Since the topic comes up frequently, I thought I would post the following link: http://www.crta.org It is for the Center for Reformed Theology & Apologetics. It discusses Calvinism and has many good links. One linked site includes a quote by James White (no stranger to DL controversy) who calls Arminianism something to the effect of *Roman Catholic Semi Pelagianism dressed up for Protestant consumption*. Perhaps Russell could post a good site for an explanation of Arminianism. North
Degreeinfo is read by people from around the world, many of whom are not Christians. People are influenced in their judgement both of Christianity and of Christ by what our clergymen and theologians write here. If they make discussion of Christianity into an exclusive insider joke, then Christianity is reduced to being merely an annoying distraction from the real purpose of this discussion group. People need to realize that this is a public place. People are watching you. In some cases, you may be the first Christian theology student or clergyman that they have ever encountered at this personal level. You guys are doing *someone's* work by posting here, but it's up to you to decide whose work it is.
------------------------------------------------------------------ I guess if I say I am now joking and that joking nevertheless influences people religiously then they are in great danger from this very board. This forum particularly much discusses religion in threads I generally do not even enter. Sometimes these are jokes but sometimes serious too. Among the threads to which I refer on this forum ,and some of these are personally offensive to me, are: -The authentic Christian life is realized through Dharma, 9-20-01 -God would make a good dean because He never responds. (In Why God never received tenure- your post!) -we test religiosity by sensitivity to pain, 2-28-02 -666 , the number of the Beast, 4-13-02 -Bible stories are mere myth, 8-14-01 -are Unitarians Christian?, 5-26-02 -religion polls wherein Tom Head banters with Russell, 4-26-02 -the Bible as a fraud, Jesus not virgin born, 9-03-02 -denominational jokes, 9-15-01 -the brick testament, 5-23-02 But if people see Russell and I or whoever teasing each other about our differences, those people should observe that this relationship is based on respect for each other and our contrasting views, and that unlike the several tragic persecutions within church history, here on this board we are free to share views(or maybe not?) even if clothed in jest, and yet not be attacked. I really do not understand your frustration given this forum's identified purpose or past usage. Nor does it make sense to me that Steve can with the condensation of all describe the majesty of his penis((which description likely is an effect of his usual tendency toward overstatement)) and where he puts it ( which again is his own business -but as you say this is a public place!) , but you choose instead to harp about this innocuous bantering we do!? People regularly here are called trolls and liars and otherwise we insult each other; this also may offend some viewers. Great is the one who gives no offence;I am admittedly not he, I know! Are you Bill??? To quote Steve, "chill out."
My tendency toward lighthearted banter is often manifested on this forum. If this in any way demeans my personal commitment to the Christian faith, it is not intended as such.
Well said, Bill! (Grover) I believe that some people on this board would like it very much if you were intimidated into not openly discussing your faith in Christ (jokingly or seriously). They try to chase you and Russell and others away with snide comments or gross you out with comments about masturbation, but don't you let them! I think you, Russell, Uncle, and others do a good job demonstrating what respectful dialogue between people who have some areas of disagreement should look like. Dave
Dave Thanks. I have several times privately told Russell that if I were hurting his feelings I would stop. Dave have you moved or something? haven't heard from you lately here.I
Bill, No, I haven't moved. I've just been very busy with work, what with catching up after a trip to the East Coast. Hope the dissertation is going well, Dave
If theology has no influence outside its own small circle of practitioners, then what value does it have? All I suggested is trying to keep that in mind. Was I wrong? Even if all of you clergymen and theologians just want to relax and let off steam, you are doing that in full view of your parishoners. Not only your parishoners, but in front of people who may be forming their views of Christianity itself in part from how you behave, and in front of people who might have real spiritual needs and be in need of some guidance, help and compassion. Even if you choose to treat it as a joke, what you talk about is serious and important. That's especially true if, as many insist, Christian doctrine has a divine origin. Obviously humor isn't a bad thing, but it can become counterproductive when it becomes an obstacle rather than an invitation. That suggests that if you are going to play theology-games, you might try to make them comprehensible to those watching you. That means little things like defining your terms, such as the 'Arminianism' that plays such a large part in your banter. Why do you find this thing so fascinating? And it suggests that it might be a mistake to respond dismissively when an outsider makes a comment, asks a question or expresses a doubt. Shouldn't their interest in what you are doing be *welcomed*?
I don't think anyone has a problem with that. I think if you look at participants to "the left" of this discussion, you'll find: Orson -- Atheist; obviously loves a good argument, so he welcomes this sort of thing. Rich -- Agnostic; had trouble with every debate thread ending up as a religious discussion, but never objected to people expressing their beliefs as such. Bill -- Agnostic; also loves a good argument. Yours truly -- Theist and religious voyeur; absolutely no problem with this discussion, but gets more than his fill of religious debate elsewhere. As for the masturbation joke: That was Steve, who can cite impressive credentials as an orthodox Christian thinker, having taught at several ultraconservative seminaries in his time and written books for Baker and Moody. Don't let the fact that he's gay, or politically liberal, fool you; he's over in Hauerwas' theological ballpark, as he would mention himself if he actually cared what people thought of him. A good egg from where I'm standing, even if he is a little touchier, lately, than he used to be. Cheers,
Then, too, Tony Pina (LDS) and the Carpathian peasant (Gnesio-Lutheran) are HARDLY "evangelicals," and manage to float in the current... I can't speak for Tony, but I think it's a hoot. It may be viscous, but it's not vicious.
