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S
I don't think the staff have come to a conclusion yet, but I"ll put my 
in.
The idea of a Christian only debate forum at first to me sounded like a good idea. Just like Christian Talk & Advice, but with debates allowed. Then as I thought about it more and discussed it with some of the other staff I"m starting to think that it probably won't work or won't be such a good idea in practice.
It seems the idea is to have the proposed forum like Apologetics & Theology, but exclusivly for Christians. There is so much argument, disagreement and disrespect in that forum already and now a proposal is put forth to add another one? Almost all my moderating duties in these types of forums has been between two or more believers. Note: not non-believers. It's the clash of different interpretations of the Bible and denominations and weird theology that gives this effect. From my observations, most of the people drawn to this type of forum are believers, with a few non-believers in there as well.
My point: I just don't see that an exclusive Christian debate forum will improve things, just due to the nature of 'debate'. The Christian Talk & Advice forum works becasue it is NOT a debate forum. BTW it is governed by the Statement of Faith.
A&T takes a lot of moderation weight, and we are light on active staff at the moment as it is. This new forum would greatly increase the workload of the staff. This is not our day job. We don't get paid for it.
Just putting forward my ideas.
in.The idea of a Christian only debate forum at first to me sounded like a good idea. Just like Christian Talk & Advice, but with debates allowed. Then as I thought about it more and discussed it with some of the other staff I"m starting to think that it probably won't work or won't be such a good idea in practice.
It seems the idea is to have the proposed forum like Apologetics & Theology, but exclusivly for Christians. There is so much argument, disagreement and disrespect in that forum already and now a proposal is put forth to add another one? Almost all my moderating duties in these types of forums has been between two or more believers. Note: not non-believers. It's the clash of different interpretations of the Bible and denominations and weird theology that gives this effect. From my observations, most of the people drawn to this type of forum are believers, with a few non-believers in there as well.
My point: I just don't see that an exclusive Christian debate forum will improve things, just due to the nature of 'debate'. The Christian Talk & Advice forum works becasue it is NOT a debate forum. BTW it is governed by the Statement of Faith.
A&T takes a lot of moderation weight, and we are light on active staff at the moment as it is. This new forum would greatly increase the workload of the staff. This is not our day job. We don't get paid for it.
Just putting forward my ideas.
BUT:
The scripture I posted in my OP is clear. We should have a place where we can completely seperate ourselves from non-believers. The bible seems to think it would be good in practice.
With all due respect Nick....Father knows best. Can't we just give it a try and see if He is right?
From my personal experiance, I dont see the bitterness between brethren, I really don't. And, again, personally I only have a problem speaking to aethiests and clear non-Christians. I'm sorry to say this but I would just rather not talk with them. I know that seems mean but there isn't much time left. We need to have unity in Christ now.
I have no experience with these things bu couldn't the sub-forum moderate itself? If someone is non-christian we would simply report their post.
Please can we just give it a try? Please?
Thanks Strangelove. 
It's still under consideration, but the staff seem to be leaning towards no.
I don't think the scriptures you posted necessarily point towards an exclusive Christian part of the forum. I"m not saying that a Christian-only forum is Biblical or not Biblical, but I just don't see it in the scripture you quoted. I often look at this site like a church, or community. I think having more and more Christian exclusive forums makes it less like that and more like a cult or exclusive club. That's just my opinion.
Read through some more topics and you may very well see bitterness among bretheren. I don't think it's true that a single verse ends debates. I've seen many debates in A&T end with a moderator locking the thread, or just end after 20 pages becasue no-one can be bothered. There are many unresolved disputes among the brethren and all these denominations are evidence of that. It would be great if we had more unity, but I don't see a Christian debate forum acheiving that. The Christian Talk & Advice does that very well IMO.
Very true there is little time left, and the Lord wil come like a thief in the night. I think the most encouragement I've received has been from CT&A. In fact I don't venture in A&T much anymore because I often get disheartened to see so many believers knash at each other, often in pointless debates that never resolves. This is just what I've observed from my personal experience.
The forum couldn't possibly moderate itself. We actually have a system of keeping unbelievers out of CT&A, and that would just be extended to the proposed forum. But we would need moderation among the believers participating in the forum. Forums like that require heavy moderation. It's hard enough as it is having one of them, (plus others like science and end times) but to add another - the staff will be strained. Yes, feel free to report posts, but then the staff have to deal with those accordingly. All reports do is alert the staff of actions that may need to be taken, if we don't notice them ourselves.
That's the way the situation looks to me at this time. I appreciate your proposal, Strangelove. Not a bad idea, but I just don't see it happening at the moment, with all respect.
It's still under consideration, but the staff seem to be leaning towards no.
I don't think the scriptures you posted necessarily point towards an exclusive Christian part of the forum. I"m not saying that a Christian-only forum is Biblical or not Biblical, but I just don't see it in the scripture you quoted. I often look at this site like a church, or community. I think having more and more Christian exclusive forums makes it less like that and more like a cult or exclusive club. That's just my opinion.
Read through some more topics and you may very well see bitterness among bretheren. I don't think it's true that a single verse ends debates. I've seen many debates in A&T end with a moderator locking the thread, or just end after 20 pages becasue no-one can be bothered. There are many unresolved disputes among the brethren and all these denominations are evidence of that. It would be great if we had more unity, but I don't see a Christian debate forum acheiving that. The Christian Talk & Advice does that very well IMO.
Very true there is little time left, and the Lord wil come like a thief in the night. I think the most encouragement I've received has been from CT&A. In fact I don't venture in A&T much anymore because I often get disheartened to see so many believers knash at each other, often in pointless debates that never resolves. This is just what I've observed from my personal experience.
The forum couldn't possibly moderate itself. We actually have a system of keeping unbelievers out of CT&A, and that would just be extended to the proposed forum. But we would need moderation among the believers participating in the forum. Forums like that require heavy moderation. It's hard enough as it is having one of them, (plus others like science and end times) but to add another - the staff will be strained. Yes, feel free to report posts, but then the staff have to deal with those accordingly. All reports do is alert the staff of actions that may need to be taken, if we don't notice them ourselves.
That's the way the situation looks to me at this time. I appreciate your proposal, Strangelove. Not a bad idea, but I just don't see it happening at the moment, with all respect.
S
D'ya know what?
I think your right actually. The CT&A forum is non-debate correct? And for Christians only?
So I'm just gonna post my topics in there and if anyone wants to give encouragment or edification then they can but no-one is allowed to disagree with me!
Fantastic. I'm not even really bothered about debating I just wanna bring info (advice) forward for Brethren.
Thanks Nick. You've just given me a great idea for my first CT&A topic.
EDIT: Um....where is the CT&A forum? I can't find it. And we can talk about whatever subject we want in there correct? As long as it involves Chritianity in some way?
I think your right actually. The CT&A forum is non-debate correct? And for Christians only?
So I'm just gonna post my topics in there and if anyone wants to give encouragment or edification then they can but no-one is allowed to disagree with me!
Fantastic. I'm not even really bothered about debating I just wanna bring info (advice) forward for Brethren.
Thanks Nick. You've just given me a great idea for my first CT&A topic.
EDIT: Um....where is the CT&A forum? I can't find it. And we can talk about whatever subject we want in there correct? As long as it involves Chritianity in some way?
I suggest everything under Christian discussion should be restricted for Christians only since "Christian discussion" does say "Christian" discussion not "general" or "everybody" discussion and move "news and current events" to the Christian discussion area so Christians can discuss this from a Christian standpoint, but leave General discussion, prayer, and politics for everyone. So if a nonChristian wants to talk about any subject in the Christian area, they can bring it up in the general discussion. I think that would be a very fair and easy move and it would not over burden the moderators.
I think it would be helpful to weak or struggling Christians that come here seeking encouragement, help or fellowship that they are not getting outside. So it may be good to have a safe, protected area for them where they are not going to be cornored to fight or defend their beliefs when spiritually they may be too wounded to feel up to doing that. Yet, they don`t come just asking for encouragement or advise. They may have a need to discuss and debate certain areas they are struggling with, but they need to discuss it without someone saying the equivalent of "your religion is all wrong". I think we have to put our brother and sisters first.
It may also be helpful to more mature Christians like Strangelove whose minds are active and really want to dig into scripture with other Christians without having to be distracted with people jumping in with totally nonscriptural points because the nonbelievers don`t believe the Bible. So all of a sudden debate can no longer be based on scripture. It must be based on worldly points so the depth of the discussion is interfered with.
I may also help the sensitive Christians who don`t want to come on a Christian forum and be told some other god is greater. Or be ridiculed because they are not theologians or don`t know science as much as the atheist. They just want to talk about Christian things not be ridiculed and be called "ignorant".
However, it would not exclude people. The Christian forum would still include everyone Christian and nonChristian alike and nonChristians would still be allowed to post the same kinds of topics as in the Christian discussion but they would put it in the general discussion. The general forum is a very active forum if not the most active, so it`s not like sweeping them into an inactive corner. The general forum is the first forum listed so it is the forum people are basically forced to look at first. Therefore, the nonChristians would not be put at the very bottom as the last choice where I guess fewer people look. They get the "prime time spot". Plus, a lot of Christians seem to enjoy debating them and see engaging with them as a form of evangelism so I think there will be Christians encouraged by the opportunity to engage with the nonChristians coming on our own turf. So they could see the "general forum" as their "evangelistic opportunity", but those Christians who are hurting or come to really talk scripture can be respected and have a protected area. Much like going to church. When you go to chuch, you expect the worship area to be a sanctuary for Christians to worship God together. Not a place where all religions come in and debate their faiths. But in Bible studies there is more room for nonChristians to come and raise their questions. So there is a place for everyone in the church but in the sanctuary it is not appropriate to subject Christians to nonChristian teaching. I think that is what Strangelove is asking for, just a little sanctuary for Christians on this forum. That is not too much to ask.
I think it would be helpful to weak or struggling Christians that come here seeking encouragement, help or fellowship that they are not getting outside. So it may be good to have a safe, protected area for them where they are not going to be cornored to fight or defend their beliefs when spiritually they may be too wounded to feel up to doing that. Yet, they don`t come just asking for encouragement or advise. They may have a need to discuss and debate certain areas they are struggling with, but they need to discuss it without someone saying the equivalent of "your religion is all wrong". I think we have to put our brother and sisters first.
It may also be helpful to more mature Christians like Strangelove whose minds are active and really want to dig into scripture with other Christians without having to be distracted with people jumping in with totally nonscriptural points because the nonbelievers don`t believe the Bible. So all of a sudden debate can no longer be based on scripture. It must be based on worldly points so the depth of the discussion is interfered with.
I may also help the sensitive Christians who don`t want to come on a Christian forum and be told some other god is greater. Or be ridiculed because they are not theologians or don`t know science as much as the atheist. They just want to talk about Christian things not be ridiculed and be called "ignorant".
However, it would not exclude people. The Christian forum would still include everyone Christian and nonChristian alike and nonChristians would still be allowed to post the same kinds of topics as in the Christian discussion but they would put it in the general discussion. The general forum is a very active forum if not the most active, so it`s not like sweeping them into an inactive corner. The general forum is the first forum listed so it is the forum people are basically forced to look at first. Therefore, the nonChristians would not be put at the very bottom as the last choice where I guess fewer people look. They get the "prime time spot". Plus, a lot of Christians seem to enjoy debating them and see engaging with them as a form of evangelism so I think there will be Christians encouraged by the opportunity to engage with the nonChristians coming on our own turf. So they could see the "general forum" as their "evangelistic opportunity", but those Christians who are hurting or come to really talk scripture can be respected and have a protected area. Much like going to church. When you go to chuch, you expect the worship area to be a sanctuary for Christians to worship God together. Not a place where all religions come in and debate their faiths. But in Bible studies there is more room for nonChristians to come and raise their questions. So there is a place for everyone in the church but in the sanctuary it is not appropriate to subject Christians to nonChristian teaching. I think that is what Strangelove is asking for, just a little sanctuary for Christians on this forum. That is not too much to ask.
S
Exactly pjt this is all I want. Just one place where Christians can debate other Christians only.
It seems it's something that pretty much all of us want and we certainly thank the staff for thinking this one over.
In the meantime can a mod please tell me where are the Christian only forums?
I can't find Christian Talk & Advice. Where is it? Do I need permission to get there?
Doc.
It seems it's something that pretty much all of us want and we certainly thank the staff for thinking this one over.
In the meantime can a mod please tell me where are the Christian only forums?
I can't find Christian Talk & Advice. Where is it? Do I need permission to get there?
Doc.
This is not good for a Christian to be locked out of the Christian only area. I`m opposed to that! You are actually missing 2 parts to the Christian discussion area. The 3rd thing on your list should be "Christian talk and Advise" and the last thing should be "Bible Study". I hope the moderators fix this for you.
Some members who are Christian can get locked out of CT&A if they continue to debate in that forum. CT&A is as much protected against debates as it is non-Christians. In time, Strangelove. The staff are discussing all of this.
pjt,
I see what you're saying. But I think it's important for both believers and non-believers to discuss things together. A lot of the Christian life is discussing theology with unbelievers. That needs to remain. It will not get pushed into the General category. This can only mean that to have Christian-only categories will require extra forums, something the Staff are not inclined to do at this point in time. The 'Christian' category is not for Christians necessarily, but a discussion of Christian matters directly, as opposed to other categories, like General, Entertainment, People etc.
Remember there is the Private Bible Study forum that people can use if they want specific people in their discussion.
pjt,
I see what you're saying. But I think it's important for both believers and non-believers to discuss things together. A lot of the Christian life is discussing theology with unbelievers. That needs to remain. It will not get pushed into the General category. This can only mean that to have Christian-only categories will require extra forums, something the Staff are not inclined to do at this point in time. The 'Christian' category is not for Christians necessarily, but a discussion of Christian matters directly, as opposed to other categories, like General, Entertainment, People etc.
Remember there is the Private Bible Study forum that people can use if they want specific people in their discussion.
Well, it is a shame that a Christian comes to a Christian forum supposedly his own home, and wants to discuss/debate with just Christians about certain things and then gets kicked out of the Christian only discussion so he has to go to wolves of the nonChristians and go through a lot of nonsense. I feel like it is a mistreatment to our own brother in Christ. Do we put those who are against us before our own family? People who come and hail their own gods and beliefs are to be placed above our own? It is not right to do this to a brother. He simply asks for a place to discuss and debate with Christians without having to hear about allah and "there is no god" so scriptures become meaningless in these debates. I think it is very sad to treat a brother in such a manner.
S
LOLZ OK! I promise not to debate in that forum again. It was a total accident and I didn't even debate anyone I just posted two quotes that showed how Handy had contradicted herself. I got a 3 month infraction for that and excluded from Christian only talk. All because the 'subscribed list' page doesn't show what forum the thread is on.
I agree we should evangelize the Gospels to unbelievers but scripture also says we should seperate ourselves from them. We should have a place of fellowship AND debate apart from them. It's like your saying Christians arn't allowed to debate without the spirit of antichrist being involved and having influence.
Yeah but Nick, many us want to debate about news and politics and worldly issues with brethren and your not allowing that to happen on that sub-forum so....?.....?
I agree we should evangelize the Gospels to unbelievers but scripture also says we should seperate ourselves from them. We should have a place of fellowship AND debate apart from them. It's like your saying Christians arn't allowed to debate without the spirit of antichrist being involved and having influence.
Yeah but Nick, many us want to debate about news and politics and worldly issues with brethren and your not allowing that to happen on that sub-forum so....?.....?
I am not going to continue to discuss a member publically. PM me if you want.
This is not a case of putting those against us before our own family. The main concern I have with this proposed forum is that it will be yet another place where fighting amongst Christians can take place, just without the non-believer. My main issue is the staff. We are stretched thin as it is. This additional forum will add to that load immensly. Regardless of whether we shold have one or not, the bottom line is that at the moment it cannot happen. Perhaps it will in the future, I don't know.
This is not a case of putting those against us before our own family. The main concern I have with this proposed forum is that it will be yet another place where fighting amongst Christians can take place, just without the non-believer. My main issue is the staff. We are stretched thin as it is. This additional forum will add to that load immensly. Regardless of whether we shold have one or not, the bottom line is that at the moment it cannot happen. Perhaps it will in the future, I don't know.
If you're subscribed to a thread already, wouldn't you know it's location? There are many other ways of seeing where a thread is, for example up the top of the page. It's always a good idea to check. 
BTW infractions have been shortened to 60 days since yours was given out.
But I believe you have chatted / will soon chat to Mike about this.
True, but as I've said many times before in this thread technically it can't happen at the moment. Isn't there enough debating already?
Well Theology can be discussed there, and I dare say that's where the bulk of the debate among Christians arise. So that sorts out most of it.
Mate, the bottom line is that sometimes we just have to put up with things we don't like. I am warming to the idea of this forum, but I know most of the staff are just not up to it at the moment. Nor am I.
BTW infractions have been shortened to 60 days since yours was given out.
But I believe you have chatted / will soon chat to Mike about this.
True, but as I've said many times before in this thread technically it can't happen at the moment. Isn't there enough debating already?
Well Theology can be discussed there, and I dare say that's where the bulk of the debate among Christians arise. So that sorts out most of it.
Mate, the bottom line is that sometimes we just have to put up with things we don't like. I am warming to the idea of this forum, but I know most of the staff are just not up to it at the moment. Nor am I.
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Ok, here's my .02
From my point of view, I am against adding a "Christian ONLY" debate forum and here is part of the reason why.
It's not easy to mod a forum, especially a debate forum when the members can't even adhere to the TOS. And we want to add another? Yeah, I'd like a nail in my tire, thank you very much
The debate forums bring out the ugly in anyone who stays in that type of an atmosphere long enough but hopefully in the process they can grow as Christians in tempering themselves. In short, if you can't treat another human being with decency from the backside of a keyboard, what are you going to do when you run across somebody with opposing differences in real life face to face?
Exclusiveism. I don't believe in it. When we isolate ourselves to just ourselves then an elitist mentality seems to always follow. As Christians, we are first and foremost called to be a light for those who are lost, but often in our debates we seem to forget about this and we squander the opportunity. I understand that non-believers can pose some pretty good questions, but why is it that we feel so compelled to berate them? Why can't we simply say, "I don't know that answer, but I'll get back with you if I can figure it out.", or at the very least, what happened to "Kicking the dust of your feet." and simply walking away?
Your the person sitting behind that keyboard, and unlike the spoken word, you have the time to think, read, and even pray about how you would like to respond. In other words, the backspace key is only a click away... But it's not easy to be a light, so why are we always so quick to spit back an argument with our brothers, or with a non-believer? It's not always the easiest thing to do, and some simply can't do it and they end up leaving the forum. But what ever happened to taking a moment to pray before responding, and figuring out how to season your words with salt before hitting the submit button? Why is that soooo hard?
This is our forum. It's not MY forum, nor is it Nick's, Vic's or any of the other staffs. In short, if you want to change the forum, then start by behaving accordingly in each sub-forum and make it what you want it to be... because it's already what the members have made it. Make sense?
Just some thoughts...
From my point of view, I am against adding a "Christian ONLY" debate forum and here is part of the reason why.
It's not easy to mod a forum, especially a debate forum when the members can't even adhere to the TOS. And we want to add another? Yeah, I'd like a nail in my tire, thank you very much
The debate forums bring out the ugly in anyone who stays in that type of an atmosphere long enough but hopefully in the process they can grow as Christians in tempering themselves. In short, if you can't treat another human being with decency from the backside of a keyboard, what are you going to do when you run across somebody with opposing differences in real life face to face?
Exclusiveism. I don't believe in it. When we isolate ourselves to just ourselves then an elitist mentality seems to always follow. As Christians, we are first and foremost called to be a light for those who are lost, but often in our debates we seem to forget about this and we squander the opportunity. I understand that non-believers can pose some pretty good questions, but why is it that we feel so compelled to berate them? Why can't we simply say, "I don't know that answer, but I'll get back with you if I can figure it out.", or at the very least, what happened to "Kicking the dust of your feet." and simply walking away?
Your the person sitting behind that keyboard, and unlike the spoken word, you have the time to think, read, and even pray about how you would like to respond. In other words, the backspace key is only a click away... But it's not easy to be a light, so why are we always so quick to spit back an argument with our brothers, or with a non-believer? It's not always the easiest thing to do, and some simply can't do it and they end up leaving the forum. But what ever happened to taking a moment to pray before responding, and figuring out how to season your words with salt before hitting the submit button? Why is that soooo hard?
This is our forum. It's not MY forum, nor is it Nick's, Vic's or any of the other staffs. In short, if you want to change the forum, then start by behaving accordingly in each sub-forum and make it what you want it to be... because it's already what the members have made it. Make sense?
Just some thoughts...
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