eyes of a new believer, excited at finding the Lord and full of joy to share, only to run into all this heaviness, endless arguments and provocative attitudes. 

At the moment I'm not recommending this forum to anyone. I struggle to find many posts that uplift, teach and encourage others. Even when such posts appear they disappear soon after, eclipsed with repetitive nonsense for 48 pages, fresh for all to see.

What a sad state we're in at the moment. 

Where is the love & peace? 

 

Sometimes the discussions can get animated for sure, but overall,  I do believe it is as iron sharpening iron. I don't care for "epistles" being posted, but usually don't read a response if it gets too long. There is definitely passion in plentiful amounts but maybe not enough compassion. But if the general discussions get to be too much I can always skip or ignore a topic and I truly do appreciate the other areas within this forum. I have enjoyed reading some of the testimonials, praises, and so many positive things. I would be glad to recommend the site to others but tell them that just because something is posted you don't have to read it.

Many times I receive unsolicited items in the mail for our church. So many have pet doctrines, supposed "insights" on prophecy, etc... that I have learned if you don't tell me the purpose of your letter, article, etc... within the first two sentences that it is going into the "round file".  Discretion is to be used in this forum. There is much for many, just pick and choose wisely....

[Tzephanyahu]

1 hour ago, Tigger56 said:

I do believe it is as iron sharpening iron.

Shalom my brother,

I agree with that, but the concept of iron sharpening iron assumes that both sides are equal.  This isn't really reflected in a lot of "salvation-debate" posts, in which one side, or poster, says that they ARE saved, and the opposition is not (usually done by implication). 

I agree with you that such posts should just be ignored.  However, it's usually because of the poster's bold provocation unfortunately starts pulling the attention away from those who would otherwise do good.

When I see so much focus and attention wasted on "salvation-debate" posts and then other posts elsewhere, asking for help, with next to no replies - it's heartbreaking.  

"The harvest is plenty, but the workers are.... busy bickering over the basics."

Love & Shalom

Edited May 14, 2019 by Tzephanyahu

[OneLight]

Christian sites have always had those who come in to challenge the beliefs of the members.  That is expected, and even welcomed.  How else will they hear the truth?  Some are trolls, but others are not.

But, I think you are talking more about the members who are Christians that continue to battle with each other.  It seems that more and more people have studied the scriptures and developed their own theology, which is normal and can be a really good step forward.  What is not an act of maturity in Christ is when they close and lock their theology and will not consider that they may be wrong, often degrading a question posted to them into a heated debate that includes name calling, insulting and even questioning someone's salvation.  That is an act of pride and arrogance, not one where people reason together.   I would suggest when a conversation begins down a negative path, speak the truth and then turn away.  An argument needs two sides.  If one walks away, the argument stops.  If you do decide to do the mature thing and realize that the discussion is going nowhere and leave, don't be drawn back in when someone posts something negative to you last post, usually coming in a way of trying to have the last word in proving how wrong your words are.  Let them stand on their own merit.  If they are the truth, others will see it.

Never have a closed mind, as if you hold the truth and if anyone disagrees with you, they are wrong.  Everyone is in a different place in Christ, some just beginning, usually very zealous, and others more mature, usually calmer and more reserved.  Yet, even Paul tells us that we see through a glass darkly, or in a mirror dimly.  Nobody on any site holds the truth 100% of the time.