GCN

Darrel · Guru

GCN

Mama Lisa · Fri Jul 21 8:57 AM, 2006

Hi Darrel,

First of all, you will NEVER be told here that you can't say what you feel or believe. That is the most important aspect of this site - for people to feel safe in what they share.

Second, I agree with you 100% about the Bible. There are beautiful parts in it, and there are parts that need to be completely thrown out! On one hand, you can find these awesome promises of God and how He is our strength & salvation. On the other hand, you find stuff that completely go against the entire message of love in the Bible, such as "homosexuality" (man made-up word) is an abomination and the punishment is death. Sorry, but the God I love doesn't contradict Himself!

Third, questioning things is good. It's a sign that you are growing and yearning for God, even if you don't realize it! Keep asking. Keep seeking. You may have people here that disagree with you, but I promise it will be done in LOVE!! Or else!!

TaterHead · Defender of Truth, Justice and the American GAY!

Dear Darrel,

You are a TRUE Christian! Don't let the "jihadists" over at GCN tell you any differently! Even Billy Graham himself often questioned his religious beliefs about the Bible. EVERY person of EVERY religion questions their faith. There is nothing wrong about that. Just don't throw your bible out the window every time that there's something in it that you find hard to understand or believe. Just try to keep an open mind to new truth and viewpoints, as well as an open heart to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. When I come to the parts about the laws that God gave to Israel, I try to see them through the "filter" of the summary of all of God's law: "Love the Lord with all of your self; and love your neighbor as yourself. This is the whole of the Law." I try to understand what those parts mean, researching through various commentaries, weighing in with archaeological findings and biblical history. But mostly, I just listen to my heart and let the Spirit guide me to what He wants me to know. I sometimes re-read the same passage later and find something brand new that I haven't noticed before...so don't get upset if there's a part or a passage that you are finding hard to interpret. Even Martin Luther and Martin Luther King,Jr. had to spend many a night pouring their hearts out to God, trying to understand what verse meant what.

You are among good "company" in your religious struggles!

As for GCN...I think that that site has become the gay person's Moral Majority, with Justin as Jerry Falwell with a limp wrist (and a bald head). But I shouldn't be too harsh on them like that...I, too, was once like that, trying to be a "good little Christian: don't smoke, don't chew and don't run with those that do" while trying to reconcile my homosexuality with my religious beliefs. Fortunately, the Lord has shown me that I CAN be gay and love Jesus with all of my heart. All that I needed to do was to let go of my life and let Him and the truth of His bible come into my heart and change me from the hypocritical little "Pharisee" that I USED to be, to the more real gay Christian that I now am...and VERY happy to be. Yes, I still "stumble" on some days, in different ways, but now I spend less time feeling sorry for myself, like I used to, and I just get back up, brush myself off and start over again with whatever I was trying to do that day. And I am getting better and walking closer to God each and every day!

Yes, we are running a race for our Lord...but it isn't against each other, trying to "out-spiritualize" each other. It's to the personal transforming of ourselves into the men and women that God has created us to become: being more and more like Jesus.

You are an inspiration to all who know you...especially to ME!

phil_of_va · [Probably] Gother Than Thou

I would comment, Darrel, but I already did on Yahoo. I'd rather not post here publically because of my views and experience with GCN and it would probably offend others on here.

Read my Yahoo response.

Phil

fuscia · Senior Member

but i don't get why the moderators have a problem with this line of questioning...

count me confused...

nateblack · Senior Member

Nate=1 pissed off homo

I'm sorry you got caught up in GCN again. I used to tell people to check it out, with a warning of how bizzarre it is, but now I don't even bother mentioning it.

It's not a safe place.

If you want to experience the hetero version, go to www.christianforums.com. Honestly, that's who I think Justin has modeled GCN on.

Bottom line... Darrel... don't waste your time & energy there. Let them do & say what they want. Find a community that supports you... like TSA. :) or www.soulforce.org/forums

-- Edited by nateblack at 17:35, 2006-07-24

Darrel · Guru

It's all starting to come to make some sort of sense.

Even in the Controversial Topics forum--more and more threads are being locked down every single day--because we're having an intellectual conversation on the fallability of Scripture--and some people think humans wrote it--some people think it's full of stores, some think it's God who wrote it--some think it's man who was inspired by God, and got some things wrong here and there...

And the moderators are shutting it down--and nobody is even fighting. We're all like, "Wow...that's a cool opinion--but, what do you base your feelings/opinions on?" People are wanting to learn. And, because the GCN Statement of Faith says, "You must think this way..." we're not even allowed to have our first amendment rights.

The moderators are "discussing" a new part of the statement of faith--because all these people are complaining about our questioning of the divinity of the scripture.

Where is the line drawn?? We're having our individuality torn away at the expense of what? or who?

*hugs*
Darrel

nateblack · Senior Member

Darrel wrote:

It's all starting to come to make some sort of sense. Even in the Controversial Topics forum--more and more threads are being locked down every single day--because we're having an intellectual conversation on the fallability of Scripture--and some people think humans wrote it--some people think it's full of stores, some think it's God who wrote it--some think it's man who was inspired by God, and got some things wrong here and there... And the moderators are shutting it down--and nobody is even fighting. We're all like, "Wow...that's a cool opinion--but, what do you base your feelings/opinions on?" People are wanting to learn. And, because the GCN Statement of Faith says, "You must think this way..." we're not even allowed to have our first amendment rights. The moderators are "discussing" a new part of the statement of faith--because all these people are complaining about our questioning of the divinity of the scripture. Where is the line drawn?? We're having our individuality torn away at the expense of what? or who? *hugs*Darrel

Isn't it nice to be "discussed."

Mama Lisa · Mon Jul 24 5:01 PM, 2006

Maybe I could start a new message board. One that allows people to open up and be totally honest. One where folks can question anything - even the very existence of God - without fear of censorship or banishment. One that is modeled after Isaiah 40:11 that says that God gathers His lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.

Oh, wait. I already did that!

sparkystar22 · Veteran Member

Darrel.. I'm really sorry about this, but you know what? If we try to be so perfect, we mess up a lot. And remember this - we fall short and we are saved by grace. There are tons of people who are not perfect. You are not perfect. GCN is not perfect.

GCN used to be a small community a long ago. It was so wonderful, but now it's really hard because it is really diverse. And GCN has its own flaws. And now it's a large community. People have different beliefs about a lot of things. So that's why Justin is trying to make it safe and comfortable for everyone, but I know he knows that he can't, but he tries his best and do what's best for everyone, even though it hurts people. That's what it makes so hard for everyone to make a peace about it.

I personally finally understand that GCN is a good place because it has its own flaws. We have the bad to appreciate the good. People makes miskates, and we learn from it. We learn how to deal with conflicts. We learn about the arguements. We learn about a lot of things on the controversial boards. But you just know that when we step in the real world, it's always like been like that, and always will be.

And how will we be happy? We need to find something from the bad, even though it's bad, but they make us happy. We have to be happy in the real world because... we learn to embrace with others, and learn to forgive...We learn to love... We learn to... the best people as we can... While darkness is there, we have to be there and walk through the dark valley.

That's what I have found...I found that GCN is not perfect, but I'm happy because I know that people are trying to grow. They do their best because they want to do what's best for others, even though it's not what people want, but they keep doing what they feel to do. I think it's important.

I know some of you people have kicked off on GCN due to some reasons, but please know that moderators are just doing their job - they just want to do what's best for others. For once, please forgive them and let them do what they think it's best for their community. And I am really sorry that GCN was a bad experience for you. Please remember this - people are not perfect. So are you. Don't beat yourselves up like that.

I love you all. I really do, but it's something that I really feel to say.

Hope this does not offend anyone, especially the ones who are pissed off at GCN.

*hugs*

Katie

Mama Lisa · Mon Jul 24 6:50 PM, 2006

Hi Katie,

Thanks for your input. But let me clarify a couple of things, just for the record.

First, Justin has very little to do with the message board anymore. So no one is blaming Justin. The message board part of GCN is pretty much run by the moderators.

Second, Darrel never said he was perfect, nor did he say he was treated unjustly. He just wants a place to discuss things that weigh on his heart. He was looking for a place to get a lot of different input from a variety of people. He didn't want to be made to feel that his questions are not valid. Unfortunately, when someone censors what you write, that's the feeling that is conveyed.

Just as I've told Darrel that he is free to write whatever is on his heart here at TSA, so are you! I'm glad you are still around! I wish you would join us more often.

sparkystar22 · Veteran Member

Hey Lisa,

I realized that Justin has nothing to do with this, but I know that people will talk to Justin if they even like to do so, and sometimes Justin even agrees with the moderators. And you're right, moderators pretty much run the message boards, but Justin sometimes will have to know what's going on you know?

I know he didn't say that he was perfect, and I know he felt that he was attacked. But What I'm trying to say is that, he just can't try to please anyone. He has to offend some people because that's how it is. People have feelings, you know. And so he's not perfect, he just can't please everyone with diffrent words that please individually. :)

Yeah, I just want to share my opinions, but I am not attacking anyone, or Darrel's. Just giving some thoughts...

-- Edited by sparkystar22 at 20:16, 2006-07-24

-- Edited by sparkystar22 at 20:26, 2006-07-24

24 fan tim · Live long and prosper.

vent away my friends

TaterHead · Defender of Truth, Justice and the American GAY!

I don't know why we are so "touchy" when it comes to "venting" about our beliefs. We are going to disagree about a LOT of things...so of course we are going to disagree about religious beliefs. The important thing to remember is that when someone disagrees with you, it isn't an "all out attack" upon your religion...it's just other people voicing their opinions about what you have said. This can be interpreted the wrong way on a message board, which isn't exactly like talking in person, when you can "kiss and make up" after an argument. Just remember that we are all the children of God here, and we are on different trains of thought, and feeling different emotions...so of course we are going to think and feel the wrong ideas about what someone else might, or might NOT, have said or implied.

May cool heads and warm hearts prevail at GCN...

nandapanda · Senior Member

Unfortunately, I'm a strong believer in confidentiality, so I can't reveal the content of some of the conversations which lead to this post. Suffice it to say that many of the struggles at GCN at the moment are not, in fact, stemming from moderators, but from other members. I can't really say more than that, because I don't want to betray confidences. But things are just more complex behind the scenes than they appear on the surface.

If someone wrongs you, pray for them.

May the God of Peace prevail over all.

Clint

JAYofFL · Veteran Member

this quote can even apply to GCN
"The greatest tragedy in the world is a divided church. We must come together. So don't start talking about doctrine, because if you do, we shall be divided. But there is one thing we can do. We may not be able to agree about doctrine, but we can always pray together."
-----I'm so disappointed that there are so many DEBATES, heated exchanges, even some personal attacks[apparently] at the message forum these days.
I neither want nor need any more STRESS right now.

Glad when I come to TSA :)

JAY

Zcchip · Senior Member

Hey Darrell

Please dont w orry too much about GCN, it is just not worth it.

I do not know really what goes on behind the scenes, but I do know that they are there. I also get a sense of a feeling that some of the people in there are really trying to rip into me. But you know - whatever! I just want to show unconditional caring, compassion and all of the sorts. But sometimes I do not feel included at GCN, even though I do not show it, sometimes needless things in MY opinion are posted, but I have to remind myself that they are *important* to that person and just support them, but not to judge them by their differences. I have seen some senseless situations go on and on, a few of the people are here are hurt by that.

The best thing to do is:

1) Positive

2) Unconditional caring

3) compassion

4) no judging

5) Try to be happy even though you are hurting so bad on the inside.

you get the drift.

God bless you Darrell, even though I do not know you that well but it doesnt matter! :)

Chad

sparkystar22 · Veteran Member

Chad is right. That's what I do. No problems for me!

And yeah, Clint, I know what you mean, but it's always like that in every community. You will find that no matter what. That's how people are like. There always will be some people who will do some hurtful things to others, or to hurt/offend others. You know?

Mama Lisa · Wed Jul 26 8:59 AM, 2006

I'm so proud of our little community here. There has never been anyone doing hurtful things to others. There has never been any discussions that have gotten to the point where people get angry or offended. This place exhibits the Love of God in such a beautiful way! Thanks, guys.

nateblack · Senior Member

Mama Lisa wrote:

I'm so proud of our little community here. There has never been anyone doing hurtful things to others. There has never been any discussions that have gotten to the point where people get angry or offended. This place exhibits the Love of God in such a beautiful way! Thanks, guys.

Thank you for creating this space with so much intention and love. It holds love because it was made with love.

Chris · Why can't my life be more like the Ainulindalë?

I see things are out of hand now on GCN. I've posted this thread on GCN to try to remind the moderators what they are and aren't supposed to censor. Who knows if it will do any good...

Mama Lisa · Thu Jul 27 12:18 PM, 2006

Well said, Chris. I hope that helps to bring some peace to GCN!

TaterHead · Defender of Truth, Justice and the American GAY!

I couldn't see it. I was denied "permission" to see it.

Funny...I thought only the straight "fundies" were the only ones that banned gay people from having access to God stuff...

I guess it really is a "brand new day" when GAY people ban OTHER gay people from "church".

Fundamentalism is "catching"...but then again...so is any other VIRUS!

itsmattie77 · He's completely bonkers, but we love him anyway

I don't visit GCN that often, but I do occasionally. I've gone through a period where I don't get on the internet that much. That's an up and down cycle though, so I may disappear for a while, and then reappear.

I still like GCN, but it is overwhelmingly huge. I look at all the topics and forums and I just stare at the screen for a minute, and then some drool starts coming out the side of my mouth because I've gone mentally numb. And then all of a sudden I come back to my senses and I realize that I haven't read a word on the screen.

But I've met some really great people there, many of them who have posted in this thread. As it gets bigger and bigger, the number of good people goes up. But so do the number of frustrating people. I got into an all out war with one fellow in the controversies section over evolution. He kept pounding Ann Coulter at us and talking about how teaching evolution was a deliberate attack on people's faith. Well, those of us that believe that science does the best it can to observe the universe and to understand it, as well as believe in God, tried to make the argument that it is possible to believe both. Actually, the person who really pounded him with facts was also a moderator. I pounded him with sarcasm and mild patronization.

But see, the issue wasn't the substance of our discussion, but the behavior. Everyone tried to have a discussion with this one fellow. He was having a hissy fit. Why people kept responding to him is beyond me. I only did it because it was fun, kind of like torturing younger siblings.

In the end, I turned off my access to the controversies and the politics sections. I don't even want to see them on my screen. I don't care what the fundies down there think. They've run the rest of us off and I say give that space to them and let them knock each other out. You know, some people just enjoy getting angry at other people. Call it intellectual masochism. Now, if you just want to torture them for the pure fun of it, then go ahead. I think that's a much more healthy approach.

I posted a question in the Side B forum once and it was attacked by man eating sharks. It was in someone else's thread, so I just deleted my question. Since no one mentioned my name when they were attacking me, you now have a rather humorous situation where the thread looks very peaceful and then everyone jumps on some invisible person (you can totally delete posts on GCN now! I love it!)!!! Yeah, I derive some perverse pleasure in that now, but my feelings were hurt at the time. Do you think I'm going back in there? Oh no. I'm not feeding myself to that pack of wolves. If I have a SideB question, I'll address it directly to Romans6 who I know pretty well. Actually I generally know what he'd say, because he and I have the same thought process. We may come to different conclusions, but I can just put myself in his shoes and ask, WWMS? What would Matt (Romans6) Say?

So if you have honest questions and want honest answers... come here.

Mama Lisa · Fri Jul 28 7:55 PM, 2006

I love you, Mattie, and I have missed you!!

itsmattie77 · He's completely bonkers, but we love him anyway

Mama Lisa wrote:

I love you, Mattie, and I have missed you!!

I Love you too Mama Lisa!!! And I've missed you!!!

Darrel · Guru

mattie...you just cracked me up with your visual.

i absolutely love you, buddy. you're the best.

*big hugs*
Darrel

PS: Thank you everybody for your insight...you guys are amazing beyond all means!!!

I love Katie, and Mama, and Jeffrey, and Nate, and Peggy, and Tim, and John, and Mattie, and Chris, and Teddy, and everybody else, too!!! Did I miss anyone???