Member Input

[Arial]

This forum is for members and is a place where questions can be asked, insights shared, issues discussed. Here, I am asking all members, including staff, to let everyone know, what subjects most interest you. What subjects do you like to be involved in? What would you personally like to see more of or less of? What topic OP's would you like?

Be as specific as you can.

Thanks to all of you.

 

[fastfredy0]

Christian theological doctrines

 

[Hazelelponi]

Ethics and morality.

Most of the issues of our day revolves around our sense of ethics versus other people such as the secularists, to give an example.

Take transgender issues, or immigration, or any other political issue and it's surrounded by our sense of ethics where we stand on any issue.

I know there's practicing Christians who often approach the same issue from different angles, and we can use the parking example given by @Josheb a couple weeks back to see how we can take simple situations and approach the ethics of it differently.

I find ethics and how to think truly ethically, biblically ethically, very interesting. It's something I have been trying to learn - biblical ethics - and how we apply this in our interactions with the society around us as reflected in what we might vote for or support at the ballot box.

I try to model the things I notice as being good, but I often find it interesting to try and understand why we might not always agree, and the root is generally in biblical ethics.

I ran into a video which is an excellent article by Doug Wilson which can also create good topical discussions - though perhaps a topic we prefer not to discuss also, I don't know.

Larry Arnn and the Hillsdale Half Step | Blog & Mablog

He makes excellent points and I think he's right.

So I don't know, but maybe explore a topic or two directionally this-a-way..

Although maybe these are bad topics.

 

[Arial]

Christian theological doctrines

Are there any in particular that you have a "greater" interest in? Or elements of any particular doctrine? Or just in general, more threads on the individual doctrines?

 

[John Bauer]

Here are the kinds of subjects that interest me most:

Theology: Soteriology, creationism, systematic theology, biblical studies, comparative theology, theological ethics, apologetics, eschatology (amillennialism, postmillennialism, premillennialism).

Science: Evolutionary science and history, artificial intelligence, space exploration (Mars colonization, extraterrestrial life), cosmology.

Philosophy: Metaphysics (reality, time, causation, mind-body problem), epistemology (logic, knowledge, belief, justification), ethics (morality, virtue, right and wrong), philosophy of religion (God, faith and reason), philosophy of science.

Social issues: Abortion, feminism, racism, climate change (environmental stewardship, sustainability), immigration, human rights (marriage, gender ideology, LGBT, anti-discrimination), digital rights/privacy, mental health stigma (trauma, autism, bullying, awareness).

Politics: Political processes, parties, candidates, pundits, institutions, activism, constitutional issues, public policy.

Arts & Culture: Music, movies, television/streaming, grammar nitpicking.

 

[fastfredy0]

Are there any in particular that you have a "greater" interest in? Or elements of any particular doctrine? Or just in general, more threads on the individual doctrines?

Stuff you'd find in a systematic theology book or a catechism.

 

[QVQ]

I don't post very often but I do read
The forum is a good balance containing a portion of each of the subjects listed by posters above.
There is a focus on spiritual.
The only subject I would like to see more of is Providence. The concept, in my experience, has almost disappeared from theological dicussions yet Providence was a subject of much interest in earlier times.

 

[Josheb]

My main theological interests are soteriology and eschatology, but I'll contribute to any conversation of interest that's well-reasoned. I think every Christian forum should be structured according to doctrine. Structure helps younger Christians learn.

General Theology

Specific or Formal Theology (the nature of God)​

Christology​

Pneumatology​

Soteriology​

Hamartiology​

Demonology​

Ecclesiology​

Bibliology​

Miscellaneous​

Christian Practice

Bible Study (hermeneutics, exegesis)​

Prayer​

Liturgy (or congregational attendance and practice)​

Daily Living​

Evangelism​

Church History​

Marriage​

Family​

Dating​

​

Sectarian Boards

Roman Catholic​

Eastern Orthodox​

Reformed/Presbyterian​

Congregationalism​

Wesleyan/Methodist​

Pentecostal/Assemblies of God​

Non-Denominational​

Non-Discussion boards

Daily Devotion​

Education (specific examples of teachings or discussion intended for edification not discussion)​

Prayer Requests​

Book Reviews​

Music Reviews​

Video Reviews​

​

Not Specifically Christian Boards

Science​

Politics​

Social Policy and Practice​

Comparative Religion​

Miscellaneous​

That's just a sample example. Each of these boards could be further subdivided, such as the Soteriology board could be subdivided according to Atonement, Justification, Election, or theological sub-categories such as Monergism, Synergism, or Augustinianism, Calvinism, Traditionalism, Provisionism, Pelagianism, etc. There could be separate sections under Bibliology for Inerrancy, Infallibility, or specific hermeneutic models. Each of the sectarian boards could have inter-denominational (boards open to anyone discussing a given denominationalism) and intra-denominational (boards closed to anyone not practicably self-affiliating with that denomination) sections. The Science board could be subdivided onto specific fields of study or topics of discourse. Politics or Social Policy boards could be subdivided according to specific issue (abortion, healthcare, foreign policy, etc.). However, the effectiveness of any forum is dependent upon well-articulated terms of service/rules of conduct and the uniformity of enforcement. Rules that specify conduct with an emphasis on what to do, rather than solely on what not to do, are easiest for members to self-regulate and best for reducing dissent when moderation is applied. Rules that seek to address matters that cannot be controlled by another (such as members' character or motive) shouldn't exist (and they tend to cause problems rather than solve or prevent problems). Vague rules and inconsistent moderation promote discord.

 

[Arial]

Thanks for all the input so far.

A lot of good ideas and topics have been presented. I am confident more will follow. So what's next?

Lets get those OP's a rollin' off the press!

 

[John Bauer]

The only subject I would like to see more of is providence. The concept, in my experience, has almost disappeared from theological dicussions, yet providence was a subject of much interest in earlier times.

I was having a discussion on Twitter involving providence. An anti-Calvinist was asking what we mean by terms like "ordain," and I defined it as a kind of umbrella term encompassing "decree" (eternal determination) and "providence" (temporal execution).

 

[makesends]

In particular, the Doctrine of God proper.

 

[Tambora]

This forum is for members and is a place where questions can be asked, insights shared, issues discussed. Here, I am asking all members, including staff, to let everyone know, what subjects most interest you. What subjects do you like to be involved in? What would you personally like to see more of or less of? What topic OP's would you like?

Be as specific as you can.

Thanks to all of you.

My favorite is actual Bible study. (ie. go through a whole book of the bible).
Unfortunately, that is something I have found less and less of on Christian forums through the years.

 

[Arial]

My favorite is actual Bible study. (ie. go through a whole book of the bible).
Unfortunately, that is something I have found less and less of on Christian forums through the years.

Do you have any particular book you would like to begin with? And how would you like the discussion to present? As non-debate but contributions from other views than the one first given? What would the thread on a particular book be like in format IOW?

 

[Tambora]

Do you have any particular book you would like to begin with?

I would start with OT books so one would be completely familiar with the whole book when the NT quotes a portion of them.
Especially since Jesus says you need to believe the OT (law and the prophets) in order to fully know what He teaches.
Here are some instances where Jesus mentions that:

John 5​

(46) For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.​

(47) But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”​

​

Luke 16​

(31) He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”​

And Paul also puts emphasis on knowing the OT:

Acts 17​

(11) Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.​

((( the Scriptures would have been the OT )))​

And how would you like the discussion to present?

Preferably verse by verse.

As non-debate but contributions from other views than the one first given? What would the thread on a particular book be like in format IOW?

Sure, any view would be acceptable to post since it would not be a debate but an information thread.
I would prefer an academic approach for the format and use actual scholars whose primary expertise is OT and Hebrew language instead of just any ol' social media preacher.

 

[Arial]

I would start with OT books so one would be completely familiar with the whole book when the NT quotes a portion of them.
Especially since Jesus says you need to believe the OT (law and the prophets) in order to fully know what He teaches.
Here are some instances where Jesus mentions that:
John 5(46) For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.(47) But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”Luke 16(31) He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
And Paul also puts emphasis on knowing the OT:

Acts 17(11) Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.((( the Scriptures would have been the OT )))

Even though that is all true and important, may I make one suggestion with a slight adjustment.

Even though no one had any of the information that is found in the story of creation and the events that happened before the Exodus, until it was given to Moses, and Moses gave it to those brought out of Egypt, we as post canonization of both testaments, have the whole story, It has been suggested by Michael D. Williams in his book Far as the Curse is Found: The Covenant Story of Redemption, that to fully grasp the meaning in the OT one must start with the resurrection. That is where all of the OT is headed, so it helps us to see Christ from the very beginning of the story in Gen 1 and all the way through. I tend to agree, in that it puts the focus of interpretations on Christ who is the central figure of the entire Bible.

And of course John 1 ties Christ directly to creation. So maybe some reference quotes from the gospels and Acts would be a good preface to the study of Gen.? I think books from the NT do not have to be studied in sequence, but I do think the OT books Gen -1 and 2 Samuel need to be to avoid interpreting through application only. Portions of 2 Sam, the Kings, and Chronicles overlap but with different purposes of the authors. They are historical narrative books (all those listed) whereas Prophecy, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecc. The Song, and Lamentations fall into different genre categories and have their own distinct method of interpretation.

 

[His clay]

This forum is for members and is a place where questions can be asked, insights shared, issues discussed. Here, I am asking all members, including staff, to let everyone know, what subjects most interest you. What subjects do you like to be involved in? What would you personally like to see more of or less of? What topic OP's would you like?

Be as specific as you can.

Thanks to all of you.

shpellang is mi favoirite . . . . . to butcher lol

Ok, on a slightly more serious note, I'm most often posting in the A&C forum. I tend to specialize in God's providence and human agency. I also like good discussions over the exegetical details of passages, though sadly, it is very rare to see someone who really knows the original languages.

While I generally don't get involved in discussions here over the issue, I enjoy presuppositional apologetics for methodology, and other forms highlight the worldview interpretive scheme. In CARM, I used to debate in the atheist forum quite a bit, and I appreciated the challenge. My goal was always to be as thoughtful and charitable as I could in my responses, while praying in the background.

For quite a while I researched philosophy of science and how it intersects with Christinaity. I even wrote my ThM thesis on science and Christianity. I've used this knowledge to teach a friend of mine's high-school class (1 week segment) where we go over the philosophy of science and how it relates to interpretation and Christianity. I always tell them that it is an introduction and stress the introductory nature of the material. I generally don't discuss this topic online because I see it as a waste of time.

I've grown a bit disillusioned toward online discussion, so my time investment toward it has diminished greatly. Personal, face-to-face conversation with real people is much more fulfilling. I do enjoy certain posters, when they have thoughtful content. My mom died recently, and I'm getting older, so my pep has been waning. Perhaps my mom's death has encouraged me to reconsider my priorities; and forum trolls are clearly at the very bottom, mariana trench, tier of activity that I invest my time. But I guess that I do have the time to throw out the occasional thought.

 

[prism]

This forum is for members and is a place where questions can be asked, insights shared, issues discussed. Here, I am asking all members, including staff, to let everyone know, what subjects most interest you. What subjects do you like to be involved in? What would you personally like to see more of or less of? What topic OP's would you like?

Be as specific as you can.

Thanks to all of you.

Atonement issues.

 

[ElectedbyHim]

Sovereignty of God.

Hamartiology.

The love of God.