If they don't like those threads, they are under no obligation to read those threads.
He posts it but you are not allowed to join the thread and disagree.
That is the nature of a "devotional" or "caucus" thread. Such threads exist so that folks who believe in a particular theology may discuss it amongst themselves without constant interference and disruption from those who disagree with that particular theology.
Unfortunately, FReepers in general are a very immature lot; without the shelter of "devotional" and "caucus" threads, polite discussion of theology is not possible on this forum. All threads become a food-fight.
—If they don’t like those threads, they are under no obligation to read those threads. —
I firmly agree. I think what is annoying is the same “spirit” that I killed when I dumped TV in 1997. Back then I would watch a news story and no matter how biased, the most I could do was throw a shoe at the TV.
With the internet, you can respond to BS when you see it - but not on “devotional” threads. Their very existence, especially once you have opened one and seen what is in it is a sort of in your face “nya, nya, nya, you can’t say anything I disagree with here”.
It’s a minor annoyance, but thanks to this thread I can vent. :-)
—...without the shelter of “devotional” and “caucus” threads, polite discussion of theology is not possible...—
Actually, a more accurate way to put it is “without the shelter of “devotional” and “caucus” threads, disagreement is not possible”
That is because you can’t even disagree. So what is the purpose of the thread in the first place but to pimp a blog or site? Why not just lock the thread as soon as it’s created?
—...without the shelter of “devotional” and “caucus” threads, polite discussion of theology is not possible...—
Actually, a more accurate way to put it is “without the shelter of “devotional” and “caucus” threads, disagreement is not possible”
One of my annoyances is that one of the rules about “devotional” is that it is described as the thread is “as if it is a discussion behind church doors.” Well, let me tell you that at MY church we get into some pretty heated disagreements. We call it iron sharpening iron. If we all just agree on everything we’re sorta redundant and there is not much point in meeting other than to say how swell we all are and how swell all of our mutually agreed upon beliefs are.
But why even say that. It’s just a circle jerk at that point.
If someone is going to make some sort of theological claim, even behind the doors of a church, the members should have the right to discuss its veracity or lack thereof. I’d leave a church that doesn’t allow that in a new york minute.