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Open Theism Discussion Board > Public Forums > General Chat > (No Subject)
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PotOnWheel
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 9890
| Posted 3/30/2004 10:37 AM (GMT -6) |   | T.
There is a college English text called "Write to Learn." It addresses the notion of "making meaning" through writing. "Journaling" is a related concept.
Bards, even if nothing else, give you the OPpORUNTITY to work things through. Use it the best way that you can manage.
But don't consider that it ain't serve yourself.
For REAL fellowship, find a Church.
PoW | | Back to Top | | |
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John Earp
Registered Member
Date Joined Oct 2002
Total Posts : 1715
| Posted 3/30/2004 11:29 AM (GMT -6) | | Tigress,
My mind has certainly been changed on many points due almost completely to interaction I've had in the past four years on the internet. Prior to that, I had only basically repeated what I had been taught.
Some of the things I've been persuaded to no longer believe in as a direct result of the internet:
1. The pretribulation rapture theory.
2. That the future is completely settled in God's mind.
3. Original Sin (i.e., that children are born under the wrath of God and deserve hell due to a ubiquitous "sinful nature").
4. That Christians can never stop sinning.
5. That God exists in a timeless eternity.
6. As a consequence of #3 & #4, that God holds people responsible for that which they could by no means avoid (sin), thus being the most impossible to please tyrant imaginable.
7. That Calvin was a truly godly man.
8. That Arminianism is logically consistent.
I had always believed that we were personally responsible for our own sins, but there was in my mind this logical absurdity that we were also guilty for Adam's sin. I always had believed that prayer changes things, but given what I had been taught about God's foreknowledge, there was likewise this major disconnent logically.
Anyway, those are some of the things my interactions with the internet community as taught me.
My 2c
"The Discovery of new truth will modify old views and opinions, and there is perhaps no end to this process with finite minds in any world." Charles G. Finney, Systematic Theology.
revivaltheology.net
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feelinahole
Registered Member
Date Joined Jan 2004
Total Posts : 754
| Posted 3/30/2004 1:10 PM (GMT -6) | | I learned (props to John E.) that holiness should be emphasised in the Christian life. That I am very imperfect and need to learn to apologize well. That the scriptures sometimes are vague in areas and its okay to not know everything (even if I sometimes act as if I do). And, unfortunately, I learned that I sometimes am not at my best when I am trying to win, rather than trying to understand and articulate both my position and others.
And I learned to laugh (much of the stuff posted is funny, both intentionally and not). And I learned about some cool books.
I changed some things and modified some things. Most of all I learned that no one is perfect. And that some of us excell in that more than others (we know who we are ). And I learned that many of the women on this site are beautiful even if I cannot see them.
Sometimes I DDDDDDDDDDDDDDO feel as if I am not learning anything. Then I realized its where I am at that particular moment. | | Back to Top | | |
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1Heart
Registered Member
Date Joined Feb 2004
Total Posts : 1128
| Posted 3/30/2004 9:25 PM (GMT -6) | | quote:
Originally posted by Tigress
Here's my question: Does anyone here think that having all the discussions we've had on this board really changed anything in our own lives or in the lives of others? Has anything anyone has said on this board deeply impacted your life in any way large or small?
I know the purpose of this kind of discussion board is to throw different viewpoints back and forth in the hopes of gaining a better understanding of each other and those viewpoints and to possibly even change someone's mind about something specific. Has anyone here ever changed what they believed because of any discussions here or elsewhere? I'm really curious to know, because sometimes it really only seems like people are talking to walls because no one really changes their stance on anything even after hearing all the arguments against it.
I've been on this board for about a year now, and many things people here have said have hugely impacted my thinking about certain issues. And sometimes I'm even more confused about something than I was before!  Is it the same for anyone else?
Hi Tigress,
I don't think learning is ever in vain unless we fail to remember what is most important and that is our relationship with Jesus Christ and our relationship with each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. None of this amounts to a "hill of beans" without love. I've seen threads that have led to some wonderful conclusions, some that have left me with more questions than answers (and perhaps that's a good thing). I've been surprised at the compassion shown at times and shocked by the lack of it at other times.
About two years ago a friend shared the O.V. with me and it has changed my relationship with the Father. It has changed how I live, the importance that my choices make and how I pray. I am so thankful he shared that with me. And I was excited about finding a place to discuss it.
I've just started reading "Seeing is Believing" by Greg Boyd and am excited about what I'm reading. In the first chapter he talks about how we need to remind and encourage each other to live out of our identity in Christ - out of who we ALREADY are in Christ. This whole journey is about being. It is about recognizing who we are and relating to each other in a way that reflects that inner life that He has given us...our deepest, truest self and not about living from culture, experience, memories of our past identity...
This board is challenging me to search things out for myself. I, as well, used to believe what I was taught but now search things out for myself.
I appreciate the board. I have appreciated the insights of people like John-E. and Iconoclast, Laika and others and the compassionate heart of sparknheart and questfortruth.
We all have something to offer. I think we forget that at times and need to be encouraged to remember who we are in Christ and how we need to relate to each other in Chirst, but I think most people are here to learn and be challenged and to find practical ways to apply what they have learned to their life and ministry.
(And...it's fun!)  Jo-Anne
"Sometimes all we can do is go back to the character of God, and drop anchor there."
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quest for truth
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 479
| Posted 3/31/2004 12:03 AM (GMT -6) | | Jo-Anne,
Thank you for the compliment. You too have demonstrated a kind and compassionate heart while interacting on this board. I greatly appreciate your interaction!
Tigress,
Thanks for asking the question. I appreciate hearing what others have shared about what this board has done for them. I personally have learned to become open in hearing what others have to say in the process of working out my own theology. I have learned to think outside my small world. It can sometimes seem as though people are talking past one another but I believe the board can be what you make it. People are given the opportunity to become aware of how other people do their theology and each person can take what they want and leave the rest. It can be an opportunity to question our own beliefs and encourage others along. I believe board work can be a beautiful way for the body to start to hear one another in an interactive way but I believe respect and love need to be emphasized.
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Tiggers
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 219
| Posted 3/31/2004 5:34 AM (GMT -6) | | Hey Tigress & C.Vers,
Looking back over the years I definitely feel that many people’s views have changed. Take for example, MephEternal who fought hard against Open Theism, but then converted, and what about TGB who waited for (I think) 1-2 years before committing to Open Theism by discussing ideas on this message board, now he’s a true leader of the theological movement. I could truly say that while I generally just read this board I have definitely grown spiritually through many threads. How? Well, sometimes through the intellect, but often through the love that has been displayed on this board. Viewing other boards like TOL or Theology Web, I just don’t feel the same sense of community that this board can pull off. I will say that Moon_River_J usually makes me say amen and Laika usually makes me laugh with that mad wit of hers/his…Tigress you seem to be just straight up real, girl…and I can always dig that. Feelinahole, dag, Harold you’ve come a long ways in your theological insights from the cool board days…keep reading! Oh, and TGB what’s up with pass’n the torch, are you leaving us…say it isn’t so, please! I could go on and on about many on this board and how their writings have meant so much to my life, but for now THANKS TO EVERYONE ON THIS BOARD PAST AND PRESENT…GOD BLESS YA, TRULY  !!!
Warmly in Christ,
Tiggers
“The notion that God uses evils as a means to such higher goods is, … incompatible with the doctrine that he is omnipotent, and therefore does not need to use deplorable means to achieve his ends” (J.L. Mackie). | | Back to Top | | |
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Tiggers
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 219
| Posted 3/31/2004 8:27 AM (GMT -6) | | Don Asserts,
“Will the announced absence of the Doc from regular participation here cause folks to wander away?”
Tiggers’ Reply,
I’ve wondered about this too. And I think it actually may, as hard as it is to take. You see, if you look back, you will see that this board was hopp’n with activity when the Doc was actually putting effort into the threads. People would gravitate to those threads (I think) do to the fact that it’s rare for the average theologian to have a chance to dialog anonymously with a well known controversial scholar (not to mention…one with mad intellect like the Doc). I respect the Doc’s decision, but I’m a little sad to see his humorous intellect and off the cuff writing style take a leave from this board. Sheesh, not only has Shine gone, but now, so has the Doc  ! Now, I will say this, i.e., there are still some excellent thoughts and writings going on by many on this board…so there is still a chance for the boards revival, if you will. I do believe we should also mention the possibility of no real theological opposition to open theism has come to this board until SpenLake, Thanks Spen! The Borg is always in & out, which is a bummer because she/he has some real interesting stuff to write…anyways, I’m starting to babble…sooooo, with my last statement maybe I’m just trying to say that many of the participants have been attracted to this board due to the Openness controversy, and there really hasn’t been a great deal of those Lions running around lately to spur enough activity.
Warmly in Christ,
Tiggers 
PS
John I don’t know what you could have done by any means that would cause the Doc to leave!
“The notion that God uses evils as a means to such higher goods is, … incompatible with the doctrine that he is omnipotent, and therefore does not need to use deplorable means to achieve his ends” (J.L. Mackie). | | Back to Top | | |
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feelinahole
Registered Member
Date Joined Jan 2004
Total Posts : 754
| Posted 3/31/2004 7:05 PM (GMT -6) | | Do I miss Doctor Boyd? I miss anyone who has something to imput into the board, but frankly I find it rather alarming that people are so upset by it. This is, after all, simply a board for posting and its not like he died or something. If the board can't survive and function because a couple of people leave than it shouldn't. If they are the only reason some post here, then that smacks to me of idol worship and people should be rethinking about how they view others.
We are all members of one body. As far as I am concerned, each person has something to give and imput. May not be on the same level intelligently, but always at the heart level. Anyway, thats my take. | | Back to Top | | |
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quest for truth
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 479
| Posted 3/31/2004 11:07 PM (GMT -6) | | Feelinahole, I agree that EVERYONE has contributed to this discussion board and that the whole have helped me personally to sort my questions hence I miss those who no longer post ... but I do not think missing Greg Boyd's contribution on this discussion board is somehow making him an idol. I agree with what John Earp wrote, "As I see it, Dr. Boyd's input here has been invaluable. His expertise in the realm of theology and philosophy is second to none, and he always has seemed to me to really care about people. His input will no doubt be greatly missed by all."
Greg Boyd has helped many process on this discussion board, just as all the other contributors have. He has made a safe place for people to think outside the box. His contributions and interaction will truly be missed. I do believe his not interacting will stop others from reading and posting. It's not that he has been an idol but that he has been a teacher for many on here. | | Back to Top | | |
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feelinahole
Registered Member
Date Joined Jan 2004
Total Posts : 754
| Posted 4/1/2004 5:42 AM (GMT -6) | | We all must be honest and, given that I am not a member of his church and not in the state (Minn.) nor know him personally, I, obviously have a different perspective. I greatly admire his books and, as I said I will miss his perspective (though, frankly again, not as much as would miss others). However, from my perspective, it reminds me of an old (but very cool song) from Living Color, "Cult of Personality."
I mean, the whole thing of taking up posts on how much you'll miss the imput of someone and (almost mourning over it), particularly when the posts are on a website that is part of that person's ministry is a little overboard to me in general, particularly when most of the people doing it (seem to be able to) could simply drop him an e-mail (I assume such simply most call him Greg...).
I am not meaning to devalue Doctor Boyd's contribultions to the board or anything of such nature. But again, this all reminds of a song (a very cool song...) However
as I anticipate (as I have seen before) a rushing to defend Doctor Boyd, I will reframe from commenting further on this topic...you may continue with your regularly scheduled programs...
John E: "invaluable?" My point exactly... | | Back to Top | | |
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quest for truth
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 479
| Posted 4/1/2004 12:20 PM (GMT -6) | | quote:
However as I anticipate (as I have seen before) a rushing to defend Doctor Boyd, I will reframe from commenting further on this topic...you may continue with your regularly scheduled programs...
Feelinahole, I hope you do not include me within the Dr. Boyd cult. I can only speak for myself so I'd like to say that I was defending the comment you made in response to people being sad about Dr. Boyd not being a part of discussion any longer. This does not mean anyone is putting him on a pedestal as though he were an idol. Dr. Boyd has offered a lot of thought and allowed open discussion on this board. His contributions (as well as others including yours) have helped people think beyond/outside what traditional church and religion encourage. Dr. Boyd has spent much time studying theology and philosophy therefore brings a lot of wisdom in his posts. Many of the posters on this web site do not attend Woodland Hills Church just as yourself. This board has been a great way to think outside traditional church and theology in a safe way without feeling scared of losing our salvation because we are doing so and Dr. Boyd, being a former teacher, has a way of encouraging this. That's my two cents.
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1Heart
Registered Member
Date Joined Feb 2004
Total Posts : 1128
| Posted 4/1/2004 3:21 PM (GMT -6) | | quote:
Originally posted by John Earp
As I see it, Dr. Boyd's input here has been invaluable. His expertise in the realm of theology and philosophy is second to none, and he always has seemed to me to really care about people. His input will no doubt be greatly missed by all. Hopefully the Lord will speak to him soon to drop in. For those of us who don't live in the Twin Cities area, this site is one of the only ways we have of gleaning insight from Dr. Boyd, apart from reading his always superb books.
John E.
I don't know about everybody else...but I end up reading, then rereading his "always superb books." I'm reading Seeing is Believing right now and would love to discuss it. I think others were interested as well.
Feelinahole,
I agree with you. Theology is the study of God and that's what were here for, so in a way we're all theologians. We're all explorers and discovers and we all want to find a way to put what we learn into practice in our every day lives for Christ. I'm sure Dr Boyd will drop in from time to time. Sounds like his priorities have just shifted (maybe even temporarily...who knows). I was not here when he was involved and have learned a great deal from the board without discussing with him. Of course I read his books.
I enjoyed the challenging conversations between MephEternal, TGB. JohnE, Johnmd, Laika and so many others. I hope we keep it up.
Jo-Anne
"Sometimes all we can do is go back to the character of God, and drop anchor there."
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