Ladies and gentlemen, the last several days have proven to be quite an enlightenment to me. The site has grown tremendously in its readership and, I hope in its usefulness to those with loved ones taken advantage of by the pimps and those who need assurance that they need to leave a church pastored by a pimp.
But an interesting thing appears to be happening. More and more people are appearing to argue doctrine. Most of them appear to be Oneness proponents. And they seem to be more and more insistent in their arguments. If you recall, starting around Thanksgiving Righter and the guy from Tennessee came in and began an involved thread about the trinity and other stuff. Then Antoine the Incoherent came in and began his doctrinal babblings. He has since initiated a chat area and is occupying himself there. Immediately after that, Mr. Morning began his offense (as opposed to a defense).
Because of this most interesting turn of events, I suspect I need to reconsider how long I give a person to post off topic comments. I do not have, and I don’t especially want, a set rule for banning people. But it is obvious that more and more people who simply want to present their doctrine (with or without supposed biblical support [think here Mr. Morning and Antoine]) threaten to chew up the bandwidth and our energy with irrelavent (in terms of the site’s purpose) comments.
The purpose of this site is to expose the pimps and the bad doctrine they promote. It is not to hold debates with shakey jakes like the folks I have mentioned. Yes, these people do serve as very effective training aids. After all, we will run across people like them in our walk. We may as well pay attention to how they think and see if we can actually communicate with them. But I suspect their usefulness is very limited within the context of this site. Please understand that I will not be banning people because I disagree with them or because I don’t like what they are saying.
Al is right. By trying to address the assertions of the doctrinal flakes, and by trying to give them a fair shake, I do run the risk of being diverted from the main task at hand - warning about the pimps and exposing their antics. As a result, you will be seeing far fewer long-running doctrinal threads, unless the comments are in direct response to a posting I have published. For instance, in a couple of days, I will be revisiting the concept of God’s sovereignty and Calvinism (calm down GaryV). Naturally, the comments and responses will not be directly applicable to the pimps.
I thank you all for your prayers and comments. As I have said in the past, I’m never too sure of who benefits from the site more, the readers or me.
By the way, I will take the poll out to 31 votes. But I suspect no matter the results the banning of Morning will stand unless someone presents a mighty good argument to keep him.
If you don’t maintain some level of control the misguided will over-run your blog. The more one of them sees others are given an open opportunity to divert with false teaching the more they and others will be inspired to continue and/or join in.
Not that you want to do away with all disagreement, but some folks hate this blog and want to do nothing but waste your time and tear it down.
Don’t let the vipers feel they can treat this blog like their home.
By the way, I have been lurking around Antoine’s site(s) and the more he talks the more he is sounding like a not-too-well-trained Jehovah’s Witness. I think my decision to banish him to the netherlands was a good one.
Thanks Melvin for doing what you did. I would read some of these long winded people who would not address the issue. Just get to the point and move on. Melvin, a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.
I just want to say thanks, and that I appreciate the dialogue that goes on here.
Something I really could not hold with anyone (initially) apart from here.
The interaction has caused me to dig deeper and understand the importance of “context” of the scriptures….in which certain differences are ascertain ground for dis assembling in many stanzas….but yet other instances are cause for rejoicing as there are others in likewise in the faith….and that we are not alone. Amen for that.
As I have always believed there were some instances of inaccuracy among what the mainstream church propagates. If I am to live for Christ, at least let me live according to his truth and not what attempts to make me feel good with “positive” words.
Though I still don’t agree (totally) with smaller things in regard to addressing these individuals, overall the interaction and global view of what this site aims to do nonetheless aids me tremendously.
Thank God. Keep the faith Melvin, Mav, GaryV, G2, tog, BT, Beryle, Deb, Tweet, Al, Derrick the Gladiator, and others…….
hi gridikins, can you please tell me what the ALM stands for? if they’re your initials, and you’d rather not share your name ok. but i thought besides your initials it could be the name of the school where you played football. thanks.
Oh no…just name initials. When I initially started blogging here, I was ALM….then about 3 weeks into….I figured I had to think of some kind of screen name. That’s where Gridiron came. To keep a clear thread of communication, I had my ALM initially on my name as to identify myself as the same individual….kinda just stuck and never deviated from it…..
Stick to the purpose of the site, Melvin. Please. It’s easy to get sucked into long debates and diatribes against/for trinitarianism.
I want to hear more about people’s responses to pimp and pimpology.
Eric.
I am so happy that I found this site, you are right on target, Bro you must remember PEOPLE will always contradict the word of God for one reason or the other but at the same time do remember that things must be done in decency and in order what I am trying to say is that be like your Father who does things in decency and in order, KEEP ORDER ON THE BOARD AND do not allow the Devil to distract you with USELESS debates, KEEP THE FOCUS BRO
God Bless and keep writing
All I can say is I’m thankful that I found this website - keep up the good work.
I must say that I like this site. I have been working on something that I promised to do regarding women pastors (the “pro” side), but since it seems like things will be shifting away from doctrinal debates, I’ll put it on hold permanently. I don’t want to cause confusion or take away from the purpose of the site. I don’t always agree with everything that’s said, but that’s o.k. I still like to read it. Melvin, you are in charge of the site and I think you should do with it what you believe God called you to do with it and go on from there. And by the way, be careful at the T.D. Jakes revival. As you well know, right or wrong, some folks really like this man and will argue you down over your point of view. I’m sure you’re prepared, but just be careful because some people can be really nasty. Peace & blessings…
(MN: I definitely understand. I’ve pretty much decided not to carry on any prolonged conversations with T. Dexter’s marks. I’ll be working very hard to let the pamphlet do the talking. If folks want to talk later, that’d be good. )
Hi Brother Melvin! My prayers are with you too—have sent ministering angels who excel in strength and do God’s commandments, hearkening to the voice of HIS word, to watch over you and make HIS way straight before you. Much love, Beryle & house.
Robin, where have you been, little bird?? Nice to see you back. Don’t be such a “lurker”………join in more often!!
Hello, Gary!!!! I had to finish up the school semester, etc. And then with sickness (I suffered two bouts of that “cold” thing that was going around), Christmas and family stuff, December turned out to be a busier month than I thought it would be.
I promise I won’t be a “lurker” (smile). I’ll try to join in every now and then. I just really enjoy reading the posts.
Everyone have a good New Year’s weekend. I wish each of you the best in 2007!!!!! Peace!!!!
Robin, Robin, Robin………….why suffer with sickness when you can get an anointed prayer handkerchief from so many of the subjects of this site?? The LEAST you could have done was put your hand on the TV screen over Benny’s.
Sheesh……..
I know. I know. But I seem to have misplaced all of my anointed prayer cloths and handkerchiefs. And then on the other hand, perhaps I just don’t have enough faith to keep myself well. I guess I lost my healing and got sick the second time because I didn’t have enough faith to sustain my original healing. Woe is me!!!!!!
By the way, we can talk pure doctrine, just in measured amounts. Most of what we discuss is doctrine, just doctrine related to the believer’s responsibilities, the pastor’s authority, and the validity of some of the pimps’ claims.
What did you have in mind with the lady pastors subject?
Hi, Melvin. It was sort of a counterpoint to the argument that women can’t be pastors. I’d promised to do it after I finished the school semester; however, based on what I’m gathering about what the tone/nature of our posts should be, I don’t think it’s appropriate anymore. And that’s fine because I’m sure there’ll be plenty of other interesting subjects.
(MN: No problem. )
aww gee, robin i was so looking forward to your view on the women pastors subject- oh well.
blessings & peace 2u girl.
peace & blessings to you too, mrs. maverick!!!!!!
I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention and my last two comments showed up as “Anonymous”. I think I’ve fixed that now.
(MN: No problem. I figured it was you. )
Melvin why do you blog? Your boy (G. Craig Lewis) is against it. Keep it real and post this:
http://www.geocities.com/centerofworship/G_CRAIG_LEWIS_AGAINST_BLOGGING.wav
(MN: You’re still not making any sense. And you violated your parole. Consider yourself re-banned. )
Antoine!!! Nice to see you…………what religion are you following today??
I hear that some folks have taken to worshipping a porcelain god. They keep in a special room with a porcelain sink and a porcelain toiletpaper holder (not too trinitarian for you, is it??).
They require much alcohol in their worship. You should get in on the ground floor of that religion ASAP………….If anyone could use stoned followers, it’s you.
LOL!
hey righter! what’s up girl?
Hey mav.
HNY 2u–:-)
Just watching–and praying-:-)–and laughing of course–(not rolling on the floor though cause I am tooo old for that kind of carrying on–:-)
Still eating popcorn though-at 135 lb at 45–I’m good 2 go–:-)–Big things come in small packages–:-)
Actually, I kinda like BBQ pork rinds during the playoffs–I’m a country girl at heart–BTW, did you see that “horrible” Dallas game??? My friend told me that he is going to make a Ravens fan yet! lol
I am looking forward to seeing the excitement in the city if they do go to the playoffs…and I guess I could get used to that Purple and Black–some old habits are just hard to break…
Peace and blessings–:-)
Get ready…I am tellin’ you…Batimore is going to win the SB this year. No one believes me but I am gonna keep beating that drum. They will play the winner of the New Orleans/Philly game, in which I believe Philly will pull out.
Dallas? Romo will be back. He is only 24, and a great character guy. I wouldn’t mind Dallas winning, if they didn’t have #81 (Terrell Owens for those of you who do not know) on the squad. I am from the Bay Area, and he threw my niners under the bus….:lol:
I’ve been told that!! You know, Pastor prayed for TO, which is cool–but I wondered why he didn’t pray for him to be able to hold on to the ball!
I mean–he got butterfingers and is a big play man!! Methinks he’s arrogant!!! Is he crazy? Does he know they will drop him like he’s hot??
I saw the other team hold up a sign–”Drop one for us TO” and I “almost” rolled on the floor! lol
Now, as far as that deciding play on Saturday–I just knew-and then…well-the rest is history.
Although “my” team lost–that was a really good game cause it was full of excitement-
They (Dallas) need the “old school, Tom Landry” players–these “chiren” nowadays drop balls, screw up punts, and play “my feet are on the line and off the line at the same time! lol
Righter
Who are you and what did you do with Righter’s fingers?!?
Hey, it IS interesting though. That’s why I could not believe the way Boise State executed ALL of the trick plays successfully (Hook & Ladder, then a toss and pass on 4th and 2 for a score…..then (of ALL trick plays) THE statue of Liberty!?!) vs. an Oklahoma defense that will send most of it’s starters to the NFL. The football season HAS been interesting to say the least.
I was jumpin’ out of my seat at Boise State. An un-disciplined aggresive Oklahoma”D” was taken advantaged of.
I am glad that McNabb and Jeff Garcia both got over on TO……and they are winning. Something for him to really think about.
TO does need intercession. He is an obviously hurt, and scarred individual. His view of the Lord (according to his book) is really selfish. All about him.
I really did not mind him for a while, even while with my 49ers. But once it happened, especially in Philly causing a divide in the lockeroom, I couldn’t take it anymore.
Not only that, once he embarked upon Dallas…..he was able to “vent” seeminlgly to Michael Irvin EVERY week on ESPN. In a minor way, he “appears” to have calmed the antics down some.
I don’t put anything past him though.
He is supposed to have the torn tendon on his ring finger operated on soon…..
(MN: Ahem. Focus people. Although I guess I should be happy we didn’t go the way of the Down Low Posting from last year. )
You are right sir….thanks.
Down Low??!? Whoa….that must have been an interesting one….they (BET) actually had a dialogue with the author of that book and hit the streets (Atlanta) and spoke with people with regard to their beliefs and un-earthed some gay-churches.
Actually displaying the preaching in action.
LOL!! is 2007 and I am feeling good about some things, is all!!!
oops–sorry Grid–you’re talking to me too much! lol
Happy New Year anyway–I was just “driving by”…
All good Righter. Melly New Year!
Glad you are still around the forum.
Thank you–:-)
Melvin
I found this site a few weeks ago and really applaud your boldness.
The thing is don’t get DISTRACTED FROM YOUR FOCUS. Some are saints and some aint - Lol