| Author | Message | ||
| Pegg Registered user Username: Pegg Post Number: 1 Registered: 2-2006 |
Hi You Guys! I have "lurked" here for a long time. This is my first post. On the "Hard Questions" thread Dd and Coleen both made a point that I want to concur with. Both were totally, and rudely, (I think) ignored. It is clear that some of you want to debate really deep issues of theology. That is fine. But I wonder if you realize that just as many folks aren't interested in every conversation becoming mental gymnastics? Rather I know that I, and I suspect many other people, come here just looking for fellowship and inspiration. I notice that there are few of these posts. Why? Could it be that many of the hurting ones read your debating for awhile and notice how when a person posts something that is personal to him/her or a simple question it just gets over-passed and ignored? Where is your compassion? Don't you think it would be polite (never mind Christian) to acknowledge the person's post, even if it isn't right on topic with the current debate that you-all are entertaining yourselves with? If you want them to get out of your space, then you could make a reply comment just directing them to another thread; start that thread yourself with a quote of the question or comment and a sensitive and helpful comment of your own so that a discussion of the topic or their ìneedî could develop. Everyone is at different levels with their experience. You guys seem to think that the easy questions are all a bore now that you are "beyond that". Well, I can understand that, but it seems to me that God has given you the gift of understanding and discernment, not for your own entertainment, but for His glory and so that you can in compassion, help others to grow. I see little of this in your debates. Maybe you need to have two parts to the Discussion section; one for SimpleSeekers and one for TheologicalDebaters. That way each person could choose what type of discussion to join. You who have been given the gift of knowledge could choose to share it in a simple way without having to be annoyed when a "lesser person" finally gets up the courage to ask a simple question in the midst of your debate. You could each be blessed by both simple sharing and deep debating. Am I the only one who is noticing this? Iíd like to hear from some of the other SimpleSeekers. I'd like to hear from some of you debaters, too. I think you guys have a lot to give. I don't believe that you mean to be rude or ignoring to those who are in need. How can you best be supported to share your light in a simple way, and also have a place where you can debate and be fed the more advanced fare that you thirst for yourselves? Please, let us all take care of each other in brotherly love! Pegg | ||
| Raven Registered user Username: Raven Post Number: 455 Registered: 7-2004  |
Welcome, Pegg! I wouldn't really give myself the the label of either "SimpleSeeker" or "Theological Debater." I'm kind of in-between, and sometimes post in either camp. As far as your perception that we think "the easy questions are all a bore now that you are beyond that" -- I really doubt very many, if any, of us have that attitude. The fact is, I carefully read every post and take the time to think through and see if I can think of anything helpful to contribute. If not (or if I'm really short on time), I don't bother posting. When that happens, usually someone with better wording and insight posts anyway. Sometimes I'm not sure how to respond without sounding like I'm stepping on someone's toes, so I don't post. Also, not all of us have the personality to do a short little acknowledgement "nice-stuff" post that basically doesn't address anything. I'm sure it's appreciated when people do, but we don't all have the same talents. I'm a practical, mostly facts-oriented person (although occasionally I work on broadening myself!) I specifically didn't reply to Dd and Colleen because I'm keeping out of both sides of the heated stuff as I usually do. In any case, there are many reasons people decide to post or not post. Yes, things have been a little tense around here lately, but I think it's under control and will pass. Colleen does a great job of smoothing things and keeping us in line! | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 681 Registered: 7-2004 |
Welcome Pegg, Thanks for joining in. Denise | ||
| Cw Registered user Username: Cw Post Number: 60 Registered: 4-2006  |
Pegg, welcome. I haven't been posting here long either. I agree that some who post here are theologically deep but in defense of my new friends here they have been willing and able to bring it down to my level when necessary. Even some of them who are way too deep for me when posting between themselves have simplified it for me. If you have been lurking, I like that word, for awhile you may have read a post from Chris last week about grass being green instead of purple. Others have taken the time and trouble to listen to my simple problems and respond in down to earth terms. As long as I can count on them to do that when needed I don't begrudge their "higher level" discussions. You can even step in and stir the pot a little if you dare but be carefull because they are pretty sharp. And you can always save your posts for me. If you have been lurking for awhile you know I will appreciate your prayers for my daughter. CW | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3957 Registered: 12-2003  |
Welcome, Pegg! We're glad you've joined us! Colleen | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 2192 Registered: 11-2002 |
Dear Pegg, It is nice making your acquaintence. I am hoping to learn more from you and about you. i too am not one of those deep theological thinkers or posters. My religion is like the bumper sticker that I saw on the rear of a car recently. It said, "God said it. I believe it. that settles it." Pretty simple. I mostly post on here and read on here because i am constantly amazed about the shared experiences so many of us have, how we were all so much raised just like each other. I always thought if I were ever to get a master's degree in sociology I would do my project or thesis on the SDA church as a social instatutation. It's interesting that I was raised just like someone else who has always lived thousands of miles from me. The concept of individuality is not in our shared histories. Ir's good meeting you. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2534 Registered: 3-2004  |
Hi Pegg, Welcome to FAF. I am so glad you came our of the lurking mode and have made yourself known to us. Yes, there are those who get into theological debates. I will read them and go on, because I am not that kind of student. But I am glad they are here. What they say makes me think and go to the Bible. I have to study for myself, even the Bible, before I say I believe it. That is how I came out of Adventism. Anyway, welcome. We serve an awesome God. Diana | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1668 Registered: 3-2005 |
Welcome Pegg to FAF! Thanks for the very important reminders. All questions and all views are important. Stan | ||
| Pegg Registered user Username: Pegg Post Number: 3 Registered: 2-2006 |
Thank You Everyone! You make me feel welcome. It really is amazing that we come from many backgrounds and have so much in common. Susan - you write it - I'll read it! I just dropped out years ago. (Many of us do, it seems.) I started this journey last summer. I realized that I was SO curious about God. I just finally said to Him, in frustration, "I'd just like to know what you're like. I don't really know you well enough to be able to tell if I'd like you. I know I didn't before, but I think perhaps I had it wrong, and if I could just get to know you, I do think I would like you. I'd like to try. How should we meet?" That day, walking on the beach of my river, He said to me, "Read my Book." So after 16 years of A+ in Bible classes, after 50+ years of Sabbath School lessons, after My Bible Friends and The Bible Stories and Uncle Arthur, for the first time in my life I set about to read His Book. Within a few months he brought me to friends who were ahead of me in making His acquaintance and He brought me to you-all. Now He's let me be part of a wonderful Bible study group that meets on a conference call 2X a month. I am so amazed by the freedom that is in the New Covenant! I'm humbled by the gift! That it's really free! I was right - I do like Him! I have always believed that the Gospel must be very simple. ("Before" it was my way of not having to think about it.) Now I believe that the questions may be hard, but when we find it, the correct answer will have to be simple. He has promised that even the most humble mind will be able to understand and be free. So many of us (people - me - not you!) are not very smart. The Gospel must be very simple! There you have it. Thank you for your part in introducing us (Him and I) these many months and for making me welcome in your group. Pegg | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3967 Registered: 12-2003 |
Pegg, what a wonderful story. God is so faithful, and He will continue to reveal Himself to you. We're so glad you're here! Colleen | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3968 Registered: 12-2003 |
Oops--I posted in the wrong thread! I've moved my post to the proper place... Colleen (Message edited by Colleentinker on May 17, 2006) | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2537 Registered: 3-2004 |
Pegg, You sound like me. I did not read my Bible for about 20 years. I would read a daily printed verse, but that was about it. I used to tell God that I could not love him because I did not keep the sabbath. Well, one day He showed me that my love for Him was demonstrated in how I loved others with no thought of getting anything back. I was surprised. I just had to share that. Keep coming back and keep sharing with us and asking questions. Our God is awesome. Diana |
