First, 1995 has witnessed a sea-change in the quantity of posts, and the attitudes of posters. The volume is increasing exponentially. And alt.atheism-type rudeness is becoming more prevalent on Christian groups. Many old-timers are leaving newsgroups for these reasons, which is a pity. Or they use their kill-files more rigorously.

Some newcomers have a sectarian (zeal-minus-wisdom) mindset. Others have a pathological need for an audience. Every social group hears speeches from these sorts of people. (And if they didn't have access to newsgroups they'd resort to some other form of graffiti). The best way to deal with these people is _not_ to respond. Not at all. Ever.

Any encouragement to 'speak the truth in love' will witness a yes-but retort about truth/error from these people. My friends, anyone who elevates (their interpretation of) truth above love is not truly Christian (yet). They are more like the pharisees as they are portrayed by Matthew, than Jesus. Love 'em, pray for them, and set an example of gentleness and reverence-for-others (1 Peter 3:15,16).

(If any reading this is not a follower-of-Jesus please note that we Christians are not fully redeemed yet. We still struggle with stuff Jesus is helping us to eradicate from our lives. Be patient with us. But don't ever let the discourteous behaviour of a so-called Christian dissuade you from examining Jesus' faith and life).

So let's do our best with the noise/sound problem. Uk.religion.christian has recently run threads about moderating that group. I like bit.listserv.christian, soc.religion.christian and other moderated groups: there's a place for them. But it would be a pity if other groups continued degenerating to the point where moderation is the only answer. And it's a lot of work for someone (ask me about our clergy/leaders' mail-list!!)

Let me be more specific. If you're mostly peddling your pet doctrine here, try reading other parts of the Bible. Let me encourage the 'you've gotta speak in tongues' people to offer a brief Bible study on social justice (you'll have more material to work with on that subject). If you're a fundamentalist, offer something about the benefits of obeying Jesus' prayer about us all 'being one'. If you're liberal, give us an exposition of a Pauline pericope. If you're a techno-nerd (forgive me if that's pejorative) write some devotional poetry :-)

If we are in Christ, we're new creations. The old has passed away; _everything_ has become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). May our lights shine before others, so that they may see our good works, and give glory to God in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

May Christmas-time be a blessing to you all.

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher