I fear that Free Republic is no longer going to be “free,” in regards to the Religion forum. Having read your new posting guidelines in regards to what you deem "appropriate" to be posted within the "Religion" section of "Free" Republic, I along with many others have a simple question for you:
Apart from being chosen by Mr. Robinson, what qualifies you from an academic and Biblical perspective to be the arbitrator of what is viewed as "appropriate" on the Free Republic forum on Religion?
I am not seeking to be controversial but this is a valid question, especially given the fact that you will now control what is deemed or perceived as suitable or not. As for qualifications, in my case I possess a BA in Biblical Studies, a MA in the New Testament and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies. By God's grace I have taught multitudes of courses on the graduate and undergraduate level and have extensive pastoral, missions and chaplaincy experience.
I do not include the above in order to brag, but because, I believe it is only fair, in asking you to share your qualifications, to humbly present my own.
Unfortunately, in spite of our qualifications, I have a feeling that I along with many others will not pass your level of censorship when we call into question false doctrine or dubious religious beliefs and practices. Because your criterion for what seems appropriate is that which does not confront, cause dissention or debate or that which makes waves among those reading and posting within this forum. That presumptive criteria is false on the face of it.
In your letter you cite Christ's law of love as your guideline for posting. While that is admirable you however overlook or negate His willingness to take a stand for the truth in spite of the fallout. In some instances this same Christ called the religious leaders of his days "whitewashed tombs" or a "brood of vipers" because of what they taught or how they acted. I have a feeling our Lord would not have passed your criteria either.
The apostle Paul makes it very clear that the followers of Christ and those who lead them have a responsibility to speak the truth in love and to “contend earnestly for the faith once and for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3) because many false teachers have gone out into the world. Of necessity that command involves pointing out that which is false and faithful correction via the Word of God because "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2Timothy 3:16 - 17). This concept is reiterated by the apostle Peter and was avidly practiced by the prophets throughout the Old Testament. Many of them were not deemed appropriate and those in power didn’t like their message either, but they were true Prophets of God and their message was and is the infallible Word of God.
In closing, your one claim to fame for being the moderator is that you purport to be moderating at the behest of Jim Robinson. You stated that you are not the “ultimate authority regarding any decision” and that any decision you make “can be appealed to one higher court - Jim Robinson, by whose direction I am here as moderator”. My one response is this: God and His Holy Word, not any man, needs to be your ultimate authority and “higher court” behind the decisions you make as the moderator of the forum on Religion.
Humbly yours in Christ,
Dr. S, aka: Jmouse007
~Raises hand~
You know Religion. The Moderator knows rudeness.
There are some things I will not do. I will not arbitrate theological disputes. I will not resolve questions of church polity. Nor will I render judgment on interpretations of Scripture. Those are all issues for legitimate debate, and I do not propose to take part as just another poster on this forum. Naturally, I have my own opinions on all these issues, but my opinions are my own and I will keep them to myself.
Nowhere does it say that you aren't allowed to contend for the faith. It does say that you are expected to do that with Christian love.
I believe that Christ knew the hearts and minds of people. He knew that specific religious leaders were "whitewashed tombs" or from a "brood of vipers". It wasn't based on just what they taught, but he knew them spiritually and was able to judge correctly. We are not blessed with the same degree of discernment as he.
The only thing on the yellow line is road kill
I don't think a degree in theology is required for the mod to do his/her job.
All (s)he needs to do this job is the ability to recognize the difference between, "Jesus is the eternal Son" and "Jesus is the Eternal Son....You (Expletive Deleted) Piece of (Expletive Deleted)"
No racist, violent, or abusive posts. I could make a case for those being the same posting guidelines that Jesus would come out with.
Beyond that you hear a lot of opportunity for freedom.