Advice, please.

[NorrinRadd]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

I politely requested the poster to use less defamatory and provocative language, and was met with a firm, impolite, and ill-informed rebuff.  I responded with a terse and somewhat impolite reply of my own.  That is hardly satisfactory as a final resolution to the issue.

I'm in a bit of a quandary as to how to proceed.

-- I'm quite capable of matching and exceeding virtually any level of vitriol, but, entertaining though that can be, it is often not productive, and tends to be frowned on at Christian sites.

-- I could resort to something I hate, and "report" several of the insulting posts.

-- I could do something else I hate, and place the problematic user on "Ignore," or whatever is the equivalent term on this forum's software.

My preference is for a reasonable and dispassionate exchange, but early indications are not promising.

Do you have any recommendations?

[Stranger]

NorrinRadd

I am new to this forum also.  But I would say this, just keep arguing your case, which you do well.    On a forum you will encounter many different types of insults.  You have to ignore them, without hitting the ignore button.   Pay no attention to them.   It is to be expected on a forum.

Sometimes you need to respond in kind.  Sometimes not.  It's up to you. 

P.S.  Im not a moderator.  Hope you don't mind.

Stranger

[Texas Conservative]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

I politely requested the poster to use less defamatory and provocative language, and was met with a firm, impolite, and ill-informed rebuff.  I responded with a terse and somewhat impolite reply of my own.  That is hardly satisfactory as a final resolution to the issue.

I'm in a bit of a quandary as to how to proceed.

-- I'm quite capable of matching and exceeding virtually any level of vitriol, but, entertaining though that can be, it is often not productive, and tends to be frowned on at Christian sites.

-- I could resort to something I hate, and "report" several of the insulting posts.

-- I could do something else I hate, and place the problematic user on "Ignore," or whatever is the equivalent term on this forum's software.

My preference is for a reasonable and dispassionate exchange, but early indications are not promising.

Do you have any recommendations?

Are you a man or mouse?  In the past, disagreements over theology got men killed.  Don't be offended by those who disagree.  This is just a message board, don't let it ruin your day.

[NorrinRadd]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

I politely requested the poster to use less defamatory and provocative language, and was met with a firm, impolite, and ill-informed rebuff.  I responded with a terse and somewhat impolite reply of my own.  That is hardly satisfactory as a final resolution to the issue.

I'm in a bit of a quandary as to how to proceed.

-- I'm quite capable of matching and exceeding virtually any level of vitriol, but, entertaining though that can be, it is often not productive, and tends to be frowned on at Christian sites.

-- I could resort to something I hate, and "report" several of the insulting posts.

-- I could do something else I hate, and place the problematic user on "Ignore," or whatever is the equivalent term on this forum's software.

My preference is for a reasonable and dispassionate exchange, but early indications are not promising.

Do you have any recommendations?

Are you a man or mouse?

I'll go with vole.

In the past, disagreements over theology got men killed.

Yeah.  Also in the past we didn't have flush toilets.  I prefer the present.

Don't be offended by those who disagree.  This is just a message board, don't let it ruin your day.

It won't ruin my day.  But I'm looking for civilized discussion.  I have Facebook for the times I want to cyber-shout insults and profanities.

[chosenone]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

I politely requested the poster to use less defamatory and provocative language, and was met with a firm, impolite, and ill-informed rebuff.  I responded with a terse and somewhat impolite reply of my own.  That is hardly satisfactory as a final resolution to the issue.

I'm in a bit of a quandary as to how to proceed.

-- I'm quite capable of matching and exceeding virtually any level of vitriol, but, entertaining though that can be, it is often not productive, and tends to be frowned on at Christian sites.

-- I could resort to something I hate, and "report" several of the insulting posts.

-- I could do something else I hate, and place the problematic user on "Ignore," or whatever is the equivalent term on this forum's software.

My preference is for a reasonable and dispassionate exchange, but early indications are not promising.

Do you have any recommendations?

If you want to remain here, you will need a thick skin.I have been a mod here for many years and I am constantly amazed at the stupidity that some come here with.
As for the gifts of the spirit and tongues, I have read people here for years describing the gift of tongues as 'gibberish' and 'babbling'. I have warned them many times that they are getting very close to the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and that attacking one of Gods gifts and those who use is very unwise to say the very least.

In the end we must just walk with God and use all that He has given us, and ignore what others say or think.

[NorrinRadd]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

I politely requested the poster to use less defamatory and provocative language, and was met with a firm, impolite, and ill-informed rebuff.  I responded with a terse and somewhat impolite reply of my own.  That is hardly satisfactory as a final resolution to the issue.

I'm in a bit of a quandary as to how to proceed.

-- I'm quite capable of matching and exceeding virtually any level of vitriol, but, entertaining though that can be, it is often not productive, and tends to be frowned on at Christian sites.

-- I could resort to something I hate, and "report" several of the insulting posts.

-- I could do something else I hate, and place the problematic user on "Ignore," or whatever is the equivalent term on this forum's software.

My preference is for a reasonable and dispassionate exchange, but early indications are not promising.

Do you have any recommendations?

If you want to remain here, you will need a thick skin.I have been a mod here for many years and I am constantly amazed at the stupidity that some come here with.
As for the gifts of the spirit and tongues, I have read people here for years describing the gift of tongues as 'gibberish' and 'babbling'. I have warned them many times that they are getting very close to the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and that attacking one of Gods gifts and those who use is very unwise to say the very least.

In the end we must just walk with God and use all that He has given us, and ignore what others say or think.

Besides the fact that I *prefer* the discussion to be civil, I'm also unsure what kind of pushback is permissible under the Rules.  Many Christian sites prohibit questioning the salvation of other participants.  I agree with you that persistently denigrating glossalalia as "gibberish" is in the same ballpark as blaspheming the Spirit, especially in the Matthew and Mark contexts.  And ISTM akin to the behavior of the "mockers" in Acts 2.  But saying that seems close to questioning the other person's salvation.  I'm sure I'll eventually garner some warnings, but I'd prefer not to do that in my very first week!

[Charlie24]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

I politely requested the poster to use less defamatory and provocative language, and was met with a firm, impolite, and ill-informed rebuff.  I responded with a terse and somewhat impolite reply of my own.  That is hardly satisfactory as a final resolution to the issue.

I'm in a bit of a quandary as to how to proceed.

-- I'm quite capable of matching and exceeding virtually any level of vitriol, but, entertaining though that can be, it is often not productive, and tends to be frowned on at Christian sites.

-- I could resort to something I hate, and "report" several of the insulting posts.

-- I could do something else I hate, and place the problematic user on "Ignore," or whatever is the equivalent term on this forum's software.

My preference is for a reasonable and dispassionate exchange, but early indications are not promising.

Do you have any recommendations?

If you want to remain here, you will need a thick skin.I have been a mod here for many years and I am constantly amazed at the stupidity that some come here with.
As for the gifts of the spirit and tongues, I have read people here for years describing the gift of tongues as 'gibberish' and 'babbling'. I have warned them many times that they are getting very close to the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and that attacking one of Gods gifts and those who use is very unwise to say the very least.

In the end we must just walk with God and use all that He has given us, and ignore what others say or think.

Besides the fact that I *prefer* the discussion to be civil, I'm also unsure what kind of pushback is permissible under the Rules.  Many Christian sites prohibit questioning the salvation of other participants.  I agree with you that persistently denigrating glossalalia as "gibberish" is in the same ballpark as blaspheming the Spirit, especially in the Matthew and Mark contexts.  And ISTM akin to the behavior of the "mockers" in Acts 2.  But saying that seems close to questioning the other person's salvation.  I'm sure I'll eventually garner some warnings, but I'd prefer not to do that in my very first week!

You'll not have any problems with most folks here, but some are a recurring problem. I think maybe I fall into that category for some.

You'll be ok! You may get some warnings but with that comes a learning process.

I have several warnings and can say I deserved them all. The mods are fair and point out your mistakes. Don't worry, you'll be fine!

[notreligus]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

I politely requested the poster to use less defamatory and provocative language, and was met with a firm, impolite, and ill-informed rebuff.  I responded with a terse and somewhat impolite reply of my own.  That is hardly satisfactory as a final resolution to the issue.

I'm in a bit of a quandary as to how to proceed.

-- I'm quite capable of matching and exceeding virtually any level of vitriol, but, entertaining though that can be, it is often not productive, and tends to be frowned on at Christian sites.

-- I could resort to something I hate, and "report" several of the insulting posts.

-- I could do something else I hate, and place the problematic user on "Ignore," or whatever is the equivalent term on this forum's software.

My preference is for a reasonable and dispassionate exchange, but early indications are not promising.

Do you have any recommendations?

Are you a man or mouse?

I'll go with vole.

In the past, disagreements over theology got men killed.

Yeah.  Also in the past we didn't have flush toilets.  I prefer the present.

Don't be offended by those who disagree.  This is just a message board, don't let it ruin your day.

It won't ruin my day.  But I'm looking for civilized discussion.  I have Facebook for the times I want to cyber-shout insults and profanities.

For a long time this Board tolerated a Moderator with a screen name that referred to a louse that was acquired by sexual transmission.     That was reported and it frustrated me for the longest time.   This person ran-off many here who have never come back.    He was finally dealt with after it was realized just how many people he was running off.   

Many years of participation at discussion boards have shown me that there are many types of folk who post at the respective boards.    I could point you to a "Christian" board where the board owner tolerates obscenities being exchanged by the posters.   One man called a particular woman a wh_re.   

Overall this is a pretty good forum owned by a fine Christian man.   The base doctrine here is of Stone-Campbell heritage but there are Pentecostals to Reformed to Messianics here.   People have remained pretty much the same from the time of using leaves behind a bush to using private rooms with flushing toilets.   As my World Geography professor said one time, you're always more safe to shake the left hand. 

[Rella]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

I politely requested the poster to use less defamatory and provocative language, and was met with a firm, impolite, and ill-informed rebuff.  I responded with a terse and somewhat impolite reply of my own.  That is hardly satisfactory as a final resolution to the issue.

I'm in a bit of a quandary as to how to proceed.

-- I'm quite capable of matching and exceeding virtually any level of vitriol, but, entertaining though that can be, it is often not productive, and tends to be frowned on at Christian sites.

-- I could resort to something I hate, and "report" several of the insulting posts.

-- I could do something else I hate, and place the problematic user on "Ignore," or whatever is the equivalent term on this forum's software.

My preference is for a reasonable and dispassionate exchange, but early indications are not promising.

Do you have any recommendations?

If you want to remain here, you will need a thick skin.I have been a mod here for many years and I am constantly amazed at the stupidity that some come here with.
As for the gifts of the spirit and tongues, I have read people here for years describing the gift of tongues as 'gibberish' and 'babbling'. I have warned them many times that they are getting very close to the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and that attacking one of Gods gifts and those who use is very unwise to say the very least.

In the end we must just walk with God and use all that He has given us, and ignore what others say or think.

As Chosenone said. A thick skin is a must.

I m not a mod... but come to tell you the water is actually fine.

This is a great pace to  have spirited debates and to share ideas.

Yes, there are many who feel that theirs is the only way, and they actuall will argue back and forth with others that feel that way also.

Sometimes entertaining, sometimes comical, and yes, sometimes humiliating but you will walk away at the end of the day a better person and more educated.

You also will learn how to phrase things to make your points... But always, when possible, back up your beliefs with Scriptures.....

As you will read by my name I firmly believe that no church is 100% right, and no church is 100% wrong.

that holds with people also...

So you need to be prepared to not only learn... but to teach as well.

[NorrinRadd]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

I politely requested the poster to use less defamatory and provocative language, and was met with a firm, impolite, and ill-informed rebuff.  I responded with a terse and somewhat impolite reply of my own.  That is hardly satisfactory as a final resolution to the issue.

I'm in a bit of a quandary as to how to proceed.

-- I'm quite capable of matching and exceeding virtually any level of vitriol, but, entertaining though that can be, it is often not productive, and tends to be frowned on at Christian sites.

-- I could resort to something I hate, and "report" several of the insulting posts.

-- I could do something else I hate, and place the problematic user on "Ignore," or whatever is the equivalent term on this forum's software.

My preference is for a reasonable and dispassionate exchange, but early indications are not promising.

Do you have any recommendations?

If you want to remain here, you will need a thick skin.I have been a mod here for many years and I am constantly amazed at the stupidity that some come here with.
As for the gifts of the spirit and tongues, I have read people here for years describing the gift of tongues as 'gibberish' and 'babbling'. I have warned them many times that they are getting very close to the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and that attacking one of Gods gifts and those who use is very unwise to say the very least.

In the end we must just walk with God and use all that He has given us, and ignore what others say or think.

As Chosenone said. A thick skin is a must.

I m not a mod... but come to tell you the water is actually fine.

This is a great pace to  have spirited debates and to share ideas.

Yes, there are many who feel that theirs is the only way, and they actuall will argue back and forth with others that feel that way also.

Sometimes entertaining, sometimes comical, and yes, sometimes humiliating but you will walk away at the end of the day a better person and more educated.

You also will learn how to phrase things to make your points... But always, when possible, back up your beliefs with Scriptures.....

As you will read by my name I firmly believe that no church is 100% right, and no church is 100% wrong.

that holds with people also...

So you need to be prepared to not only learn... but to teach as well.

You can see from my own caption one of the main things I've learned after decades of debating online.   

[Texas Conservative]

You can tell from my profile what Rella knows.  I'm Good, and I know it.  Perfect!

BOOM!

[Tertullian]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

Does your practice sound like gibberish?  If so, are you complaining that someone refers to it exactly as it appears?  Have you tried to demonstrate that it's not gibberish?   You sound like a Catholic whining that someone calling the Communion blood of Jesus "wine"... except I've never actually hard a Catholic make that complaint.  If a Catholic did complain, I'd explain I'm just just calling what it appears to be  -- and then I hope they wouldn't throw a tantrum complaining to others and accusing me of hate and vitriol because I won't take part of their games and fiction.

The real question is, why are you so offended by an objective description of what's observed?

[NorrinRadd]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

Does your practice sound like gibberish?

Almost certainly -- to someone who is an inveterate mocker (Acts 2), infidel, or ignoramus (1 Cor. 14).

If so, are you complaining that someone refers to it exactly as it appears?  Have you tried to demonstrate that it's not gibberish? 

No.  And the speakers in Acts 2 also did not.

You sound like a Catholic whining that someone calling the Communion blood of Jesus "wine"... except I've never actually hard a Catholic make that complaint.  If a Catholic did complain, I'd explain I'm just just calling what it appears to be  -- and then I hope they wouldn't throw a tantrum complaining to others and accusing me of hate and vitriol because I won't take part of their games and fiction.

I never named you, nor reported you.  But I'm glad to see you are at least perceptive enough to recognize your own verbal excrement when it is shown to others.

The real question is, why are you so offended by an objective description of what's observed?

The real question is why you think your view is "objective."

[chosenone]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

I politely requested the poster to use less defamatory and provocative language, and was met with a firm, impolite, and ill-informed rebuff.  I responded with a terse and somewhat impolite reply of my own.  That is hardly satisfactory as a final resolution to the issue.

I'm in a bit of a quandary as to how to proceed.

-- I'm quite capable of matching and exceeding virtually any level of vitriol, but, entertaining though that can be, it is often not productive, and tends to be frowned on at Christian sites.

-- I could resort to something I hate, and "report" several of the insulting posts.

-- I could do something else I hate, and place the problematic user on "Ignore," or whatever is the equivalent term on this forum's software.

My preference is for a reasonable and dispassionate exchange, but early indications are not promising.

Do you have any recommendations?

If you want to remain here, you will need a thick skin.I have been a mod here for many years and I am constantly amazed at the stupidity that some come here with.
As for the gifts of the spirit and tongues, I have read people here for years describing the gift of tongues as 'gibberish' and 'babbling'. I have warned them many times that they are getting very close to the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and that attacking one of Gods gifts and those who use is very unwise to say the very least.

In the end we must just walk with God and use all that He has given us, and ignore what others say or think.

Besides the fact that I *prefer* the discussion to be civil, I'm also unsure what kind of pushback is permissible under the Rules.  Many Christian sites prohibit questioning the salvation of other participants.  I agree with you that persistently denigrating glossalalia as "gibberish" is in the same ballpark as blaspheming the Spirit, especially in the Matthew and Mark contexts.  And ISTM akin to the behavior of the "mockers" in Acts 2.  But saying that seems close to questioning the other person's salvation.  I'm sure I'll eventually garner some warnings, but I'd prefer not to do that in my very first week!

I don't see warning others of the dangers of what they are doing is in any way questioning their salvation. Its hoping that their salvation will be sure.
We can only be responsible for how we act, we arent responsible for how others act.

[chosenone]

I have encountered a poster who, in a single thread, has referred to Pentecostals as "dishonest," accused us of "twisting Scripture," repeatedly described our practice of glossalalia as "gibberish" and "babbling," and probably more that I'm not aware of.

Does your practice sound like gibberish?  If so, are you complaining that someone refers to it exactly as it appears?  Have you tried to demonstrate that it's not gibberish?   You sound like a Catholic whining that someone calling the Communion blood of Jesus "wine"... except I've never actually hard a Catholic make that complaint.  If a Catholic did complain, I'd explain I'm just just calling what it appears to be  -- and then I hope they wouldn't throw a tantrum complaining to others and accusing me of hate and vitriol because I won't take part of their games and fiction.

The real question is, why are you so offended by an objective description of what's observed?

I am sad that one of Gods gifts is spoken of in such a way.  I am also concerned for you and others who think its ok with God for you to do so.
Its your choice, but you wont catch me attacking the Holy Spirit in this way that's for sure. 

[SHINY4UJESUS]

There are progenitors of deception in every denomination globally brother. Given this state of affairs, it is an unfortunate evil that all of the same "type," are generalized into one guilty mess by default. Plenty of pentecostals have misappropriated scripture and true biblical doctrine, but so have baptists, methodists, lutherans, etc. This is simply a sad truth of the world we live in, and it will take concerted effort on all believers' parts to eradicate the flawed and unfair worldview of Christians of any denominational preference.