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Conference yukon::christian_v7

Title:The CHRISTIAN Notesfile
Notice:Jesus reigns! - Intros: note 4; Praise: note 165
Moderator:ICTHUS::YUILLEON
Created:Tue Feb 16 1993
Last Modified:Fri May 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:962
Total number of notes:42902

149.0. "Sensing Survey" by JULIET::MORALES_NA (Sweet Spirit's Gentle Breeze) Thu May 20 1993 18:30

    I'd like to take a survey here.
    
    Please answer the following questions:
    
    1.  What do you see as positive attributes of this conference?
    
    2.  What do you see as negative attributes of this conference?
    
    3.  What would you like to see in CHRISTIAN?
    
    Please feel free write me offline or answer here if you like.
    
    Thanks,
    Nancy 
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149.1RIPPLE::BRUSO_SAHorn players have more brassThu May 20 1993 18:5324
    
    >1.  What do you see as positive attributes of this conference?
    
         The love and caring shown to each other.  I've never met anyone
         in this conference and the only person I've actually talked to
         is Nancy, yet I feel such a closeness to everyone taht I can't
         explain.  God's work is surely being done in this conference.
    
    >2.  What do you see as negative attributes of this conference?
    
         An occasional lack of #1.  I think we sometimes need to think 
         before we shoot, myself included.
 
    >3.  What would you like to see in CHRISTIAN?
    
         Moderator control of snarfs.




Sandy


149.2ECADSR::SHERMANSteve ECADSR::Sherman DTN 223-3326 MLO5-2/26aThu May 20 1993 19:203
    I agree with Sandy. (um ... amen!)
    
    Steve
149.3CHTP00::CHTP05::LOVIKMark LovikThu May 20 1993 19:3625
    I also agree with Sandy on points 1 and 2.  However, about point 3....

>1.  What do you see as positive attributes of this conference?

    In addition, the opportunity for honest exchange of questions and
    answers relating to the Bible and Christianity (to both believers and
    unbelievers), and the opportunity to share what the Lord is doing in
    our lives and support each other in our walks and growth in the Lord.
    As well, for some of us, it has allowed us to be able to meet and
    fellowship with other believers during times we are "on the road".

>2.  What do you see as negative attributes of this conference?

    One way that this conference differs from the "usual" form of
    fellowship is that many different "doctrinal" or "denominational" views
    are present.  While this can be a positive as well (to better
    understand the views of others), this can also lead to some rather
    extended debate which sometimes can become wearisome.  At times I would
    rather just let the varying views be stated, and "agree to disagree".
    
>3.  What would you like to see in CHRISTIAN?
    
    All snarfs delegated to normal (Central Time Zone) working hours. :-)
    
    Mark L.
149.4RIPPLE::BRUSO_SAHorn players have more brassThu May 20 1993 19:3721
      <<< Note 149.1 by RIPPLE::BRUSO_SA "Horn players have more brass" >>>


    
    >>1.  What do you see as positive attributes of this conference?
    
         >The love and caring shown to each other.  I've never met anyone
         >in this conference and the only person I've actually talked to
         >is Nancy, yet I feel such a closeness to everyone taht I can't
         >explain.  God's work is surely being done in this conference.
    
    I feel led to amend this note.  Mr. Metcalfe was kind enough to call 
me and play a recording of his most recent musical success.  You guys 
have to hear it.  It's absolutely outstanding!

Funny, Mark, you don't sound like you have a beard. :^)





149.5JULIET::MORALES_NASweet Spirit's Gentle BreezeThu May 20 1993 20:0111
    These replies have been great.  Would really like to see more.
    
    Let me add another question, though to perhaps facilitate number 3.
    
    3.  This conference has been accused of being "narrow", "confronta-
    	tational" and "uncaring" in intonation.  Do you agree, and if so,
    	how can we change that?
    
    4.  Do you see Jesus in here?
    
    Nancy
149.6All is Confidential that is offlineJULIET::MORALES_NASweet Spirit's Gentle BreezeThu May 20 1993 20:107
    ATTENTION READ ONLIES!!!!!
    
    I would really love your input, please write me offline if you feel led
    to respond to these questions.
    
    Thanks,
    Nancy
149.7RIPPLE::BRUSO_SAHorn players have more brassThu May 20 1993 20:2924
    
    >3.  This conference has been accused of being "narrow", "confronta-
    	>tational" and "uncaring" in intonation.  Do you agree, and if so,
    	>how can we change that?

        I'm afraid there isn't much we can do to change others 
        perceptions..  One man's feast is another man's poison, after  
        all.  I suspect we are a bit narrow, but Jesus told us that the
        gate to Heaven would be narrow.  As for confrontational, yes, 
        there is some of that here.  Jesus was somewhat confrontational
        when he cleaned out the temple.  However, I don't think there is
        a single person in this conference who is truly uncaring.  Yes,
        the message is harsh, but the alternative is even harsher.
    
    >4.  Do you see Jesus in here?
    
         Absolutely!
    


Sandy


149.8 +,- and CommentsMSDSWS::HWILLIAMSThu May 20 1993 21:2111
    I am just a new reader of Christian notes but find that there are very
    positive and refreshing bits of information provided. As one has
    indicated they have never met or talked with anyone except Nancy, it
    sure sounds like everyone is close.
    
    Being a born-again Christian in the Bible belt is difficult and this
    conference provides some solid input and encouragement. 
    
    
    I do see Jesus in the responses and attitudes.
    
149.9JULIET::MORALES_NASweet Spirit's Gentle BreezeThu May 20 1993 21:536
    >Being a born-again Christian in the Bible belt is difficult and this
    >conference provides some solid input and encouragement.
    
    Hmmm. the Bible Belt, meaning Texas area?
    
    
149.10Want moreSIERAS::MCCLUSKYThu May 20 1993 21:5321
    The postive attributes of this conference is the overwhelming feeling
    of Love of Christ, and the fellowxhip with our brothers in Christ.  I
    feel very secure and comfortable with most responses.
    
    The most negative item for me has been the requirement to be
    "politically correct" for our Digital environment.  It seems to me that
    if we wish to express the views of Jesus on things such as
    homosexuality, then we should be able to say what we want.  I have been
    re-dressed for pointing out that someone was not a Christian, and I
    feel that this is out of place.  If I am commenting to Christians isn't
    it important that I note the person's religious bias, particularly
    somone from a different faith?
    
    I do not sense an uncaring or narrow view in this Notesfile.  If you
    are responding with Christ's word, you can have it only one way.  
    
    Jesus is a regular participant in my view.
    
    In His Love,
    
    Your Other Brother Daryl
149.11RIPPLE::BRUSO_SAHorn players have more brassThu May 20 1993 22:0520
                     <<< Note 149.8 by MSDSWS::HWILLIAMS >>>



    
    >Being a born-again Christian in the Bible belt is difficult and this
    >conference provides some solid input and encouragement. 
    
    
   Could you elaborate a little bit?  I'm curious what it's like to be a 
Christian in other parts of the country.

Thanks and welcome.  :^)



Sandy

    

149.12More inputMIMS::GULICK_LWhen the impossible is eliminated...Fri May 21 1993 06:4846
    
    1.  What do you see as positive attributes of this conference?

It would be impossible to overstate the importance of knowing the presence
of this group on a regular basis.  On the job we are so much "in the world",
and, for me, this conference is a definite buffer that helps me avoid
both depression with the world and/or becoming "of the world".  I don't
have as much time as I'd like to get involved in some discussions, and I've
only met Fran, but it has been so easy to love you all.
    
    2.  What do you see as negative attributes of this conference?

While there are things that I might like to see different, they do not
represent negative attributes of this conference.  Whether I am wrong in
wanting to change them or others are wrong and need the change, they are
human failings.  The conference succeeds in that it is designed to be a
fellowship of humans.
    
    3.  What would you like to see in CHRISTIAN?

More input from me and others who struggle to find time.  Less dependance
on Mark and a few others to "carry our banner".  
    
    3.  This conference has been accused of being "narrow", "confronta-
    	tational" and "uncaring" in intonation.  Do you agree, and if so,
    	how can we change that?

narrow: Yes.  That's why it is the conference I pay attention to.  When
        I was a child I wasted time with "other paths" one has to put up
        with in other conferences.
        I have also looked into other conferences at times, such as the
        Metal Detector, Civil War, and Joyoflex.  They are also successful
        and of interest BECAUSE they are narrow.  This conference has the 
        added incentive of being based on absolute truth.

confrontational:  We could do better on this one.

uncaring:  But not on this one.  Some may not recognize caring in the
           rainment it sometimes requires.  Valuing a difference may do
           harm, and caring may require otherwise.
    
    4.  Do you see Jesus in here?
    
I see him in the lives of people in here.

Lew
149.13AdditionalMIMS::GULICK_LWhen the impossible is eliminated...Fri May 21 1993 08:2614
Additional thoughts after re-reading other responses:

	[  all :-)  ]

1) What is a snarf?  Why would delegating snarfs to God's time
   (CST for the uneducated) matter?

2) Why is everyone talking only to Nancy?

3) What would Mark sound like if he sounded like he had a beard?
   After all he hasn't had it very long.

Lew
149.14ICTHUS::YUILLEThou God seest meFri May 21 1993 11:1740
149.15EVMS::PAULKM::WEISSTrade freedom for security-lose bothFri May 21 1993 14:36107
149.16A little on the subject....JURAN::SILVAMemories.....Fri May 21 1993 16:03103

    1.  What do you see as positive attributes of this conference?


I see many people in this conference who are or by their actions show they are
loving people. This is very important for any conference, any place or any one
to have. In most instances I see the intent implied to be very loving.

    
    2.  What do you see as negative attributes of this conference?


There are really only 2 that really stand out. One is the arguing that goes on
in here sometimes is anything but edifying. The comments, some which are
demeaning really need to stop. Take me out of the picture and look at the
arguments that go on in here. The words that are sometimes spoken. We have all
read them. Is this what God really wants?

The second thing that I see as a negative attribute is that this conference has
come to a point that growth seems to have stopped. By placing a million rules
on what can or can't be talked about, the growth process has seemed to of
stopped. Now, I'm not talking about the homosexuality topic, but just look at
the rules that exist that prohibit growth:

 	1) The basis of the Christian notes conference is that we hold the 
Bible to be God-breathed, inerrant, and authoritative.

	By this rule you do leave out a large part of the population at DEC.
There are probably many questions that people (other than me) may have about
any given topic that won't ask for clarification because they are afraid of the
outcome (I judge this by the mail I have received on several occasions). To
grow one needs to hear the entire story, not just one facet of it. 

	2) Any entries that are derogatory, attempt to alter it, or attack 
Biblical beliefs will be be set hidden and/or deleted. 

	Same as above. If someone questions something, the end result is to
delete it. Great atmosphere to try and learn in. Believe as I do and everything
is fine. Don't, and the end is near.


	3) Such arguments will be viewed as not valuing the difference of belief
and will be handled as the situation requires.

	Is only one difference to be valued? Who in here can say that there are
no differences in this file? Just look at the heated arguments in this file
will tell you that this is not true. How is one to grow in Christ when one is
enclosed in a small portion of the entire creation that God has given us?


	4) In the past, the topic of homosexuality produced an immense amount of
heated and fruitless discussion.  

	Just a comment on this. Where was the heat coming from?


	
	5) This conference is founded on the premise that the Bible is 
God-breathed and those who attack this premise show themselves to be 
antagonists to the conference and its participants, perhaps also in violation 
of corporate policies to value difference, and moreso, in opposition to the 
God of the Bible.


	This one is really strange indeed. You bring up valuing differences,
but then you close the door on any difference that doesn't match yours. Do you
really value differences? Can people grow while being placed in a bubble? Does
God of the Bible say to stay inclosed in your own little space or does He say
go out and talk to the masses? If the latter, is that being done here?


    3.  What would you like to see in CHRISTIAN?


	More open discussions on topics, and if someone is of another religion
and their beliefs are different than yours, to discuss the differences of their
beliefs. To talk about the different denominations and how they apply to
Christianity as a whole, things like that. Oh yeah, for the derogatory comments
to come to a halt.   


    4.  This conference has been accused of being "narrow", "confronta-
    	tational" and "uncaring" in intonation.  Do you agree, and if so,
    	how can we change that?
    
I agree with this that AT TIMES the conference is like this. To help stop this
from happening I think we need to stop with the derogatory comments, open up a
little bit to the outside world. At times it seems that this conference, with
it's rules in place, is closed in, almost cult like.


    5.  Do you see Jesus in here?
    

A lot of the times, yes I do. But with the arguing that goes on, the comments
that are made, the closed mindedness of what can be talked about, sometimes
makes me wonder where Jesus is in here? I mean, did Jesus ever use derogatory
comments? 



Glen
149.17:^)RIPPLE::BRUSO_SAHorn players have more brassFri May 21 1993 16:5525

>1) What is a snarf?  Why would delegating snarfs to God's time
   (CST for the uneducated) matter?

Snarf is an acronym for Stupid Nonsensical Adult Ridiculous 
Foolishness.  Markel and Jim H. are recognized Snarfmeisters.

2) Why is everyone talking only to Nancy?

Beats me.


3) What would Mark sound like if he sounded like he had a beard?
   After all he hasn't had it very long.

Silly.  Everyone knows that all bearded men are basses, although the 
converse is not necessarily true, nor are the two mutually exclusive.  
Mark is a tenor, therefore he does not sound bearded.



Hope this helps, Lew.


149.18FRETZ::HEISERraise your voice in shouts of joyFri May 21 1993 17:053
>Silly.  Everyone knows that all bearded men are basses, although the 
    
    that's why I never grew one.  Nobody calls me a fish!
149.19Mod Action\JULIET::MORALES_NASweet Spirit's Gentle BreezeFri May 21 1993 21:2010
    Notes 149.19 - 149.25 have been moved to their own topic.
    
    Please continue with answering the survey questions in here only.  And
    if you have been disuaded to answer due to the break-out discussion of
    the conference premises, please write me offline, as I still value your
    input very much.
    
    Thanks,
    Nancy
    Co-mod CHRISTIAN
149.20my two pence worth...GUCCI::BPHANEUFOn your knees! Fight like a man!Sat May 22 1993 04:1683
    
     1.  What do you see as positive attributes of this conference?

         This conference provides a rather unique environment for 
         Bible-Believing Christians to grow in their walk with the L_rd,
         sharing their needs & blessings, challenges & victoriespain and
         joy, ministries & gifts, questions and Scriptural insights. The
         ministry that in on-going as an off-shoot of this conference is
         absolutely life-changing. This ministry would almost certainly not
         occured (certainly not in the facilitated manner in which it did
         occur), had this conference not existed and provided the seedbed
         from which sprang forth the nurturing, healing, and discipling
         relationships, providing the avenue for Spirit empowered ministry.

         CHRISTIAN is the *only* Easy Notes which ascribes to and maintains
         a reliance upon the 66 Books of the Bible as an inerrant,
         imuutable and absolute standard in all matters of conversation and
         conduct. Whether or not the participant likes or dislikes, agrees
         with or disagrees the basic premises of this conference, they are
         clearly stated, and s/he should find no philosophical "landmines"
         covertly and previously laid so as to catch the uninformed and
         unaware off guard, and thereby facilitate hidden agendas. This also
         (should) saves a great deal of vain argumentation over "my
         philosophical approach is superior to your's!", which is vanity.

     2.  What do you see as negative attributes of this conference?

         The propensity to allow theological discussion to devolve from a
         mutual sharing of Scriptural understanding to a defensive, "I'm
         right! G_d told me so, and my mommy agrees with meeeeee!" For that
         reason, I have substantially refrained from even reading almost all
         such discussions since being assigned up here in Maine. I have not
         the time, nor energy to devote to such vehement and  tenacious
         dissection of minutae.

         Ask yourself, "100 years from now, when I'm dead (or Raptured) and
         gone to heaven, will this discussioreally matter? What will
         pre-Believers viewing this discussion think of Messiah Y'shua
         because of the subject, nature and tone of my participation (as His
         ambassador) in this note string? Most importantly, how will you
         explain, when standing before the Judge's Throne on That Day?
    
     3a. What would you like to see in CHRISTIAN?

         Keeping to the topic of the base note in all discussion strings.

         A pointer (ie - "re: -.2") in every and every note, which refers
         facilitating a deeper and clearer understanding reply, 
    
     3b. This conference has been accused of being "narrow", 
         "confrontational" and "uncaring" in intonation.
         Do you agree, and if so, how can we change that?

         I agree whole-heartedly, providing the terms are defined as follows:

         Narrow - strictly ascribing the Basic Premises of this conference 
         and proclaiming that the Scripture as the *ONLY* final arbitor of
         conversation and conduct. The Bible can *afford* to be narrow in
         its proclamations - G_d is sovereign and omniscient.

         Confrontational - The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul spent no
         small amount of text and time describing the Older Covenant (in
         particular, the Torah) as intended to confront mankind with the
         recognition of their sinful state and actions, as well as the 
         temporal and eternal consequences of of that sin. The Newer
         Covenant shows that Messiah Y'shua was (and, IMHO, *is*) the most
         confrontion sort of Person you could imagine, when dealing with
         unrepented sin and rebellious and wicked hearts.

         Uncaring - Insofar as this addresses a concern for our Political
         Correctness, or tolerance for a consistent and rebellious rejection
         of G_d and His Word, I certainly *hope* that we're as is Y'shua. If
         you just can't picture Him that way, re-read Rev 1:10-20!

     4.  Do you see Jesus in here?

         I see him to the most significant degree in the Prayer and the
         Praise topics. I see Him the least in vain disputations which I


         Thank you,

         Brian
149.22A Few Words in AnswerSNOFS2::MATTHEWSSun May 23 1993 04:3245
    My answers to Nancy's questions:
    
    1: This conference provides a public, all warts showing, ecumenical
    forum for Christians to appreciate the views and understandings of
    fellow believers. Let's keep talking! I wonder how many people of other
    beliefs read these notes?
    
    2: Some topics degrade into out of control arguments. Some replies
    become very confusing when they consist of nested cut & paste pieces
    from previous responses and then only add a few criptic words of new
    material. Some responses are less than loving; sometimes the fingers on
    the keyboard simulate a too quick verbal response.
    
    3. The conference needs more contributors and more personal
    testimonies. Perhaps harsher moderator control of the run-away debates.
    
    4. Yes, the conference is narrow and confrontational. The Pharisees
    probably said that of Jesus. However, they would not have described Him
    as uncaring and that is what this conference must avoid at all costs.
    
    5. I see Jesus in the personal testimonies that sometimes shine out of
    my terminal. The dogma and positional statements which produce heated
    debate are simply interesting technicalities (sometimes).
    
    A personal note: Glen, I laughed when I read your healing note 148.0; I
    thought "this bloke will be attacked from all sides, why does he do
    it?" But some very useful responses came back. Thank you.
    
    I quote Francis of Assisi (who has probably been archived many times in
    previous conferences)
    
    "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let
    me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt,
    faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is sadness. joy; where
    there is darkness, light.  
        O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled,
    as to console; not so much to be understood, as to understand; not so
    much to be loved, as to love. For it is giving that we receive, it is
    in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying that we are born
    again to eternal life."
    
    Yours for the Lord,
    
    
    Erwin                    
149.23TOKNOW::METCALFEEschew Obfuscatory MonikersMon May 24 1993 14:5291
    1.  What do you see as positive attributes of this conference?

  I've been waiting for someone to say it like I feel it.  I'll borrow
  from Brian on this one:

  >      CHRISTIAN is the *only* Easy Notes which ascribes to and maintains
  >      a reliance upon the 66 Books of the Bible as an inerrant,
  >      immutable and absolute standard in all matters of conversation and
  >      conduct. Whether or not the participant likes or dislikes, agrees
  >      with or disagrees the basic premises of this conference, they are
  >      clearly stated, and s/he should find no philosophical "landmines"
  >      covertly and previously laid so as to catch the uninformed and
  >      unaware off guard, and thereby facilitate hidden agendas.

     2.  What do you see as negative attributes of this conference?

  Constant challenges to the premise of the conference by which we
  choose to exist and judge all concepts, issues, philosophies, etc.
  They drain time, resource, and energy.

  However, on the positive side: this conference moves in cycles.

  One cycle is the "iron sharpening iron" that goes on between
  Christians who wrestle over an issue, using the Bible to see what it
  says about the issue.  The "tithing" topic is one example.  I see
  this as "training" for real battles.

  The second cycle is the battling of heresy.  These are attacks from
  "the outside" who attack an issue from humanism, or other "higher"
  reasoning, but not from God's Word, the Bible.

  It is a given that we all want our opinions to be heard and valued.
  But in this conference, all of us are asked to submit our opinions
  to the measure of the Word of God through the Bible.  Where opinions
  about the inerrant Bible differ, we can and have shown our mettle.

  I say this being aware of "term-shifting" people who would
  [re]define a difference of opinion (interpretation) on Scripture to
  mean editing or throwing out portions of Scripture that doesn't
  match their view of life.  In all things, the Word has authority and
  the  proper translation of the original texts is also important.
  This is another negative attribute: people who would redefine terms,
  passages, etc, to suit their purposes.  We must come to agreement on
  the definition of terms in order to communicate.  This is the second
  brick upon the foundation of this conference: the inerrant Bible.

     3a. What would you like to see in CHRISTIAN?

  Greater cycles of iron sharpening iron and lesser cycles of dealing
  with the attackers of the premise by which we gather together.

  Sincere searching for answers from a biblical perspective without
  the constant defending of an inerrant Bible.

     3b. This conference has been accused of being "narrow",
         "confrontational" and "uncaring" in intonation.
         Do you agree, and if so, how can we change that?

  Again, I'll borrow from Brian, and say that with the terms thus
  defined, I believe the conference should be narrow and
  confrontational, but not uncaring.

>         I agree whole-heartedly, providing the terms are defined as follows:
>
>         Narrow - strictly ascribing the Basic Premises of this conference
>         and proclaiming that the Scripture as the *ONLY* final arbitor of
>         conversation and conduct. The Bible can *afford* to be narrow in
>         its proclamations - G_d is sovereign and omniscient.

  Confrontational - The Word of God will confront us and I want to be
  confronted with the Truth, wherever it strikes me. "I want to know
  Christ and the power of His resurrection!"

  Uncaring - This is sometime coupled with "confrontational" and the
  conference medium is such that caring cannot be easily read off the
  screen.  Perceptions of caring can be changed, and I could cite some
  examples.  The question is, "Can we resist judging a response long
  enough to meditate and understand what the caring response is, given
  the factors?"

     4.  Do you see Jesus in here?

  I see Jesus in some of the people in here.  I see some people who
  need Jesus. I see some people who want Jesus but are unwilling to
  submit to His Lordship. And then I see some wolves who are
  [un]wittingly trying to destroy the authority of God by attacking
  the authority of God's word.  These minions are seeking to destroy
  your faith in the name of replacing it with a "better", "more
  tolerant" "Christian" view.

  Mark Metcalfe
149.24The Problem Is _ME_STRATA::BARBIERIGod can be so appreciated!Mon May 24 1993 16:5870
      Hi,
    
        It would be best for me to first apply this to _me_!
    
        I cannot help but first look at the big fat plank in my
        eye.  The Conference is 'as good' as the body allows Christ
        to work through it and is as bad as Christ is not allowed
        to work through it.
    
        Every time I have desired to enter into a 'theology debate'
        before looking for the prayer requests the Conference has
        been a worse place for it.  The same for every time I have
        entered a theology debate without asking the Lord (for more 
        than 10 seconds) for His grace and for asking Him to help me
        be _teachable_.  I have used words that have been critical or
        that are neutral.  I have entered dialogues that have reduced 
        to sharing 'logic' but have missed the reality that it is 
        flesh and blood on the other side of the 'computer lines.'
        I concur with Brian.  Perhaps it is best to (for the most part)
        let the debates go and seek out those in need.  I just happen
        to love talking about doctrine!  I really do!!  (Sinful
        propensity?)
    
        The good things I like about the Conference are mainly the prayers
        and the ability of some to exhibit some impartiality in their
        love - regardless of what one believes.  That is real refreshing.
        
        I have seen some in here treated rather badly and my heart has 
        ached.  Sometimes I discern behind certain 'arguments' where one 
        position might be full of holes, the need for the one person to be 
        simply cared for and the debate to be cared less for.  I think 
        there is a tendency to do this - to give greater weight to the
        contents of the debate rather than to the persons participating.
        (Myself included.)
    
        From a doctrinal standpoint, the worst thing about the Conference
        I discern is an attitude that it knows pretty much.  I see the
        Conference as a bit of a Pharisee.  Every time I see someone say
        "I love Jesus with all my heart" I can't help but think how strong
        a statement that is.  When we say, we see Jesus, I can't help but
        think we see Him very very barely.  If we saw the full glorious
        love of God, well might we refrain from saying we love with all our 
        hearts or that we see so much of Jesus in here.  I'm all for
        letting tell me when it was I loved Him with all my heart for my
        heart is "deceitful above all things and who can know it?"
    
        But, then again, that is essentially my main difference from
        others.  I don't think we know much of anything.  I don't think 
        we love Jesus a whole lot and I don't think we convey Jesus very
        much at all.  And I think we need to come to better grips with our
        poverty - much like the publican.  (And I think what I am saying is
        more the language of my intellect than it is the language of my
        heart, but I sure hope I allow it to become more the language of my
        heart.)
    
        Finally, there is the obvious limitation of the electronic medium.
        So often I have not prayed to allow the Lord to use me to communi-
        cate with extra care so as to (as well as possible) compensate to
        some extent for the limitations of electronic exchange.
    
        By God's grace, maybe I can allow Him to steer me more toward the
        prayer requests and to offline ministry of those in need and away
        from the debates.
    
        To summarize...I am the biggest thing wrong with the Conference and
        maybe that personal conviction will allow me to best do my part to
        make it just a little better.
    
                                                        Tony
               
149.25Won't Say any More :-)JULIET::MORALES_NASweet Spirit's Gentle BreezeMon May 24 1993 17:2812
    .24
    
    Tony,
    
    I wish that all folks had the heart of putting themselves on the line
    as you have done.  That is where real healing begins.
    
    Also, I smiled a whole lot as I was reading your note, cuz it was you
    through and through... the same Tony I've always known. :-)
    
    Er ahem,
    Nancy
149.26The Grace of GodSAHQ::WESLEYMon May 24 1993 18:3823
    I would like to see more of the grace and love of God that I know God
    shows us, even when we were yet sinners.  Those people in here that are
    grounded in the love and Word of God will not be turned or swayed by
    anything that is not in the Word of God.  Those people in here that are
    not grounded in the love and Word of God do stand to earn the wrath of
    God, but should not receive the wrath of men.  Only through the
    unconditional love of God will those who are lost be saved.  Not
    through the works and knowledge of man.
    
    God knows the hearts of all men.  In His season, and in His own way
    will He draw those who are truly seeking His truth.  My prayer is that
    He will be allowed to continue to use those in this notes files to show
    the love of God, to quote the Word of God, and then to walk away
    graciously when the Word of God is rejected. 
    
    I would like to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship in
    this conference.  Through it, I have made some wonderful new friends
    and strengthened already formed relationships.  
     
    Through God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit and in His
    Love,
    
    Fran
149.27thanks for sensitvityWR1FOR::POLICRITI_GRMon May 24 1993 20:195
    .24 Thank you Tony.  That was a beautiful answer and as honest as one
    can get.  I would like to say more, but sometimes I tend to get in
    trouble when I say too much, so I will just say Thank you again.  
    
    
149.28AYOV11::EWHITEWed May 26 1993 10:1334
    
    1.  What do you see as positive attributes of this conference?

	The open way in which things are shared. The wealth of
	knowledge is of great value to me.
    
    2.  What do you see as negative attributes of this conference?
    
	I don't see any major negatives. My theory is if you look for
	negative things you'll find them, same if you look for
	positive things you'll find them too.

    3.  What would you like to see in CHRISTIAN?

	For it to continue.
    
    3.  This conference has been accused of being "narrow", "confronta-
    	tational" and "uncaring" in intonation.  Do you agree, and if so,
    	how can we change that?

	No matter what Christians say or do there will always be people
	who knock you. You just have to say what you believe is correct.
	It is vital that the conference will meet the needs of all people
	who are earnestly seeking to know/understand God.
	This conference should not serve to entertain those who enjoy
	pointless discussions.

    4.  Do you see Jesus in here?
    
	I can see the evidence that Jesus has touched so many people's
	lives in here. Thank you Jesus.

	Erich
    
149.29Didn't ans the quests, I'm not very disciplined!GLDOA::SLOMIANYCommander DataThu May 27 1993 19:1738
	A definition of a secular humanist popped into my head the other
day. It might also be a good definition of a "liberal" (?). A secular humanist,
in my view, is someone who does not understand human nature, especially 
in himself. Communism, which has many secular-humanist, "liberal" aspects,
is wonderful in theory, but fails miserably because it assumes man is 
basically good. Capitalism, on the other hand, works fairly well because it 
takes into account man's fallen nature along with man's strengths. 

	The problem I have with myself, and something I am very sensitive to 
(we always have the most difficulty dealing with our own failings being 
exhibited in others) is Christians using their faith, their doctrine, their 
lifestyle, etc, as a tool to justify venting/expressing their fallen nature 
without feeling guilty about it. It's pretty hard to judge whether or not a 
Christian is doing this; where does encouragement/teaching/etc end and the 
gleeful, prideful, warped joy of elitism begin? I don't really know... I 
sometime get a sick kind of pleasure and warped sense of self-worth by 
"winning" an argument, and I doubt the pleasurable feeling is from God. Pride 
is the biggest aspect of our fallen nature. It's very difficult to respond in 
love when your faith, your church, your denomination, etc are called into 
question. Questions are raised in this conference from people who really want 
the truth. Possibly some other notes are started/continued by others who want 
(consciously or subconsciously) to find their self-worth in raising themselves 
above others through debate. Our self-worth comes from what God thinks of us, 
not from what others think of us. It's important to make our beliefs known, 
but there sometimes comes a point when our Godly desire to help another get 
closer to God gets transformed into a prideful desire to show our "superiority" 
over others. Encouragement should be done in love, if it's not it can be 
warped into something very ugly and not from God. 


	Bob 

P.S. in response to one of the questions, I'd like to see more discussion
on the Holy Land. The 50-yard line at Michigan Stadium (where the block "M"
(a moment of silence please) is) is rarely, if ever, discussed here...


149.30Late as usual :-)YUKON::GLENNTue Jun 01 1993 16:3161
    I'm a little late in responding but decided to anyway.
                 
                                        -Jim-
===============================================================================

    Please answer the following questions:
    
    1.  What do you see as positive attributes of this conference?
        
        That this conference discusses topics and verses from the
        bible.  It allows for serious discussions and also fun
        type talking {i.e. Chit Chat, Poems}.  There is caring
        and praying for others even through the differences of
        understanding.
  
        That we have the guidelines set up for this conference.
        If someone doesn't like them, too bad.  That is what this
        conference is about.  They can follow the guidelines or choose
        not to note here.
    
    2.  What do you see as negative attributes of this conference?

        Hmm.  Tough one.  That some discussions erode into personal 
        exchanges that do not add to the topic being discussed.  

        That sometimes participants {I'm included in this} fuel 
        the exchange by responding.  If someone doesn't understand
        or just refuses to agree to disagree than what's the point.  
        Don't bother answering or request the note be locked and
        pray about it.  There are exceptions to this; one being when
        there is a clear attack against the guidelines of this
        conference {this is a time and note waster}.
    
    3.  What would you like to see in CHRISTIAN?

        I noticed there has been more encouragement for read only's which 
        I think is good.  There seems to have been more different type
        of topics being started that I think contribute to our growth
        in Christ.  Some topics from previous versions pop up but seem
        to go better than before.

    3a.  This conference has been accused of being "narrow", "confronta-
    	tational" and "uncaring" in intonation.  Do you agree, and if so,
    	how can we change that? 

        NO ! Definately not narrow.  Confrontational at times by certain
        participants.  NOT uncaring, even through the notes that have 
        confrontational tendancies there almost always some brother or sister
        in Christ who enters a note that cuts to the point in a very loving
        and understanding way.
    
    4.  Do you see Jesus in here?
    
        Yes.  Just like in the world, I see Jesus in here and I see the
        enemy rearing it's ugly head trying to confuse and confound.  
        I don't view this as negative, I view this as reality and what the 
        scriptures say we should expect.  I just pray and hope that some
        day I will be better prepared for the attacks and better able
        to respond in Christ.  Matthew 18:20\For where two or three are 
        gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.\
    
149.31DECLNE::YACKELand if not...Tue Jun 01 1993 16:4330
    
    
     I have not read this whole string, only the base note so here are my
    answers to the questions:
    
    
     1.  What do you see as positive attributes of this conference?
    
    		The fellowship (although limited through this media)
    		with other believing Christians based upon the premise
    		of this conference.  The ability to have an oasis to 
    		express praises,concerns,prayer requests etc..with those
    		of like mind.
    
     2.  What do you see as negative attributes of this conference?
    
    		The tendancy to allow the influence of others who do
    		not adhere to the premise of this conference to disrupt
    		the fellowship of believers.
    
    
     3.  What would you like to see in CHRISTIAN?
    
    		I would like to see it as a place we can come to rest.
    		I dont believe that it should be an outreach, but if God
    		desires to use it as such then He will. Our main goal
    		should be to encourage and uplift each other by sharing and
    		praising God.
    
     Dan
149.32Thanks to all!JULIET::MORALES_NASweet Spirit's Gentle BreezeThu Jun 03 1993 20:009
    Thank you all who contributed to this note and to all those who wrote
    offline.
    
    This note is now closed.  Please mail further contributions to the
    moderators.  To get a list of moderators, type SHOW MOD at the note
    prompt.
    
    Thanks Again,
    Nancy co-mod CHRISTIAN