How wide is the effect of forums in Pentecost?

[SDG]

The events of the last few months, in my opinion, have shown that forums like CAF, Wordshare, AFF and SynaD are having an effect in the politics of organizations and in the hearts of Oneness Pentecostals.

Am I being farsighted?

Just recently a friend said that a conservative forum specifically and forums in general were called "garbage" at a ministerial meeting.

It was interesting to see the WWPF react to forum discussions on their website.

What say ye???

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

It was interesting to see the WWPF react to forum discussions on their website.

And what did it say about forum discussions?

[SDG]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

And what did it say about forum discussions?

Their faq before conference addressed many questions based on founded and unfounded rumors that were being discussed primarily in forums.

[StillStanding]

I think this forum is a reflection of Apostolics as a whole. It's interesting that the recent split by a few from this forum reflects the splits going on in the Apostolic ranks!

[commonsense]

They can blame it on forums but it's just a different world we live in. People in general are allowed to question in this our modern age.
We have talk radio ; the vast amount of knowledge on the web; various rulings on information that is available to the public and of course the prolific postings on various forums.

In the 50's & 60's there was a different concept of authority. What was uttered from a school teacher, police officer, political position, or pastor was generally accepted as LAW.
When I was pregnant with my first child(70) the doctor gave a quick check, said a couple words and left. No input from the patient actually permitted.
By the time I was having the third child, a mere 4 1/2 years later the trend was already changing....Now the dr sat down and talked to me; asked if I had ?'s----I was shocked. I counted as a person!
Some of this is due to training but I believe people became more demanding of their "rights".

Because the ministry had absolute authority in the 50's or 60's many are surprised when actions are questioned today. Don't blame it on forums, although they are a great source of information (lol).

We as Americans have taken more control of our lives and less acceptance of .....because I said so!
And this applies to churches not just politics or education or medical decisions.
Yes, we should respect the office of a pastor but most people today are less inclined to equate a pastor with the same power as the pope.

[ManOfWord]

I believe that the communication over the internet and if forum particularly is on the rise. It is just another medium of communication. But it is an instant medium. Someone doesn't have to be home to be contacted. You can log on when you want to. You can be anonymous and more open without fear of face to face rejection. You can share your doubts and fears without being ostracized by your church leadership. These and many other things contribute to the popularity of forums. Oh, I forgot to mention FUN!!

[SDG]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

I believe that the communication over the internet and if forum particularly is on the rise. It is just another medium of communication. But it is an instant medium. Someone doesn't have to be home to be contacted. You can log on when you want to. You can be anonymous and more open without fear of face to face rejection. You can share your doubts and fears without being ostracized by your church leadership. These and many other things contribute to the popularity of forums. Oh, I forgot to mention FUN!!

Has anonymity been compromised at some of these forums as a form to extort???

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Has anonymity been compromised at some of these forums as a form to extort???

Unfortunately, YES by some unscrupulous, un-Christian "Bet Shammai" Pharisees!!!!

[SDG]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

Unfortunately, YES by some unscrupulous, un-Christian "Bet Shammai" Pharisees!!!!

That's shameful.

[SDG]

Other examples:

Ministers livelihoods and circles of fellowship seem to have been affected by what is being discussed on these forums.

One forum recently expelled pro-resolution four members ... probably marking them in other future scenarios.

Ministers are losing "preaching gigs" because of their relationship to forums.

Ministers are being threatened to be exposed for certain views based on what they post.

Chief apologist and District Supt. responds to forum attack on character.

General board members assuming aliases to get the latest scoops.