The Society of Gentlemen~Discussion and Controversy

Some New Topics

2008-01-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

I was just thinking to myself that because we have not been doing anything lately regarding the society, we should just stop. But then I got to thinking some more. You know, guys, what we have here is something unique. Something powerful. We have the ability to refine our theology, build practical knowledge and understanding in how to avoid sinful pitfalls, and are building, to some extent, maturity in after-church conversation. I would like to propose some new topics, and we would be guided by the following questions: 1. What is the definition of the subject? 2. Where are three or more references on this subject? 3. What are the verses and their contexts really getting at? Some of the topics that I thought would be great if we could manage to do if we get the time are listed below: 1. Gossip and slander 2. Flirtation 3. What to look for in a political candidate Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Very important verses for us to look at.

2007-10-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Gentlemen, Here are some verses that I think would be very important for us all to read and meditate on before we proceed with out studies. Ps. 133:1 Prov. 15:23 Matt. 12:36 Luke 6:26-37 :31 Ephe. 4:1-3 :29 Phill. 2:1-5 James 4:11 :6 1Peter 3:8-9 I hope that y'all can find time, in your full schedules, to read these, becas they are very important verses to have in mind while we are discussing, debating, and talking.

The Polls

2007-09-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

The results of the polls were as follows: 1. We continue our study on the tulip acrostic. (5-0)------------ 2. We will not ask for a different topic. (4-1)------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. We will work out a new system of gathering research and compiling it into essay format. (5-0) 4. We will complete our days work before adjourning, stating what we need to accomplish beforehand. (3-2) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. We will make our research available on this blog (Discussion & Controversey). (5-0)

Propositions (revised)

2007-08-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Greetings Gentlemen: After a lot of thought, I have come up with the following propositions: Whereas the Society of Gentlemen has seemed to have a lack of enthusiasm and interest in their studies, and the continuation of the said body has been brought into question, the following diagnosis and propositions have been brought up: Diagnosis: It is my opinion that our current situation is stemming from a dysfunctional system of collecting data, analyzing it, and condensing it into an essay. As it is now, if and when I take the time to do research during the week, I have no guarantee that this research will be used, examined, or even seen by the society. For, in order for this to happen, I must be recognized by the chair, and be obliged to bring forth my research in a spoken format. Even with this, I do not know whether my efforts will be of service or not because unless the writer of the essay remembers my research when he composes his work hours, days, or even weeks later, my research will only be to my own personal profit. This can be very discouraging for gentlemen as it is very possible to work hard all week and have your efforts come to naught. Proposition 1: To expediently finish our current subject of the Total Depravity of Man and to temporarily ‘shelve’ our current series on the Calvinistic TULIP Acrostic due to the depth of the subjects and the need to create a working system before delving so deep. Proposition 2: To request from Pastor Pollock (in accordance with our constitution) an easier (almost obvious) topic such as the Deity of Christ by which we may construct a working system without having to work too hard on the subject itself. Proposition 3: To implement a system by which members of the Society of Gentlemen would receive a subject, and as they were doing their research, posting their findings on the “Discussion and Controversy” blog. The members would then be ‘constructively criticizing’ each other’s work and the researchers would be refining their work by editing their original post, rather than creating a new one. When it has been determined that we have exerted ourselves to our fullest in understanding the subject at hand, we will condense all of our posts into one essay. It is important not to be too perfectionist or critical in the essays brought forth, I believe that burning out a subject is more of a peril that underachievement. Proposition 4: To preserve the length of our meetings and to make sure that all business has been duly looked at and accomplished before adjourning by popular vote. I would like to hear your comments and opinion of this. Yours in Christ, Sam Young

Cut From Main Blog

2007-06-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

Gentlemen, here are some Scripture verses I thought would be good for us as a group to consider. (Prov 10:19) "When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise" (Prov 17:27-28) "He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent is considered wise." Prov 18:2 "A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind." (I Tim 6:20-21) "O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge" which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith."

2007-05-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

As the purpose of this blog has, in fact changed, I thought that it would be prudent to lay out the new blueprints on how this system will be run. The first sunday, we would introduce the topic. Take Momonism vs. Christianity for example. We would then divide the subject into sections, such as the historical section, the theological section, ect. The reason we would section the study off is that we would get more in-depth points, as well as more defined study in specific areas. I'm thinking that we would be looking, in the historical section, for discrepiancies in their history, looking into exact situations and find false "evidence", ect. In the theological section, we would be looking for the big pillars of the Mormon faith, showing how they differ from the original views they were perverted from and why they were/are wrong. This has already been discussed with the majority of our society, and this is pretty much what we came up with. The example above is solely that: an example. We could use it, though, in one of our studies. Also, I was thinking that we could switch topic genre's from study to study, doing, for example, a theological topic such as the sovereignty of God or predestination one time, and next do a "real life" topic such as why should Christians get involved into politics, how far do we go in submitting to earthly authority (take gun control, for instance) ect. I am COMPLETELY open to any suggestions that society members should make. The wayfarer thought that we should have different people do different sections, but other members thought that we would get better in-depth research done if we all concentrated on each section collectively. By the way, if you think that you recognize this post, you do; this is an old post from the main blog that I thought would be better over here. Au Revoir

The Constitution of the Society of Gentlemen

2007-05-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Constitution of the Society of Gentlemen The Webster's 1828 Dictionary's definition of a gentleman is as follows: “A man of good breeding, politeness and civil manners, as distinguished from the vulgar and clownish.” 1. One must always be charitable toward others who may have made an illogical point and point out their mistake with brotherly love. (Eph. 4:29) "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." 2. There shall be no sarcasm or hurtful language. You may be writing in jest but the person intended may not see it the same way you do. If you are offended, please talk to the offender in private and tell him how you feel. I trust that we are gentlemanly enough to be able to apologize and continue on with no grudges being held. See #5 We most likely will come into situations with differing opinions. Respect other’s opinions and do not consider yourself higher because you have done further research. Rather, take it to the Scriptures and slowly explain it the way you see it. If the person still holds firm to his belief, then respect him as a fellow gentleman and continue on. We will, in most cases, be able to work it out amongst ourselves. If need be, we can take up the discussion with Mr. Pollock and work through our difficulties that way. 3. Mr. Pollock shall always be the decider of any and all study subjects pertaining to the society. 4. There shall be no improper interruptions. A member may be droning on about his research, and eventually the need may arise to where it would be best for times sake that the member be interrupted and asked his point of study. A member may simply raise his hand, and upon recognition, ask if it is appropriate to inquire as to the point of study. If granted, the reading member will have twenty to forty seconds to paraphrase. An inquiry will be granted upon the affirmative vote of two other members. Members should always try to hear another member’s points all the way through. It may seem at first, that a member has nothing of real substance to say, and that it would be best to interrupt them as outlined in section four a. However, some are not quite as articulate in their wording as others, and their point may not be clear until the end of the reading. It is therefore deemed best under the majority of circumstances to hear another member’s statements all the way through. 5. If an offender is unrepentant, measures of correction shall be taken. The offended member shall privately choose a fellow member as mediator. If, after all efforts, the issue remains unresolved, the pastor shall be brought into the controversy. If the issue is still unresolved after that, the parents of both members shall be brought into the controversy, and the society will wash its hands of the issue. 6. A member shall not purposely study to provoke debate on Sunday. We have deemed debate, in and of itself, a helpful resource in some circumstances, but it detracts from the scope and object of the study; namely, to write up a belief statement, and have all of the verses and arguments to back it up. Studying simply to provoke debate defeats the very purpose of studying, and is unacceptable. 7. Members shall not write independently on the main blog. This will keep the blog looking professional.