Bible Question:
Is an Internet forum a good place to get Bible questions answered? I ask this because there always seems to be an implicit question concerning the qualification of the people who are volunteering to answer. This forum makes a good effort to get people to base their answers on the Bible. But there seems to be no way to force people to back up what they say wwith scriptural citations. There is only one forum that I know of where there are qualified monitors to ensure that sound answers are given. It is at http://hishows.aimoo.com . There are other sites such as http://bgea.org that offer Questions and Answers but do not have a discussion forum. This forum states clearly that "the Lockman Foundation does not pre-screen postings. Postings are the opinions of others and may or may not represent a commonly held view". Would it not be good to have a group of qualified teachers to screen postings and provide answers? Is it not good to have gifted teachers to answer our questions (I offer Romans 12:7,1 Corinthians 12:29 and Eph 4:11,12 in support of this idea). Is it better to let all opinions be aired as equal? Do you have a Bible verse for that? |
Bible Answer: Greetings Aixen7z4, Before I begin, I will discuss my qualifications for providing an Answer to your Question: I once studied fervently to become a Pastor at Indiana Wesleyan University, where I was schooled in a bit of Greek, Old Testament and New Testament study, including studying methods in Bible study. I have held local church memberships in the following church Denominations: United Methodist, Wesleyan and Conservative Mennonite. My father was himself a Pastor in the United Methodist church for many years, for all of my childhood, and continues to share the love of Christ. I am the author of over 4,900 posts on this StudyBibleForum, and my theology and stances on Biblical issues is very well documented within this Forum's Archives. From post# 1,112 to 4,840, I was the "Most Active User" at this Forum, and, at one time, I had authored more than 11 percent of all posts here. As for more qualification, I have been well spoken of, and even in positive regard, by both members here at the Forum, and by the brethren in Christ who have known me personally over the years. Now, for your question.. :-) I have also wondered whether an "internet forum" is a good place to get Bible questions answered. I have shared your concerns, with having a group of qualified teachers to provide answers, instead of just ANYONE who has internet access. But that is why that there are a few here who do adhere to the Bible, since we are so concerned, as you are, to provide Biblical Answers to Biblical Questions, and to help steer this so called "StudyBibleForum" in a direction that would both give glory to God and serve to fulfill its original design and intention. As for "are your Answers authoritative?", you will need to check Scripture (Acts 17:11) for that. Blessings to you, Makarios |