Born Again Christians Thread-No Bashing please

[acrucifer]

Buckalew is correct that she is not the only person bothered by your comments here in the above quoted post. While I completely understand your desire to create a thread where Christians can fellowship without having to defend all their beliefs, I don't think I understand what else you are OK with us discussing. I just don't see what is wrong with discussing dietary restrictions, the old covenant and the new covenant, etc. I see all these things as parts of Christianity and its heritage. I am afraid that you are becoming too restrictive, though I believe I understand what you're trying to get at. Please consider loosening up what you think is OK to post here so that we can fellowship without an overly restrictive environment. Not every Christian is going to agree on every little detail of the faith. I thought the goal of this thread was to bring about fellowship for people who are born again Christians, not expect everyone to agree about every detail of the faith. I don't mean this offensively at all, just trying to explain my viewpoint.

exactly, its a thread for discussion of BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN BELIEFS !! MAYBE MY MENTION OF JEWISH DIETARY LAWS WAS MISDIRECTED, BUT BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS GENERALLY UNDERSTAND THAT JEWISH DIETARY LAWS ARE NOT AN APPLICABLE PART OF OUR FAITH. It seems so simple to me: fellowship, witness, minister, testimony,, prayer. what is so difficult to understand about that. while I am not asking people to agree, I am asking people to stay on topic, play nice and have the common courtesy and respect to keep all the nonsense and arguing off the board, use the pm feature for the bickering and the constant off topic discussions. If you think I am being too restrictibe go back to the very first post to see what my guidelines for this group were. If you disagree with them or dont like them, or think I am being too restrictive then post somewhere else. perhaps that is all I will say on the matter. and by all means send me a pm if you like, but do respect the guidelines under which this thread was set up . thanks.

 

[chadfromdallas]

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I have no more problem with Harry Potter than I have with the Wizard of Oz. Its just fiction, and as long as no one tries to make it more than that (which, ironically, those who oppose it sometimes do), there is nothing wrong with it IMHO.
As for stage Magic, I have always veiwed that as a puzzle to be solved.

I agree--just posed the question after reviewing a comment on the other thread...was looking for general info. Thanks!

 

[acrucifer]

not certain your litmus test for offense..

dont be rude or disrespectful of others or their faith . ask all the questions you wish just try to stay on topic. isnt this common net ettiquette anyway ?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

exactly, its a thread for discussion of BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN BELIEFS !! MAYBE MY MENTION OF JEWISH DIETARY LAWS WAS MISDIRECTED, BUT BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS GENERALLY UNDERSTAND THAT JEWISH DIETARY LAWS ARE NOT AN APPLICABLE PART OF OUR FAITH. It seems so simple to me: fellowship, witness, minister, testimony,, prayer. what is so difficult to understand about that. while I am not asking people to agree, I am asking people to stay on topic, play nice and have the common courtesy and respect to keep all the nonsense and arguing off the board, use the pm feature for the bickering and the constant off topic discussions. If you think I am being too restrictibe go back to the very first post to see what my guidelines for this group were. If you disagree with them or dont like them, or think I am being too restrictive then post somewhere else. perhaps that is all I will say on the matter. and by all means send me a pm if you like, but do respect the guidelines under which this thread was set up . thanks.

Your rule was this:

I am hoping the discussion will remain civil and there will be no Bashing of Christianity or Christ as seen on some of the other similar named threads.

It is civil--and simply discussing topics in looking for answers (or those stepping in to set the record straight on things)--is not "bashing of christianity or Christ". Your rule is wide open---and the idea inferred from this all who come here are to be respectful of the Christian faith.

 

[JennyMominRI]

dont be rude or disrespectful of others or their faith . ask all the questions you wish just try to stay on topic. isnt this common net ettiquette anyway ?

ACricifer.I created another thread,that may take some of the heat off of this one..That way,hopefully ,this can stay a support group for you guys

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

dont be rude or disrespectful of others or their faith . ask all the questions you wish just try to stay on topic. isnt this common net ettiquette anyway ?

Haven't read the whole thread--but it does seem you have fellow faith followers who do think you are being a bit harsh.

You're behaving like a mod and you aren't one and if you aren't careful, you might end up with your thread being shut down voluntarily.

It seems the "other" thread is more welcoming of outsiders than you are being. But as I have said, I haven't kept up, so don't know who or what was said--just the one call out that I saw you do when you came down on someone for their post.

 

[JoyG]

Question here--saw it on the Ouija Board thread (question is not about that)....so I will ask here instead of turning that into a debate. I'm not interested in debating--just the thought process behind.....

Why is something like Harry Potter so bad....it is fantasy--it is fake. Just like Disney world and its fantasy elements (Sword in the Stone, Black Cauldron...and the head mouse himself in Fantasia)...what is so bad about it that it has to be restricted according to your faith? How does exposing yourself to fiction cause a conflict with your faith if it does conflict?

Also--what about "entertainment" magic--like David Copperfield? Is that off limits too when it is mostly slight of hand and visual tricks?

Not going to debate you--just looking for POV explanations.

TIA!

"Has to be restricted according to your faith" is strong wording...The Bible clearly states that we should not engage in witchcraft, etc...

Things like watching movies like Fantasia, reading Harry Potter books, I believe God convict's each christian individually on those things.

I used to be a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire slayer. In the beginning years, even though I was a christian then too it didn't bother me at all to watch it. I saw it as just entertainment, and it did not change my mind about my beliefs in God.

In the last few years of Buffy, I was really convicted about watching it. I knew that the show was not spiritually uplifting. Their portrayal of God/Heaven made a mockery of what I held so dear. I felt guilty watching it. I felt like I was doing something wrong. Now when I'm flipping channels I sometimes stumble across that show. I make a conscience decision not to watch it, even though to this day I am tempted. To watch this show for me is wrong knowing that I'm convicted by it.

Is it wrong for any christian to watch Buffy? I would never presume to say that. For me, it is since God is convicting me of that in my life. I think this translates to other areas of life like Harry Potter and Disney world elements. There are rides/shows at Disney that I will not go on because I personally feel convicted about them, not saying they are wrong for everyone else.

This reminds me of the issue of social drinking. Romans 14 says if you feel convicted that it's wrong (like I do), then you would be sinning if you do it. There are clearly some people who are not convicted by social drinking therefore, for them it's alright.

 

[WDWHound]

"
Is it wrong for any christian to watch Buffy? I would never presume to say that. For me, it is since God is convicting me of that in my life. I think this translates to other areas of life like Harry Potter and Disney world elements. There are rides/shows at Disney that I will not go on because I personally feel convicted about them, not saying they are wrong for everyone else.

This reminds me of the issue of social drinking. Romans 14 says if you feel convicted that it's wrong (like I do), then you would be sinning if you do it. There are clearly some people who are not convicted by social drinking therefore, for them it's alright.

I have the same problem with video games. I play a game called Halo, which is a first person shooter. I have no problem with it becuase my mind is real clear that this is just a game and its just a way for me to blow off steam. However, last year I picked up a copy of Doom 3. I played that game for a few hours and decided I needed to stop. While I acknowledge that it was just a game, it was way too dark for me for me personally and felt just a biot too real. I just didn't feel like it was good for me spiritually to imerse myself in such darkness, even if its just a game.

Its a personal call. Only you know what you should and shouldn't watch. I find God is pretty good about tapping us on the shoulder when we cross our own personal lines. We just need to pay attention when he does.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

While we are confessing... I rather enjoy most of the HBO dramas. Excellent writing, acting, etc...

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

We have to be wary of doing things that may cause others (especially our children) to stumble. Also, per the Bible many things are lawful, but not all are profitable.

Our behavior (whether public or private) should be a good witness to the world. I'm sure we all fall short at times. I thank God for His mercy and His grace.

 

[Aidensmom]

We need to start a 3rd thread so we can all go WWF on each other

LOL! OK, Jenny, you owe me a new keyboard because I just spit my drink out on this one laughing so hard!

 

[JennyMominRI]

LOL! OK, Jenny, you owe me a new keyboard because I just spit my drink out on this one laughing so hard!

Ypu are better off than me because it wass shabbat and I had candles nearby.,... You guessed it,Candle keyboard..

.
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How do you get wax off of a keyboard?

 

[Grandma Bear]

We have to be wary of doing things that may cause others (especially our children) to stumble. Also, per the Bible many things are lawful, but not all are profitable.

Our behavior (whether public or private) should be a good witness to the world. I'm sure we all fall short at times. I thank God for His mercy and His grace.

I totally agree!

 

[Aidensmom]

We have to be wary of doing things that may cause others (especially our children) to stumble. Also, per the Bible many things are lawful, but not all are profitable.

Our behavior (whether public or private) should be a good witness to the world. I'm sure we all fall short at times. I thank God for His mercy and His grace.

I completely agree with this, but sometimes I think that sometimes we (Christians) do look for evil under every rock, and that is how we appear to others which is actually a roadblock in witnessing to them. Something like the music we listen to (and this is just my opinion, not criticizing anyone who does not agree). I listen to both Christian music and secular music. I do realize that there is a lot of secular music that is not spiritually uplifting in it's lyrics, but if I enjoy the music itself, that is uplifting to me in the way that it can put me in a better mood (especially when driving in rush hour traffic.) I know people who criticize me for that, and it turns me off. Imagine what it does to someone who is not Christian.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

as the person who did start this thread, you are correct about my motivation for begining this thread. I also agree about the warfare you speak of. Satan stalks the earth looking for souls he can devour. that means he cant devour any soul. so I am sure he loves that heathen thread. In any case, I hope you will stay, because I have read your posts and you are the type of B/C christian I began this thread for !! I soon will have no other choice than to ask people to leave if they continue questioning Born again beliefs. everyone who comes to this thread should have belief of Christianity in their heart or be open to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Personally, I suspect some of the heathens may come here to start trouble. In any case, I may have to resort to taking down posts and warning people about the rules of this board.

WOW! I am another that is deeply troubled by this post! You sound like you are trying to be a dictator more than a fellow Christian who wants to share your beliefs with others. I am a Christian and I have to admit I don't like the way you are handling "your" thread at all! Based on what I quoted above, you are not open to allowing anyone who isn't a BAC or open to becoming a BAC on this thread? I would think that you would welcome them with open arms as a way to share your testimony and try to bring them to Christ. Of course most of them won't be willing at first, but how can you expect them to EVER be willing if they aren't allowed on the thread and aren't allowed to ask questions and receive answers? Maybe you don't mean it the way you state it...I don't know. And I understand that you don't want it turning into nasty, heated arguments but so far from what I have seen on this thread noone is really arguing so much as discussing their different beliefs or lack thereof. I have enjoyed the other Christians on this thread and may stop by occasionally but I don't really want to subscribe to a thread that is like an elitist club. My belief is that God welcomes EVERYONE, not just those that are already saved! We weren't all always saved. We had to start somewhere. Why not allow those who aren't saved to explore answers here so that maybe they will one day be saved? Oh, well, I will continue to read this thread as I do like the Christian views but I won't post as much since I truly believe that this thread is a little too restricted for me! Have a nice day everyone!

 

[luvthatduke]

This thread has gotten *ahem* interesting.
Thinking....
Thinking...
Where to start... What to say?
Ok, I'll just jump in:

WDWHound: Again I will say your annointing is evident!
I prayed for your friend for tomorrow,
and prayed for you next week (in case I forget!).
Ya know what's funny?
In the past I've read some of your posts on other threads
re:your beliefs, and sometimes I didn't quite agree, or was confused.
But reading you here, you have expanded on many
things you've spoken about elsewhere, and it's been good to read.
You make some excellent, insightful points about
how we and/or the Church have been perceived/received.

Albertan Mom: Keep up the prayers and don't go away!

We're thinking about taking DS to see The Donut Man
tomorrow night - but his sleep pattern just changed this week
so don't know if it's a good idea.
We'll have to see...

 

[disneymom3]

Buckalew is correct that she is not the only person bothered by your comments here in the above quoted post. While I completely understand your desire to create a thread where Christians can fellowship without having to defend all their beliefs, I don't think I understand what else you are OK with us discussing. I just don't see what is wrong with discussing dietary restrictions, the old covenant and the new covenant, etc. I see all these things as parts of Christianity and its heritage. I am afraid that you are becoming too restrictive, though I believe I understand what you're trying to get at. Please consider loosening up what you think is OK to post here so that we can fellowship without an overly restrictive environment. Not every Christian is going to agree on every little detail of the faith. I thought the goal of this thread was to bring about fellowship for people who are born again Christians, not expect everyone to agree about every detail of the faith. I don't mean this offensively at all, just trying to explain my viewpoint.

You said this well and it's basically what I had been thinking. I understand the desire to not have debate and arguing going on, but it seems to me that the discussion that has been going is just that--discussion. I don't recall anyone being disrespectful at all. In fact, Amanda pm'd me about a concern she had about one of my posts--that I would tell my friend she was wrong in the way she is living her life if she asked me--and we were able to discuss the motivation behind it etc. I think we can all grow from hearing other's beliefs. I know that people in my church do not all agree on every little thing. I mean, heck, look at gay marriage--we are ELCA and that is a big divisive issue in our church nationwide right now. Does that mean that some of us are good Christians and some are bad or want to tell each other that or name call? No, it is just looking for the right answer and searching. I am hoping that we as Christians can help people who come here searching.

 

[Albertan mom]

Wow- quiet morning-you can tell it is Sunday and everyone was at church!
Sooooo....what was one thing that stood out to you from your worship service this morning?

Our sermon was on serving. How everyone has gifts that they can use to serve others, and serve God. And without servers, nothing would get done! Makes you think about the behind the scenes people-sound man, janitor, people who decorate and do maintenance, people who prepare communion, people who put together the worship songs, etc... Makes you appreciate people. And the programs that there is at our church.

I like to volunteer, but one thing the pastor said-find what makes you feel like a 10. Not everyone works well with kids. Not everyone likes to be in the spotlight. Not everyone is organized. Not everyone can sing. Find your fit, and you will love volunteering.......Find where God wants you to be.....

 

[Aidensmom]

Wow- quiet morning-you can tell it is Sunday and everyone was at church!
Sooooo....what was one thing that stood out to you from your worship service this morning?

Our sermon was on how you need to let go of things of your past in order to move on with your future. That God has great plans for us, but many of us refuse to move on with those plans because we are stuck in thinking about the bad things that have happened in the past (or even in the present) and feeling sorry for ourselves.

What stood out about this to me was that DH and I had a discussion on this subject on Friday night. Well, you know how sometimes spouses don't listen as well to each other's advice as they do to someone else's....there were times that my pastor said the exact same things as I said Friday to DH, he looked over at me and grinned, and I know now that he is thinking a little more seriously about what I said. To me, the sermon was so personal because it was reinforcing something we had just been talking about this weekend.