Bad Rumor

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On Fri, 13 Sep 1996 15:28:23 -0400, you wrote:

>> Its not that simple. Its not TV and its not telephone. Its a complex
>> issue.
>
>In all its political glory, maybe not.

I dont know about the political glory. I do know that there are
decisions imposed upon us at times. Today, saints in the UPC can and
many do have TV sets in their homes. In my opinon, these are the ones
that prefer or for some reason have not escaped from some elements
which bring weakness to Christian life.

However there is an admonition that liscensed ministers should not.
many ministers also tell those in the congregations they pastor that
this is a good practice, and I am happy to say, through the nature of
spiritual people, most listen and find a relief from the bondage.

Now regarding the internet there is more too it than that. For a
fellowship there are many things to consider. It is NOT just the
ability and importance of the individual's involvement with sin. There
are lines of communication that open up that are perhaps subject to
greater dischord than harmony. There is also a need to manage
communication and administration issues that are evident and
voluminous in a whole new dimension. I agree the use of the internet,
and am enjoying its benefits. The people of God at large can
experience great opportunity for outreach. The question that will be
considered is, are we able to deal with all the implications. There
are many, many problems that will arise. 

We support the principle of Christian schools. However we do not in
any stretch of the imagination suggest that everyone else can or
should, and it would be like putting some people before a firing
squard to encourage them to get involved in such a project. 

There is a questionable gain. I personally believe the potential is
enormous, however as I indicated, in studying this, the case is not
closed in my mind. If I felt that the thing needed more time before it
was understood, I would move to table such a resolution before voting
against it.

>But my reasoning is true and the analogy is valid.
>The internet facilitates many positive, good things.
>The internet also allows access to many negative, bad things.
>This can be said of telephones, radios and our cars for that matter.

This can be said of food and air also.

>If I drive down the road I am likely to see a provocative, even
>offensive billboard. I still use the roads, I have just trained myself
>to avoid paying attention these signs.

The question is not whether you can use the internet. The question is
whether there ought to be full scale endorsement of activity on the
internet. People realize that, if there is, a large population will
follow. If there is not, we will look elsewhere, and thus a lot of
activity that might have occured will not, including a general
presence in the form of web pages and participation by "major"
personalities in public forums.

-mwb