You folks continue to impress me with the discussions we’ve been having lately, particularly on our monthly Open Forum posts. So…
This week we will be having an Open Forum Week on Internet Monk in a way we haven’t tried before.
Each day we will have an open discussion, but it will be on a particular theme, and (it is hoped) led by those who best represent that theme.
So, here is the schedule:
- Monday: Open Forum for Pastors
- Tuesday: Open Forum for Readers around the World
- Wednesday: Open Forum on America (Independence Day Special)
- Thursday: Open Forum for Mission Workers
- Friday: Open Forum for Bloggers and Writers
Each day, I will invite people associated with the theme to participate, give a few thoughts and questions for them to consider in order to get the mental juices going, and then let them write in with their personal entries.
Others may write in too, but only in response to those who represent the theme — to respond to what they write, ask them questions, etc.
I see this as an opportunity to build our community, learn more about one another, and have some stimulating discussions.
Please join in!
The Internet Monk Archives 
When I heard my dad used to invite Jehovah’s Witnesses in to just chat, I changed my tone about them quite a bit. I have had pleasant conversations with some who have come to our door. It was more painful to learn that the Jehovah’s Witnesses would visit my dad when he was battling cancer, when his pastor would rarely darkened the door.
I think you are absolutely right, cermak_rd: they are someone’s sons and daughters. I think we are the misguided ones when we use differences in theology as excuses to mistreat people.
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Well stated.
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There was a ninety-day wonder of an essay — Mormons = Southern Baptist Zombies? that had a little fun with how Mormons behave “more Christian than we do” on several external litmus tests like sexual morality, taking care of their own, Focusing on the Family, voting Republican, and Witnessing/Missionaries.
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Yes, indeed, I wonder the same thing. There was a PBS special on Mormons that aired sometime last year that talked about (among other things) their incredible service during Katrina. They wore identifying t-shirts and the folks they interviewed for the show all sang praises about how other mission groups would come and turn up their noses, but the Mormons totally dug in and actually cleaned really nasty, nasty homes. Having lived in predominantly Mormon towns before, I can tell you that their focus on families was really refreshing – I’ve never been in a town where teenagers stumble over themselves to open the door to the mall for me.
When they come to the door, I think they have something in their training that tells them to run when they’re told the occupant is RC. My parents used to let me answer the door, I’d tell them I was RC and they couldn’t get away fast enough. Not sure what that was all about – just found it interesting.
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Why have the Mormons abstain? They certainly do missional, you must admit. Interestingly, it seems to burn a lot of them out on their faith, too. I mean, they’re sent away from home, are given a partner they might not like, are made to room with families who volunteer the space, pretty much eat what they can get, and have to go door to door (if they’re unlucky) trying to convince an unengaged populace that they have the answers to life’s problems. Most of them have stories about rude people, outrunning dog attacks, and encounters with people who have unsettling information about LDS history. On the other hand, some of the missions are more about service now than door to door and those young people seem to enjoy their mission times more.
I try to be nice when the Mormons come. I mean, they’re someone’s son or daughter (I have seen sisters) and even if they’re completely wrong (from my perspective) theologically, I’m sure they’re nice people.
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You might recognize a few names on the list 🙂
Jim Carrey,
Mike Myers,
John Candy,
Eugene Levy,
Howie Mandel,
Leslie Nielson,
Martin Short,
Steve Smith (a.k.a. Red Green),
Dave Thomas,
Dan Akroyd,
Rick Moranis,
Rick Mercer,
Russel Peters,
Phil Hartman,
Catherine O’Hara,
Andrea Martin,
and not a comic, but certainly involved in the Biz, Lorne Michaels.
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Oops, that would be Romans 13:1-3, not Romans 3:1-3.
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As someone who knows a bit about about the state, let me assure you that AZ doesn’t throw people in jail for meeting or worshiping in their homes.
Now, AZ does throw people in jail if, after multiple warnings, they don’t bother to obey city permit restrictions regarding use of buildings on their property in an area that’s not zoned for businesses, churches, and the like…good neighbors and all that.
Which leaves me wondering sadly, why would any non-Christian want to become one of those out-of-touch, self-absorbed people who think they’re better than everyone else, that they’re above all laws, who flaunt the rules and regulations of the city they live, and then raise a fuss (sometimes claiming persecution) when the city holds them to the same standard as anyone else in a residential neighborhood? Have they held a Bible study on Romans 3:1-3 lately? :-\
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and the best comedians
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And you have the best music.
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1. Yes, all clergy, with a focus on those in local church ministry.
2. It’s for everyone outside the U.S., where we are.
3. I confess, I live in the United States. Most of our readers do too. We’re parochial, I know. Hence, Tuesday.
4. Mormon missionaries are cordially invited to abstain. Although I did have a friend once who was on mission TO the Mormons in Salt Lake City. He went to one of their warehouses and presented himself as a “missionary” and was allowed in. Got his Mormon underwear.
5. We generally discourage commenters from making pitches for their own blogs or articles or books, etc. Today we make an exception. It will also give a chance for those who seriously pursue “the writing life” to tell us what it’s like.
If it were truly “solipsism week” I’d be boring you with details about me, me, nothing but me. I’m asking people to introduce themselves to others as a way of starting a good conversation on a particular topic.
Gonzo (Gerald), you may have too much time on your hands…
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1. What about other kinds of clergy, other than “pastors”? (Priests, for instance?)
2. And what would this exclude, exactly?
3 Of course it is only right that the USA be singled out for special attention, being both God’s most favored nation and the instrument of His wrath. (Or perhaps I have misjudged you, and you have prepared special plans for Bastille Day.)
4. “Hello. My name is Elder Price…”
5. Surely anyone who posts on the internet should qualify for this illustrious category.
I think you should call this “Sollipsism Week”! (Or “Navel-Gazing Week,” if that doesn’t offend the Orthodox.) I mean, what’s next? A special day for rednecks?
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I think he means United Statesians.
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As a non-American, whilst I don’t want to pre-empt Wednesday’s discussion, I wonder whether it should be someone from Arizona, since according to ChristianNews.net it seems you can now go to jail there for meeting with your friends to worship in your own home. I thought the USA prided itself on being the land of the free, or something like that, so it would be interesting to know how it is seen on that side of the Atlantic.
Mainly, however, I’m look forward to seeing what Tuesday’s discussion throws up.
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I vote for a Canadian.s since we are:
1. The largest country in the Americas.
2. The most northerly country.
3. Canada day is July 1st. So we are starting off on the month in the right way.
4. Given our recent discussion on health care…
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I vote for a representative of Panama, considering that they are geographically in the middle of the Americas.
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Just curious, who do you want to lead the discussion on Wednesday? “America” is a pretty broad range; are we just talking Americans on anything, or on patriotism? Just curious…
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