I don’t really know how this is handled on most blogs; I’m generally more inclined toward reading forums (most of them being of a technical nature). It seems that all the forums handle the issue somewhat differently, but the common thread of the ones that “work” is that they try very hard to accept and encourage on-topic posts of reasonable comments (agreeing or not), while enforcing some kind of removal/editing policy on those comments that are off-topic and/or obnoxious. The forum I have the most experience with is http://www.linuxquestions.org, but it’s quite different in nature to this blog (topics, including technical information), so I don’t know how well it would apply. Might be good to look at anyway, though, as it is quite well-run and has been around for about 10 years (or more). I’ve considered running a blog of my own, but it would seem that my illnesses prevent “due diligence” in maintaining online posts and such, so I don’t think it’s a wise thing for me to do right now.

Have a good trip. (See you in the “fall…” hehe.)

And I don’t really mind if you think that verse applies to me just being playful :)

So you came across the Bible (without any protestant introductions or notes) entirely on your own, read it entirely on your own, did not discuss it with other protestants, never atttended a protestant church, etc.?

” They that are unlearned and unstable use them to their own distruction, ouch are you saying that’s me”

Its not as if you haven’t condemned Mormons. Unlearned and unstable are insults. Would they have seen themselves as unlearned and unstable?

2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

They that are unlearned and unstable use them to their own distruction, ouch are you saying that’s me :)

And I could well agree those that are seperate from God will use the scriptures in this way, however if you are born again in Christ then the Spirit will teach you the things of God.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

I do accept in this case Jesus is talking to the people with Him, however I take it to mean this applies to Christians today being taught by the Spirit to properly interpret the bible, either way whether you accept that or not I would say if someone is born again and in Christ, alive to the things of God they will not be like the unlearned finding that the scriptures bring them to their own destruction.

I am not sure if you were saying it does or if you did not see that this is reffering to the unlearned however if you are really saying that using the bible is as dangerous as using your own feelings to decide what to believe then you have a long way to go if you want to show the bible teaches that.

Out of interest do you run a blog or know of any blogs where this is handled well?

It is perfectly fine for anybody of any faith to have and speak free of their viewpoints. I certainly don’t object to being disagreed-with on what to believe; rather, I welcome a rational discussion of such things.

The problem, as I see it, is that people all-too-often present their ideas in a very inflammatory, illogical, contentious, or otherwise unreasonable ways. You see, the content–the message–is not what I have a problem with; neither do I have issue with it being posted here, or on another discussion that I’m a part of–but rather with how it’s presented. I do not suggest, in any way, that you delete posts based on the content, or message thereof. I suggest, instead, that you lay down some ground rules–by consensus, if possible–so that people won’t be hurt or hurt others unnecessarily. Many very good discussions have devolved into flame wars because people simply didn’t put things nicely or think sufficiently before posting. I’m suggesting that you take some steps so that others who post here will be aware that, while they are free to express any opinions they want, they may NOT do it in a nasty way.

Thank-you for clarifying the title for me. It’s perfectly OK to have a strong viewpoint on this, as well as other matters. I think it would have found it a bit dishonest to imply agnosticism, but not write accordingly. I think of it as being similar to the people who invite Mormon missionaries over to their homes for the express (although clandestine) purpose of wasting their time so that they can’t share their message with others who might be interested in it. I have actually known several pastors to incite their congregations to do this on a fairly grand scale (in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, roughly around the year 2000, for instance). I certainly don’t mind a lively discussion involving conflicting viewpoints, so long as it is not conducted under false pretenses. (I don’t think you were trying to do this; I’m just glad you clarified the title and your position.)

Anyway, the main purpose of my writing was to advocate, as strongly as possible, a civilized, reasonable, open-minded discussion wherein people are not likely to attack each other (verbally), or in turn feel attacked. I personally feel quite out-of-place in such discussions, and tend to take my leave from them out of exasperation. If we really want to discuss the merits and flaws of various viewpoints, then I don’t see why we can’t or shouldn’t do so in a logical, reasonable, and civilized fashion. The reason I suggested some form of enforcement of this is because there will always be people who want to abuse this forum, as they do with so many others.

I hope I have made myself more clear. Perhaps we can discuss (if you want to) ways of furthering such a good form of debate.

With regards to moderation that day will probably come as this blog gets more comments and I hope it does. For now I am happy with people coming here with strong views, whether that’s strong mormon disagreeing with me or a strong born again Christian agreeing, though I appreciate nothing is black and white and many have different views, on blogspot I had a strong atheist which was not a problem.

The only time I have deleted posts and I think its only once was when someone was clearly not after a discussion and was just here to put down, however to be fair they still raised a fair point and I edited my post because of it. (I acknowldge not all teens in the uk get drunk if you are reading this) otherwise I don’t mine if people speak harshly or even are unhappy with what I say as long as they are happy to discuss.

Regarding the title mormonism investigated I appreciate I am writing that with an already strong opinion, however I am open to any discussion and am mostly meaning that born agains can come here to see a strong born again position on mormonism and mormons will always be welcomed if not encouraged to come here and have dialogue and on most issues (barring Christ and salvation and other key christian doctrines) certainly I am open to be shown with error. Anything I say should be checked out.

Hope that helps, and welcome back :)