Forum for discussions on theology

The thread "Thoughts on apologetics and theological discussions" was shut down because it veered off into theological discussion. This made me wonder: is there a place in this forum to have theological discussions? I looked across the landscape (https://community.logos.com/forums/?ssi=0) and I couldn't find one.

It is possible that Faithlife doesn't want to allow theological discussions. And they have a right to do what they want. But I think it can be a win-win for all.

Faithlife can stand to benefit because people will bring up resources that make their point. This might make participants want to buy the resources that are spotlighted.

There is no need for forum MVPs to waste their time to make sure people stick to non-theological issues because this "new" forum is meant for theological debates.

People will have fun getting to learn different points of view. I know my views have changed dramatically over the last few years. One of my colleagues is a dyed-in-the-wool Catholic and I can see the logic behind some rituals, which many Protestants will protest against. As a researcher, I am open to changing my views as long as people back it up with Bible verses and logic (which ultimately is from God too). God knows that we all have blind spots and gaps in our theology.

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

David Wanat

I think they want to prevent it turning into denominational fights. It would probably require a lot of moderation to keep that under control

Rosie Perera

Faithlife created ChristianDiscourse.com for that purpose, to take theological discussions off the forums (here's a blog post announcing it). But it seems to be dead. Going to that link just takes you to faithlife.com. Mind you, faithlife.com is also a forum where people can create groups for theological discussions or whatever they want, and they are unmoderated. There are a few such groups on there (including one that was apparently created to discus ChristianDiscourse.com) but it doesn't look like there's been much recent activity on any of them. Search for groups of interest using keywords like discourse, discussion, theology, etc.

EDIT: Correction -- the site is actually ChristianDiscourse.net and it's still there. Apologies for the misremembered URL.

JT (alabama24)

Faithlife created ChristianDiscourse.com for that purpose, to take theological discussions off the forums (here's a blog post announcing it). But it seems to be dead.

It was a summer internship project (or something like that).

Greg Dement

I would like to participate In something like this. Truly to learn more about other viewpoints, not to be right. Hopes would be that participants would keep things respectful. Likely things will go off course at times. The easy solution if I am offended or feel it goes in a wrong direction is to just stop responding, stop reading or stop participating in the discussion.

I have not participated for too long is this forum but seems that most often people are offended by moderators not enforcing the rules when they get theological, etc. Which is fair to feel that way because of the rules of this forum. That particular offense would not exist in a theological forum by the very nature of that forum being for that purpose.

We all know that there have been people on this forum that seem to thrive on starting controversy for that sake of controversy and become belligerent, I pray they either don’t participate or the rest of us have the wisdom and discernment not to engage.

David Wanat

I would like to participate In something like this. Truly to learn more about other viewpoints, not to be right. Hopes would be that participants would keep things respectful. Likely things will go off course at times. The easy solution if I am offended or feel it goes in a wrong direction is to just stop responding, stop reading or stop participating in the discussion.

I have not participated for too long is this forum but seems that most often people are offended by moderators not enforcing the rules when they get theological, etc. Which is fair to feel that way because of the rules of this forum. That particular offense would not exist in a theological forum by the very nature of that forum being for that purpose.

We all know that there have been people on this forum that seem to thrive on starting controversy for that sake of controversy and become belligerent, I pray they either don’t participate or the rest of us have the wisdom and discernment not to engage.

I think the problem is, there’s always some person who has to ruin it for the rest to start spewing stuff from whatever anti- they belong to. When those of the aggrieved groups try to challenge that, that person inevitably doubles down. It’s not always malicious of course. Some of them don’t understand why the others are offended.

if FL wants that problem to deal with on a different forum, that’s their prerogative. I just hope it’s not done here. We might see people with grudges carry over to the rest of the forums.

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

The thread "Thoughts on apologetics and theological discussions" was shut down because it veered off into theological discussion. This made me wonder: is there a place in this forum to have theological discussions?

Thankful for forum focus continuing to be using Faithlife Corporation software and resources.

Thankful for variety of Faithlife groups: e.g. Mobile Ed courses about Theological topics & Christian Discourse

Thankful for Faithlife creating Christian Discourse many years ago for theological discussions. Christian Discourse web site became unresponsive. Thankful for a customer, Jan, creating: https://christiandiscourse.net whose focus is respectful online theological discussion (number of active posters has diminished). Long thread => Jesus ? "Not God" ? Savior ? shows no participant changed theological beliefs during online discussion.

Keep Smiling [:)]

MJ. Smith

I have not participated for too long is this forum but seems that most often people are offended by moderators not enforcing the rules when they get theological, etc. Which is fair to feel that way because of the rules of this forum. That particular offense would not exist in a theological forum by the very nature of that forum being for that purpose.

You are working off a false premise. There are no moderators to enforce the rules. There are people who actual read to the end of the guidelines and follow them and those who do not.

Please keep your discussions focused on Logos Bible Software: our software, products, websites, company, tools, etc.

Please do not discuss or debate biblical, theological, or other controversial topics. Use one of the many web forums intended for these kinds of discussions.

Please treat each other with the love, courtesy, respect, and kindness that you would if you were sitting in your living room together.

Please do not use our forums to
sell or give away anything or link to anything you’re selling or giving away—including Logos products

promote or link to competitors

promote affiliate links or discounts

point people to other places that sell Logos-compatible products

advertise yourself, your business, your ministry, your website, etc. (a tasteful link in your forum signature is acceptable)

post Logos Coupon Codes. If you are aware of a special promotion Logos is running online, you are welcome to link directly to the promotion.

Please search before posting. It’s likely that someone has already asked your question.

Please help others follow these guidelines. If the problems continue after you’ve given a gentle reminder of these expectations, please click “Report Abuse” under “More” or send an email to forums@logos.com. If a user is a repeat offender, we may temporarily suspend their account. If the offenses continue, we reserve the right to permanently ban the offender's account from the forums either by shadow banning it or blocking it entirely.

I get attacked for following the final guideline when someone insults another group or person rather than being supported by other Christians doing the right thing. I get attacked for not following the guidelines when I go directly to the "report abuse" step for habitual offenders rather than interacting with them publicly as subjecting everyone to what is the known response. I've grown accustomed to being a lightning rod in the forums ... it is great improvement over the days when virulent anti-Catholic posts were not uncommon ... and it's been great to watch the tempering of comments re: Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Bereans . . .But remember, if you were to give the "gentle reminder of these expectations", then I would not have to ... and my image on the forums would change dramatically.

1Cor10 31

Thank you all for the thoughtful comments.

Rosie: It looks like ChristianDiscourse.com didn't take off. I guess convenience might be a reason. If the Forum allows theological conversations, it will be convenient because everything will be in one place.

David: I attend a Presbyterian church, but I have attended Methodist, Pentecostal, and non-denominational churches over the years. Why? I care about a good sermon. I don't think all our theology fits neatly in one bucket. If I want a church that perfectly fits my theology, I may never find one. So I don't think it is going to be one denomination fighting another. Maybe, your experience is different.

David: If people are interested in fighting, people can figure who they are quite easily (I'm thinking). All we have to do is not take the bait and not respond as Greg Dement suggested. Hopefully, that will be enough. People who are interested in seeing other points of view can benefit from a discussion. I know I have several differences with people at my church. When I hear theology that is jarring to my senses, depending on the audience, I either just smile and not say anything (because I know the argument will go nowhere) or decide to say a little to see the reaction and take it from there. I am sure each one has their own way of dealing with theological differences.

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus: I am not interested in convincing people of my theology. I am more interested in convincing myself of what I believe in. If I am not convinced, I would like to change what I believe in. Maybe, others are different.

MJ: Sorry you are in a no-win situation sometimes. I don't envy your position. Despite all that, you serve people here on this forum by helping out immensely. Appreciate that you are willing to serve despite being served scorn.

Potential solution: People who want to start a theological discussion could name the thread, "Theological Debate...." For example, it could be "Theological Debate: Can people lose their salvation?" When Faithlife moderators see the title, they don't have to worry about it anymore.

Greg Dement

Since your comment came in response to mine. I just want to clarify your communication.
If you were just pointing out my false premise, fair point I stand corrected. I was commenting on what I see forum participants complain about (perhaps what they perceive is not accurate.) I have never personally had that complaint.

If you are also grouping me as an “attacker” I ask you to read through every comment I have made, which are relatively few for this forum and reevaluate. I think you will see I have been nothing but kind and respectful of you. I respect the forum, the participants and MVPs.

Blair Laird

Dialogue Group https://faithlife.com/catholic-orthodox-and-protestant-dialogue-group/activity

Ken McGuire

I very much understand the desire to push the forum guidelines to speak about theology. I have been guilty of pushing it myself.

But the purpose of this forum is for Logos and Verbum users to discuss how to use the software, and provide feedback to Faithlife. As such, it needs to be a place where all users can ask questions without the flame wars we see all too often on the Internet.

There are more than a few long time users here who have shown that they have both the knowledge and patience for theological discussion - probably with minimal moderation. But there are also people who have not shown this history - and the history of internet discussion groups shows that discussions can easily go off the rails and need a LOT of moderation.

Faithlife tried for a while for a place for this. But it didn't catch on. I would much rather Faithlife continue their work on their software than try to meet this desire.

MJ. Smith

I very much understand the desire to push the forum guidelines to speak about theology. I have been guilty of pushing it myself.

Noted and considered. It may have been an error in judgment but I had been accused of having "favorites" that I unfairly did not call out. I assumed that providing a Logos resource without referencing to its theological content, was a gentle rebuke. I may have overthought it for which I apologize.