You are quite right here..... however, we need to define what
bashing means.
Obviously, any religion and organisations will have
agendas and stands contrary to other popular beliefs. It is quite
natural for a proponent of such stands to voice their concerns, and
if it is done within the confines of a predetermined parameter, ie
one within a forum created for these proponents, then I suppose it
should be tolerated. The folks at the other religious and
philosophical forums within SGforums, too have their slant over
what they'd considered as their stands. It would be extremely rude
and also wrong for Christians to go into these forums and bash
their philosophies. It should be understood that EH remains
predominantly a Christian forum and would be natural to assume that
topics posted will be in accordance with the general Christian
doctrine, which may include speaking out, for example, against
homosexuals. Then there are some of us who are young in the faith
and are still extreme zealous to declare what we believe in -
these, I sometimes address at a personal level, encouraging them to
moderate a little.
What should not be done is for any thread to evolve
to a flame war. Both Christians and non-Christians are responsible
in preventing this from happening. For example, as what you'd
stated, EH is actually being used, sometimes, "to help Christians
to understand the Bible to perform good". But for some unknown
reason, it will eventually evolved into: "the Bible is a lie, Jesus
did not die for your sins, blah blah blah" When that happens, can
we expect less from an adverse reaction from some of us who are a
little more zealous in defending what we believe in. Note that I am
not giving such Christians with such reactions an excuse in any
way....
.... which leads me to state that I have tried
very hard to avoid confrontation because it is pointless. I'd used
EH to answer any queries I possibly can, sometimes using PMs. I'd
still see myself being able to defend the faith in a less
confrontational stance to people who are willing to have an open
mind. Anyone else who has already formed an opinion of Christian -
these I'd just stay on the level of casual communication.
