Bible Question:
Dear forum members, Post #127351 has been restricted after only a few posts. I was clear that I didn't have much interest in the particular topic, but I thought I made a valid point that searching the topic to conclusion was a good and edifying thing. Someone has disagreed and restricted the thread. This is disturbing, but beyond my say so. Because of this action, it is abundantly clear to me that this forum is not about discussing the Bible and determining truths in humility to the Word, but about discussing topics according to a predetermined doctrine. I have read books both for and against every major doctrine in the church today, and I find that both sides offer substantial evidence for their points of view. One particular doctrine is not necessarily correct, and the point of study and discussion is to determine the truth of scripture. Now, knowing that this is a doctrine forum by practical evidence and vehement objections to scholarly, educated, and accredited points of view based on scripture, I need not offer any scripturally based advice, except what conforms to the said doctrine. I have my own points of view based on diligent study, but I can be silent on some issues as required to avoid dissension. I need to know what the doctrines are on this site so I can properly conform my answers so as not to make myself a stumbling block to others. This is not a gripe or a post in anger. I am not trying to bait or tempt anyone. This is something I need to know, because it is a waste of time to put my knowledge into a post that no one will see. Please list the doctrines by their common titles, indicating a for or against position on each. Your assistance in this matter would be of great help. Ancient |
Bible Answer: Hello Ancient, You have asked a very good question. This forum does have specific doctrines that fall into three (at least) categories. However, most of these are not actually listed anywhere, so a new person would not know what they were until an old forum member let them know. The first group would be doctrines that are supported so strongly that they are not allowed to be debated at all. These would include the fundamental beliefs such as those summarized in the Apostle's Creed. The most common instances of this on the forum are discussions about whether Jesus was really God, or whether the Bible is true (inerrant, etc.). People who deny these sorts of things are usually banned from the forum. The second group would be doctrines that are allowed to be debated, but not on the homepage (thus the threads are restricted). The most common discussions in this category are on the Calvinism / Armenianism debate, the Pacifism debate, or discussions criticising the forum itself. These threads get blocked from appearing but do not get users banned (unless the user exclusively writes about topics of this sort). The third group would be doctrines that are allowed to be debated publicly on the homepage. These would include about everything else. For instance, people often debate what is going to happen in the end times, whether Baptism is a requirement for salvation, what is the Christian approach to divorce and remarriage, whether there is an unforgivable sin, which Bible version is the best, and many other things. All of these are controversial, but seem to be allowed to be debated here without penalty. I hope that this is helpful in understanding the forum better, and will help you to decide what topics to participate in discussing here. |