Are we too concerned with the minutia?

[michel]

It is with some trepidation that I broach this topic; The last thing I want to do is to 'rock the boat' .
I have noticed vast threads that seem never ending, with quotes, counter-quotes from a whole range of theologic literature. The one that really crystalized the need in me to question this was the one about Noah's Ark. As I posted in my reply, Deut, Holly and Scott's replies (In my own view, of course) answered the question.
I am always wary of threads, like the Noah's Ark one, running to 19 Pages, because I realize that I am going to be confronted by reams of well intentioned research to prove the member's views - leading to tangential debates such as could there have been a flood?, could an Ark be made big enough to carry all the animals? Where is the Ark?
Again, I must make it clear that I do not mean to offend anyone; every member of this forum has a right to his/her own view...BUT - and I say this with the greatest respect - do some of you not feel that in being so concerned with the many component parts of questions, that you all end up 'chasing your own tails' ?

 

[meogi]

Could be why I generally don't participate in any of the big debates... I like to tear apart an argument piece by piece... and that gets a tad hard when they're so many and they're flying all over the place.

And the mod team tries to keep topics focused on one point too... but tangents still get out of hand sometimes.

 

[retrorich]

I prefer to make a brief, to-the-point statement (even if it's off topic ) and then move on to another thread. I usually skip the long replies altogether. But different people have different styles.

 

[anders]

I don't have a systematic approach to posts. I like to think that I get into scientifically founded replies when posts advocate things that, even from the poster's PoW, don't make sense. Sometimes, though, I'm just venting my opinions, preferrably when they oppose as many as possible (which is hard on this fourm).

If the subject is one on which I've spent many weeks and months, like the story of Sodom, my replies tend to be lenghty. When the subject is human rights and/or tolerance of other people's views, I find it difficult to be silent.

In other cases, like the ark insanity, I bow to superior authorities (shipbuilding experts etc.) and try to submit links to sites that conclusively annihilate stupid claims.

 

[Lightkeeper]

My philosophy is "it isn't over until the fat moderator sings." If the thread is still going after several pages and everyone is still being civil, then members are still having fun with the thread. Who is to judge who has nailed the "correct" answer? It is about allowing everyone to have their say. It is everyone's choice as to whether or not to post on a thread.

 

[Doc]

My approach to responses is that they are simple and to the point. You will rarely see me quote anything from any book. As you have seen, all of my posts come from the heart. Objective, and yet very opinionated. I really don't attack or defend any religion or faith here. I simply say what I see. I prefer not to partake in the Biblical Debates considering I have both little knowledge of Scripture and little worry about the minutia and silly debates. Most of my posts can be found in General, Religious, or Political sometimes. Well I have gone on far too long.

 

[Melody]

BUT - and I say this with the greatest respect - do some of you not feel that in being so concerned with the many component parts of questions, that you all end up 'chasing your own tails' ?

That's why I've started staying out of many of the debates. I realized that many people here just debate because they love to debate. I, on the other hand, feel exactly like I'm "chasing my tail" after awhile....very unsatisfying for me.

On the other hand, while I don't post a lot of responses, I do read quite a few threads because I usually find something interesting that I take back to my conversations and debates with my husband (like he needs *any* help at all ).