Stone Mason
New member
Every few months I check into TOL and have a look at the topics. On every occasion after reading though just a few topics I come across some rebuke and/or snide remark that someone makes about someone else. Generally the rebuke will come across as petty and mean spirited being an attack against the person, and not the point that they are trying to make. For some reason that kind of response appears to be encouraged here.
Normally Jesus rebuked the demonic, the elements or sickness. Against those that followed him he rebukes Peter for trying to convince him to not go to the cross, to the disciples for not believing that he would be resurrected, and most importantly for TOL, against James and John for wanting to call down fire from heaven to consume the Samaritans.
The last one is key for TOL because it involves the key problem with how individuals that have a difference of opinion are treated on the Forums.
May I recommend that the harsh rebukes on TOL be used as a last resort, instead of a first reflex? Save the harsh rebukes for those who are insincere about what they are talking about, or are trying to recommend something that is a clear moral wrong, like saying its ok to bomb kindergartens or something equally vile. Perhaps if that happens, others, like myself, will be more inclined to visit, and even participate more frequently.
Normally Jesus rebuked the demonic, the elements or sickness. Against those that followed him he rebukes Peter for trying to convince him to not go to the cross, to the disciples for not believing that he would be resurrected, and most importantly for TOL, against James and John for wanting to call down fire from heaven to consume the Samaritans.
When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call fire down from Heaven to destroy them [even as Elijah did]?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. And He said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of, for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” [Luke 9.54-55]
The last one is key for TOL because it involves the key problem with how individuals that have a difference of opinion are treated on the Forums.
May I recommend that the harsh rebukes on TOL be used as a last resort, instead of a first reflex? Save the harsh rebukes for those who are insincere about what they are talking about, or are trying to recommend something that is a clear moral wrong, like saying its ok to bomb kindergartens or something equally vile. Perhaps if that happens, others, like myself, will be more inclined to visit, and even participate more frequently.