Why is it that peace filled cordial Christian discussion forums are not as busy as those featuring conflict & POE Trolls?

[ModeratorTeam]

This is another discussion that has taken place worldwide for several hundred years and continuing to discuss this in an international forum where there are countless differences in firearms laws, will not resolve things. It will only heighten tensions to continue these off topic exchanges.

[ However, let us just remember what took place just a few days ago at a synagogue near San Diego, California, where 1 person was killed and three others were injured by a 19 year old firing a rifle. Members of the synagogue rushed AT the attacker to try to prevent further injuries or deaths, rather than running away. An off duty Border Patrol Agent inside the synagogue, who was armed, returned fire, and caused the attacker to flee, preventing more tragedy. California has some of the most strict firearms laws anywhere on earth, but laws do not stop persons with a criminal agenda from doing harm to others. It is the opinion of many analysts, that when persons are forced, by laws, to be unarmed for the personal protection of themselves and their loved ones, that they become soft targets and can not defend against criminals. ]

This topic has had enough discussion - please move on and stay on topic as originally posted, otherwise this thread will be closed. Thank you for your cooperation.



23

 

[Lanolin]

Our only defense is the gospel.

Acts 5:20

We cannot stop talking about Jesus even if threatened with death, incarceration, beaten or flogged. We will never stop preaching Jesus.

I will not go to church, or any public space and wave a gun around, I will go to church or any public space and utter what the Holy spirit gives me to utter. That Jesus died for our sins and rose again.

We need to obey God rather than man. GOd does not tell is to defend ourselves with guns. He tells us to spread the gospel.

PEter and the apostles were threatened with being stoned. But did they carry stones on their person? No they did not. They spoke the gospel.

 

[Lanolin]

Who can fight against God?

Noone.

And we are not to stop talking about Jesus.

This reminds me of queen esther, threatened with death should she reveal herself out of turn
What did Esther say...if I perish,I perish. She was willing to take the risk. Thankfully, the king looked on her with favour and did let her speak.

But had she not spoken, someone else would have spoken up.

 

[Major]

A lot of the anti-gun community who happen to also be Christian don't realize or recall that the first murder recorded occurred using a rock.
Shall we then outlaw rocks?

Correct!

They also seem to forget that Jesus to0ld His disciples to arm themselves with a sword.

 

[Major]

Ok, but I am not the issue. There is no one that needs to worry about me doing something evil with any of my weapons. I am a responsible gun owner. The issues are those that are not responsible owners or have some emotional issue that should prevent them from accessing weapons. That's the issue no one is able to wrap their hands around.

rtm3039

Agreed.

 

[Major]

"I prefer dangerous freedom to peaceful slavery." Thomas Jefferson


The anti-gun argument is naive at best. Ridiculous at worst. Disarming a people doesn't bring peace. Because violence doesn't occur because guns are available. Violence is born of the mind and heart.
"I'd rather
In England years ago a member of their military was butchered by two London natives who converted to Islam. Their weapons? Machete's and cleavers. They hacked Mr. Rigby to death and cut his head off. What did the disarmed London public do? Watched! And captured it all live on their smart phones. Police arrived but they were unarmed too. Totally stupid thing to do.
In order to have an armed force on scene that disarmed bunch had to call a special branch of police who were permitted to have weapons. By then Mr. Rigby was headless.
Dying proof what happens when a government disarms not only its citizens but its police.




When the law abiding surrender their arms they are then unarmed prey to the law breakers who will always have guns.

You are very correct!

People in other countries, and yes even here in America Are quick to forget, or do not know their history to realize that the USA was born out of WAR.

We exist here in the USA because men took up their weapons and laid down their lives for the freedom we have today. Christian, God fearing men!

How soon the world forgets REAL history when they place there "opinions" over facts!

REAL Historical facts tell us that it was Pastor Jonas Clark and his congregants at the Church of Lexington who comprised that initial body of brave colonists called Minutemen. These were the men, you will recall, who withstood British troops advancing on Concord to confiscate the colonists’ firearms and arrest Sam Adams and John Hancock, and fired “the shot heard round the world.”

We exist here in America because foreign countries know that even if they defeated our military, they could never conquer our country because there would be a gun aimed at them, from behind every door and window.

I encourage all to check out the "Black Robed Regiment" at...…..https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/history/item/4758-resurrecting-the-black-regiment

 

[QuintessenceOfDust]

Correct!

They also seem to forget that Jesus to0ld His disciples to arm themselves with a sword.

Great reminder.
I also think they forget Jesus himself fashioned a whip and took after the money changers defiling his fathers temple selling sacrificial animals on behalf of Rome.
I've heard many a Christian counter with, but the Bible doesn't say Jesus actually struck anyone.
Then why the whip? When he could have very easily spoken a word and scattered the money men.

And also, in the old testament God did do harm to people. He even killed them. When Jesus was also called Immanuel, "God With Us", and he was God in flesh are we to think in flesh the holy spirit of God would be loathe to strike brazen sinners exchanging coin for Roman currency ? So that animals could be bought for sacrifice of sins?

God is not a pacifist.

 

[QuintessenceOfDust]

This is another discussion that has taken place worldwide for several hundred years and continuing to discuss this in an international forum where there are countless differences in firearms laws, will not resolve things. It will only heighten tensions to continue these off topic exchanges.

[ However, let us just remember what took place just a few days ago at a synagogue near San Diego, California, where 1 person was killed and three others were injured by a 19 year old firing a rifle. Members of the synagogue rushed AT the attacker to try to prevent further injuries or deaths, rather than running away. An off duty Border Patrol Agent inside the synagogue, who was armed, returned fire, and caused the attacker to flee, preventing more tragedy. California has some of the most strict firearms laws anywhere on earth, but laws do not stop persons with a criminal agenda from doing harm to others. It is the opinion of many analysts, that when persons are forced, by laws, to be unarmed for the personal protection of themselves and their loved ones, that they become soft targets and can not defend against criminals. ]

This topic has had enough discussion - please move on and stay on topic as originally posted, otherwise this thread will be closed. Thank you for your cooperation.



23

One could make the observation that the ensuing discussion concerning weapons and firearm laws coincides with the OP in that this particular thread is busy with discussion. And not among the conflict oriented, i.e., the Trolls and POE's mentioned in the thread title.

 

[Major]

One could make the observation that the ensuing discussion concerning weapons and firearm laws coincides with the OP in that this particular thread is busy with discussion. And not among the conflict oriented, i.e., the Trolls and POE's mentioned in the thread title.

OP's post #1...………..
"Has anyone else noticed that Christian community forums that display the peace of Christ among its membership are less busy than those who are beset by devils? You know the type. They're not actually Christian but they search out scriptures in order to enter discussions on the topic of Apologetics, Soteriology, etc... and start conflicts. Countering with false scripture rebuttals , which is obvious, what is the mood of peaceful learned discussion on any given subject. "

YES!

I am not a betting person in any way whatsoever, but I would venture a Yankee dime to say that if I said the sky without any clouds in it was blue...........
someone would correct me and insist that the sky is "actually Sky Blue #3".

Again, it all goes back to the root of the conversation and that is the need to be "Right".

If we are "Right" then in our own minds, no matter what our station in life is, or our education level, our brain convinces us that we are better than everyone else becsue we are "Right".

Listen folks.......that is one of the major reasons it is so hard to convince a sinner that he needs a Saviour today.

 

[rtm3039]

You are very correct!

People in other countries, and yes even here in America Are quick to forget, or do not know their history to realize that the USA was born out of WAR.

We exist here in the USA because men took up their weapons and laid down their lives for the freedom we have today. Christian, God fearing men!

How soon the world forgets REAL history when they place there "opinions" over facts!

REAL Historical facts tell us that it was Pastor Jonas Clark and his congregants at the Church of Lexington who comprised that initial body of brave colonists called Minutemen. These were the men, you will recall, who withstood British troops advancing on Concord to confiscate the colonists’ firearms and arrest Sam Adams and John Hancock, and fired “the shot heard round the world.”

We exist here in America because foreign countries know that even if they defeated our military, they could never conquer our country because there would be a gun aimed at them, from behind every door and window.

I encourage all to check out the "Black Robed Regiment" at...…..https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/history/item/4758-resurrecting-the-black-regiment

OP's post #1...………..
"Has anyone else noticed that Christian community forums that display the peace of Christ among its membership are less busy than those who are beset by devils? You know the type. They're not actually Christian but they search out scriptures in order to enter discussions on the topic of Apologetics, Soteriology, etc... and start conflicts. Countering with false scripture rebuttals , which is obvious, what is the mood of peaceful learned discussion on any given subject. "

YES!

I am not a betting person in any way whatsoever, but I would venture a Yankee dime to say that if I said the sky without any clouds in it was blue...........
someone would correct me and insist that the sky is "actually Sky Blue #3".

Again, it all goes back to the root of the conversation and that is the need to be "Right".

If we are "Right" then in our own minds, no matter what our station in life is, or our education level, our brain convinces us that we are better than everyone else becsue we are "Right".

Listen folks.......that is one of the major reasons it is so hard to convince a sinner that he needs a Saviour today.

In my entire life, I have only had one person tell me that, after a long debate, she had changed her opinion and agreed with me. It was one of my daughter-in-laws and I can no longer recall the subject. Aside from that, I have found that people are only willing to change their position if they are willing to change their position.

Throughout my life, many a friend has tried to convince be to turn to God and become a man of faith. Every attempt failed, because I was not ready to change my mind. When I finally did, I did it all on my own. As an aside, one of the very first people I told of my re-birth was one of the people who fruitlessly tried to "convert" me for many years. I really wanted him to know, because, while he was never able to convert me, I did appreciate his efforts.

rtm3039

 

[Major]

In my entire life, I have only had one person tell me that, after a long debate, she had changed her opinion and agreed with me. It was one of my daughter-in-laws and I can no longer recall the subject. Aside from that, I have found that people are only willing to change their position if they are willing to change their position.

Throughout my life, many a friend has tried to convince be to turn to God and become a man of faith. Every attempt failed, because I was not ready to change my mind. When I finally did, I did it all on my own. As an aside, one of the very first people I told of my re-birth was one of the people who fruitlessly tried to "convert" me for many years. I really wanted him to know, because, while he was never able to convert me, I did appreciate his efforts.

rtm3039

That is a wonderful account. You do not have to agree with me on this, but just think for a moment that when those people talked you, every time they did- the "seed" of salvation was watered in your heart.

I would say that almost every person I have led to the Lord Jesus, someone else had already talked with them and they did not make the choice to accept the Lord Jesus. But a little more water, a little more talk and a lot of work from the Holy Spirit and "BOOM".

Very, very few lost sinners accept Christ on the 1st invitation. You see, as we grow older we like what we know and we are resistant to learning something new even if what we know is wrong.

Accepting Christ is something very "New" and the mind of the lost man likes his sin so he resists and resists and finally the Holy Spirit break through.

I am very blessed to hear your comments.

 

[Saul Mine]

I've lurked at a few Christian Discussion sites of late to see if their busy traffic is due to Christians in community or conflict feeders. Those who thrive on conflict and post accordingly.

Has anyone else noticed that Christian community forums that display the peace of Christ among its membership are less busy than those who are beset by devils? You know the type. They're not actually Christian but they search out scriptures in order to enter discussions on the topic of Apologetics, Soteriology, etc... and start conflicts. Countering with false scripture rebuttals , which is obvious, what is the mood of peaceful learned discussion on any given subject.


I'm just curious is anyone else has noticed this pattern? Actual peaceful forums are slow while conflict oriented communities are busy.
Maybe it is the microcosm/macrocosm modeling of the world taking shape on the web.

We all need to get back on topic, as reprinted above.

If you want to discuss gun rights, start your own thread.

 

[rtm3039]

That is a wonderful account. You do not have to agree with me on this, but just think for a moment that when those people talked you, every time they did- the "seed" of salvation was watered in your heart.

I would say that almost every person I have led to the Lord Jesus, someone else had already talked with them and they did not make the choice to accept the Lord Jesus. But a little more water, a little more talk and a lot of work from the Holy Spirit and "BOOM".

Very, very few lost sinners accept Christ on the 1st invitation. You see, as we grow older we like what we know and we are resistant to learning something new even if what we know is wrong.

Accepting Christ is something very "New" and the mind of the lost man likes his sin so he resists and resists and finally the Holy Spirit break through.

I am very blessed to hear your comments.

Major,

OK, I can buy that. I must admit that as I was struggling with my decisions, I did think of some of the comments both of my friends had made throughout the years. So, as I sit here in the cold light of today, I can understand where you are coming from and I agree. Their comments were like a "little more water" to help the the old mustard seen take root.

rtm3039

 

[Major]

Major,

OK, I can buy that. I must admit that as I was struggling with my decisions, I did think of some of the comments both of my friends had made throughout the years. So, as I sit here in the cold light of today, I can understand where you are coming from and I agree. Their comments were like a "little more water" to help the the old mustard seen take root.

rtm3039

There you go my brother.

 

[Lanolin]

I've lurked at a few Christian Discussion sites of late to see if their busy traffic is due to Christians in community or conflict feeders. Those who thrive on conflict and post accordingly.

Has anyone else noticed that Christian community forums that display the peace of Christ among its membership are less busy than those who are beset by devils? You know the type. They're not actually Christian but they search out scriptures in order to enter discussions on the topic of Apologetics, Soteriology, etc... and start conflicts. Countering with false scripture rebuttals , which is obvious, what is the mood of peaceful learned discussion on any given subject.


I'm just curious is anyone else has noticed this pattern? Actual peaceful forums are slow while conflict oriented communities are busy.
Maybe it is the microcosm/macrocosm modeling of the world taking shape on the web.

Im just going back to OPs post.

I would say there must be a lot of theologians studying for exams and they want to try out their exam questions. Maybe?

 

[Saul Mine]

From my own experience I can say that some of them are atheists looking to exercise their debating skills. They would argue with you even if you were trying to agree with them.

 

[rtm3039]

Im just going back to OPs post.

I would say there must be a lot of theologians studying for exams and they want to try out their exam questions. Maybe?

There is also the fact that people just tend to act differently on-line. I belong to a retired agent's association that uses Facebook as their primary avenue of communications. Through the years, especially after Trump was elected into office, people have just become down right rude. I have been called so many names by people that I either use to work with, worked for me, or I worked for them, that I ended up just leaving the association and turning off my FB account. The anonymity of the on-line forum, of the shield is provides through distance, just makes some people impossible to deal with.

I love to debate and, on occasions, I will just take the apposing side just to test my debating skills. There is nothing wrong with that; however, there is something wrong with being intolerant of other views or just being rude..

You also have the issue with the medium itself. When one uses written communications, there are characteristics of that person that just does not come through. You not only have to live with that you say, but how you say it. Some people just appear to be rude, based solely on the words they use to express themselves. .

rtm3039

 

[Lanolin]

There is also the fact that people just tend to act differently on-line. I belong to a retired agent's association that uses Facebook as their primary avenue of communications. Through the years, especially after Trump was elected into office, people have just become down right rude. I have been called so many names by people that I either use to work with, worked for me, or I worked for them, that I ended up just leaving the association and turning off my FB account. The anonymity of the on-line forum, of the shield is provides through distance, just makes some people impossible to deal with.

I love to debate and, on occasions, I will just take the apposing side just to test my debating skills. There is nothing wrong with that; however, there is something wrong with being intolerant of other views or just being rude..

You also have the issue with the medium itself. When one uses written communications, there are characteristics of that person that just does not come through. You not only have to live with that you say, but how you say it. Some people just appear to be rude, based solely on the words they use to express themselves. .

rtm3039

But facebook isnt even anonymous you use your real name.
I think people that are rude offline are rude online too, I dont think that changes.

I mean I do act the same regardless, of whether I am online or offline so...Im afraid what you see is what you get. I dont take opposing sides just to test my debate skills cos I dont like debate. I will agree with whoever I agree with and disagree other times, I dont really make conversation in order to take the opposing side or to win people over.

For some people thats how they want to talk, but I dont talk that way. Most times im silent and let people chat away cos people want to express their thoughts I am not the thought police. I dont tell people how they ought to think thats not my way. I may not understand and ask them to clarify, but I dont see that as a bad thing or somehow questioning them and thinking they are wrong.

For me its discussion, not debate. I am useless at debating.

 

[rtm3039]

But facebook isnt even anonymous you use your real name.
I think people that are rude offline are rude online too, I dont think that changes.

I mean I do act the same regardless, of whether I am online or offline so...Im afraid what you see is what you get. I dont take opposing sides just to test my debate skills cos I dont like debate. I will agree with whoever I agree with and disagree other times, I dont really make conversation in order to take the opposing side or to win people over.

For some people thats how they want to talk, but I dont talk that way. Most times im silent and let people chat away cos people want to express their thoughts I am not the thought police. I dont tell people how they ought to think thats not my way. I may not understand and ask them to clarify, but I dont see that as a bad thing or somehow questioning them and thinking they are wrong.

For me its discussion, not debate. I am useless at debating.

In college, we were often assigned a particular position and then expected to pose the best argument in support of our position. I like debate. The old story is that you can not debate politics or religion, as people tend to be set in their ways about both subject and no one is willing to budge on either.

rtm3039

 

[Major]

There is also the fact that people just tend to act differently on-line. I belong to a retired agent's association that uses Facebook as their primary avenue of communications. Through the years, especially after Trump was elected into office, people have just become down right rude. I have been called so many names by people that I either use to work with, worked for me, or I worked for them, that I ended up just leaving the association and turning off my FB account. The anonymity of the on-line forum, of the shield is provides through distance, just makes some people impossible to deal with.

I love to debate and, on occasions, I will just take the apposing side just to test my debating skills. There is nothing wrong with that; however, there is something wrong with being intolerant of other views or just being rude..

You also have the issue with the medium itself. When one uses written communications, there are characteristics of that person that just does not come through. You not only have to live with that you say, but how you say it. Some people just appear to be rude, based solely on the words they use to express themselves. .

rtm3039

BINGO!

You said...………."There is also the fact that people just tend to act differently on-line."

AMEN brother. That is called.... ANONYMITY.

Technology has allowed people who are afraid to say what is on there mind because they are rude or conversationally challenged, a venue to be cyber bullies and force their opinions on others from behind a computer screen.

Those people would never say to your face what they can say to a computer screen.

As I have said and will say again........It is not what you say but HOW you say it.