Well I meant within reason, I know that there are people who are not able to go into all the details connected to their faith, but there are some who are able to, but don't because they just blindly follow whatever they are told. I hope that didn't sound mean, if it did thats not how I meant it.

I think that as much as someone is able they should try to know or understand as much as possible about their own faith, so if asked they can discuss that topic with others within their abilities to do so. I don't believe anyone who is able should be content to remain ignorant of various aspects of their own doctrines because it just causes discontent, strife and grief when someone comes along and asks "why" or "how come". If a person is not disabled and is not simple minded I think they should be able to reply to a doctrinal question asked by someone of another faith, but politely without making the person who asked feel as though they were being mean or anything like that. I hope that makes sense.

On the other hand I also don't think anyone should badger someone else about their faith, I think you can tell someone that you disagree and why or you agree and why, without causing grief to the other party.

And sometimes we are just not going to agree, because everyone sees everything from a different perspective.

I think the "Golden Rule" is a good rule to abide by when discussing topics that can get out of hand or that can cause someone to feel threatened or defensive.

It's best to try to think how you personally would feel if someone told you that something you'd believed all your life was wrong, and not just go tell someone what they believe is wrong, but instead just start out by stating that you disagree based on whatever you are basing your own personal disagreement with, or if you agree why.

I think it is possible to disagree politely and to still agree on other topics, and I do agree with you that there are people children and those with disabilities (disabilities that affect the mind) that are not able to explain with clarity every single techical or doctrinal thing their own denomination believes, and I think grace should be given in those cases, and those who are not able to because of lack of ability to do so, should not be cornered or cohersed into saying things they don't really comprehend to start with, or told they are not saved because they can't clearly define xyz or whatever else.

I have seen people who have clearly stated they believed God and loved God, etc, but their mental capacity was on the level of a small child, and they were confused easily, I don't think anyone should try to confuse anyone, but especially those who are already struggling.

Anyway's I think I'm rambling a lot today, I'll say it's just stress lol.

I do really believe IF a person has the ability to study, and learn that they should be encouraged to do so, if not to share their faith with others, then for their own personal growth. Because I do really believe that God wants us to study, and he wants us to seek after wisdom, and understanding I don't believe God wants us to remain stagnent or ignorant just because that is easier for most people.

_________________
[i][i]Psalms 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.[/i][/i]

I think this board should be removed. Discussions and or questions can take place on either the Fellowship or on the HSC Friends Board. As Sis said, those boards have more traffic. I do think that would help out with monitoring as well.

_________________
“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.”
― Mother Teresa

People are not always going to agree. and Several people have gotten their feelings hurt on here in the past. Partly because they may not been able to accept that each person has an opinion and may not agree with yours. But theirs is what counts. That is Sad. If we all realize that we each love God and will have difference of opinions , that would be the best thing.
I would like for us to find a Bible subject and discuss it once a week.
I hope this all makes sense.

_________________
<a href="http://lilyslim.com/"><img src="http://swtc.lilyslim.com/G2dWbbw.png" width="400" height="120" border="0" alt="LilySlim Weight charts" /></a>

Yes, I would like to see this board MORE active. Talking about how we do walk our talk, (and talk our walk - on here!). Encouraging one another to read the Word regularly and share what we're reading and how we find the time or how we bring it to our children. How do we pray for our dh's and kids and the unsaved around us. What works for memorization or Scripture, do you feel it's important to read through the whole Bible every year or two? or simply to read regularly, even if it's the same. Or like Linda said, discuss a topic/Bible subject or person each week.

I my self am trying to figure out what is the question here? I am totally confussed and I have been that way for the last two weeks anyway about other matters.

_________________
<a href="http://lilyslim.com/"><img src="http://swtc.lilyslim.com/G2dWbbw.png" width="400" height="120" border="0" alt="LilySlim Weight charts" /></a>

Hmmm. I would just like to say that this is the only place I have in which to bring my real questions, doubts and arguments. Maybe that is wrong. The only people I know that are more mature in the faith/Word than I am are .... dare I say "old school"? They're in their 80's. We live in a very small town and I just don't have access to the types of people I dearly desire to converse with. So I come here and find those people.

We are living in dark times. We NEED to be able to speak about things which concern us. Some of us might have questions regarding others beliefs and a sincere back and forth can lead us to examine more fully why we believe what we believe. I want that in my life. I need to hear the Orthodox view, the Catholic way, the Mormon way, the 7th Day Adventist way, the Jehovah's Witness way.... and know why I believe "my" Calvary Chapel way.

When I watched the ex-Mormon talk to Mormons, his credibility comes from his knowledge of the doctrines of Mormon teachings as well as Calvary Chapel teachings. (Awkwardly put... I mean Biblical doctrine but that seems to leave something to be desired, as well.)

I guess I'm blabbing on and on wondering if we can still have these discussions? Because non-Christians and "non-biblical belief system" people have access to the Christian Walk board, does that mean we can't talk about what we see as wrong about these belief systems? I'm confused.