 Posted Saturday, June 09, 2007 7:59 PM
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We intend that The Christian Way forums be a place where people freely talk about issues related to their involvement in Christian Science. Many participants repeatedly state how much the forums help them in their post-CS journeys and how they feel a sense of community here. Recently, though, it seems that many people posting on the forums focus on doctrinal debates not related to CS or on trying to discredit the Bible. People read the forums, but don't even welcome people who introduce themselves in the "New to Forums" category. Something's going on that inhibits participation. Maybe it's too much moderation or not enough. Maybe it's something else. This thread requests your feedback. Please help us understand how these forums can better serve you. We hope that you will consider responding with answers to questions like: -- Why do you visit the forums? -- Do you post regularly? If not, is something keeping you from feeling comfortable making posts? -- Did you post regularly in the past? If so, why did you stop? -- What would you like to see discussed on the forums? -- Should we allow an area of the forums where "free-for-all", "gloves-off" discussions can take place such as the interdenominational and Bible debates? -- How can we improve the forums? What would you do if you were a moderator? You get the idea. We look forward to hearing from you by responding to this thread, private messages, or e-mail (contact@christianway.org). Your moderators, Linda and Do Go Be Man
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Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 6:20 AM
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| Let me just begin by saying what a lifesaver this forum has been for me. When I found it, I felt like I had been lost on a desert island for decades and a big ship came sailing up to rescue me! I thought I was so alone and then I find hundreds of posts detailing some of the same feelings and experiences I have had! Being a child in a Christian Science family and then deciding to leave it while the rest of the family remains on the alien planet can be a very difficult experience. A former Christian Scientist is leaving a belief system and a community of people that they thought was the final truth and "the Comforter". It is not until one discovers that other churchs and other beliefs also have alot of the good things that Christian Science offered without the extreme "its all an illusion, you don't exist, its not real, think this, think that, don't watch that, don't listen to that, your not in pain, correct that thought (all the while living on a material earth, in a hungry body that needs food, needs a job etc., God is just a principle and doesn't know you personally etc.) Only others who have been connected with church can converse with you about the experiences and indoctrination that occurs. Try saying Agressive Mental Suggestion, Mortal Mind, Malicious Animal Magnetism to anyone else and see what kind of blank stares (or laughter) you get. Only here can a person be free to discuss what bubbles up when you find out you are REAL and it is actually OK to live on this planet and that God really knows you as you are! In response to what keeps me from posting, as we all know, the CS community is very closed and small. Therefore, it is difficult to let it all hang out without someone figuring out who you are! Not that it matters, other than creating a great deal of family trouble for those who have loved ones still in the church. I guess that is the vestiges of the ever-present secrecy that has insulated the church for over a century. I don't particulary care to read about Bible debates on these forums. There are PLENTY of other websites where one can go for that. Bible debates are intresting only as they relate to the CS beliefs. It is helpful to see passages that directly contradict Mary Baker Eddy's lingo. As for improving the forums, I think the moderators are doing a great job!
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Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 3:16 PM
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| I visit this forum often because of the support I've found in the issues stemming from being raised in CS. Like Gentle Dove, I thought I was alone. I was amazed and so thankful when I found this site. I haven't posted much recently because mostly it's been doctrinal discussions. That's not what I come here for. Also, I go through stages in my recovery when I'm more focused on CS issues and times when I'm not. I appreciate your efforts to limit discussions which don't serve the purpose of this forum. Keep up the good work!
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Posted Thursday, June 21, 2007 1:24 PM
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Hi Linda and Do_Go,
Just wanted to say hello and thank you for asking this question. This forum means much to me and even though I rarely post anymore, I read regularly. I've been able to share this site with other people and am so glad that it is available.
Just a thought, perhaps there are not so many postings lately because there are fewer Christian Scientists to become Ex-Christian Scientists in need of a place to turn? Might this be a blessing? Your reaching out is helping, I'm certain. Keep up the good work!
Grace
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Posted Friday, June 22, 2007 10:35 AM
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Grace
"...Just a thought, perhaps there are not so many postings lately because there are fewer Christian Scientists to become Ex-Christian Scientists in need of a place to turn? Might this be a blessing?.."
You may be right, Grace. Can someone confirm the latest worldwide membership estimate for TMC? The last count I saw was around 200-250,000. Wouldn't this mean at best that there are only 100-150,000 members left in the U.S.?
John
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Posted Friday, June 22, 2007 4:10 PM
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Based on a count kept by someone I know, I'll guess that the number is lower than 60,000. If we want to discuss this any further we'll need to take it to a different thread.
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Posted Monday, June 25, 2007 12:51 PM
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| This forum has truly been a much needed "oasis" of truth for me. I don't post often, but I do read regularly. My issues with my Christian Science upbringing don't change. Through cognitive work and scriptural study and regular attendance at a mainline Christian Church I have gotten better. But, there are some things about CS that I still embrace, and really I guess I want to embrace. I just need to find some comfortable ground. This form has been a great help to me. And I agree that there just aren't a lot of us. Plus, this forum was in place for years before I found it. I share it with other former CS members every chance I get.
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Posted Monday, June 25, 2007 12:54 PM
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| Linda, I just reread your questions and decided I had not answered them properly. I expect to read many varied opinions on this forum and I don't mind what you call "free for all" discussions as long as it doesn't cross over a line and get personal. Sharon
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Posted Monday, June 25, 2007 5:41 PM
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| Your feedback was fine, SharonMarie, and I appreciate your input. I'm glad you have found the forums helpful.
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Posted Friday, July 27, 2007 5:01 PM
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| Linda, I have the "Forums" bookmarked, and have been kind of sporadic, the last year. I can't explain my flux and flow, but I find myself more motivated on this issue as of late. Because I go straight to the Forums, I haven't examined the rest of the site in a couple of years, and it was interesting to see some new articles, testimonies, and resources. My suggestion: when there's a significant change or addition on the larger site, you might make an announcement on the a designated thread, which could be titled "UpDate on the Christian Way Site." Or something. Thanks (and also to you, Do Go!) for all your work!
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