I've learned that message boards that permit free expression are extraordinarily RARE

[bbyrd009]

In fact I've got a zero-tolerance policy towards bad mods and bad memberships, i've lost count of the number of boards I've walked out of over the years..:)
"If you hang around with losers you become a loser"- Donald Trump

ha the irony lol

 

[Dropship]

In fact I've got a zero-tolerance policy towards bad mods and bad memberships, i've lost count of the number of boards I've walked out of over the years..:)
"If you hang around with losers you become a loser"- Donald Trump

ha the irony lol

Biden doesn't exactly strike me as a winner..;)
For examp he's given Iran permission to continue its nuclear program, what could possibly go wrong?

 

[Adam]

Some of the images posted in this thread are really ugly, full of a lot of hatred. I think images like these are cursed.

 

[bbyrd009]

Biden doesn't exactly strike me as a winner..;)
For examp he's given Iran permission to continue its nuclear program, what could possibly go wrong?

ive been asking that myself
i mean does anyone here actually believe that they would ever fire one if they had it?

what is with the sustained, constant pressure on Iran, anyway?
used to be an awesome country imo…before US

id give them a nuke, tbh; i mean what are they gonna do with it anyway lol

 

[Dropship]

Biden doesn't exactly strike me as a winner..;)
For examp he's given Iran permission to continue its nuclear program, what could possibly go wrong?

ive been asking that myself
i mean does anyone here actually believe that they would ever fire one if they had it?

what is with the sustained, constant pressure on Iran, anyway?
used to be an awesome country imo…before US

id give them a nuke, tbh; i mean what are they gonna do with it anyway lol

Iran has been saying anti-West things for years, so we're slapping their wrist with sanctions.
As for nukes, they wouldn't need big missiles to deliver them, they could for example develop suitcase-sized nuke bombs like this one-



and easily smuggle them into our ports on cargo ships, it's not a new idea-



Alternatively Iran could sneak one of their Kilo subs like this one up to our coastlines and put a team of saboteurs ashore in rubber boats who could then fan out across America and plant their suitcase nukes with time fuses in a dozen major cities-

 

[David in NJ]

In my view, it's cowardly to restrict speech short and I'm not talking about threats of violence, pornography, or instructions on how to build a pipe bomb. I'm talking about expressing views that others dislike or that may actually be offensive. I've been participating in message boards for a wide array of topics from football, dogs, politics, religion, etc., and the two segments most quick to BAN speech are the political left and the religious right. Many sites list rules and one of the rules is a "catch-all" rule called "trolling", and when one expresses a view with which they disagree they claim "trolling" and then ban the supposed offender.

To me, a good moderator engenders discussion but, in my experience, most of them annihilate discussion. I suspect that some or "many" of them gain a sense of power by restricting and banning the speech of others. The result, of course, is that they drive away good posters and good discussion while they remain the big fish in their little pond.

By the way, this isn't a knock on any moderators here. I haven't encountered anything here that I would describe as censorship. Of course, this is a privately owned forum and management is obviously free to allow or disallow pretty much whatever they want, as long as it's lawful, of course. I'm just speaking in general terms about the vast majority of forums that I have visited.

I was just banned from a "Christian" forum because I very politely, and respectfully, expressed my disbelief in the Catholic teachings and beliefs regarding the Rosary. I relied on scripture and asked proponents of the Rosary to do the same. I didn't attack anyone. I wasn't impolite. I often prefaced my posts with "I believe...".

I had to take my elderly mother to her doctor. Upon arriving home I went to my thread about the Rosary and, to my disbelief, I was banned and the reason given was that I was a "troll". Never had a moderator ever contacted me about anything that I had ever posted there. There was never a need. And then, from out of the blue (so to speak), I was banned. My impression is that one of the senior moderators there is a Catholic and he could not tolerate my scripturally-backed views. Again, this wasn't a Catholic forum but a CHRISTIAN forum. To me, that is both sad (for him) and amazing to me. I cannot fathom the thought of banning a fellow believer (or anyone else) for simply expressing a view that I don't share. That's just incredible to me.

Ok. I got that off my chest. Thanks for reading. :)

Religion and religious people are antagonistic to the Truth.
They infiltrate with the purpose to undermine the exposure of falsehood = as you stated "praying the rosaries"

i was born, baptized, educated and confirmed roman catholic.

At the age of 24 the FATHER called me unto Christ, Salvation, Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the study of the Holy Scriptures.

ALL religions fear the Truth, most especially RCC and they will go after you with a vengence just as they did Martin Luther and the Saints.

Tongues are still being cut-out today = 'you're BANNED'..............

Stay True to the WORD of God = Matthew 4:4
Peace

 

[bbyrd009]

Iran has been saying anti-West things for years, so we're slapping their wrist with sanctions.
As for nukes, they wouldn't need big missiles to deliver them, they could for example develop suitcase-sized nuke bombs like this one-

View attachment 29402

and easily smuggle them into our ports on cargo ships, it's not a new idea-

View attachment 29403

Alternatively Iran could sneak one of their Kilo subs like this one up to our coastlines and put a team of saboteurs ashore in rubber boats who could then fan out across America and plant their suitcase nukes with time fuses in a dozen major cities-

View attachment 29405

View attachment 29404

you fam with the whole Shah of Iran thing that we did to them?
we redicalized them, bc the psychopaths that we allow to run our country need enemies
and you are schilling for them now, ok

and England, yikes, dont even get me started lol
what a bunch of barracuda

 

[Dropship]

you fam with the whole Shah of Iran thing that we did to them?
we redicalized them, bc the psychopaths that we allow to run our country need enemies
and you are schilling for them now, ok
and England, yikes, dont even get me started lol
what a bunch of barracuda

1- As long as the masses in USA, Britain and anywhere else go on voting the psychos into power, things will never improve.
2- The muslim world has got its psychos too, or will you be telling us next that it was Mary Poppins who did 9/11?..;)
Oh wait, this startling new footage has just emerged..

 

[bbyrd009]

1- As long as the masses in USA, Britain and anywhere else go on voting the psychos into power, things will never improve.
2- The muslim world has got its psychos too, or will you be telling us next that it was Mary Poppins who did 9/11?..;)
Oh wait, this startling new footage has just emerged..

well, not saying that i dont understand the preoccupation with the things in the world, but tbh irdc too much about them

 

[Dropship]

..and England, yikes, dont even get me started lol

Steady on mate; if it wasn't for us Brits you'd still be fighting off indian attacks on your wagon trains, huh you try to be nice (sniffle)..

GREAT MOMENT IN HISTORY: The Pilgrims land in the New World..:)
"Okay people, first things first, let's start clearing land for a golf course, bowling alley and theme park"

 

[Patrick1966]

you fam with the whole Shah of Iran thing that we did to them?

The Ayatollahs have been even worse.

American policymakers didn't want Iran to side with the Soviet Union and viewed the Islamic state through western eyes. It was, of course, flawed policy.

American foreign policy of the 60's and 70's is littered with terrible policy choices.

 

[David in NJ]

In my view, it's cowardly to restrict speech short and I'm not talking about threats of violence, pornography, or instructions on how to build a pipe bomb. I'm talking about expressing views that others dislike or that may actually be offensive. I've been participating in message boards for a wide array of topics from football, dogs, politics, religion, etc., and the two segments most quick to BAN speech are the political left and the religious right. Many sites list rules and one of the rules is a "catch-all" rule called "trolling", and when one expresses a view with which they disagree they claim "trolling" and then ban the supposed offender.

To me, a good moderator engenders discussion but, in my experience, most of them annihilate discussion. I suspect that some or "many" of them gain a sense of power by restricting and banning the speech of others. The result, of course, is that they drive away good posters and good discussion while they remain the big fish in their little pond.

By the way, this isn't a knock on any moderators here. I haven't encountered anything here that I would describe as censorship. Of course, this is a privately owned forum and management is obviously free to allow or disallow pretty much whatever they want, as long as it's lawful, of course. I'm just speaking in general terms about the vast majority of forums that I have visited.

I was just banned from a "Christian" forum because I very politely, and respectfully, expressed my disbelief in the Catholic teachings and beliefs regarding the Rosary. I relied on scripture and asked proponents of the Rosary to do the same. I didn't attack anyone. I wasn't impolite. I often prefaced my posts with "I believe...".

I had to take my elderly mother to her doctor. Upon arriving home I went to my thread about the Rosary and, to my disbelief, I was banned and the reason given was that I was a "troll". Never had a moderator ever contacted me about anything that I had ever posted there. There was never a need. And then, from out of the blue (so to speak), I was banned. My impression is that one of the senior moderators there is a Catholic and he could not tolerate my scripturally-backed views. Again, this wasn't a Catholic forum but a CHRISTIAN forum. To me, that is both sad (for him) and amazing to me. I cannot fathom the thought of banning a fellow believer (or anyone else) for simply expressing a view that I don't share. That's just incredible to me.

Ok. I got that off my chest. Thanks for reading. r:)

Welcome to the online fellowship in Christ here at Christianity Board

 

[Gottservant]

I was banned from a site and they didn't even tell me why - then I reentered the site under another name and they said "it's because we don't like your style, you are banned again for coming back"

It stings, but I won't name them - one day they will bow to me as Jesus said, and I don't want them to have any excuse not to.

What is curious to me, is that people treat "opinion" as if it is an object of the Law - they try to "police" it, when an opinion is not an object of the Law. The correct approach to an opinion, is to request that it be simplified for an example of a better standard - in other words, you should be able to restate it until its not as offensive ("God hates gays" could be rewritten 'someone hates others' and established with a better standard as "God would like it if certain people didn't provoke Him"). As long as you are rewriting it in a way that is less offensive, why ban it?

 

[lforrest]

Nothing says that one is a devoted follower of Christ quite like casting a fellow brother into the outer darkness for eternity.

And no one is able to do that, even if they wanted to. Nether can anyone lift another up to heaven even if they want to.

This is a forum, where people can fellowship and discuss things Christian. If someone is banned here they are probably unable to do that in a civil manner. Or their beliefs are so far out in left field they can't keep from blaspheming. They would fit better on another discussion forum.

No one is going to hell because they were unsuccessful at spread their false doctrines. If anything banning false teachers is to their benefit. I am sorry I haven't banned more in the hope that our members will defend the faith, and that situations would resolve themselves.

It is asking a lot that we be in constant battle. Expectantly when many come seeking only fellowship, and an escape from the world.

 

[Mr E]

This is a forum, where people can fellowship and discuss things Christian. If someone is banned here they are probably unable to do that in a civil manner. Or their beliefs are so far out in left field they can't keep from blaspheming. They would fit better on another discussion forum.

This is something I love about this forum.... the focus is properly placed on someone's behavior, rather than on their belief. Of course there is difficulty in defining the boundary and border lines that constitute 'left field' and to some extent even "Christian," but bad behavior anyone can recognize, no matter their belief system, sect or particular denomination (if they have one).

The idea that such people -- the ones who behave badly-- would be better off on another forum isn't necessarily a truism. The ones who behave badly here, likely behave badly wherever they go. That is, they behave similarly because of who and what they are. Put a '67 VW Bug in a new garage, it will still be an old Bug.

When banning decisions are based on beliefs rather than behavior however, suggesting that they should go elsewhere is a dangerous proposal. It's essentially telling people that if they believe differently than YOU, or than US-- they are not welcome here in our little 'Bible Club' and so we will take our "Club" in hand and chase you out of here. That's a very sad attitude and it's often the prelude to the death spiral of an online forum community. Or it turns a diverse community into an isolated sectarian compound or colony where everyone must conform or be 'excommunicated.' That's essentially how denominations, sects, and even cults operate. Fortunately, @doughty has not been moving or moved in that direction.

No one is going to hell because they were unsuccessful at spread their false doctrines. If anything banning false teachers is to their benefit.

I encourage you to continue operating in this spirit... A similar attitude by a Pharisee resulted in an untold number of people being given the opportunity to hear a soul-saving message in Acts 5.

Then he said to the council, “Men of Israel, pay close attention to what you are about to do to these men. For sometime ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about 400 men joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and nothing came of it. After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and incited people to follow him in revolt. He too was killed, and all who followed him were scattered. So in this case I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone because if this plan or this undertaking originates with people, it will come to nothing, but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found fighting against God.” He convinced them.

In other words, if someone's teachings are not of God-- they won't amount to much. If it is of God, you shouldn't stand in the way of it. Don't hinder, don't help. God can handle it.

I am sorry I haven't banned more in the hope that our members will defend the faith, and that situations would resolve themselves.

A strange remorse. As a side note, it's often the behavior of those 'defenders of the faith' that is least Christ-like. Continue focusing on behavior and moderating that, rather than picking and choosing 'what kind of Christianity' is acceptable to discuss. This is meant as an encouragement to you and your team. I think you are doing a great job.

 

[Patrick1966]

This is something I love about this forum.... the focus is properly placed on someone's behavior, rather than on their belief. Of course there is difficulty in defining the boundary and border lines that constitute 'left field' and to some extent even "Christian," but bad behavior anyone can recognize, no matter their belief system, sect or particular denomination (if they have one).

The idea that such people -- the ones who behave badly-- would be better off on another forum isn't necessarily a truism. The ones who behave badly here, likely behave badly wherever they go. That is, they behave similarly because of who and what they are. Put a '67 VW Bug in a new garage, it will still be an old Bug.

When banning decisions are based on beliefs rather than behavior however, suggesting that they should go elsewhere is a dangerous proposal. It's essentially telling people that if they believe differently than YOU, or than US-- they are not welcome here in our little 'Bible Club' and so we will take our "Club" in hand and chase you out of here. That's a very sad attitude and it's often the prelude to the death spiral of an online forum community. Or it turns a diverse community into an isolated sectarian compound or colony where everyone must conform or be 'excommunicated.' That's essentially how denominations, sects, and even cults operate. Fortunately, @doughty has not been moving or moved in that direction.



I encourage you to continue operating in this spirit... A similar attitude by a Pharisee resulted in an untold number of people being given the opportunity to hear a soul-saving message in Acts 5.

Then he said to the council, “Men of Israel, pay close attention to what you are about to do to these men. For sometime ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about 400 men joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and nothing came of it. After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and incited people to follow him in revolt. He too was killed, and all who followed him were scattered. So in this case I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone because if this plan or this undertaking originates with people, it will come to nothing, but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found fighting against God.” He convinced them.

In other words, if someone's teachings are not of God-- they won't amount to much. If it is of God, you shouldn't stand in the way of it. Don't hinder, don't help. God can handle it.




A strange remorse. As a side note, it's often the behavior of those 'defenders of the faith' that is least Christ-like. Continue focusing on behavior and moderating that, rather than picking and choosing 'what kind of Christianity' is acceptable to discuss. This is meant as an encouragement to you and your team. I think you are doing a great job.

Great post. Maybe you should be a moderator.

 

[lforrest]

The idea that such people -- the ones who behave badly-- would be better off on another forum isn't necessarily a truism.

This is true enough. It isn't necessarily better for them, as they will go on being an 'old bug,' and being banned is more likely to be received with anger, than be taken as a learning experience.

But it is better for our forum and its mods. As their actions are no longer our responsibility at all, where if they remain it can be argued that we are being complacent.

In other words, if someone's teachings are not of God-- they won't amount to much. If it is of God, you shouldn't stand in the way of it. Don't hinder, don't help. God can handle it.

How will God handle it? It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. I have seen obstacles to his plans removed with extreme force. His patience is not infinite, and if it is more expedient for him to call one home he may do it. It is wise to always seek his will, and to give the king a wide birth.

So if I see something questionable I do not act immediately.

 

[APAK]

This is something I love about this forum.... the focus is properly placed on someone's behavior, rather than on their belief. Of course there is difficulty in defining the boundary and border lines that constitute 'left field' and to some extent even "Christian," but bad behavior anyone can recognize, no matter their belief system, sect or particular denomination (if they have one).

The idea that such people -- the ones who behave badly-- would be better off on another forum isn't necessarily a truism. The ones who behave badly here, likely behave badly wherever they go. That is, they behave similarly because of who and what they are. Put a '67 VW Bug in a new garage, it will still be an old Bug.

When banning decisions are based on beliefs rather than behavior however, suggesting that they should go elsewhere is a dangerous proposal. It's essentially telling people that if they believe differently than YOU, or than US-- they are not welcome here in our little 'Bible Club' and so we will take our "Club" in hand and chase you out of here. That's a very sad attitude and it's often the prelude to the death spiral of an online forum community. Or it turns a diverse community into an isolated sectarian compound or colony where everyone must conform or be 'excommunicated.' That's essentially how denominations, sects, and even cults operate. Fortunately, @doughty has not been moving or moved in that direction.



I encourage you to continue operating in this spirit... A similar attitude by a Pharisee resulted in an untold number of people being given the opportunity to hear a soul-saving message in Acts 5.

Then he said to the council, “Men of Israel, pay close attention to what you are about to do to these men. For sometime ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about 400 men joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and nothing came of it. After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and incited people to follow him in revolt. He too was killed, and all who followed him were scattered. So in this case I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone because if this plan or this undertaking originates with people, it will come to nothing, but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found fighting against God.” He convinced them.

In other words, if someone's teachings are not of God-- they won't amount to much. If it is of God, you shouldn't stand in the way of it. Don't hinder, don't help. God can handle it.




A strange remorse. As a side note, it's often the behavior of those 'defenders of the faith' that is least Christ-like. Continue focusing on behavior and moderating that, rather than picking and choosing 'what kind of Christianity' is acceptable to discuss. This is meant as an encouragement to you and your team. I think you are doing a great job.

A little naked truth on this subject, a reality check.

Remember, and make no mistake about it, the one(s) with all the power get to define what 'kind of faith' needs to be defending and who and how false teachers are defined. Fortunately, I do not agree with their definitions and are apparently kept on a watch list of sorts, as are several others of another faith. Their type of truth will all come out in the wash eventually, as I really do not care at all about it. They can continue to play their games that will continue to fragment the site.

It was not long ago, just months ago where the community of members here would practically self-regulate and keep each other in check. Now this type of governance is gone. What a shame. And this self-regulation is what really attracted me to this site in the first place, over 5 years ago now.

 

[Mr E]

A little naked truth on this subject, a reality check.

Remember, and make no mistake about it, the one(s) with all the power get to define what 'kind of faith' needs to be defending and who and how false teachers are defined. Fortunately, I do not agree with their definitions and are apparently kept on a watch list of sorts, as are several others of another faith. Their type of truth will all come out in the wash eventually, as I really do not care at all about it. They can continue to play their games that will continue to fragment the site.

It was not long ago, just months ago where the community of members here would practically self-regulate and keep each other in check. Now this type of governance is gone. What a shame. And this self-regulation is what really attracted me to this site in the first place, over 5 years ago now.

True enough. Ultimately the Moderators/Admin themselves are regulated and moderated only by the Owner of the site. Like it or leave it, as they say, but it's rarely the desire of a forum owner to see folks leave or get booted for differences of opinion. Bad behavior should be the only measuring stick. But Owners are human too and subject to their own opinions and folly, bias and beliefs.

 

[atpollard]

I've been banned from forums for defending Catholic beliefs.

That is probably appropriate for CARM, which has a specific stated purpose and theology. It would be equally appropriate to ban me if I went to Catholic discussion forums to "defend Protestant beliefs" ... which in reality would probably look a lot more like either "attacking Catholicism" or "proselytizing for Particular Baptism" (neither of which would be appropriate for a Catholic discussion Forum).