Friendly Bible Study - participants must agree to Nicene Creed.

[Carl Emerson]

Hi Carl
I found it interesting early on when quite a few were sharing but then it changed, also I like study where we learn from one another, no real agendas but an open group where you can share and be heard. You already know what conclusions you have reached, and I believe what you want us to reach - I kind of have an open mind to see what I see at the time, and for it to be just as relevant.
Some of the responses started to go over my head a bit and if I am honest.
For me, sadly I do think it was a shame that some members were excluded - never been to a study group where you had to agree on a creed before you could take part- in the groups I have been a part of over the years anyone was welcome and you were still able to be civil and learn from one another.
Sorry, but it hasn’t worked for me x

Thanks for the valuable feedback - the Mods suggested an area in which we didn't have to be subject to the aggressive contention so prevalent in the normal forum.
It seemed that the easiest way to achieve this, was to gather those who agreed with foundational issues and work together for deeper fellowship and understanding.

If this approach is not working then any suggestions to improve the format are welcome.

I am here to learn as anyone else - my theology is not 'fixed' - we all have more to learn.

I have led the topic, but invited contributions and been open to correction.

You contribution and friendship has been very much appreciated - I am very surprised to hear you want to leave.

I have tried hard to be inclusive and sensitive - sorry if I have somehow offended you.

Things did go quiet - the fact that folks did not raise any issues of concern is very disappointing, I have hoped for greater openness so I could make adjustments as we traveled. There is no point providing a platform for fellowship and discussion around the word if it is not what folks want.

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @marks @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina @Johann @seatts79

 

[Rita]

Hi Carl
I haven’t actually said I want to leave, just really relayed that it hasn’t worked for me at the moment. I understand about the safe place , but in all honesty I would prefer to try and find ways to actually interact with those who have differing views rather than avoid them - that’s just where I am at the moment. As we have seen there are ways of dealing with those who actually come here to be create problems, many have come to actually discuss and share. By closing people off you clump everyone in the same group, i would rather judge and weigh people up by their attitudes.
I am currently working through some interesting studies that show the pattern and flow of scripture and I am finding it fascinating, it’s like a recurring melody. It’s actually making me look at scripture in a new way, buts it’s a learning curve and one that I am still evaluating.
I can’t compete with those who really know theology in a deep way , sometimes it’s like reading a tax letter and I end up not having a clue what is actually being said - makes my brain hurt !!!!! lol
I do find it more difficult when you post a summery before we have looked at the passage, that to me is you drawing conclusions before anyone else has had chance to look at it - the studies I have gone to usually look at a passage together and then pull all that’s been shared together , so the summery is a combined one - does that make sense !?
I am just one person Carl, if the group is going to work then it needs to have feedback and interaction from everyone that wanted to be a part of it……..x

 

[amadeus]

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @marks @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina @Johann @seatts79


Hi Friends...

Who is still on board ?

Are theses studies delivering fruitfully or do we need to change course?

I am still here striving to hear what the Spirit may say to us. Let us then go forward as the Spirit leads us.

 

[amadeus]

Thanks for the valuable feedback - the Mods suggested an area in which we didn't have to be subject to the aggressive contention so prevalent in the normal forum.
It seemed that the easiest way to achieve this, was to gather those who agreed with foundational issues and work together for deeper fellowship and understanding....

I am one who may not agree with all what you have deemed "foundational issues", but I remain quiet on those things and hope to learn by reading what you and others post here...

Things did go quiet - the fact that folks did not raise any issues of concern is very disappointing, I have hoped for greater openness so I could make adjustments as we traveled. There is no point providing a platform for fellowship and discussion around the word if it is not what folks want.

If you were to open it up more or people were to speak some of the things on their hearts, it could easily become another place of "my way is better than your way and I will not budge. If you don't change to my way, you will burn in the fire".

Do people really want that kind of threads? It seems that some do. Keep on striving my friend. God sees where you are and where all of us are. Give God the glory!

 

[Rita]

Usually it’s me a few others that post, so it’s really up to those who opted for the study and then chose not to add anything - you can’t have a group study without a group of people willing to interact. I did try and add things each time, although recently I have been busy away from the forum Studying.

 

[Rita]

I am one who may not agree with all what you have deemed "foundational issues", but I remain quiet on those things and hope to learn by reading what you and others post here...

If you were to open it up more or people were to speak some of the things on their hearts, it could easily become another place of "my way is better than your way and I will not budge. If you don't change to my way, you will burn in the fire".

Do people really want that kind of threads? It seems that some do. Keep on striving my friend. God sees where you are and where all of us are. Give God the glory!

Are you not a prime example of those with differing views, but are also respectful of the views of others. Xxxx

 

[amadeus]

Are you not a prime example of those with differing views, but are also respectful of the views of others. Xxxx

With God's help I strive to be so. Without Him I am nothing at all.

 

[Rita]

@Carl Emerson
You didn’t offend me by the way, you asked for feedback so I felt I needed to be honest. I have been equally frustrated by the lack of interest as I want it to work as well.
Apologies if my post impacted in a negative way xxxx

 

[Pearl]

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @marks @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina @Johann @seatts79


Hi Friends...

Who is still on board ?

Are theses studies delivering fruitfully or do we need to change course?

Hi Carl, I'm not posting very much at the moment as I have too many domestic concerns so count me out for the time being.

 

[Carl Emerson]

Hi Carl
I haven’t actually said I want to leave, just really relayed that it hasn’t worked for me at the moment. I understand about the safe place , but in all honesty I would prefer to try and find ways to actually interact with those who have differing views rather than avoid them - that’s just where I am at the moment. As we have seen there are ways of dealing with those who actually come here to be create problems, many have come to actually discuss and share. By closing people off you clump everyone in the same group, i would rather judge and weigh people up by their attitudes.
I am currently working through some interesting studies that show the pattern and flow of scripture and I am finding it fascinating, it’s like a recurring melody. It’s actually making me look at scripture in a new way, buts it’s a learning curve and one that I am still evaluating.
I can’t compete with those who really know theology in a deep way , sometimes it’s like reading a tax letter and I end up not having a clue what is actually being said - makes my brain hurt !!!!! lol
I do find it more difficult when you post a summery before we have looked at the passage, that to me is you drawing conclusions before anyone else has had chance to look at it - the studies I have gone to usually look at a passage together and then pull all that’s been shared together , so the summery is a combined one - does that make sense !?
I am just one person Carl, if the group is going to work then it needs to have feedback and interaction from everyone that wanted to be a part of it……..x

Hi Rita,

Sorry for thinking you were leaving, I misunderstood you.

You may have noticed I am quite active in the usual threads and am comfortable to interact with 'all comers'.

Initially I did not post a summary first, I only started doing that because other members were coming in strong with their take and I could see that this was potentially intimidating.

As this didn't stop I figured it might be best if I introduced the study myself.

We could make reference to a passage to read and wait a week then take comments from whoever - do you think this could work better? This would give time for all to consider a contribution.

I hope more may feed back as you have, much appreciated.

 

[Carl Emerson]

Hi Carl, I'm not posting very much at the moment as I have too many domestic concerns so count me out for the time being.

Understood, thanks for feeding back.

Hey team - some prayer in Pearl's direction would be timely it seems.

 

[GodsGrace]

I read through the last couple of pages and I'm always interested in bible study and exchange of ideas.
I don't know what the fundamentals are....but if you accept only those that agree with you then it becomes a club.
I think some interaction is good - as long as it's respectful and civil, which is how I always try to be anyway.

So what is being discussed right now in this bible study?

 

[Rita]

Hi Rita,

Sorry for thinking you were leaving, I misunderstood you.

You may have noticed I am quite active in the usual threads and am comfortable to interact with 'all comers'.

Initially I did not post a summary first, I only started doing that because other members were coming in strong with their take and I could see that this was potentially intimidating.

As this didn't stop I figured it might be best if I introduced the study myself.

We could make reference to a passage to read and wait a week then take comments from whoever - do you think this could work better? This would give time for all to consider a contribution.

I hope more may feed back as you have, much appreciated.

Thanks for explaining, that’s helpful to know x
I must admit that I like to reflect on things , but I tend to listen to what is being laid on my heart from the passage. Sometimes it may be something personal which may not mean a lot to others, but it’s still relevant. Other times it’s about the bigger picture.
I think more need to give feedback and perhaps explain why they stopped contributing.
Certainly open to try whatever you suggest x
@GodsGrace , lovely to see you here xxx

 

[Carl Emerson]

I read through the last couple of pages and I'm always interested in bible study and exchange of ideas.
I don't know what the fundamentals are....but if you accept only those that agree with you then it becomes a club.
I think some interaction is good - as long as it's respectful and civil, which is how I always try to be anyway.

So what is being discussed right now in this bible study?

Hi there, nice to see you checking us out.

We were given the opportunity to create a thread which is seperate from the usual bun fight from non-mainstream members.

To do this we simply agree to the Nicene Creed which represents mainstream Christianity pretty well.

Next chapter is Acts 6.

We will read and ponder on this passage over the next week then open for discussion. There is a wide variety of members here and the we learn from one another. If you read the first few pages you will get the gist of how we plan to operate. It is a bit like a home group on the net - mutual respect and listening for the gems that members dig out is the aim.

 

[Carl Emerson]

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @marks @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina @Johann @seatts79 @GodsGrace

Hi there all,

Just to say can we read Acts 6 over the next week then bring your reflections after we have all had a chance to digest and prepare a response.

Many thanks...

Can someone confirm that I have to still post the members names above otherwise they don't get notifications ?

 

[GodsGrace]

Hi there, nice to see you checking us out.

We were given the opportunity to create a thread which is seperate from the usual bun fight from non-mainstream members.

To do this we simply agree to the Nicene Creed which represents mainstream Christianity pretty well.

Next chapter is Acts 6.

We will read and ponder on this passage over the next week then open for discussion. There is a wide variety of members here and the we learn from one another. If you read the first few pages you will get the gist of how we plan to operate. It is a bit like a home group on the net - mutual respect and listening for the gems that members dig out is the aim.

Hi Carl,
Of course I agree to the Nicene Creed !
You mean there are Christians that don't !!
LOL

OK.
Will go through Acts 6 and wait till I hear from this thread again via an alert.

 

[Hillsage]

Hi Carl,
Of course I agree to the Nicene Creed !
You mean there are Christians that don't !!
LOL

OK.
Will go through Acts 6 and wait till I hear from this thread again via an alert.

Yes, there are CHRISTIANS that don't.

According to Wickipedia anyway; "
The Filioque controversy is a religious debate between Western and Eastern Christianity over the addition of "and the Son" to a clause of the Nicene Creed, thus making the Son coequal with the Father. The Filioque was one of the causes of the split between Western and Eastern Christianity."

"Some Eastern Orthodox claim that the Catholic Church is under anathema because it added the word filioque ("and the Son") to the Nicene Creed after the declaration that the Spirit proceeds from the Father. This was illicit, they say, because the Council of Ephesus condemned anyone who composes a new creed."

But that is FYI and off topic.

 

[Carl Emerson]

Yes, there are CHRISTIANS that don't.

According to Wickipedia anyway; "
The Filioque controversy is a religious debate between Western and Eastern Christianity over the addition of "and the Son" to a clause of the Nicene Creed, thus making the Son coequal with the Father. The Filioque was one of the causes of the split between Western and Eastern Christianity."

"Some Eastern Orthodox claim that the Catholic Church is under anathema because it added the word filioque ("and the Son") to the Nicene Creed after the declaration that the Spirit proceeds from the Father. This was illicit, they say, because the Council of Ephesus condemned anyone who composes a new creed."

But that is FYI and off topic.

We dealt with this earlier.

I am happy to accept either version of the Creed to qualify to participate here...

 

[face2face]

@Carl Emerson I've placed this on watch and happy to share in a study of Acts 6.
Thanks
F2F

 

[Carl Emerson]

@Carl Emerson I've placed this on watch and happy to share in a study of Acts 6.
Thanks
F2F

Cool, welcome aboard !