Theology Forum to be closed until December 15

**Ridley's Own** · 10-14-2004, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athanasius

I wonder if it would be appropriate to allow users to still read from the Theology forum...maybe with a stickied link with some exemplary threads?

I think this would probably be the best solution to the problem. Index good threads, and allow people to read the good ones without being to add to them.

Alternatively, in order to stop "debates" during the sabbatical, but still allow some ministry to people needing answers, allow people to pose questions and allow the Mods or a Mod-selected panel to weigh in on a single response, without quoting any other 'panelist.' Probably more work than it's worth, but it seems a good middle way between closing the forum off entirely and continuing the problems altogether.

It might also be worthwhile for Mods/Supers/Admins to PM the most egregious offenders and ask to reign it in. Just some thoughts.

**Athanasius** · 10-14-2004, 04:36 PM

Ridley,

I'd be willing to do such a panelist thing...if users realised that they weren't going to get their answers right away...and probably not in the same day.

What I'd recommend with such a thing is...if it is purely an easy "where is this, etc" type question...it is answered. However, if it is a question of more theological weight...the mods can certainly point users to relevant threads where it has been discussed before (There is nothing new under the sun in Theology). On standard questions such as "Calvinism, Arminianism?"...1 book and 1 external website could be the standard answer.

**Becky** · 10-14-2004, 04:46 PM

1 book and one external website from each side? lol goodness, I'm not sure if I'm cut out for that kind of panalist thing... but if you decide to do that, I'm willing to learn and work on it... but I think we should push people to find answers for themselves :-p

**Athanasius** · 10-14-2004, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Becky

1 book and one external website from each side? lol goodness, I'm not sure if I'm cut out for that kind of panalist thing... but if you decide to do that, I'm willing to learn and work on it... but I think we should push people to find answers for themselves :-p

That was the point of my suggestion. If they read intelligent material from both sides, they are more likely to come to a more rational answer for themselves.

I would recommend that BillSPreston be included on such a panel if it were to exist.

Deren · 10-14-2004, 04:53 PM

Twice I have taken a nice break from the theology forum and it has been good to get out of the haveck that sometimes get layed down on some people.
Although I think a better solution might be to have a 24hour mod system thingy where posts are being thourgoly examined and edited if need be so that no hurtful materail is left posted.
If you close it down for two months there is no guarentee that the problem won't continue in ten months, then we'd have to close it off again.

Stricter rules of engamement and better monitering might be an alternitive.
Just a thought.
peace

**Becky** · 10-14-2004, 04:55 PM

strictor moding might be a good idea... but it's often times hard to really mod out the kinds of things Luke is trying to get rid of.. I mean, how WOULD you edit such stuff out? I think what is needed is more love, and mods can't put love INTO other's posts..

ICTHUS · 10-14-2004, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott

A wise man speaketh.

*concurs with Jon*

**Athanasius** · 10-14-2004, 05:22 PM

Quite frankly, Deren...I think Becky has run a tight ship on deleting and editing "offensive" content. She has deleted many things that I wouldn't have, but I think her judgement has been right pretty much every time. I can't think that she can be blamed for not doing a good job moderating. I'm not saying this because I think you are "attacking" her...but to really point out that I think that the technical side of "moderating" has been done fairly well.

...I really don't know how we could "moderate" more strictly without starting to look sectarian or highly biased in our policies. What needs to happen is a growth in maturity in the posters to this forum, and for that reason...this kind of "time out" may be just what the doctor ordered.

Luke · 10-14-2004, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh

I agree. Are we supposed to keep relevant theological questions to ourselves during this time?

1. There are other outlets besides CGR to pursue theological questions if needed.
2. PMs
3. I don't think there are many theological questions that one couldn't put on hold for two months if absolutely necessary.

So, in essence, my answer to that question is--as far as CGR is concerned--yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh

Despite whatever useless arguing is going on, there are still people that have questions. I doubt that closing the forum for two months is going to stop people from arguing about theology. It's happened for thousands of years.

The stated goal wasn't to keep people from arguing about theology. The stated goal was to give us in this community time to sit back, take a breather, rethink the way we approach theology and each other, and go back at it in two months.

Luke · 10-14-2004, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athanasius

I wonder if it would be appropriate to allow users to still read from the Theology forum...maybe with a stickied link with some exemplary threads?

You have an hour and 15 minutes to make it.

**Athanasius** · 10-14-2004, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke

You have an hour and 15 minutes to make it.

Oh bother. It's midnight. Don't have time anyway.

Cheers all, I look forward to seeing Theology again in 2 months.

Luke · 10-14-2004, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridley's Own

Alternatively, in order to stop "debates" during the sabbatical, but still allow some ministry to people needing answers, allow people to pose questions and allow the Mods or a Mod-selected panel to weigh in on a single response, without quoting any other 'panelist.' Probably more work than it's worth, but it seems a good middle way between closing the forum off entirely and continuing the problems altogether.

I'm not against this idea per sé but I think it would be absolutely impossible in practice, especially since most of the people who could adequately serve on such a panel are all super busy. Also, part of what I'm trying to do is attempt to get us to focus less on divisive issues (as important as they may be) and focus more on loving one another, and I think such an idea would detract from that goal. I think if we could spend a couple of months solidifying our foundation as a community of brethren, then a lot more ministry could occur, and it would outweigh the time delay.