Question about "unbeliever" rule

[conchoreb]

If the rule of the forum states:
"Questions by unbelievers can be asked in the subforum "Christianity Q & A" of Apologetics & Theology."
Why are apparent unbelievers allowed on the A&T forum instead of just the Q&A subforum? I think when a poster questions, to the point of thinly disguised denial, the miracles and virgin birth of Jesus that puts the poster in the "unbeliever" category.
Do I not understand the rule?

 

[animal]

Nonbeliever.

Un- suggests a lack of believer which doesn't make sense.

Non- suggests the person is not a believer.

;)

 

[conchoreb]

Nonbeliever.

Un- suggests a lack of believer which doesn't make sense.

Non- suggests the person is not a believer.

;)

Picky, picky, picky--and not speaking to my question.
Regarding the term "Unbeliever" not making sense, take it up with Luke and Paul
Luke 12:46
1 Cor. 6:6
1Cor.14:23
2 Cor. 6:14

 

[Paidion]

If the rule of the forum states:
"Questions by unbelievers can be asked in the subforum "Christianity Q & A" of Apologetics & Theology."
Why are apparent unbelievers allowed on the A&T forum instead of just the Q&A subforum? I think when a poster questions, to the point of thinly disguised denial, the miracles and virgin birth of Jesus that puts the poster in the "unbeliever" category.

How far are you going to take this?

For example, if a poster doesn't believe in the Trinity, does this "put the poster in the unbeliever category"? Some think so. I, personally, have already been questioned about my discipleship because I am a non-Trinitarian.

Believers in the "Oneness" of God are non-Trinitarians --- churches such as the United Pentecostal, and various branches of the Apostolic Church. Do they belong in the unbeliever category?

What other "orthodox" points of doctrine can be denied without being "put in the unbeliever category"? Preterists believe that Matthew 24 was fulfilled in 70 A.D. when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. Do Preterists then belong in the unbeliever category?

Some believe that although Christ we the divine Son of God, He became a complete man. Because He was tempted in all points like the rest of mankind, He could have sinned, but always chose not to do so. Does the belief that He could have sinned, put them into the unbeliever category?

Or to bring it to a ridiculous extreme, what is the orthodox position on the coming of Christ?
Pre-trib premillenial? Post-trib premillenial? Mid-trib premillenial? Amillenial? Post millenial?
Should proponents of certain positions be put into the unbeliever category?

 

[Silver Bullet]

If the rule of the forum states:
"Questions by unbelievers can be asked in the subforum "Christianity Q & A" of Apologetics & Theology."
Why are apparent unbelievers allowed on the A&T forum instead of just the Q&A subforum?I think when a poster questions, to the point of thinly disguised denial, the miracles and virgin birth of Jesus that puts the poster in the "unbeliever" category.
Do I not understand the rule?

I was once a believer, raised in a moderate Christian family but I am now an atheist. I suppose you could say that I am looking for a convincing Christian case for me to reconsider my position (I'd rather be one of you guys!).

Here's the definition of apologetics according to M-W dictionary: a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity.

Who to better defend against than an "unbeliever". I mean, do you really want the Apologetics section full of believers so you guys can quibble about small things and pat yourselves on the back for how great your belief system is while ignoring the big questions? (If so, you are not making a good case for how robust Christianity is).

Would you prefer that I stay out of the apologetics section? If so, I will. It's your forum.

 

[JoJo]

Nonbeliever.

Un- suggests a lack of believer which doesn't make sense.

Non- suggests the person is not a believer.

Actually I find this very helpful. As a writer, I am often at a loss as to whether to write "nonbelievers" or "unbelievers" in my articles. Are there any other good appropriate terms for describing non-Christians?

 

[animal]

Actually I find this very helpful. As a writer, I am often at a loss as to whether to write "nonbelievers" or "unbelievers" in my articles. Are there any other good appropriate terms for describing non-Christians?

Really depends on the person. White, black, asian, female, tall, fat, smelly, awesome.. So many adjectives ;)

But honestly I'm not sure. I'll think about it while I'm putting my groceries away.

 

[animal]

I think if there was a word it would be an uneccesary word.. a "non-word" in my opinion. Like atheist. I know I sound like Sam Harris right now but I've thought this way since high school. No one has to wake up and reject God. Any God. Christians don't wake up remind themselves they don't believe in Krishna or Thor. They don't call themselves Athorists.

Just to continue to try to make sure you get my point I used to always say, back in the day when being straight edge was cool..

"My dad doesn't know he's straight edge."

To my dad straight-edge is a non-word ..or a non-term.

 

[Paidion]

Are there any other good appropriate terms for describing non-Christians?

How about "infidel"? The King James translators so rendered the Greek word "αÀιÃĀοÂ" in 2 Cor 6:15 and I Tim 5:8. This Greek word literally means "without faith" or "faithless". That is also what "infidel" means. "αÀιÃĀοÂ" is used 571 times in the New Testament.

 

[conchoreb]

Ask a simple question and get lots of arguments and no answer. Oh well such is the "Christian" Forums.
I had noticed on the Christian Talk and Advice Forum this statement:
"Christians ONLY - All other posts WILL BE DELETED.
This is Not a Debate Forum.
Questions by unbelievers can be asked in the subforum "Christianity Q & A" of Apologetics & Theology Forum."
I inferred from this that unbelievers were to ask questions on the Q & A subforum of A & T only--not on the A & T forum. A reasonable inferrence I believe. Apparently it is a rule that is not followed. I joined CF to progress in my Christian walk to not argue with unbelievers advancing the same points I used to hold in my foolish days. With them I shake the dust from my sandles and walk away.
Not to fond of debating heretics either.
So I bid you all toodleloo.

 

[Silver Bullet]

I joined CF to progress in my Christian walk to not argue with unbelievers advancing the same points I used to hold in my foolish days. With them I shake the dust from my sandles and walk away.
Not to fond of debating heretics either.

Apologetics is about defending the very foundations of Christianity. By definition, this involves debate, and since the foundations are being considered, that debate ought to include questioning the foundations. You want to exclude those from this section that might challenge you most .

I've met many gracious Christians (and at least one non-Christian!) with whom it has been a great pleasure for me to interact here. You're the first one who wants to boot me (with a clean sandal at least) out of A&T.

I might be wrong, but perhaps the reason you haven't received much support in this endeavor so far is because it is a Christian Forum.

Like I said, if you want me to go, I will. I don't need a consensus among the people responding to this thread or the Forum moderators to get involved. Just you conchoreb. Search your conscience, consult your Bible, whatever it takes to make the call.

-SB

 

[JudaicChristian]

A non believer in Judaism is someone who does not believe in Yahwah, or Yahshua. Before people were called Christians, they were called converts to Judaism. To accuse someone who professes Christ as to not being a Christian, is to make a false accusation.

 

[Silver Bullet]

Are there any other good appropriate terms for describing non-Christians?

How about "infidel"? The King James translators so rendered the Greek word "αÀιÃĀοÂ" in 2 Cor 6:15 and I Tim 5:8. This Greek word literally means "without faith" or "faithless". That is also what "infidel" means. "αÀιÃĀοÂ" is used 571 times in the New Testament.

Infidel
One entry found.

Main Entry:
in·fi·del
Pronunciation:
\ˈin-fə-dəl, -fə-ˌdel\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Middle English infidele, from Middle French, from Late Latin infidelis unbelieving, from Latin, unfaithful, from in- + fidelis faithful  more at fidelity
Date:
15th century
1: one who is not a Christian or who opposes Christianity
2 a: an unbeliever with respect to a particular religion b: one who acknowledges no religious belief
3: a disbeliever in something specified or understood

Looks like Paidion scores again! (Also looks like unbeliever and non-believer are both fine)

Best,
SB

 

[JoJo]

Just a hunch, but somehow I think if I use "infidel" when referring to an unbeliever in an article, it won't go over very well! :gah

 

[Silver Bullet]

Just a hunch, but somehow I think if I use "infidel" when referring to an unbeliever in an article, it won't go over very well! :gah

You're probably right JoJo. It does have a negative connotation (and kinda sounds like 'imbecile', though many here may think that's appropriate :D ).

SB

 

[Vic C.]

I think we are missing the reason why the sub forum exists. We don't discourage those who do not claim to be Christians from posting on the site.

However, in the past, questions by agnostics, atheists and those of other faiths, ask questions all over the site; in the General forum, in Apologetics, in the Bible Study forum and even in the Talk and Advice forum. It makes it difficult to monitor these threads and it makes it difficult for those with answers to look all over the site for these questions.

Therefore, we ask that these questions be limited to one forum and we do our best to find and move questions posted elsewhere to said forum. I'll leave it to all the professed Christians to squabble over the finer points of Christianity in the Apologetics and Theology forum.

 

[Jon-Marc]

I don't think I was ever an unbeliever or a non-believer, but I was certainly lost. We are either born again or lost. I believed there was a God but hadn't trusted in Him until I realized that I was lost and needed a Saviour.

 

[JoJo]

I believed there was a God but hadn't trusted in Him until I realized that I was lost and needed a Saviour.

Nicely put, Jon-Marc.