Protestantism

» Brian Tubbs - What's fair game?

I'm going to mention names here for clarity sake, but I would like some clarification on tone, terminology, etc.

Three of the more aggressive participants in these discussions are Oliver (HeadZen), Pink, and Migisi. I have no problem with aggressiveness, although I think HeadZen goes way over the top every now and then.

Be that as it may, I write this - NOT as a moderator, but as a fellow participant and online friend...

Oliver, please refrain from dive-bombing threads with questions about God ordering the deaths of children in the OT. You've made your point. It's an issue I don't have all the answers to. I've humbly admitted that several times. But, while I don't have all the answers, I'm trusting that God does have the answers. It's a valid objection on your part, and you've made it. What more can I say?

Migisi and Pink, both of you are usually very emphatic and forthright in expressing your opinions about the US government, George W. Bush, Christianity, etc., etc.

What I've noticed, though, is that I when I push back with what seems (in my mind) to be just 50-75% of the aggressive tone that you normally show when bashing Bush, the Republicans, Christians, etc. - well, when I push back, fireworks start to erupt.

So, here's the deal....

If you expect others to listen to you -- to read your entire posts - and to thoughtfully consider your arguments -- if that's what you expect, then....

I expect the same from you.

I expect it, regardless of the fact that I'm younger - a factor that shouldn't be shoved in my face. Most of the folks that I know who are older than me have enough class that they don't do that.

I expect it, regardless of the fact that I am coming from a different perspective. Pink has repeatedly told me that he thinks socialism - even communism - deserves a fair hearing. That it deserves to be heard and not ruled out. If so, then CAPITALISM and CONSERVATISM deserve the same.

MOST of our discussions have been very good and at least respectful or cordial. But there have been some exceptions, including of late.

If I've offended you, it's not been intentional. I don't take cheap shots to hurt or wound people. But I do get defensive. That's my weakness. So, to hopefully smooth some things out....

What's fair game? If someone is going to make a strong, judgmental statement "Christianity is a fraud" or "Bush is a crook" or "Bush is a traitor" or "Iraqi insurgents are freedom fighters" or whatever...IF someone is going to say something strong like that...

...Then SURELY we can all agree that there's going to be some pushback.

I hope that we're not all here just to vent. If you're coming here to make a point, EXPECT discussion. And if we want people to thoughtfully and respectfully read what we have to say, we have to do the same in return.

If I owe anyone an apology myself, I will give it. Otherwise, can we agree on what's written above.

If so, let's play ball.

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» Migisi - What's fair game?

In response to What's fair game? posted by BrianTubbs:

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What I've noticed, though, is that I when I push back with what seems (in my mind) to be just 50-75% of the aggressive tone that you normally show when bashing Bush, the Republicans, Christians, etc. - well, when I push back, fireworks start to erupt.
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And? What's the problem?
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...Then SURELY we can all agree that there's going to be some pushback... If you're coming here to make a point, EXPECT discussion. And if we want people to thoughtfully and respectfully read what we have to say, we have to do the same in return.
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I agree. Discussion is what we've been doing here. We read each other's posts, consider the ideas in them, and respond. So it gets heated sometimes. Bound to happen, given the controversial issues we tend to discuss. Are you proposing something new and different?

-- posted by Migisi

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» Brian Tubbs - What's fair game?

In response to What's fair game? posted by Migisi:

I'm proposing that, while we can get heated, we not just DISMISS what the other folks are saying because of their age or perspective.

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