Is FrappyDoo a Christian site?

[JacMac]

"No. In fact, if it turned into a Christian-dominated site or "holy huddle" as I like to call them, I would shut it down and start over. There are two forums (Bible Q&A and Discipleship Forum) out of 24 on the site related to Christianity, but all the others are general interest. If you want to argue about religion, please do so in The Great Debate forum.

As you will see in the forums, I am very much a conservative Christian, and I don't believe that the Bible condones Christians living in seclusion.

Everyone is welcome at FrappyDoo. We look for diverse opinions and backgrounds for our members and moderators."

I had to put this quote here because I am a bit angry. I am feeling like my opinions are not valued because I am not a gung-ho Christian. And just so y'all know, I am a confirmed Catholic who took what worked for me and fit it into the religion I found worked better for me and my belief system...and what "felt" right to me. I hold some Christian Values. They are the values that I feel are the basic foundation of ALL religions and what constitutes being a good person. But I have little tolerance for someone telling me that I am wrong or acting like the word "God" has been copyrighted into Christian "Scripture"...God is not yours only. This site is not supposed to be a "holy huddle" but almost every post in every forum is tinged with the Christian values. Most of it I can overlook, most of it I agree with....but not being told, if not "implied to" that my beliefs are wrong. They may be different but no less validated. If you don't want to embrace different beliefs on Frappy that is fine but don't blatently tell others that you are not a Christian site only to shoot down anyone who doesn't quote scripture. I don't go into the Bible forum because it is not my place but please don't go Christian-Crazy in every forum.

One of the reasons I left catholicism was the close-mindedness. The fact that only certain beliefs are deemed credible. The fact that none of life's "grey areas" are ever accounted for. I got into an abortion debate the other day and when I stated how I respect that some people view abortion as murder and it may be wrong in their heart but that doesn't mean that their heart makes the laws for other people's hearts, I was told that they would be the last person to tell someone how to feel. That IS what pro-life says. I know pro-choicers who would never have an abortion. I could be one. But we are pro-choice because we believe YOUR body should be YOUR decision. Pro-life says "because I believe it is murder you can't do it". I can't take being told my views are insignificant. I can follow my heart just like anyone else can. And If this is not the right forum to openly express my beliefs, then I will look elsewhere for people who are receptive to the way others feel and think.

Just "venting my spleen"....

[Justawoman]

Justawoman:Yep one of those things we will have to agree to disagree. I sure am the last person to ever tell anyone that something is wrong for them feel or do. Happy New Year JacMac.
From the Miracle Baby thread which I never said abortion in my initial thread. It was in fact brought up as an afterthought and it was I that felt like I was being attacked. I posted that story because the picture was in fact very moving. It was never intended to spark a heated debate about who is wrong or right: prolife or prochoice folks. I never thought of abortion when I posted it or read the article. I only saw beauty.

You said JacMac: I was told that they would be the last person to tell someone how to feel. That IS what pro-life says.

Well if that makes me prolife then so be it. But I tell you something even more astounding me; it makes me human to realize that my heart doesn't govern yours. If you find offense to Jim's obvious show of faith by refering to the fact that he stated:

I can't think of any Scripture to back this theory up.

then you sound like someone looking for a quarrel. He was just stating something that came to my mind as well. Most theories can be either backed-up by some sort of fact, inside experience, general knowledge, etc.... I have yet to talk to a person with an individual thought or theory didn't base their belief on something they experienced in some form or fashion. I don't believe Jim typed that to offend you. Why do people find christianity so threatening? Don't tell me I am wrong by believing like I do. It works both ways.

[JacMac]

I don't know how else I was supposed to take that my view wasn't backed by scripture. It is implying that scripture is the only place to back up a religious question. Has anyone proven God's existence? Faith and Science are not always interchangeable and basically how I took Jim's comment was that my theory was not valid because it wasn't supported in scripture. It said to me that I can not have an opinion or belief about God that isn't backed by scripture. If I search around for similar theories from Religious Gurus will that make it more valid? or does it need to be in a scripture before it will be considered worth a second thought?

I respect that you are supporting Jim on this, but I am no less insulted. I am not looking for a quarrel but I am looking to learn from other's views. If someone can give me good reason that I find logical, or even if I feel it in my heart without logic, I will adapt my views and I will have grown. I am not trying to argue wrong or right, but open minds including my own to other possibilities and ways of thought. In my post on the subject I didn't state my view and say that everyone is wrong or prove to me why you feel this way I said I looked forward to hearing other's opinions.

It was the same as the abortion bit. You said that you never thought of abortion when you read the article but this is what the article says "You see, fetal surgery draws inescapable attention to the patients -- unborn children. And that's precisely what abortion advocates have long dreaded." That is such an ignorant statement and it is simply offensive to me as a person who sees the gray area of life. You claim that you are pro-life and yet also claim that your heart doesn't govern mine. Pro-lifers are trying to make abortion illegal. The law governs what I do. Therefore you are telling me that I can not have an abortion because you feel it is wrong. That article stereotyped all of us who are not against abortion, making us sound like evil monsters. I saw the miracle of saving a child from the misery of disability - I worked with disabled children for years, I know what they go through as well as the families. I am far from heartless. You posted the link to that article which proceeded to bash abortion, that is the only reason I came back with the abortion post. I do not look for arguments, but I do not feel that the posts here are very embracing to different view points.

I was originally excited to find this forum because it was people from different walks of life, but I'm now feeling pushed out because of it.

[jamesglewisf]

I addressed this in the other thread. I made an assumption about your religion that was wrong. Based on that assumption, I stated that I couldn't find any support for your theory in Scripture. I wasn't trying to attack you. I really do want you to be a member here and to post whatever opinions you have. I think you need to be ready to have them discussed, however. That's the point of a discussion forum, especially when it is in "The Great Debate."

If you are feeling pushed out by my one comment, then I apologize. That wasn't the intent. If you were a fellow Christian, then it would have been my responsibility to compare anything you say to Scripture. Since you are not, then I retract my comment.

Please note that I didn't call you any names. I didn't tell you to go away. I just said that I couldn't find anything in Scripture to back up your theory. That's not an attack. That's a statement. Again, if disagreeing is going to be considered an attack, then how can we ever discuss anything?

It would be a real shame if you decided to leave because someone disagreed with you. If someone was rude, then stand up and say, "Don't be rude." But if they just disagree, then rejoice that we are not all identical in our beliefs. I personally hope you stick around. I enjoy our discussions and your participation in them.

[jamesglewisf]

I agree about not wanting posts everywhere to be filled with Christian stuff. There are three forums where it is expected - Discipleship, Bible Q&A, and The Great Debate. The Great Debate is the forum where religious debates are supposed to occur, so it was very appropriate in that other thread.

That said, I don't send emails asking members to stop mentioning God everywhere. There are times when I feel like it because I want more non-Christians to join. I don't particularly like all of the Christian member names, Christian quotes in signatures, and Christianese used at Frappydoo. However, I don't censor the Christians or non-Christians. Would I prefer it wasn't all there? YES!!! I want non-Christians to join and I fear that they won't if all they see is a bunch of Christians speaking in Christianese.

The oddest part of all of this is that you were offended because you thought I was attacking you as a non-Christian. Quite the opposite. I thought I was challenging the opinion of a Christian, not a non-Christian. I'm more likely to be hard on Christians who have opinions I don't feel are backed up by Scripture.

We have many threads about cajun food, holidays, riddles, brainteasers, favorite foods, movies, actors, politics, pet preferences, etc. that have no mention of religion in them. You can talk all you want about things at FrappyDoo and never mention religion. The idea that religion ought to be hands-off when it comes to discussions is not very realistic, however. If you are not offended when I disagree with you about movies or food, why are you offended if I disagree with you about religion? The fact that someone might disagree with one of your posts does not mean that he thinks you shouldn't post it or that you have no right to be a member and give your opinion. It just means that he is discussing it at a discussion forum.

So please, JacMac, stay at FD. Invite your friends. Know that as the owner of the board I want you here and will defend your right to post any opinion you want. I value your opinion. That's why FD is here.

[Justawoman]

My apologies as well JacMac and Jim if I over stepped.

[OnceByten]

Just my 2 cents here guys. But, I don't find Frappy Doo overly religious. I am not a very religious person. I do believe in God, and recently have been doing some reading of my own on the topic, however I don't find this site to be a "Christian" site.

There are alot of sites out there that ram their religious views down your throat, I don't feel that way here. I know that there are many of you that have strong Christian values and I respect that. However, if I felt that anyone were trying to "convert" me to their ways I would be gone. I think that each person should be able to decide for himself when and where if ever they want to be religious.

Have a nice day! :)

[Justawoman]

I have to agree Once. I don't go to church. But we do study the Bible and it has shaped some of my decisions. I quit going to church when they began to spout to my children about having friends outside the church family and how wrong that was. I can make up my own mind how much spirituality works for me.

[jamesglewisf]

Just my two cents worth - anyone who told you that your children should only have Christian friends doesn't have support in Scripture. My church has huge programs to bring children from the neighborhood into the church via sports programs and such. Maybe you just need to find a different church.

[JacMac]

Hey everyone...

Just a note, I don't feel that it is necessarily the topic of every thread, but I do feel that it sometimes permeates in the advice given. I usually don't mind. I did this time in particular because of the obvious misunderstanding between Jim and I. I do not have any problem debating religion or in having anyone disagree with me. I enjoy debate and am willing to "agree to disagree" when each side makes it point and it is simply a dead debate. I have no problem with any of these. I simply took offense to what was said because I did not know where Jim was coming from, and Jim said what he did because he did not know where I was coming from. I am more than happy to talk about my beliefs and the many religions I have pulled them from. I am fine if those beliefs are disagreed with. I simply felt attacked. We have resolved that situation, however, and I look forward to participating in more frappy posts. Thank you, everyone, for making me feel more like a valued member and not a moving target.
{gangster}

[theyeti]

I think one source of much frustration here comes from the way we approach debates. If I want to argue why widgets are good, for example, I don't want to hear what the Old Testament has to say about widgets. I'm not a Christian or a Jew or a Muslim, so it doesn't apply to me any more than what Socrates or Bob down the street says about widgets. From the POV of someone, like me, who is trying to persuade others that widgets are good, pulling religion into it as the final word on the topic is highly frustrating. And from the POV of someone, also like me, who is trying to explore my own beliefs, it doesn't do me any good at all. If I wanted to know what the Old Testament says about widgets I would've gone to the Bible Q&A forum and asked.
(And if I wanted to know what Bob says about widgets I would've gone down the street and asked him.)

Anyway, my random thought is this: might we be better off keeping the religious arguments in the religion forum instead of the other way around? I mean if we're duking it out between Animism and Zoroastrianism, that belongs in the debate section because we don't have Animism and Zoroastrianism sections. But if we're approaching things from a Christian perspective (e.g., according to scripture, widgets are not natural), isn't that more suited for the Christian forums than anywhere else?

[Justawoman]

We are currently looking for another church. I am actually shopping around. We attend, what some here in our town, would call a non-church. They opt to meet on Thursday nights and real early Sunday mornings. It is so non-holy huddlish ( I really liked that phrase) that you immediately feel comfortable going in. You might say we have just gotten lazy and not been in awhile. And as yeti said," Isn't that more suited for the Christian forums than anywhere else."

Hang around JacMac... you are good for me. You make me think!!! I would rather have wrinkles on the brain than on the face.

[JacMac]

Justawoman...I like that...wrinkles on the brain....and thank you. I like conversing with you as well...you show me a lighter side to life!

Theyeti...I agree. There are things that just don't seem right to bring religion into. BTW what made you think of Widgets? that is too funny! But seriously, that is what I'd been feeling. Of course it kind of welled up and exploded with the whole scripture line, but that was actually on a religious thread. I think debating religion is fine where it is, because I'm interested in it, but truthfully - I never go into the Christian Forums...well...I did once to see how a "satinist" was defined...because...I was ready to defend myself {witch}. But it turns out that that guy wasn't what I practice and sounded like a real satanist...but anywho...I think theyeti makes sense...widgets and all.

[jamesglewisf]

Anyway, my random thought is this: might we be better off keeping the religious arguments in the religion forum instead of the other way around? I mean if we're duking it out between Animism and Zoroastrianism, that belongs in the debate section because we don't have Animism and Zoroastrianism sections. But if we're approaching things from a Christian perspective (e.g., according to scripture, widgets are not natural), isn't that more suited for the Christian forums than anywhere else?
The Bible Q&A is where people can ask what the Bible says about something or what something in the Bible means. It is not a place for debates about religion.

The Discipleship forum is a place for Christians to discuss Christianity so that it isn't everywhere else in the board.

The Great Debate is the place that you go to debate hot topics. The two hottest topics are politics and religion. I don't prevent non-Christians from giving the reasons for their beliefs. I'm not going to prevent Christians from giving the reasons for their beliefs either.

Almost every board I visit that has a debate section has debates about religion. FrappyDoo is not different. Before FD closed in 2001, we had a lot more balance in our membership. I wish it could get back there. If people like theyeti and JacMac and others will just stick around and invite their friends, then maybe it will. And frankly, it might help if some of the Christians here were a little less in-your-face with their sigs, user profiles, user names, and posts. It might also help if people (like theyeti) didn't limit their posts to politics. Before this election, theyeti, you used to participate a lot more at FD, and you didn't limit your posts to controversial issues. You used to have some fun too. I sure wish the theyeti that I asked to a moderator would come back and start joining in again.

Frankly, I get tired of Christians who are offended by non-Christians having a point-of-view. I also get tired of non-Christians who think that Christians have to leave their religion at Church. Do I sometimes slip into it myself? Yes. I'm just as human as everyone else. I'm not going to force anyone to do anything, but I sure wish everyone would relax and try to have a little more fun. FrappyDoo can be a lot more than debates about abortion, gay marriage, politics, and religion.

We have a lot of fun topics and current event topics. Let's try to have more of it. I love the fact that Bruisy shared her problems. That's the kind of thing that can make FD more of a family.

[Justawoman]

Almost every board I visit that has a debate section has debates about religion. FrappyDoo is not different. Before FD closed in 2001, we had a lot more balance in our membership. I wish it could get back there. If people like theyeti and JacMac and others will just stick around and invite their friends, then maybe it will. And frankly, it might help if some of the Christians here were a little less in-your-face with their sigs, user profiles, user names, and posts. It might also help if people (like theyeti) didn't limit their posts to politics. Before this election, theyeti, you used to participate a lot more at FD, and you didn't limit your posts to controversial issues. You used to have some fun too. I sure wish the theyeti that I asked to a moderator would come back and start joining in again.

You hit the nail on the head Jim. The other forum I still post has religion all over the board and not just delegated to the back closet. I miss seeing yeti's input as well as CG's. Difference of opinion, all be it heated at times, is what makes life colorful.

[JacMac]

well I'm here with my many colors {benetton}

and I'm willing to stick around and see where we go. I think CG is back now too...and I have a feeling yeti will come around {headspin}

I'll bat my eyes and see what happens....
just kidding y'all....

(J.A.W did I use that correctly? I have always liked that term better than "you guys" or even worse "yous guys"...how dumb is that?)

[Justawoman]

Yep that is the plural form. You all is singular and never say," you people" that is just down right rude to do. If you have to use your or your's never put all after it. Doesn't work!! *L*

[Noseypoo]

So, what about "All of y'all" ?

[JacMac]

makes sense to me...I don't know what Grammar would say about it....

[Justawoman]

redundant Noseypoo. Y'all says all of y'all..


Wow hurts my head to think about the way I have talked all my life in a social setting. Geez you two stop it already. Going to have to find me a Texas talkin dictionary and set you both straight. *LOL*

[Noseypoo]

Bahaha {toothy}

[Grimey]

Gee, I missed all of the fun.

Anyhoo, if I've ever said anything to annoy you, my bad. I'm glad you're sticking around, JacMac.

{offtop} Noseypoo - You're about to hit 500 posts.

[Noseypoo]

{offtop} Noseypoo - You're about to hit 500 posts.
4 more posts! http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/banana/banana.gif
Is there anything special I can do once I reach 500 posts? {dizzy}

[Justawoman]

Apply to be Moderator. I figured I had a time watching my ownself. Better not try to watch you all.

Hey JacMac did you catch that I used it right??? to quote Noseypoo :

Bahaha

[Noseypoo]

Apply to be Moderator. I figured I had a time watching my ownself. Better not try to watch you all.
Oh boy ... I don't think I would make too good of a moderator ... I'd get myself in trouble {angel}

[Grimey]

4 more posts! http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/banana/banana.gif
Is there anything special I can do once I reach 500 posts? {dizzy}
Stick out your tongue at everyone who has fewer posts and call them slackers.

[JacMac]

Hi y'all...slacker here...

see...this whole dial up thing...nosey your banana isn't even dancin'! The reason I know he should be is I saw him first at work! Sad....I am so out of touch...and dizzy isn't dizzy, either. His eyes are just asymmetrical. He looks like he fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down, but his eyes aren't moving....

Thanks for the boost there Grimey...nice to see you again. {wavey}

[JacMac]

Nosey and J.A.W., I really don't know why that strikes me as so funny but it cracks me up!!!!! I just keep picturing that little green dude nosey uses...when he turns his head to the side (not that I can appreciate him on this dumb dial-up!) that laugh is what I hear! Bahaha...so unbelievably funny!

[Noseypoo]

Stick out your tongue at everyone who has fewer posts and call them slackers.
Good one {thumbsu}
Nosey and J.A.W., I really don't know why that strikes me as so funny but it cracks me up!!!!! I just keep picturing that little green dude nosey uses...when he turns his head to the side (not that I can appreciate him on this dumb dial-up!) that laugh is what I hear! Bahaha...so unbelievably funny!
Bahaha ... now that is funny! http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/lachen/lachtot.gif
You do have a point though, it cracks me up everytime too.

Oh, Jim ... you might want to add a new smilie to your collection ;)

[Justawoman]

Then he wouldn't be yours Nosey. We would all abuse him. He is so cute.

[Noseypoo]

I don't mind sharing {toothy}

[CuriousG]

I know I'm a little late on the topic to chime in, but just to add my two cents...

When certain topics are debated, and they have moral implications, the morality is often rooted in religious philosophy, so its hard to keep that separate sometimes. This is especially true if you are someone who uses religious idealogy as a guide for your life. Is that right or wrong? Well it depends on your religious or unreligious persuasion, but in the end it is what it is, just a debate. To invalidate someones opinion because it is based on religious undertones is just as counterproductive as invalidating someones opinion because they are agnostic. In the end, it comes down to what society as a whole can agree to compromise to, while protecting rights of the minority.

[JacMac]

Then he wouldn't be yours Nosey. We would all abuse him. He is so cute.

{smash}
http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/lachen/2305.gif

I couldn't resist!

[theyeti]

Re: CuriousG's thoughts -

It points directly to the value of having and, more importantly, utilizing an open mind.

If Bob constructs all his beliefs on Religious Thought A, and Sue on Religious Thought B, neither of them could possibly benefit at all from a discussion between the two unless they are willing to modify their thinking in one direction or another. An exchange between them would hardly even qualify as a discussion - they're both simply laying their beliefs on the table.

Perhaps part of the unrest is that some people want to go beyond the what the beliefs are and explore the why, and then, challenge and explore that too.

[JacMac]

well said Yeti...