One of the areas or concerns I have always had with online Christian forums are the misunderstandings members have that lead to confrontation, escalate to combativeness and division. This is amongst Christians!
After 20 years as a poster on 2 previous Christian sites and for the last 15 years with Christian Forum Site, it only dawned on me the last couple of weeks; could it be our country, culture and interpretation of how we read each other's posts lead us to misunderstand one another?
I praise God for many men and women of God who get along well on Christian forums but there is still many who don't get along, mostly because of misunderstandings.
Off the internet my wife and I are constantly surrounded by non-believer and Christian friends. Overall, we get along much better in person. Some of our friends are from overseas. The advantage is we see them face to face. But should that look down or dismiss online fellowship?
Granted, the ancient Biblical Jewish, Greek, Roman, etc...cultures were different back then compared to today. But this does not change the cultural and communication languages of today. I believe they are still a gift from God which means we are empowered to communicate with one another effectively while minimizing the misunderstandings, as being made in the image of God.
1 Corinthians 14:10-11, 10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning; 11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves; since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. - RSV
I have some suggestions how we can apply this passage in our daily lives but I'm interested in hearing from our members, first. Now, lets be clear. There is no wrong answer, just your personal view and experience.
God bless you all and thank you.
Bob
After 20 years as a poster on 2 previous Christian sites and for the last 15 years with Christian Forum Site, it only dawned on me the last couple of weeks; could it be our country, culture and interpretation of how we read each other's posts lead us to misunderstand one another?
I praise God for many men and women of God who get along well on Christian forums but there is still many who don't get along, mostly because of misunderstandings.
Off the internet my wife and I are constantly surrounded by non-believer and Christian friends. Overall, we get along much better in person. Some of our friends are from overseas. The advantage is we see them face to face. But should that look down or dismiss online fellowship?
Granted, the ancient Biblical Jewish, Greek, Roman, etc...cultures were different back then compared to today. But this does not change the cultural and communication languages of today. I believe they are still a gift from God which means we are empowered to communicate with one another effectively while minimizing the misunderstandings, as being made in the image of God.
1 Corinthians 14:10-11, 10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning; 11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves; since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. - RSV
I have some suggestions how we can apply this passage in our daily lives but I'm interested in hearing from our members, first. Now, lets be clear. There is no wrong answer, just your personal view and experience.
God bless you all and thank you.
Bob