In response to having a post deleted as per ‘newer’ forum rules, FWIW, can we please have some equality on the issue of the trinity? Apparently it cannot be discussed either for or against this very controversial doctrine, yet many posts are still appearing on this topic and only one group is being gagged as far as I can see.
Is it a “choice of words” issue? Is it “only certain words or phrases” that are not allowed?
If people are not equipped with the truth, and what the Bible says about both sides of this doctrine, how are they ever going to be able to defend their faith? Both sides claim to be “Christians” and should defend their position in a Christian manner. I do not see that as asking too much. No one has anything to fear from the truth. And no one can come to Christ unless they have the Father’s permission. (John 6:65)
The problem as I see it, and it is very evident, is that some people lose their civility and behave badly when their beliefs are challenged….wasn’t this the case also in Jesus’ day? The Pharisees had the majority of the people under the impression that what they taught was the truth, and what Jesus taught was heresy…..and what they attempted to do to Jesus and his disciples, was to silence them. Are we not grateful that they did not succeed? Those who wanted to hear Jesus teach, chose to do so….and those who opposed him, chose not to….and we saw that their hatred festered into murder. (Matt 27:25)
Gamaliel’s speech to his fellow Jewish leaders, who were intent on ridding themselves of these opposers, rings as true today as it did back then….
Acts 5:38-39….
”So under the present circumstances, I say to you, do not meddle with these men, but let them alone. For if this scheme or this work is from men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. Otherwise, you may even be found fighters against God himself.”
Wise words……not leaving God out of the situation. Didn’t Jesus promise that no one would ‘snatch his disciples out of his hand’? (John 10:28-29) Where is that faith demonstrated in a place where censorship does not allow freedom of speech because some cannot control their anger?
We have the “ignore” button so that those who choose not to see what we write, don’t have to….but it’s everyone’s choice and their right to see opposing arguments. Why is that choice taken away?
Wouldn’t it be better to ban those who exhibit no self-control and who behave in an unchristian manner, rather than to gag those who simply want to tell the other side of the story, with scriptural support, and with civility?
The great thing about this site is that it is not simply an ‘echo chamber’, which is why most of us are here….freedom of speech is dying in this world, so please don’t let this site die with it.
I believe that is the reason why many sites end up closing down, because free speech is stifled and people look for a site where they can express themselves without censorship. The good thing about having an Unorthodox Forum is that people can choose to go there….or stay away. Place a warning at the entrance and penalize those who offend the rules, as well as each other. Requiring Christian behavior is then the objective.
I understand the problem, but can we appeal this? At least allow us one place to speak freely, and ban those who cannot behave in a Christian manner, and who turn their posts into personal attacks.…and please know how much we appreciate your efforts to stop the rot….just do it fairly, is all we ask…..
Is it a “choice of words” issue? Is it “only certain words or phrases” that are not allowed?
Hi Rita, a debate with no audience is not a debate, and negates the basis for having one.
If people are not equipped with the truth, and what the Bible says about both sides of this doctrine, how are they ever going to be able to defend their faith? Both sides claim to be “Christians” and should defend their position in a Christian manner. I do not see that as asking too much. No one has anything to fear from the truth. And no one can come to Christ unless they have the Father’s permission. (John 6:65)
The problem as I see it, and it is very evident, is that some people lose their civility and behave badly when their beliefs are challenged….wasn’t this the case also in Jesus’ day? The Pharisees had the majority of the people under the impression that what they taught was the truth, and what Jesus taught was heresy…..and what they attempted to do to Jesus and his disciples, was to silence them. Are we not grateful that they did not succeed? Those who wanted to hear Jesus teach, chose to do so….and those who opposed him, chose not to….and we saw that their hatred festered into murder. (Matt 27:25)
Gamaliel’s speech to his fellow Jewish leaders, who were intent on ridding themselves of these opposers, rings as true today as it did back then….
Acts 5:38-39….
”So under the present circumstances, I say to you, do not meddle with these men, but let them alone. For if this scheme or this work is from men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. Otherwise, you may even be found fighters against God himself.”
Wise words……not leaving God out of the situation. Didn’t Jesus promise that no one would ‘snatch his disciples out of his hand’? (John 10:28-29) Where is that faith demonstrated in a place where censorship does not allow freedom of speech because some cannot control their anger?
We have the “ignore” button so that those who choose not to see what we write, don’t have to….but it’s everyone’s choice and their right to see opposing arguments. Why is that choice taken away?
Wouldn’t it be better to ban those who exhibit no self-control and who behave in an unchristian manner, rather than to gag those who simply want to tell the other side of the story, with scriptural support, and with civility?
The great thing about this site is that it is not simply an ‘echo chamber’, which is why most of us are here….freedom of speech is dying in this world, so please don’t let this site die with it.
I believe that is the reason why many sites end up closing down, because free speech is stifled and people look for a site where they can express themselves without censorship. The good thing about having an Unorthodox Forum is that people can choose to go there….or stay away. Place a warning at the entrance and penalize those who offend the rules, as well as each other. Requiring Christian behavior is then the objective.
I understand the problem, but can we appeal this? At least allow us one place to speak freely, and ban those who cannot behave in a Christian manner, and who turn their posts into personal attacks.…and please know how much we appreciate your efforts to stop the rot….just do it fairly, is all we ask…..
And there it is. 
…..I rest my case.
