A Word of Caution to all AFF Posters

Nahum · #1 07-22-2007, 12:45 PM

Please be careful what you share on AFF.

Over the past year I have received numerous threats though pm's. I had been foolish enough to share my identity with several people, and it really came back to bite me. I have had my ministry, secular occupation, and character threatened if I do not stop posting against traditional positions of the org.

I spent three hours last evening tracking down the last threat, only to be crushed to find out the anonymous culprit was someone I had considered trustworthy. I had stepped away from this user name for the last month because of all this. A few days after resuming posting as Pastor Poster this began again.

I would also warn you licensed ministers to never speak your conscience on AFF if your beliefs differ in even an insignificant way from your organization. Your anonymity is NOT guaranteed in any way.

On a personal note, I wish to clarify a misconception that seems to be floating around. I am not anti-UPC. I do have issues with several nondoctrinal items but on the whole I love the organization. I enjoy discussing these issues as the discussion helps me grow in knowledge.

Anyone who knows me recognizes that I always have and will continue to support the basic tenants of our doctrine for as long as I am a part. So to those of you offended by my posts, I sincerely apologize. Please do not threaten me again as I take these sorts of threats very, very seriously.

chaotic_resolve · #2 07-22-2007, 12:51 PM

This is just ridiculous . . . not the post, but these idiots that harass and make threats over someone simply sharing their opinions or beliefs.

Hope it gets better, PP.

RandyWayne · #3 07-22-2007, 12:59 PM

Tradition is a powerful force in this world.

SDG · #4 07-22-2007, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Please be careful what you share on AFF.

Over the past year I have received numerous threats though pm's. I had been foolish enough to share my identity with several people, and it really came back to bite me. I have had my ministry, secular occupation, and character threatened if I do not stop posting against traditional positions of the org.

I spent three hours last evening tracking down the last threat, only to be crushed to find out the anonymous culprit was someone I had considered trustworthy. I had stepped away from this user name for the last month because of all this. A few days after resuming posting as Pastor Poster this began again.

I would also warn you licensed ministers to never speak your conscience on AFF if your beliefs differ in even an insignificant way from your organization. Your anonymity is NOT guaranteed in any way.

On a personal note, I wish to clarify a misconception that seems to be floating around. I am not anti-UPC. I do have issues with several nondoctrinal items but on the whole I love the organization. I enjoy discussing these issues as the discussion helps me grow in knowledge.

Anyone who knows me recognizes that I always have and will continue to support the basic tenants of our doctrine for as long as I am a part. So to those of you offended by my posts, I sincerely apologize. Please do not threaten me again as I take these sorts of threats very, very seriously.

I'm saddened but not surprised, my friend. A culture of selective policing has overtaken some in your circle.

Their focus is not to seek out who to fellowship w/ but who they can DISQUALIFY.

I shared some of these thoughts in my letter of resignation ...

" [there is] a prevailing movement in our ranks that seeks to institutionalize a holy lifestyle by reifying outward benchmarks and subsequently, thwarting God’s purification process in our lives. Furthermore, this ideology does not tolerate diversity of thought, interpretation or application, and has wounded many along the way."

"The present organizational framework demands uniformity, yet is wantonly inequitable in its enforcement and divisive when policing compliance. "

The thought police will not allow for card carrying members to diverge ... and I for one could not be a part of it as long as this attitude was pervasive among my circle of fellowship.

It's pitiful that Gestapo-type tactics have been used to silence and sanitize but it has been this way for some time and will continue to be practiced.

You love the org ... this I know ... but of course the police have always sought to demonize in order to marginalize ... Don't bow down.

chaotic_resolve · #5 07-22-2007, 01:07 PM

Question for the mods and admin . . .

This makes the second time an AFF member has posted about being harassed or threatened.

What is done to those who send threatening or harassing PMs? Could the offenders and their IP be blocked from access the boards?

It should be done.

JamDat · #6 07-22-2007, 01:46 PM

It's a shame this happened to you. Your character is shown by not naming the people threating you especially if your occupation was threatened. That's just down right mean.

rgcraig · #7 07-22-2007, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaotic_resolve

Question for the mods and admin . . .

This makes the second time an AFF member has posted about being harassed or threatened.

What is done to those who send threatening or harassing PMs? Could the offenders and their IP be blocked from access the boards?

It should be done.

Usually, if anyone has been harassed or threatened and we are aware of it, that person is banned. This time, the person has chosen to take a break on their own.

Nahum · #8 07-22-2007, 01:55 PM

The most troubling aspect was that it was done anonymously. The person hid behind a secondary username until I finally figured out who it was.

My advice is to never post anything of a personal nature here. Don't post where you live, where you work, where you pastor - nothing.

Also be careful what you share in a pm. That info could be forwarded.

Not trying to be an alarmist here, just sharing my experiences.

Revelationist · #9 07-22-2007, 01:56 PM

I've had the same thing happen... no messages, or pm's to me, but to call those that preach for me, or places they know that I'm going. If I'm wrong, and lost, why are the spiritual not trying to restore like the Bible says instead of destroying like the destroier does?

Jerry Moon

Nahum · #10 07-22-2007, 01:58 PM

Another issue to consider is that with this type of behavior going on, the most well known posters are apt to lay down their usernames in favor of a secondary name. This really takes away from the familiar feel of this online community.

Some of the older posters are still here, they just use different names because of issues like this.