selek1 Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 Excuse me, Selek. I may be gay but I am definitely not a woman or any female pronoun of the sort. Much love,Valentinus Apologies.It's been almost a year since I made your acquaintance, and I was operating largely from memory.No slight was intended.
why me Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 All,This is a sincere inquiry, driven by what I have seen as an increasing lack of tolerance for posts and posters who have views that are in deemed to be in opposition to the church:Is MD&D a faith-promoting message board? Or is it neutral on all topics Mormon?H.Since MD&D promottes the lds faith I would think that it is a faith promoting board. However, the board is not the same as it was when it was apart of FAIR. It is not exactly an apologetic site now. But it is a place where people can discuss the lds faith. To the benefit of this site, one can not access negatives about other faiths as one can do on the catholic apologetic site. This site tends to treat other faiths rather well. And so, it doesn't promote the lds faith at the expense of other faiths. And that is a good thing.
Stargazer Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 At times it is. At times it is just a bunch of petty bickering.I'll swear to that!
Sky Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 There are posters with a diversity of viewpoints on this board, but overall, I would say that MD&D has more of a pro-Mormon bent. And I don’t have a problem with that. I like it that way. After all, critics and non-believers have their own discussion boards. But this one is our home.As long as you are respectful and follow the board rules, you are pretty much free to hold any opinion.Contrast that with certain ex-Mormon message boards. Do you see tolerance or a diversity of viewpoints over there? I have a feeling I wouldn't last very long if I tried to be a regular poster over there.
Mola Ram Suda Ram Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 I think, that overall the board is faith promoting, however certain people that post here are incapable of posting things that are faith promoting. A certain post come to mind right now.
stevedallas Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 I don't think the purpose of this forum is to be faith promoting. If one wants faith-promoting talk to the missionaries or go to the official church websites. That isn't to say some people don't have their faith strengthened by some of the very intelligent counter-arguments to the anti mantra that has been around for over a 100 years. I've had my faith strengthened in many areas.There are certainly many posters here whose intent is to tear down faith, not build it up. Many of these are wolves in sheep's clothing who purport to be faithful LDS but then put wedges in the beliefs of others. The out-right anti-Mormons are easier to recognize and deal with. Then there are those who are the true fanatic believers who do just as much harm by being over-zealous and judgmental of others who do not believe the same.What is important about this board is that there are those who are able and willing to rebut in either situation.I would respectfully disagree. I got the impression, listening to the last GC, that Mormons are encouraged that anything they do be faith promoting. That dissension and arguments do little to promote faith and should be avoided when discussing LDS doctrine.It is easy to act properly when everything is peaceful and you are around people who believe like you do. The test comes in how you act when challenged.This place, as it claims to be LDS, should be a good example to those who come here. In my studies, I have read where Mormons are called to a higher standard. I believe LDS should revel in that challenge..
Deborah Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 I would respectfully disagree.With what part? Do you expect LDS to sit back and accept false arguments when used to tear down the church or its leaders? Setting the facts straight is not dissension and to leave some of the egregious statements others make unanswered is a silent acceptance of false information.Seriously, you are using the "LDS to be called to a higher standard" argument, which obviously you interpret as shutting up and let the purveyors of falsehoods have their say without any rebuttal. 1
stevedallas Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 On the contrary, Deborah. I intend no such thing. One can correct without being cruel. One of the members here, as I have mentioned, accused me of satanic conduct. Was that needed in order to make their point? Does that sort of response follow The Prophets' teachings?
Damien the Leper Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 Apologies.It's been almost a year since I made your acquaintance, and I was operating largely from memory.No slight was intended.I understand. I was simply making light of your post and clarifying at the same time. It made me laugh when I read it initially.
thesometimesaint Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 stevedallas:Yes we should do better. However this part of the MB is not for the thin skinned. I've always tried to treat you with respect, even when we disagree. Life is too short to take offense when none is given and even shorter to take offense when it is.
William Schryver Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 All,This is a sincere inquiry, driven by what I have seen as an increasing lack of tolerance for posts and posters who have views that are in deemed to be in opposition to the church:Is MD&D a faith-promoting message board? Or is it neutral on all topics Mormon?H.I don't know that I can attribute it entirely to this message board (or its predecessors), but my faith has certainly been strengthened in the period since I first arrived on the Mormon-related message board scene in the spring of 2006.Unfortunately, it has also been my observation that the faith of many has dwindled since their arrival. That said, I am inclined to believe that there is not necessarily a causal relationship between the message boards and the dwindling faith of those to whom I refer; that, in fact, their faith had already dwindled substantially prior to their arrival. Fortunately, there is a place for them to go--one that has a uniquely symbiotic relationship to this place. It welcomes the faithless with open arms and a warm embrace. But then, you already know about that, don't you? 2
stevedallas Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 stevedallas:Yes we should do better. However this part of the MB is not for the thin skinned. I've always tried to treat you with respect, even when we disagree. Life is too short to take offense when none is given and even shorter to take offense when it is.I was not referring to me specifically when I responded to the OP. I was speaking in general.
thesometimesaint Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 stevedallas:Sorry that I misunderstood your comment."One of the members here, as I have mentioned, accused me of satanic conduct".
stevedallas Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 stevedallas:Sorry that I misunderstood your comment."One of the members here, as I have mentioned, accused me of satanic conduct".lol...was that you? Yes, I mentioned it, but only to make a point. I was trying to promote the idea that Mormons should hold themselves up to a higher standard and use this baord as a way to promote faith.
Scott Lloyd Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 I am glad the definitive answer came from someone with such a long posting history. It's my perception that some people lurk here for years without posting. Thus, it is an unjustified assumption that someone, merely because he hasn't posted much, is unqualified to make an observation about the nature of the board.
William Schryver Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 (edited) It's my perception that some people lurk here for years without posting. Thus, it is an unjustified assumption that someone, merely because he hasn't posted much, is unqualified to make an observation about the nature of the board.I lurked on the old FAIR board for some time before I started posting--to get a "lay of the land," so to speak--and yet I still got banned within three days of starting to post, just for arguing with juliann over something or other (I forget what it was now, this far down the road). It was just a mild disagreement, though, and I think she came to love me in the end ... in a sisterly sort of way, of course.ETA: By the way, is it just me, or is the response time on the board extraordinarily slow this afternoon? Edited October 24, 2011 by William Schryver
Mortal Man Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 I don't know about the faith-promoting aspects of this board. I just come here to be closer to William. 1
William Schryver Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 I don't know about the faith-promoting aspects of this board. I just come here to be closer to William.I really think Paul Osborne would suit you better, all things considered.
Calm Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 IETA: By the way, is it just me, or is the response time on the board extraordinarily slow this afternoon?not for me, Will
Mudcat Posted October 25, 2011 Posted October 25, 2011 (edited) All,This is a sincere inquiry, driven by what I have seen as an increasing lack of tolerance for posts and posters who have views that are in deemed to be in opposition to the church:Is MD&D a faith-promoting message board? Or is it neutral on all topics Mormon?H.Hi LDST,I think in many respects it is.Certainly, the dialogue does not come across like taking missionary discussions, if that is what you mean by "faith promoting". But in the sense of intellectual discourse of matters of faith, then it most certainly is faith promoting.It was formed by LDS and in general, the views presented by LDS are consistent with their beliefs. Also it should be noted that LDS posters seem to be the majority, so you could say there is an LDS majority view. However, there are LDS who fall some distance from LDS orthodoxy and there are some LDS who are IMO zealots. Dunno if I would subcategorize them that way... at least not the zealots. Every religion has extremists.There are also two other general groups that post here.The first group, is ex-LDS that have openly exited the CoJCoLDS (typically now atheist) or those that are well on their way to doing so. Some of these LDS that fall "some distance" from Orthodox LDS beliefs, may actually be in the ex-LDS category and just haven't realized it yet.. but I don't think I am qualified to make that call.Anecdotaly, these folks aren't "faith promoting". The have a beef with the CoJCoLDS and want to let you know what it is.The second group, are non-LDS Christians. Though also still a minority view here, it would be easier to subcategorize them in a denominational sense. IMO, it seems the zealot to every day non-LDS Christian ratio, favors the zealous to larger degree. But for the most part the Catholics seem the most ecumenical about the whole thing. They do have issues with LDS beliefs and don't mind expressing them, but are amiable folks all way round.However Protestantdom's representation, in general approaches the forum like a battle front of sorts and typically elicits equal if not greater response from LDSdom. There are some exceptions to that though.edit add - I think it has been possible that from time to time an actual "real person" without any specific agenda has actually stumbled across the forum, made an honest inquiry and gotten caught either in friendly fire and/or crossfire. This may be crazy talk on my part.. but I think we would all do better to be mindful of potential pedestrian posters.Like the Sarge said on Hill Street Blues.... All that being said...In general many discussions play out in the same manner as a rerun "Magnum PI" would.However, there have been distinct moments that through discourse with the LDS here, the Catholics here, the other Protestants here, and even a couple ex-LDS atheists that my faith in Christ has grown. IMO, that is faith promoting and a wonderful thing.Regards,Mudcat Edited October 25, 2011 by Mudcat
mfbukowski Posted October 25, 2011 Posted October 25, 2011 All,This is a sincere inquiry, driven by what I have seen as an increasing lack of tolerance for posts and posters who have views that are in deemed to be in opposition to the church:Is MD&D a faith-promoting message board? Or is it neutral on all topics Mormon?H.Faith promoting. There are plenty of others on the other side.
mfbukowski Posted October 25, 2011 Posted October 25, 2011 (edited) I really think Paul Osborne would suit you better, all things considered.He is such a lovable fellow! Edited October 25, 2011 by mfbukowski
Stargazer Posted October 25, 2011 Posted October 25, 2011 I would respectfully disagree. I got the impression, listening to the last GC, that Mormons are encouraged that anything they do be faith promoting. That dissension and arguments do little to promote faith and should be avoided when discussing LDS doctrine.It is easy to act properly when everything is peaceful and you are around people who believe like you do. The test comes in how you act when challenged.This place, as it claims to be LDS, should be a good example to those who come here. In my studies, I have read where Mormons are called to a higher standard. I believe LDS should revel in that challenge..Yes, and some of us do much better with that than others, lol.
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