Can we make MN less hostile?

[Josh]

In these comments that I am referring to, there is not an attempt to collect all the data before drawing conclusions. There is not an attempt to be reasonable or to see the viewpoint of the other side. There is not attempt to show mercy or compassion to those who have failed. There is a desire to see "fire fall from heaven and consume anyone who has sinned".
I really wonder whether these commenters have any awareness that the yardstick they use to measure and judge others with will be the standard that God will use to judge them some day.

Guidance???
1. Be slow to speak. Especially when insinuating that someone may be guilty of something that is not known for sure. A person can raise a question and not say anything bad about the other person, but the question is worded in such a way that people starting "thinking evil" about the person being targeted, even if no research has been done as to the validity of the question or the insinuation.
2. We should consider whether we would want others to evaluate and judge us the way we evaluate and judge others. Many people would say, "Sure, if you ever see me doing this, you have a right to treat me like I am treating you." However that is not the point. The point is, "Do we want others to judge us on the issues in which we are blind to our faults and foibles, in the same manner that we judge others on the things they are perhaps blind to?"

With respect, as someone who is in the village of Holdemans, I feel this is how I have, at various times, been treated on this forum, and in particular with my interactions with you.

And with all due respect, I feel that defending an organisation with a serious problem for mis-handling or even covering up abuse issues is not a very good context in which to address #1 and #2. I don't think you are trying to be part of this cover up, but if I didn't know you as well as I do, it would really feel that way.

I'm sorry that MN has started to feel so hostile. For some of us who are outsiders, it has long felt hostile in various ways, and for me being a Holdeman member, it has felt especially hostile since I made that decision. It would be great if we could move past this.

[Ernie]

I am sorry Josh. I didn't want to communicate this to you. I want to demonstrate compassion and convicted civility.

Here is what I want to be known for when it comes to sexual abuse.
http://forum.mennonet.com/viewtopic.php?p=71064#p71064

Regarding "defending an organization", I've tried to check my heart numerous times on this the past nine months. Would I be willing to argue for mercy and speak out against libel, even if administrative personnel were part of an organization that I didn't want to see succeed. I hope that I would.

And for the record, I want to see people blessed. I want people to be blessed through organizations that teach and live two kingdom theology. I don't really care which organizations do this work. If CAM dissolves at some point in the future, and other organizations take over the work they are doing, I can work for a different organization. I can't find the post, but I made it clear a few years ago, before this all happened, that I was not a CAM loyalist.

During the last nine months I have made it clear what I wish CAM would do in this situation that they have not done.
During the last nine months, I have not been willing to stand idly by, while people I respect are misrepresented and judged unfairly. I would advocate for these people no matter which organization they worked for.

With online communication, it is hard for me to communicate all these things simultaneously.

[Wade]

Ernie, I know I challenge hard at times but I hope it has helped to reach the core of ideas better in understanding each other rather feeling like attacks. I apologize for failing to do this very well and always appreciate your input.

[Wade]

One of the reasons I am going to again quit posting on this forum is that I believe my basic answer to many of the situations of sin in this world is always going to be the same and is not one seemingly shared by most Anabaptists. And I doubt it ever will be as the Christian environment I was raised in is much different from that of a Mennonite. I believe most Mennonites, who make up the vast majority of Anabaptists will remain as an ethnic group in Christianity that have little to no exposure to radically converted unchurched people and seem to lack much interest in reaching them. I don't mean this as a slam but just that I have trouble relating to the worldly concerns here on many threads. And when I join in, I'm probably more irritating than not with my evangelistic simple solution to many issues.

I think how Josh put it here, sort of sums up again what I believe is the solution to sin, period. It is all about being born again and the impact that the grace and power of God has in a person's life. Sin, in it's various forms, needs the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit operational in a person who is drawn by the Holy Spirit into a walk of following Jesus. I am pro life in the sense that real living only comes through an experienced walk with God through the Holy Spirit. I certainly have not progressed in this as I could have, yet I strongly believe this is what following Jesus is about and is the answer to all the ways of sin in this world.

So, the strategy to stop abortions is the same as that of other sins. We are to share the Gospel, allow the Holy Spirit to work in us to reflect God's glory and believe that God radically can change the hearts of anyone who will heed His voice.

Some of you may not agree with my view of Mennoniteism and if the MB church I attend was not believing and reaching out to the unchurched and seeing lives radically changed, I would likely search out one that was if possible today.

Anyway, thanks everyone for the conversations we have had and I do appreciate y'all as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sudsy, I know we have often disagreed but I have often looked forward to your input and engagement.
I haven't felt like you and I were ever debating in disagreeing but it was more of a discussion of varying perspectives, of which I am very grateful for. Thank you for your help in my growth and God bless you.

[Ernie]

Didn't there use to be a thread called "Gems" or something of that nature were really good posts could be stored?

[ohio jones]

You may be remembering the "Diamonds in MD" thread from the old dispensation. Feel free to start something similar.

[Robert]

I have appreciated that we have had few posts flagged for moderation of late. Several tense discussions yet we are finding a way to communicate through it. Thanks for your efforts. Keep it up. Just always remember, I am always right in the end.

[steve-in-kville]

Can we make MN a less hostile place?

A little violence never hurt anybody.

[AnthonyMartin]

[video][/video]

[Sudsy]

Well, 3 years later. How are we doing ? Philippians 4: 4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.