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This has probably already been said but, when i first came accross this sight, i guess i was just searching for something to help me out where i could discuss it with more people…but i DiD come accross the Biblical Discussion thing from a search and i noticed it was in heaven.net.nz or whatever so the next time, instead of going through ALL that process of going into a search site and everything, i typed that in and it got me into the main page…ok…however, I COULD NOT find the forum for the longest time. I looked everywhere. I realize now that its in the bottom left cornor and maybe obvious to my eye, but to other people, i don't know. It was just REAL hard to find it now that i think of it.
This has been already discussed.
http://heaven.net.nz/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=2;t=130If you read the post at the bottom, you'll understand why the forum link is “low key.” I happen to agree with the reasons. If someone is truly looking for a forum for truth, and not for posting spam, you will find it. In fact, you're an example of just that.
God bless.
Yes this was discussed and I gave an opinion about not making the Forum too accessible as it will be abused. I had this problem with other sites and had to close down some sevices due to spam etc. But those sites were tourism based and very popular, so there was an incentive to be seen there I suppose.
I think that if the Forum was easily accessible it would probably end up like christianforums.com. There most of the posts are sort of religious or what you expect for people caught up in the denominational system.
Heaven Net is about challenging all things to see whether they are so and even though this attitude offends much of christianity today, it is a really important thing that we should all do. I just wonder if this Forum could end up like being flooded by unthinking people spouting out creeds and other teachings that they have been immersed into. This kind of thing may drown out or water down some of the honest searching to be found here. What do you guys think?
In saying that though I am still open to making it more accessible. I just need to hear some good reasons for it.
Thx Bob and itsme. Your feedback and opinions count.
Should this Forum be easier to access and find and why?
Quote (heaven @ Aug. 29 2004,05:57) Should this Forum be easier to access and find and why?
Well since you asked….I definately think it should be made easier to find for the simple reason that 75% of the time I visit the site no one else is here and there are no new posts to read/respond to…yawn. I think you wanting to exclude those who might hold differing views from your own (i.e the 'unthinking' denominationalists) is a little insular and cynical to be honest….Id rather have some differing opinions, even offensive ones, than a mutual admiration society or an empty forum for days at a time. Who cares if some some catholics, protestants,…..(fill in the blank) turn up, if they are well reasoned then Id like to interact…if they aren't then they will likely be ignored and lose interest.I agree that there could me more people here and some better links and perhaps some good Search Engine placements.
But I think there is also a danger of the mission of this forum being drowned out by those who love to argue in order to win for their egos sake while giving little attention to truth itself.
E.g., I made some posts on christianforums.com and most of the people there just spouted off all the same ol stuff about creeds and ignored scriptures that were contrary to their belief. I really hope this doesn't happen here. I think it has to a degree and a lot of time has been spent challenging such people so that others who come here may learn from this. But if tens or hundreds turn up doing the same thing, they would just take over I think.
Is 1:18, Your quote: I think you wanting to exclude those who might hold differing views from your own
I don't think that you have quite understand what is going on. It is about learning truth by seeking it. Differing views are OK, so long as the people are searching for truth. If so, they will surely find it. But human nature is a deceptive thing and many argue in order to win only so their ego and pride can be massaged. Such people never learn anything and they can easily drown out those who earnestly seek truth by sheer numbers.
There was a reason Jesus let 500 followers walk away from him in one day and that reason is why he also had 12 disciples. He started off small and like a mustard seed, he grew the Kingdom of God on earth from such small beginnings. He wasn't interested in working with those who were not sold out. Such people are few, but they are the type of people I personally want to get along side.
I would like to be involved in a group of people who are filled with the Spirit of God and who challenge all things so that they might not fall into deception. I believe that from such a small beginning as this, that many stumbling blocks of the enemy could be laid bare and exposed in order to shine light where there is darkness.
We the Church need to understand a lot of things in order to know what we are and what we can do. Most of Christianity is just about a system that limits us. That system is actually part of the world.
But if we know the truth, we shall be free indeed. So it is my prayer that the people who come here will be people who want the truth and people who are humble enough to let truth change them.
People who are not interested in truth are hard work.
yeah, your right. i was just commenting…but i understand now that i think about it. sorry bout that.
Quote (t8 @ Aug. 30 2004,05:06) I don't think that you have quite understand what is going on. It is about learning truth by seeking it. Differing views are OK, so long as the people are searching for truth. If so, they will surely find it. But human nature is a deceptive thing and many argue in order to win only so their ego and pride can be massaged. Such people never learn anything and they can easily drown out those who earnestly seek truth by sheer numbers. Yes, fair enough, I guess…its just that when you start linking denominational christianity with the 'unthinking' masses it just resonates piety to me. I've had some experience within those churches and ive found that many attendants aren't the way you describe them, at all. Not long ago I was highly-cynical of those institutions as well but my mindset changed after I did a study of Rev 2 & 3 and discovered that Jesus, in His report cards to the churches, gave some commendations to some that I thought He would/should have slammed (e.g. see Rev 2:19). But I agree that if the discussions start veering away from scripture then it becomes pointless. It's difficult to reason with someone from the Word when the give equal or greater weighting to their extra-biblical literature.
I suppose it all comes back to what you would like the forum to function as. If you want it to serve as a place for searchers to exchange ideas and learn from each other (as in Pr 27:17) then maybe it should stay as is – God will make sure that those he wants to be here will find it. If you want it to be for apologetics and for the salvation of as many as possible then you definately need to make it easier to find.
Itsme, I think he was answering me – you didn't need to apologise.
To itsme,
Is 1:18 was right, you do not need to apologize.
Your post is good and anything that may improve the site or for that matter anything that potentially furthers the Kingdom of God is worth considering.
I apologize if you thought I was rebuking you. Certainly not.
I want to hear your ideas. The more people who get involved the more possibilities I rekon.thx
I am starting to sway toward the idea of being more accessible in cyberspace. I suppose if the site is divided up correctly it could cater for all people. Unbelievers, believers and those pioneering believers who may make big break throughs for the church.
Perhaps each category could be administered by different people.
What are your guys thoughts on this? Also if this is the way to go, then perhaps the Home Page will make the Forum a/the feature.
hey t8,
not sure… i know its good to open discussion up to all parties, but (as you probably noticed) this site was hacked into the other day, and i've noticed a couple of unrelated aggressive posts since then … i'm not sure if this is really conducive to discussion, and i think that the potential for such is only increased by greater accessibility…
of course, maybe this is just inevitable…
cheers,
nate.
I've been Catholic my entire life and studied in High School to be a priest. Only since the dawn of the internet have resources like yours been made available to really delve into our faith in the one true God and His Son and The Spirit. This is one of the best treatise I've read and explains much of the confusion I've had in reading the bible from a Catholic perspective and not talking, studying, or discussing the beliefs put forward as “truth”. I've been studying with some Jehovah's Witnesses, who seem to hit the nail on the head. Your treatise and what I've studied from the Witnesses make sense out of the Bible and where we need to head in our lives. Thanks for your site! I found the forum with no problem.
DenisThe difference between the saved and unsaved is not that the saved are more righteous than the unsaved. The difference is that they are more 'forgiven'.
You said, “God challenged my belief…” Who are “You?” What denomination or organization are you from? Just curious. Are you binatarian as opposed to trinitarian? I, for one do not believe in the Trinity, rather the simple unity of God; non-personality of the Holy Spirit, divinity but not deity of Jesus; God is a corporeal being; Jesus is the Son of God and Son of Man. Where do you stand in these teaching?
Quote (Guest @ May 31 2005,02:05) You said, “God challenged my belief…” Who are “You?” What denomination or organization are you from? Just curious. Are you binatarian as opposed to trinitarian? I, for one do not believe in the Trinity, rather the simple unity of God; non-personality of the Holy Spirit, divinity but not deity of Jesus; God is a corporeal being; Jesus is the Son of God and Son of Man. Where do you stand in these teaching?
Hi Michael Brown,
Welcome.
We are not representing any denomination. We are baptised and Spirit filled believers and members of the Body of Christ.
We search the bible daily for truth using several versions and established and careful exegesis and present it to a varied audience and a mixed reception.
We are not especially qualified or expert but share a deep love of The Father and His Son, fellowshipping in truth in the Spirit of God.
We believe that the God we fear and love wants His precious Word to be respected and handled with the greatest of care. We do make mistakes and acknowledge them gratefully when they are shown us.
Your input is welcomed.
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