In response to the 'State of discourse' thread that was posted yesterday: Can't we all just get along?

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4243106/posts ^

[Jim Robinson]

I've been asked to chime in, so I'm chiming. But you're not gonna like it. The state of discourse on FR is totally up to you. You know the guidelines and rules. I don't need to repeat them again and again and again. We are mostly adults here and mostly Christian conservatives. We all know how to behave in a mixed public setting. We don't need and don't want to be supervised.

Before you post that next profane post or personal attack just ask yourself, what would Jesus do.

Can't we all just get along?

Thank you all very much and God bless you.

[OneVike]

Amen Jim. Could not have said it any better.

[PerConPat]

The vast majority of my interactions on FR have been civil and worthwhile. As to those few here who enjoy invective, they are merely taking advantage of non-face-to-face communication suited to the cowardly. I try to ignore them.

Jim, I extend my appreciation to you and your family for providing the premier, online clearing house for conservative thought.

[Hebrews 11:6]

And they thanked him and felt oh so blessed.

Again, their feelings were less important at that point than their need for vivid rebuke.

[Deaf and Discerning]

There are ALWAYS nicer ways to reply to harsh comments:

“Thank you for sharing your perspective.” Acknowledge their input without getting defensive.

"I appreciate your feedback.” Show gratitude even if the criticism seems unwarranted.

“I’ll take that into consideration.” Stay open-minded and receptive.

“Let’s agree to disagree.” Maintain a respectful tone.

“I understand we have different viewpoints.” Highlight the diversity of opinions.

“Your thoughts are interesting.” Show curiosity and respect.

“I value constructive feedback.” Emphasize the positive aspect.

“I’ll reflect on what you’ve said.” Indicate willingness to learn.

“I’m sorry if my comments upset you.” Apologize if necessary (My favorite.)

“Let’s focus on finding common ground.” Shift the conversation to a more positive direction.

[daniel1212]

Jesus didn’t hold back from what would be considered insults. When it fit. It was obviously not his main mode of discourse.

Meaning such ad hominem was warranted in the manifest light of evidence, but it was not a substitute for evidence or a valid argument.

In response to that recourse as a substitute, I have sometimes posted the advice of the Religion moderator:

If the other guy is throwing spitwads at you on an “open” thread it probably means he has run out of ammunition. Take it as a backhanded compliment. You won, walk away.

And FR mods are not overbearing (which usually is the case on other forums).

[Varsity Flight]

📌👁️

[WalterSkinner]

🙏🙏🙏

[gitmo]

[Enterprise]

I have been fortunate to meet some genuinely devout Christians, and I bless them whenever I think of them. On the other hand, I have met some Christians who you couldn’t tell were Christians by the way they spoke or comported themselves. I wonder why they even bothered to go to church.

[Enterprise]

Thanks to Jim for his work. I don’t know of any other like it. I’m glad I have been a contributing member in words and money for 20+ years!

[pax_et_bonum]

God bless you, Jim.

Much love and continual prayers to and for you and yours, and thank you for FR.

:-)

[Big Red Badger]

Happy Spiritual Warriors...
.
Good words ,
I Agree.

[crusty old prospector]

Sure thing, Boss Man. Keep it clean. You are in my prayers.

[Big Red Badger]

You just needed a ‘/s’ tag.

[gloryblaze]

... Gutter talk belongs in the gutter.

Yes, the filth and lurid commenting having nothing to do with the issue are very disturbing.

[SaveFerris]

Great pic

[lightman]

The Psalmist said:

"set a watch O Lord about my mouth and a protecting door about my lips".

In 21st century terminology that would be:

"Set a watch O Lord about my keyboard and a protecting door about my 'enter' key".

[dadfly]

tell that to the many martyrs in Christ. in terms of our Lord, i’ll quote from memory:

‘He who would would be my disciple must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.’

i would call that pretty clear.

[metmom]

He was giving them the truth.

They needed to hear it.

He doesn’t do things to drive people from Himself. He wants even them to repent and be saved. Sometimes that means saying hard to hear things.

[null and void]

It was, we caught it.