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Open Theism Discussion Board > Public Forums > General Chat > (No Subject)
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Terry_Baxter
Registered Member
Date Joined Jan 2002
Total Posts : 187
| Posted 3/2/2003 11:59 AM (GMT -6) |   | I'm posting here because my obnoxiously lengthy posts on another thread are causing it to veer away from the topic. I prefer to stay on the topic chosen by the thread-starter, wherever possible.
Briefly, I'd like to say: Not every statement that relates to a person rather than an idea or text is an ad hominem. Not every method of pointing out the ramifications of a line of thinking is unfair. Not everything that questions or assumes someone's motives is mean-spirited or out of bounds.
I love it when people are conscious of how their words can be construed (something every speech teacher covers). I think it's great when people check their motives before hitting the "post" button.
But then I think of poor Brandon having to write five lines to explain why his first sentence is a compliment rather than an attack. It's admirable, but the discussion would be better if he didn't feel like he had to do that.
So how do you balance free-wheeling, lively exchange of ideas about sensitive topics with the desire to act out of love, humility, and blessing toward others?
1) Heavily moderate these boards.
2) Interact personally rather than textually and anonymously (where non-verbals help people distinguish between irony and villification)
3) Add accountability to the boards (post the names of your church elders and a brief statement that they agree to address criticism from the board moderator about your argument style).
None of which is likely to happen or maybe even desirable.
Or 4) Monitor our own interactions and post with a clean heart as unto the Lord. Strive to learn where your own politics, culture, and personal history create blind spots in interacting with others. Wait 24 hours to post a blistering reply. Pray for the people on the other side of a debate for at least fifteen minutes before you post a response to them. Learn the awesome value of being wrong (man! ever do a Bible study on how God uses people's mistakes to help them? It's amazing.)
Get where I'm coming from?
Addendum:
I'm not posting a lot for two personal reasons. 1) I glory in the praise of others on the board, which is inappropriate and unnecessary for me. 2) When I begin 'debating' interactions, I often place a higher value on gaining concessions from the other person(s) than in learning something myself.
My first post a year ago was written from a desire to learn more about OV and some flaws I saw in it. For the most part, except where I really feel the Spirit allows me to, I don't need to spend time posting on homosexuality or other cultural topics. Maybe some day in different circumstances, but not here, now.
I will still post questions in an effort to learn from people on this board who, on the whole, I find very bright and well read and people who ask great questions and are just fun to talk to.
But I'll avoid interacting with those who make it difficult for me to pursue peace with all men [sic], especially those who use the 'subtle' tactics I mentioned in my other posts, despite my clear requests to the contrary.
Terry
"So take it from me you'll learn more from your accidents
Than anything that you could ever learn at school
Don't forget your second wind." -Billy Joel, _You're only Human_
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Electra
Registered Member
Date Joined Feb 2002
Total Posts : 611
| Posted 3/2/2003 12:38 PM (GMT -6) | | Thank you, Terry. You offer much wisdom, and I personally hope I can rise to the level of integrity you have described. Electra
Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing. ~ Dostoevsky | | Back to Top | | |
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PotOnWheel
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 9890
| Posted 3/2/2003 3:05 PM (GMT -6) | | | | |
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Matthew Timothy Short
Huh?
Date Joined Apr 2002
Total Posts : 635
| Posted 3/2/2003 4:47 PM (GMT -6) | | Rom 16:17  And the God of peace shall bruise Satan  under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you  . Amen.
God is Love,
Tim
2Ti 2:19…Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity... | | Back to Top | | |
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Springs
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 636
| Posted 3/2/2003 6:36 PM (GMT -6) | | Thanks Terry,
I am still trying to learn how to communcate intelligently and gracefully, I haven't gotten to the finer points of rhetoric yet, as you may have noticed.  I think you offer good advice. This board is monitored. For number 2 you wrote: 2) Interact personally rather than textually and anonymously
What do you mean? That we should give up our handles? Address each other personally and directly on the board? Or that we should get together for lunch? (Meet you behind the sound booth!)
Springs
Thy love did read by rote and could not spell. - Friar Laurence. - Shakespeare | | Back to Top | | |
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might-be-don
Registered Member
Date Joined Jun 2001
Total Posts : 830
| Posted 3/3/2003 1:48 AM (GMT -6) | | Terry,
In response to your addendum (1) : you are a bum, good for nothing, I can't believe your mother didn't give you back!!!
peace and love, don
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"No Rules, just Right" Outback Steakhouse | | Back to Top | | |
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Terry_Baxter
Registered Member
Date Joined Jan 2002
Total Posts : 187
| Posted 3/3/2003 4:50 AM (GMT -6) | | Heh, Don. That brought a smile to my face (which is hard to do before my first cup of coffee!).
Springs, the board has monitors, but they don't habitually edit others' posts or delete offensive posts. That's what I was referring to. And yes, meeting personally, I think it would be difficult to say some of things that have been posted.
Terry
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Springs
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 636
| Posted 3/3/2003 5:01 AM (GMT -6) | | Well then, put down that coffee and get yer date book, and tell me when you can make it to Woodland!
-Springs
Thy love did read by rote and could not spell. - Friar Laurence. - Shakespeare | | Back to Top | | |
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Springs
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 636
| Posted 3/3/2003 7:22 AM (GMT -6) | |
quote:
Terry wrote: Springs, the board has monitors, but they don't habitually edit others' posts or delete offensive posts.
Since I've been reading the board, I've seen some admonishments and editing and over half a dozen deleted posts, including one of mine. Some visitors have remarked that there is a high level of civility here. Paricipants can speak up or email the moderator if they think things are getting out of hand.
Springs
Thy love did read by rote and could not spell. - Friar Laurence. - Shakespeare | | Back to Top | | |
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