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Dec 29th, 2019
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 979
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 979 |
Byzantine Forum? What forum? One speaks up and the thread is closed. Instead of closing the thread, the entire Forum should be closed. I'm outa here!
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,729 Likes: 23
John Member
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John Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,729 Likes: 23 |
Pavloosh,
It all depends upon how one speaks.
A Christian would show charity at all times. He would say something like: "I disagree with Bishop X when he says A, B, and C because of reasons D, E and F." You could continue with "Bishop X does not really express the theology of his own church because that church teaches G, H, and I and here is my supporting evidence...."
A Christian should never say: "Bishop X (or anyone) is an idiot for stating A, B, and C."
Do you see the difference?
Best wishes to you as you find other places to participate.
John
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,854 Likes: 8
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,854 Likes: 8 |
Byzantine Forum? What forum? One speaks up and the thread is closed. Instead of closing the thread, the entire Forum should be closed. I'm outa here! Pavloosh, This is not really unique to the Byzantine Forum. Internet fora in general seem to be in decline at the present time. Things like this are cyclical in nature. May God grant you many years, Todd
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,719 Likes: 1
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Joined: Jun 2002
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True. I belong to several such that deal with church music. A few - what would be a charitable term for "windbags" - tend to take over the individual forum and post highly opinionated ideological viewpoints, and the more reasonable posters leave. What you end up with is a conversation with few participants. It seems to happen everywhere. I don't know the solution.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,497 Likes: 19
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,497 Likes: 19 |
I don't know the solution. The solution is active Moderator oversite, which is one of the blessings of this forum. Byzcath has remained largely congenial and generally respectful through my five plus years of posting here. No one overtly attempted to convert this now-former Lutheran clergy, no one disparaged the tradition I was leaving, no one called me the follower of a heretic or demanded that I metaphorically swim a body of water. The covert conversion through kindness won the day. A blessed Nativity Feast to all!
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 26,391 Likes: 30
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 26,391 Likes: 30 |
Dear Thomas the Seeker, As you know, it was Martin Luther who defended Eastern Christianity in a public debate with RC theologs at one time, referring to the Christian East as the "Better Half" of the Church . . . How can we not sympathise with someone like that . . .?  Whichever Church or tradition has you in its fold is the better for it! Alex
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 569 Likes: 2
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And God bless us each and all!
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,665 Likes: 7
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Joined: Jul 2005
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I don't know the solution. The solution is active Moderator oversite, which is one of the blessings of this forum. Byzcath has remained largely congenial and generally respectful through my five plus years of posting here. No one overtly attempted to convert this now-former Lutheran clergy, no one disparaged the tradition I was leaving, no one called me the follower of a heretic or demanded that I metaphorically swim a body of water. The covert conversion through kindness won the day. A blessed Nativity Feast to all! Blessed Nativity to you! If you don't mind me asking, and please don't feel obliged to answer: how is your former parish handling your move? Did any parishioners join you? Which Church are you discerning joining? Many blessings on that move this upcoming New Year!
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,497 Likes: 19
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Joined: Apr 2009
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"This Christmas night bestowed peace on the whole world;
So let no one threaten;
This is the night of the Most Gentle One – Let no one be cruel;
This is the night of the Humble One - Let no one be proud.
Now is the day of joy - Let us not revenge;
Now is the day of Good Will - Let us not be mean.
In this Day of Peace - Let us not be conquered by anger.
Today the Bountiful impoverished Himself for our sake;
So, rich one, invite the poor to your table.
Today we receive a Gift for which we did not ask;
So let us give alms to those who implore and beg us.
This present Day cast open the heavenly doors to our prayers;
Let us open our door to those who ask our forgiveness.
Today the DIVINE BEING took upon Himself the seal of our humanity,
In order for humanity to be decorated by the Seal of DIVINITY."
St. Isaac the Syrian (d. AD 700)
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,990 Likes: 10
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Joined: Jan 2003
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