"One Another's" of the New Testament - How should Christians treat each other? (Christian Caucus)

Self

[Tax-chick]

We can all use more Niceness. It’s not the same as “agreement” or ignoring obvious differences. However, Niceness requires that we discuss “points of disagreement,” rather than “people who disagree,” and that we do so with clarity and specificity.

A good rule is to avoid the use of “you” when framing an argument.

One cannot, of course, avoid having some people take offense where none is intended, particularly when the discussion involves morals. However, one can phrase points in a clear but neutral way, so that reason might prevail over emotion.

On the other hand, sometimes you just have to say, “Bless your bowels, honey! Is it Monday *every* day where you live?” And then walk away :-).

[Tax-chick]

Others have other alternatives?

STOP THAT! YOU'RE MAKING VLAD CRY!

[trisham]

I decide to go ahead and post the article with my first post stating my purpose for the post and a plea to keep it introspective of my church and not attacking the other church. A plea for edification and not enmity.

In doing so, I hope by example, to set a civil tone for the entire thread. I do realize that in such a thread that it is often necessary to post something that might be offensive or uncomplimentary to others, but maybe by setting the tone we can keep such posts in the realm of loving admonition rather that out and out bashing.

Please check out this thread here and tell me what you think. It is just an idea, but we have to start somewhere. Is there something better, different or more that I could do that would help? I would appreciate your comments.

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I think you are quite right. I also think that the thread host probably should endeavor to direct conversation to some degree. As you have demonstrated, the initial post can go a long way to extablishing the tone of conversation. It seems you have a talent, friend. :)

[Quix]

“Bless your bowels, honey! Is it Monday *every* day where you live?” And then walk away :-).
= = =

Very well put.

And I love the crying baby pic.

[trisham]

Awwwwww. Is he really yours? :)

[Tax-chick]

You’re welcome to use him, if you think it would help :-). Also his brother, with the troll-sniffing penguin. They’re on my profile page!

[Tax-chick]

Yes, that’s Vlad the Usurper, back in early December. He has more teeth and less hair now.

[Quix]

But if you took all those things away, we wouldn’t be able to recognize the religion forum anymore!

= = =

But I think that BY GOD’S GRACE, AT LEAST SOME of us would learn to manage quite well and amazingly agreeably in spirit and attitude.

What a shock to the world that would be.

I calculated today that there’s almost 5,000,000 viewers of FR even in these slower times. I don’t have any idea how many of those view the RELIGION FORUM. But it’s sobering that even 1% of that would be a lot of folks influenced by our orneriness away from the Love of God . . . or, potentially . . . to the Love of God by our love toward ONE ANOTHER.

[Quix]

GREAT. tHANKS.

[trisham]

Wow! I’m amazed you have a single moment to yourself after looking at your home page. What a good-looking group you have there! :)

[trisham]

But it’s sobering that even 1% of that would be a lot of folks influenced by our orneriness away from the Love of God . . . or, potentially . . . to the Love of God by our love toward ONE ANOTHER.

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Amen, friend.

[Tax-chick]

There’s only eight - and the cat, the two gerbils, and Vinnie the fish.

I’m not by myself - I’m just ignoring them right now :-).

[trisham]

I have the hounds, but that’s another story.

[Tax-chick]

Uh-oh.

[trisham]

I have to tell you, if this isn't the happiest baby in the world, I don't know what is:

[Tax-chick]

Bill was rocking him, vigorously, in that chair. He was whooping and squealing like it was a roller coaster ride!

[trisham]

That’s so great. :)

[Tax-chick]

Bill (who will be 13 on Friday) is Vlad’s favorite sibling. It’s really cute.

[trisham]

I can just see them being the best of friends all their lives. What a joy.