Well I am a heretic. But so was Jesus to the jews right? In fact being on here has indicated to me that I,m probably not "Christian"; in that it seems to be largely about accepting certain doctrines, rather than simply loving God and ones neighbour. It maybe that my time on this site is coming to an end. So I will take my chances with those I love, mainly non-Christian, and let God judge us. If they are headed for hell anyway, then I don't want to go to heaven without them.
I'm sorry to hear you may not be on here soon Dibby. I think your posts are full of intelligence, wisdom and compassion, & it would be a shame to see you go.
You get people on all websites who love arguing and seeing how much discord and fear they can cause, espcecially with newbies. There are some on here that immediately attack ANY post that is put on here, with extremely harsh and unecessary criticism. Some seem fanatical, and that's definitely one way to turn people from Christianity, instead of towards it.
As a non-Bible expert, but one who wants to learn more, I am sure Jesus said to teach, rebuke and correct with loving patience.
I mean, one poor lady said her teenage daughter had upset her by wanting her bf to stay overnight in this lady's house, & her daugher called her old-fashioned etc. One person put a post on there to the effect that she was LETTING her daughter indulge in fornication - like the situation was all the mother's fault! (and many psychiatrists such as Freud blamed the mother for alot of things).
And another poor wee young lassie, who's account has now been deleted at her request, wanted help with something and all she did was post in the wrong section, and everybody went on about it - the reason being that if she posted in the correct section, she would get more answers. Fair enough. But that shouldn't have mattered at the time: the whole point of her posting on here was that she was ASKING FOR HELP, from people who she TRUSTED to tell her problems to. It's a big thing to open up to strangers online, as you also open yourself up to possible criticism, ridicule and yes, at times, outright hatred.
There is a terrible lack of compassion on here from some people I feel.
I've put a reply on here of something I was taught and I haven't disputed or argued against anyone's claim, re hell or hades. I've been ear bashed re sheol, and I never mentioned anything about sheol at all. I don't even know what sheol MEANS, though I have heard of it.
Some people just love arguing I guess. It's their life maybe to sit on a computer all day, and type out hateful statements against people who are loving, kind and vulnerable.
I too have prayed lately and I reckon God is telling me to move on, or move in a new direction.
I don't know if this is the site for me either - I've asked for my account to be deleted from the moderators, and nobody even bothered to reply to my request.
I have enjoyed being on here and met some lovely people, but the Christian compassion and help part is lacking with some people on here - their hatred & contempt for people who they think are 'lesser' beings than them, or who they deem as 'ignorant of God's word' is almost palpable. Newbies are HERE TO LEARN - we want to be taught and made wise, and share in God's / Jesus love and compassion, not to be talked down to in a rude & derogatory manner sometimes, like we are nothing and nobody in this world.
You can teach others with loving patience, good manners, compassion and kindness.
I hope you stay on Dibby, but you gotta do what you gotta do. If you do go, all my best wishes for the future hey
PS: we all add our own unique blend of cultures, knowledge and wisdom on here - and I think that is just fantastic.