Uncharitable Christianity

[mondar]

This is not really an apologietical issue, in fact its not even a theogical issue, but I was reading a blog at
http://jollyblogger.typepad.com/jollybl ... _of_i.html

In this article he says...
"...on any given issue, you've got about 10% on either side of the issue that are certifiable wackos (ok, wacko is my word, not his), or I should say extremists. That leaves 80%, i.e. the overwhelming majority, who are somewhere in the middle. But, in the media you never hear from the 80%, it's usually the 10% on either side you hear from because they make for good TV.

Similarly, one angry, caustic person can make a bigger splash than 20 temperate people. And unfortunately, we are going to see that one angry, caustic person as representative of the 20 temperate people. "

While the point of the article is well taken, i doubt the ratio of 1 in 20, or 10%. I think there are far more trash talkers then there are charitable people that have the basic respect of other people that they actually read them more then just enough to reply.

I dont want to say I am perfect in this regard, heavens no, I have made my mistakes. But why are there so many trash talkers, and so few "temperate people?"

 

[handy]

I don't know, mondar. I truly don't. It seems that we cannot just simply disagree with a point anymore, we have to have all out full scale attack on a person if they don't agree. I don't get it.

Perhaps it is because of the impersonal nature of message boards, texting, and forums. People are far more apt to say things in these impersonal venues that they would never say sitting face to face with someone, especially if Christ was sitting in the same room.

Here's a newsflash though, every "avatar" on this board represents a flesh and blood human being who can either be drawn or repelled by the words written here. This board has 12,882 members, only a fraction of whom post here. Most likely the reason why so few who join remain to fellowship is precisely because of the "trash talk".

 

[cyberjosh]

I don't know, mondar. I truly don't. It seems that we cannot just simply disagree with a point anymore, we have to have all out full scale attack on a person if they don't agree. I don't get it.

Perhaps it is because of the impersonal nature of message boards, texting, and forums. People are far more apt to say things in these impersonal venues that they would never say sitting face to face with someone, especially if Christ was sitting in the same room.

Here's a newsflash though, every "avatar" on this board represents a flesh and blood human being who can either be drawn or repelled by the words written here. This board has 12,882 members, only a fraction of whom post here. Most likely the reason why so few who join remain to fellowship is precisely because of the "trash talk".

How right you are Handy! I have noticed time and time again how easy it is for people on boards to overstep bounds that may seem wholly uncharacteristic of how a face to face conversation might play out. No one is exempt from that "liberty" granted by forums, but for my part I try to keep myself in check. It may not be relevant to the topic of this thread but I just had to drop in and acknowledge this realization of truth about message boards. It is a consequence of our digital age, for all of its pros and cons.

God Bless,

~Josh

 

[LostSoul]

I probably have been guilty here a number of times.... for that I am sorry, it is something I work on. Practicing more patience....

 

[Ret]

Next time you see someone angry...say something nice, or give a smile....if able, lend a hand!

 

[prough91]

Whether I'm on a Christian or sports forum, I never let myself post something when I'm angry. I've been on a lot of different forums for a lot of years and I don't remember anyone ever having their minds changed; not that they would admit anyway. Do everything in love!

 

[handy]

You know, I've actually come to change my mind about some things via forums like this.

But, not when someone was calling me names, or being angry, or puffing off how smart they were and how dumb I was.

However, a well-thought out and respectful response, even if it wasn't written all that well, has swayed my viewpoint more than once. :yes

Like momma always said, "You draw more flies with honey that with vinegar."

(not that I'm a fly or anything.)

 

[LostSoul]

You know, I've actually come to change my mind about some things via forums like this.

But, not when someone was calling me names, or being angry, or puffing off how smart they were and how dumb I was.

However, a well-thought out and respectful response, even if it wasn't written all that well, has swayed my viewpoint more than once. :yes

Like momma always said, "You draw more flies with honey that with vinegar."

(not that I'm a fly or anything.)

Think that saying does go to show and remind us that sometimes a little kindness can go a long way.