What would you expect from a Christian forum?

[AnthonyCea]

If you pre-moderate all new user posts there would never be any porn spambots posting on your forum, creating user groups can solve this problem for you when you move your real members into a Super User Group not subject to post pre-moderation.

 

[Jeffin]

If you pre-moderate all new user posts there would never be any porn spambots posting on your forum, creating user groups can solve this problem for you when you move your real members into a Super User Group not subject to post pre-moderation.

Hi Anthony, we ended up pre-moderating all new members. It's been like that for quite a while and it works. With vbulletin we had automatic usergroup promotions plus custom field on rego page for them to fill in. With xf we are waiting on some of those features to be added. Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[kilcher]

I would be real careful with how you go about this. You're bound to get a lot of people who just want to debate and that might make things unpleasant for your current members.

I run a vegetarian forum, it's for vegetarians only. We've gone through the same thing. We tried to allow everyone but ultimately the members decided they were sick of dealing with people who didn't share their beliefs, they had to deal with that in their daily lives and wanted a place that was more supportive. And from an admin/mod perspective it was a nightmare. Trying to limit non-believers to special debate forums won't work either, they'll work their way into every discussion. Our main rule is you have to be either vegetarian or seriously considering going vegetarian. Something like that could work for you if you enforce it properly.

I'm not saying you shouldn't do it (though I wouldn't do it), but if you do, try to do it gradually. Or consider starting a spin-off forum.

 

[whynot]

Do you believe in Christianity?
Yes? Please join us.
No? Please find another forum.
Strict but safe.

 

[Tessa]

From a Christian Forum I think there would be interest in any of the following topics - theology, translation (Biblical), comparisons of modern day major religions, daily or weekly scripture discussion (the scripture to be picked by your forum leaders or linked along with a site like Biblegateway that has a verse of the day or other reading lists), links to similar or related sites, Christian fellowship and relationships, Christian adult relationships (not related to sex but a way to meet adults of similar beliefs), comparisons of organized religion and private worship. A book club type area for Christian reading (and even commentaries and review of films, video games and other similar entertainment).
The main thing, as mentioned, is tolerance without allowing 'trolling'. Users who seem to only create negative discussion within the forums should be asked to leave/banned.

 

[HannahP]

The better question might be what do you, as a Christian forum, expect from non-Christians?

You seem to believe or hope that a non-Christian might wander in and somehow see your light and become Christian, but realistically that isn't going to happen. Only someone who is predisposed to believing your ideology will become a convert. Anyone who is "non-Christian" is only going to be attracted to your forum to point out the flaws and inconsistencies in your dogma. As you have seen.

That goes for any forum that is pro anything, as everyone here should know by now. As others have suggested, the only way to maintain any semblance of sanity in an ideological forum is to allow access only to your fellow travellers. There isn't any question about that. We've been proving it as humans for thousands of years.

Kind of takes the missionary rush out of it, I understand, but the question seems odd to me; "If you are not a Christian, what would you expect out of a Christian forum." It's a bit like asking, "If you have no interest in tropical fish, what would you like to see in my tropical fish forum?" Well, nothing. I have no interest in your tropical fish forum.

 

[Tessa]

I dont necessarily agree with that viewpoint, mjp.
While it's true the chances are slim to convert someone on a forum, there is still a valid question in what a non-Christian would want.

For example, I am not a buddist nor a jehovah witness, but I have visited sites of both for information on them in order to better understand what they are all about. The same principle applies to anything - beliefs, skills, trades, clubs.

Of course any believer in/of anything would like to see more people embrace their beliefs, but that doesn't have to be the only reason for making a site friendly for 'non-believers' (in whatever your site is about).

 

[HannahP]

For example, I am not a buddist nor a jehovah witness, but I have visited sites of both for information on them in order to better understand what they are all about. The same principle applies to anything - beliefs, skills, trades, clubs.

Sites, yes. Forums - I have to say that they are they last place I normally look for general information about anything. Forums don't generally lend themselves to direct explanation or description.

 

[kilcher]

Sites, yes. Forums - I have to say that they are they last place I normally look for general information about anything. Forums don't generally lend themselves to direct explanation or description.

Eh, I disagree a bit. Obviously depends on the topic but many times I prefer to search out forums specifically. Especially if I'm needing help with something. Answers in forums tend to be written out in a way that's easy to understand. Plus you can read and see if other people have had problems following the instructions provided vs. just reading the instructions themselves.

 

[Tessa]

Sites, yes. Forums - I have to say that they are they last place I normally look for general information about anything. Forums don't generally lend themselves to direct explanation or description.

Generally I agree but I will check forums for sections like guides, sticky posts related to the subject I'm interested in. General postings may not provide me with information but the 'experts' on the forum can often add insight into the topic.

 

[Stuart Wright]

My forum is mainly for Christians to fellowship in a friendly manner. I want the community to also reach out to non-Christians so we can share our faith and perspectives from Biblical point of view. If you are not a Christian, what would you expect out of a Christian forum. Will really appreciate your suggestions.

I would expect you to keep your views to yourselves. You are entitled to your views, but don't bother me with them.

 

[Fred Sherman]

I helped moderate a Catholic forum for about one month. That was all I could take. Its hard to watch a community not practice the core values to which they claim a belief in. How can you moderate a community like that and hold on to your own faith, let alone not appear hypocritical to the very non-Christian to whom you would reach out?

You have a very difficult task ahead of you. So what would I expect? I would expect a community that lives out the message in their actions as well as their words. In short, preach the gospel at all times, use words only when necessary.

 

[Peggy]

I would expect you to keep your views to yourselves. You are entitled to your views, but don't bother me with them.

Excuse me?

I would think that anyone who joins a Christian forum would expect there to be Christian content all over the place. I would expect the same on any kind of forum. If it's a car forum, tool forum, atheist forum, etc. Why would, or should, a Christian forum be any different? If you join a Christian forum, knowing that it's a Christian forum, you need to be ready for Christian content, and people talking about their beliefs. If not, don't join.

 

[Jeffin]

I would expect you to keep your views to yourselves. You are entitled to your views, but don't bother me with them.

No probs. We're doing the same as any other business or community. You don't like it, reject it. Suggestion noted.

 

[dutchbb]

Excuse me?

I would think that anyone who joins a Christian forum would expect there to be Christian content all over the place. I would expect the same on any kind of forum. If it's a car forum, tool forum, atheist forum, etc. Why would, or should, a Christian forum be any different? If you join a Christian forum, knowing that it's a Christian forum, you need to be ready for Christian content, and people talking about their beliefs. If not, don't join.

He replied to this I believe:

"I want the community to also reach out to non-Christians so we can share our faith and perspectives from Biblical point of view."

One could read that as 'I want to contact non-Christians and tell them about Christianity. A bit like Jehovah's Witnesses. But the TS probably didn't mean it like that (I hope).

 

[Stuart Wright]

Excuse me?

I would think that anyone who joins a Christian forum would expect there to be Christian content all over the place. I would expect the same on any kind of forum. If it's a car forum, tool forum, atheist forum, etc. Why would, or should, a Christian forum be any different? If you join a Christian forum, knowing that it's a Christian forum, you need to be ready for Christian content, and people talking about their beliefs. If not, don't join.

I agree, someone joining a Christian community would expect there to be little else but Christian content.
However, he was asking about 'reaching out' to people which I understand to mean beyond the community.
I have no problem with Christian communities. My problem is if they start 'reaching out'.

 

[Peggy]

I agree, someone joining a Christian community would expect there to be little else but Christian content.
However, he was asking about 'reaching out' to people which I understand to mean beyond the community.
I have no problem with Christian communities. My problem is if they start 'reaching out'.

ahha... Sorry Stuart, I was still going off of his original question of what would you expect from a Christian forum. Meaning (to me) at a Christian forum.

I didn't even see the post that dutchbb quoted. The Bible does tell us to tell people about Jesus Christ, so we do. But I don't believe in hounding people like JW's do.

 

[Jeffin]

Reaching out it part of being a Christian. Ultimately the listeners/readers have the choice to accept or reject it. It's like advertisements we go through everyday. I didn't get offended by anyone here so no probs with me.

 

[Stuart Wright]

ahha... Sorry Stuart, I was still going off of his original question of what would you expect from a Christian forum. Meaning (to me) at a Christian forum.

I didn't even see the post that dutchbb quoted. The Bible does tell us to tell people about Jesus Christ, so we do. But I don't believe in hounding people like JW's do.

Peggy I respect your right to have what beliefs you choose. However, your bible also says that it's ok to keep and beat slaves. How many do you have in your household?

 

[Jeffin]

Peggy I respect your right to have what beliefs you choose. However, your bible also says that it's ok to keep and beat slaves. How many do you have in your household?

Hey Stuart, may be if you join my forums our member could explain it better. Just to let you know, slaves are servants or employees like how we have them today. They work for their owner/master/family. Bible talks about treating your slaves like your own family and not beat them. Killing a slave is punishable. I think its better these things are discussed at a Christian forum for a proper understanding. This thread was about promoting a religious forum to everyone.

If you do join my forum, send me a pm (Jeff).

If mods feel this thread should be closed at any time. I am happy with that.