Geppy: One person actually claimed that this being the internet, that church-like attitudes did not apply. But we are a body of believers joining together in the name of our LORD. That makes this at the least church-like.

Ces't moi?

I think I explicitely doubted whether a church could "assemble" online and engage in genuine worship. Part of that question, I suppose, is "What constitutes worship?" Are you really an assembly if many of the traditional rituals of the Christian faith cannot be engaged in when you "assemble" (like partaking of the Lord's Supper, or communal prayer and song-praise, or the baptizing of new believers)? And I don't mean to be rhetorical... I would love to have a conversation with someone who explained why worship does not need to include these traditional activities (although, out of respect to Peter's topic, perhaps that conversation should be in another thread).

But for the record, I agree "christian talk" is a church-like site. I might even call it a para-church.

Ricardo,

<I am not saying that it is bad to hug and have kind words, but rather that truer evidence of love is in our willingness to help one another, whether it be through our words, our time, or our resources.>
The thing is, in this kind of forum we lack the opportunity to help one another "tangibly." I think that helps build community more than talking. Generally, all we have here is typed words. (Plus, I'm not comfortable enough with the Internet to get too personal in my posts.)

Sometimes when I'm spending time with a brother that's going through something, he'll "vent." I don't really say much of anything. I don't try to fix or solve the issue. He doesn't even want me to try. He just needs to let someone know what's going on. He needs someone to hear him, and I'm there listening. But, in this forum, if someone posts that they're going through and I don't post and "say something" I kinda feel like I'm ignoring what they're going through. I'm not. I'm just listening.

For some reason it feels condescending to post "I'll be praying for you." It doesn't feel that way when I say it.

<love doesn't turn away from bitterness.>
Yeah, but hurt people do. We probably all get enough bitterness from "the world." I don't desire to cause bitterness for other Christians. Even if you forgive me for it ;)

Anyway, I'm posting on this because the Internet is a very powerful tool. I'm just affirming my desire to use it to communicate more better. I'm still here!

Peace,
Peter

Kelsey,

<I think we can show each other love and care, online... I definitely feel genuine support from some of my other tribes.>
Are you comfortable giving an example of how you experience this?

I'm realizing that most of my communication in tribes is debate. And, unfortunately, there's not that much difference for me between the Christian tribes and the non-Christian tribes. In part it's because what I'm being taught is not "orthodox" but I'm not a heretic either. At least I don't think so ;)

Anyway, just hoping to stir up a little Christian love!

Peace,
Peter

<Maybe this kind of debate-type forum is right for some people, it just doesn't feel to me like it's about God. >

Few things could be more about God then the confronting of false doctrines and the illumination of dark places. I post this elsewhere where this topic has likewise been placed and in my mind it bares repeating. We can not simple pat each other on the back and not be willing to do battle against false spirits. We can not shy away from those that seek the truth, for the sake of civility. In doing so, at best we are like man who kept his money buried and had no gain, at worse, we are ourselves filled with false spirits. For the truth is lamp held on high and the shadow do run for cover. And we are solidiers on the battle field of truth, and if in such you find yourself wounded then redress with better armor!





Eph 6:10 ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.


Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.


Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].


Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.


Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;


Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;


Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.


Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:


Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;


Eph 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Open your mouths boldly and make known the mystery of the gospel! Amen

Kelsey: I think we can show each other love and care, online... I definitely feel genuine support from some of my other tribes. I think I say over and over how important I think it is to hear God. It seems obvious that if that was what we were doing we would all be in agreement instead of constant disagreement.

What do the members of those other tribes do that communicates their love? For example, if someone posts about his or her challenges and problems, is it that the members commiserate? Is it that they give counsel from scriptures? Is it that they post intercessory prayers on others' behalf?

(I belong to an online community where written prayers are often posted. I was skeptical about writing out prayers at first, but as I made a discipline of responding to each prayer request, I discovered folks really derive comfort from reading the intercessions. One time no one apparently responded to one brother's request, and he reposted stinging criticism of how he'd been ignored in his plight. Many of us wrote back that we'd pledge to be more dilligent in answering the prayer requests... folks have come to really depend on them.)

Besides perhaps seeing debate dry up, what could members in this tribe do proactively to replicate the loving atmosphere of those other tribes?

CatMeow wrote "show love online with my friends by sending hugs this way ---> (((((((((((((((((((Hugssssss)))))))))))))))))"

When I was pregnant with the twins, there was a group of pregnant ladies who were due at the same time across the country who posted on a aol board. They set up a baby gift exchange and we had an online baby shower in a chat room.
We still talk, Send Christmas cards ETC...

when I was posting regularly on the Crafty Vixens tribe, they set up craft trades, and i still talk to some of those girls.

Tribe doesn't have different fonts or smiley faces or other cute stuff, but i suppose the guys wouldn't care much about that stuff