A cult member visited my site to argue doctrine. I told him the site isn't set up for a two-way but my forum is. On the forum, I welcomed hearing what he believes and why, but now he is attempting to answer doctrinal questions addressed to the Christians there and we don’t need that confusion. The few strong Christians there are away on vacation. So, I'm alone right now and I can’t keep up with his many and long posts that require dissecting each line to give a proper retort. I’ve prayed about the matter, and I wonder: Do I bounce him from the group, although it's not conducive to his salvation? Do I tell him he’s welcome to discuss his beliefs but not to respond to theological questions meant for Christians in the group? Do I ignore him and hope he gets discouraged and leaves, since I already warned newer Christians there that his theology is not Biblical? Do I just wait until the other mature Christians return to help out? Would Christians here be willing to lend a hand?
2007-08-17 09:31:42 · 14 answers · asked by Simon Peter 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thanks, all who responded so far. I should have added one thing: my forum is not for having a scriptural slug fest. It is more a recovery/support group for ex-cultists & people who want out of cults. I'm willing to discuss doctrine if it will help to that end, but I don't want to take time away from members who need actual counseling.
I know, from time to time, I may get people who are in cults but have doubts and are searching. That's fine. I guess what it boils down to is trying to determine a person's intent. Perhaps God is not calling them out at this time, but what if they are there to have a seed planted that will sprout later? I cannot read a person's heart like God can, I'm kinda stuck playing by ear. The guy is nice enough. I don't believe he is there to intentionally cause a problem. I just don't want him to inadvertantly cause a problem for some who might be newly out of a cult. Why have them trade one cult ideology for another?
2007-08-17 11:02:21 · update #1
Answer all such posts with kindness pointing out error and the purpose of your board. The second time also answer with kindness giving notice that any future violation will result in removal. It the individual does not conform to the rules bounce that individual.
Your site is no more conducive to everybody's salvation then was the preaching of the Apostles. God adds to his church such as are being saved, according to Scripture. Your site is your testimony and will be used as God sees fit. Further your answer should be clear as God is not the author of confusion.
2007-08-17 15:13:40 · answer #1 · answered by Tommy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prayer is a powerful tool. I would began to pray about the situation. I would probably with love let the person know that we are not to argue the word. I would also pray that God would begin to confirm things for this person so that he could have clarity about what it is he is hearing and discernment so that he will recognize the truth. There are things that we cannot convince people of and things that we cannot make clear for others but the holy spirit is a teacher. Invite the holy spirit to take control. I would also pray against the spirit of confusion so that the other people in your forum will not be effected by any doctrine that does not line up with the word of God. I definately would not give up on the person because you are right that you may plant the seed and it may be watered by someone else and it may sprout later. With man it may seem impossible but "with God all things are possible. Hope this helps! Be Blessed!!!
2007-08-17 18:30:01 · answer #2 · answered by lover of the lord 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I found out many long years ago that some cult members are just trouble makers. They have learned how to argue, and argue with great vigor, and they seem to enjoy it. It is almost as if one is arguing with the devil himself......and in reality, that is most likely what does go on with this sort of person. Anyone in a cult is deceived by the master deceiver. If someone truly wants help from us, then we need to give it. But if someone argues just for arguing sake, that is a different story. We are admonished to sow seeds and that is all....to let our light shine...and to be salt in a saltless world. No one can come to the Lord unless the Holy Spirit draws him. If you have sown good seed......and he seems argumentative I would back off and pray that the Holy Spirit would deal with this person. Only the Holy Spirit can bring your witnessing alive to him, or to anyone. Arguing doctrine with a cult member is, most always.......geared by the enemy to wear us down. Best wishes to you, my friend!
2007-08-17 19:19:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you have the authority to block him and he is becoming someone whose purposes are counter to those of the group, then that may be your best course of action, especially since you've already spoken with him about using the appropriate forums for his discussions. If he is unwilling to abide by the rules set about for the group, then perhaps he should not be allowed to be a member of the group any longer.
However, I am of the personal opinion that if one's faith is strong, and the beliefs that they are trying to share with others are strong enough, then they should welcome opposing viewpoints that only give them the opportunity to show how strong one's side of the argument is. So if I were the one running the group, I'd welcome his posts as I would those who were there for the "right" reasons.
2007-08-17 16:43:44 · answer #4 · answered by JenV 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oh, so this person is a "cult member" because he questions and debates you. Why is he not allowed to answer questions? This forum you speak of will do no good for anyone as long as you are trying to control the content. This is why so many people have a problem with christians, because if you can't handle being questioned, confronted, you decide they are a "cult member", not a "real" christian and then get rid of them. Or in the case of what has been going on in Y!A, you report them continually until their account is deleted. I would like to remind you that Y!A is an open forum, that is why I responded. I assume you welcome anyone in your "other" forum because that is the christian thing to do, right? Or is the christian thing to do is get rid of anyone who has a different point of view?
2007-08-17 16:53:18 · answer #5 · answered by NONAME 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
If you think he has an honest heart for the truth and he wishes to debate to find the truth and have an honest dialogue, then keep him. If you think that he is only trying to cause confusion and has malice, then boot him. Jerks are jerks.
Proverbs 22:24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
2007-08-17 16:44:45 · answer #6 · answered by pinbacking 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since, it is something that you and a few others have personally set up; you have the right to 'bounce him' if you desire. It sounds like he may end up ruining the cohesiveness of the group.
2007-08-17 16:45:42 · answer #7 · answered by C N 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't let people push you around in your own group, his behavior is causing more harm than good. Boot him. Is his salvation worth the loss of others in the group?
2007-08-17 16:36:00 · answer #8 · answered by Apollo's Revenge 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just got back....there are few safe places for cult members to deprogram...and many places like this for there to be back and forth conversations.....We are kind of tired of dogma.......so....Prayer is your first defense, but personally, i am not looking for debate on your site.
2007-08-17 20:17:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is your group, ban him or just put him on moderation. I have owned several groups and am co owner of one and we sometimes have people come and try to indoctrinate us but we just put them on moderation and delete any messages that is not within the group.
BB
2007-08-17 16:44:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋