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To: Sidebar Moderator
I, for one, do appreciate your efforts to bring about more of a tone of civility on the religion forum. I don't post here much, because, quite frankly, the hostility seems to run deep and the spirit of religiosity seems to cloud both the judgement and good will of many posters on this topic. What I would hope to find here is a building up of the community of saints to the edification of all, not a "my church is better than yours" mentality that was pervasive in elementary school.

That is not to say that there havent't been some good discussions and some which have been very helpful and informative and I will continue to post from time to time on threads I perceive as such. There are some points at which I personally have to draw the line though, as a matter of conscience. I cannot give respect to doctrines of demons that are held to be of equal value as the scriptures. My background in comparative religion is extensive and I have prayerfully reached solid conclusions many years ago about what truth is and isn't, and while I might occasionally expound upon that, mostly I am at peace and have no desire to be drawn into the noisy contentions of others. The scriptures instruct us to speak the truth in love and that the wrath of man accomplishes not the righteiousness of God. It doesn't take too long to see whether the message of a thread is a testimony to the wrath of man or to the love of God. It's a good gauge in deciding whether or not to take part in the discussion.

Anyway, thanks for your effort. I hope it accomplishes what you've set out to do. It won't be overnight, but perhaps over time and with prayer, we can come to look more upon one another as fellow travelers and when we see a brother or sister in error or who is stumbling, we will seek to encourage and correct in a spirit of love and compassion instead of beating them up with our own understanding of truth.

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel." (Prov. 12:15)

"A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind." (Prov. 18:2)

"Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel." (Prav. 20:3)

"Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words."(Prov. 23:9)

"Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is {considered} prudent." (Prov. 17:28)

976 posted on 01/26/2004 8:01:47 AM PST by sweetliberty (Even the smallest person can change the course of the future. - (LOTR))
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To: sweetliberty
Thank you for the citations from Proverbs. I'm just now finishing up my umpteenth re-reading of the book, and had thought about including some of those verses earlier. Decided it was a bit too much, all things considered.
977 posted on 01/26/2004 8:04:14 AM PST by Sidebar Moderator (Three warninngs; Three suspensions; The Abyss (I may skip any step to the end if warranted))
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