Question(s) for all

Is this forum for only Christian-related topics? (grrr., I hate saying that, but what I mean is topics that are OVERTLY "Christian" in the literal, technical sense... you know what I mean!) ....

Because, I've heard Greg say something like that... that things 'off-topic' and such are not welcome here. (like when my thread about makin' pies was deleted, etc.-- hes made it clear sorta that he dont like talkin' about non-overt Christian stuff, i believe.. which is fine! however... [will continue later])

I have observed that mostly all of the discussion on these forums have to do with the overtly Christian-themed stuff (Christian music, Christian news, Christian doctrine, Christian theology, Christian ethics, Christian everything. Nothing 'necessarily' wrong with that, but..

I'd just like to ask, what's wrong with talking and discussing with other Christians (from here) concerning 'everyday' things? Why are we so focused on discussing overtly Christian-related stuff, instead of stuff like makin' pies, bread, sewing, hiking, biking, whatever etc.? I think it's this sort of 'religiousity' that says those things aren't of worthy value or something... but anyways, I'd like to hear y'alls take on it.

I know, also, the 'mission' of SI, or whatever.. revival, yeah. :-P Don't need to remind me. But honestly, does that somehow negate the discussion of... cooking, sewing, biking, fill-with-whatever-hobby-or-your-
pasttime-is-such-as-music-general-history-or-biking etc?

And I understand that there are other forums out there. But this is spoken of and inferred/referred to as a fellowship... a lot of the times. It's a Christian communiy, at least. Maybe not a fellowship in the .. orthodox sense, but in the modern sense of the Internet it is. And as such it should consider and have the inclusion of everyday lifestyle things! heh

... I mean, anyone see what im talkin' about.....? I'm just interested in an open discussion about this in generality.. so to restate the question,

Why do we have a resistance to the discussion of everyday things that have good spiritual value and are eternal? (Yes, I mean that... makin' a pie has eternal value, as much so as praying.... as long as ya' doin' if you do it with the Spirit! We have this idea sorta, that only if you sit down on your knees and pray, that you walk into the spiritual realm, and that when you get up and do everyday things, you leave the spiritual realm and go into the carnal realm. yes there is truth to that, they are separate in form and physicality, but they are the same in Spirit.. [and hence, the discussion of making a pie is frowned upon, while the discussion of praying aint.)

Jordan

jordanamo

It is my understanding that this site is set up to educate, encourage, and discuss Christian life. For the most part, it is effective in doing that. If you are in need of some idle, time wasting chatter, there are millions of other web sites that do that just fine, but at the end of the day, you are no better off.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Jam 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;

Blessings Greg ;-)

jordanamo wrote:
Why do we have a resistance to the discussion of everyday things that have good spiritual value and are eternal? (Yes, I mean that... makin' a pie has eternal value, as much so as praying.... as long as ya' doin' if you do it with the Spirit! We have this idea sorta, that only if you sit down on your knees and pray, that you walk into the spiritual realm, and that when you get up and do everyday things, you leave the spiritual realm and go into the carnal realm. yes there is truth to that, they are separate in form and physicality, but they are the same in Spirit.. [and hence, the discussion of making a pie is frowned upon, while the discussion of praying aint.)
Jordan

Dear Jordan,

I know that for me, personally, if I want a recipe on a particular pie, I'll go to place (cooking website, magazine, textbook, etc) where I know they have a good reputation on the basics and fundamentals of baking or cooking.
It is my guess that you are, perhaps, searching for support of a more "community-based" site? I, myself, really hope this never does happen here. I get enough of the "things of the world" out in the world. It is much delight for me to come home after being in the secular environment most of the day (because I'm a blue-collar brother), go on-line, and listen to the saints of the past and the present. To me, this is a great privilege.
I'm a chef and some-what of a pastry chef... been doing it for half my life. But my real passion is the things of God... the heart of God... the history of God. It is rare to find such "dialogue" anywhere else in the cyberworld.
I wouldn't log-on everyday if SI was more community-based. The more that Christ Himself is discussed, the more captivated I am. He is my food and drink... nothing else satisfies my taste-buds.
So, I am not resistant to discussing every day things that happen in the world. There is, however, one thing more important to me than all the "empty-filler".... Christ Jesus. And I hope to God that never changes. The more Jesus, the better off I am :-D

richie

Jordan,
While I do understand what you mean, I don't believe this website was set up initially to discuss pies and sewing.

In commenting on our everyday lives, we can include things, for example, 'My witnessing was as flat as the cake I baked the other day, or even worse!'. Get my meaning?

But I think it's hard to listen to a sermon like Ten Shekels and a Shirt, and then to look for recipe for muffins, see what I mean.

I've no problem with the forum the way it is, if it changes, it changes.

But the thing is, if you start to bring things into your own life, that leaves less room for God.

That might seem far fetched, but I'll give an example.

A man in our church decided to train to become a soccer coach. A lot of the training took place at the weekends, including Sundays.

He missed church every other week, then more often, and now he only comes occasionally.

So, we can start to include things, as many churches are doing now, and have less of God.

They have more entertainment in the churches now, what about what God thinks about that?

Is He pleased or grieved?

He wasn't entertaining enough for Christians, let alone sinners, so now we have a sad example of the church in the 21st century.

Still, enough said.

God bless.

Hi jordanamo,

The purpose of SermonIndex is to encourage and propogate the earnest seeking of revival of true religion amongst God's people. The topics you wish to discuss are perfectly fine in themselves and fit well into a community of Christians. But they don't fit into the context of the public forum on this site.

There are other channels of communication on SI if you wish to do that however. You can always PM another member who might share the same interes or e-mail them.

In Christ,
Jeremy Hulsey

Hi, Jordan, I think you ask a valid question. After all, our Christian life should be assimilated into all aspects of life. And, sadly, we fail in many ways – preferring to hide out in our god-talk/church-talk. Jesus integrated all kinds of every day aspects of life into his preaching – used them as allegories, parable… he was deeply concerned about the basic human needs – like food

About that pie episode you refer to: Now, be real honest, Jordan, at that time did you really want to know something about pies, or where you trying to make a point - that is, you didn’t like the way things were going here, and that was the best way that you felt you could express yourself. I wonder if it was more about some strong feelings you had at the time – which had nothing to do with pies. (consider a post prior to that one)

Jordan, there are guidelines for a forum, but even still it is impossible to create that ideal environment where we can ask what we wish, and feel safe sharing everything that burdens us. Ideal Christian love can’t be enforced and is hard to maintain – even within my own heart! Yikes! And true, not all the thread topics are indicative of hearts searching for God or seeking revival.

More often than not you just have to be realistic (as opposed to idealistic). For example: I don’t put before the entire forum the nitty-gritty issues of piano pedagogy, editorial questions, or whatever details enter my life – even though, they ALL involve an aspect of my Christian walk. I seek appropriate sources ex: grammar sites, etc. You can google just about anything, or discuss various topics with people who can relate to them. Maybe a lonely elderly neighbor would love to chat about pies with you.

Does that help Jordan, or does it open up more questions for you?

Hang in there, you’re a thinker… keep it up!!

Diane

jimdiedtosin

If you want to swim, go to the pool.
If you want to skate, go to the rink.
If you want to race, go to the track.
If you want endless idle chatter, go to any number of web sites that cater to that.
If you want to learn and grow in your faith by discussing Spiritual things, go to Sermon index.

What's your problem with someone that says it the way it is????

Blessings Greg ;-)

The owners have the right to dictate what kind of discussions go on here. If you do not like it you can go elsewhere. Nobody is forcing you to post here. Since this is the case it is in our best interests to submit to their authority. Do you have a problem with that?

ginnyrose

What's your problem with someone that says it the way it is????

I believe he is here because he wants to grow in the Lord, and he needs good role models. Even if he isn’t perfectly refined in your eyes, can you accept that?

Smokey, if you are not turfed for your abrasive and hurtful words, consider it an act of grace. And perhaps in gratitude, why not be a good role model and friend for Jordan. If there’s anything he needs, it is the example and care of mature Christians who are gentle, gracious, merciful, and patient. Why! Here is a wonderful opportunity to apply the words you posted earlier:

Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;

Can you show him how it’s done?

Diane

i love SI for its "standard", :) i understand what you saying to brother...my recommendation is , get to know people there the treads and then through pm:s , and in private swap recipes talk about this or that, and in private talk about the other things.... i for one praise God for a real good pie ;) , but on SI i want the "spiritual food", i haven't found to many sites that are so focused on the seriousness of living as a Christian,