Eureka, thanks for your input and welcome back to the forum! As you raise an important issue about what and who is allowed here, and as many newer forum readers may wonder about such things, I think a more nuanced response might be timely - as this issue hasn't been addressed in quite some time - see below.Eureka wrote: ↑Sat Nov 29, 2025 12:43 pm
Hello Philip,
It’s been several years since I last made an appearance on these forums. Over the past few decades, I’ve continued to return (as life permits) because I’ve always known this as a place that welcomes intelligent discourse and responds respectfully to challenging questions. I’ve learned so much about Christianity (and the world) just by lurking on this forum—delicate exegesis of scripture, philosophical arguments about concepts like infinity, knowledgable coverage of probability and statistics—the in-depth dissection of topics is special and rare. It truly creates a bridge between the Christian faith and scientific exploration.
Respectfully, I don’t believe the same environment could exist if perspectives like Kenny’s are banned from participating. His dissent provides opportunities for people to further explore issues of faith and science rather than accepting a superficial explanation. There are plenty of religious echo chambers out there for people who want them—I hope this forum still strives to do more than that.
Sincerely,
E
To be clear, Ken is more than welcome to come here and his perspective as well as those of other atheists, agnostics, believers in other gods, all manner of non-Christians ARE most definitely welcome here. And we DO need to understand the perspectives of EVERYONE. So, while Ken and others are STILL and ALWAYS welcome here, as are ALL those who come here respectfully and sincerely desirous to understand Christianity, the Bible and it's teachings, learning about Jesus - really, all things related to faith in Christ - there are, nonetheless, healthy boundaries in place here. And if ANYONE, at least beyond a reasonable discourse, begins to come here with but one apparent agenda - only to continuously sow doubt about God / Christ / Christianity - well, there will be a limit to it. Many such people, over the years, have often come here merely as trolls to machinegun their anti-Christian rabbit-hole assertions and questions designed to spread doubt and convince themselves and others that their unbelief is logical and backed with truth, and that Christianity is built on man-made lies and creative myths. Again, for a period, their questions will be answered and their contentions addressed - but only to a reasonable point that doesn't take the focus off of the forum's mission: To advance belief and faith in Jesus and the mission He has given us. Once they have received plentiful explanations about what Christianity actually teaches and of the many powerful evidences from history, prophecy, science, etc and all they ever do is want to argue - that is when such posts are disallowed. Notice, I didn't say the persons themselves are disallowed - but their continuous and distracting rhetoric will be greatly limited or no longer allowed. Not to mention, all they have to do is search around for posts on just about any conceivable issue or questions surrounding Christianity and faith.
Back to Ken - for 11 years now, he has been coming on here redundantly making the same assertions and spinning the same atheistic circles. And that's destructive for the forum and those sincerely seeking, as well as for himself. And there is no key topic or question he's posed or assertion he's espoused that hasn't been redundantly addressed. So far, he's refused to learn. He's even exposed the fact that his atheism has caused a lot of heartache and hurt within his own family. He knows this forum is all about a Christ-driven solution to his mind hurts and heartaches. So, Ken is definitely still welcome, but there also must be protective limits in place - and those are designed to protect both the forum's mission and its readers. And, as the forum owner, I must constantly make sometimes difficult calls as to what is allowed, what isn't, and how long a certain aspect of posting is allowed. I have absolutely nothing PERSONAL against such posters. And, believe me, I give people PLENTY of rope and patience before I must put constraints on them. And yet, there are people who get banned for being rude or are insulting to other posters (basically, here to stir up trouble and tick people off). Those posters are first warned - and if seriously out of order, they might be banned - sometimes for a brief cooling off period, but for longer, or perhaps even permanently, (and ONLY) IF a temporary ban fails to correct their bad behavior.
Thanks for the input!
