Beginning today we are closing the Politics and Government forum indefinitely. If the World/News forum becomes some habitual surrogate, it will get closed as well. The goal is to not reopen P&G. The moderators have been concerned for some time now that this forum affords losing focus of the point for which PB exists. There are other places where politics can be discussed on the web. There was a time when the PB was a pretty unique place for Confessional types, and people who were looking for the depth and camaraderie that could be found in Confessional Christianity. PB has grown significantly and at some point P&G was instituted as an outlet for political sentiments to ease the job of moderating when such spilled out on other forums. The PB is still a unique place, but we (the administrators and moderators) believe some folks would make much more use of what PB is "about" if this forum is removed. It has not escaped our notice that some spend far more time on P&G than the theological forums. With the significant increase in moderators we do not think this move presents any insurmountable problems. We just think it is time to narrow ourselves back down to a theological purpose and leave the political chatter to other groups, Facebook and chat rooms.

We will simply delete posts of a political nature or edit out such from an otherwise acceptable post. Persistence in posting purely political commentary or links in General or News may result in infractions and loss of posting privileges. Theological discussion that by nature may have some political application (e.g. apt example drawn from current events, etc.) will be handled on a case by case basis.

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The PuritanBoard Moderating Team
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I should probably know this, but where can I find an explanation of what the PB is "about"?

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Daniel
PCA
Memphis, TN

Good! I'm tired of all the depressing news! Nothing we can do about it anyway right now but pray!

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sarah
WI
OPC
My Pastor's Sermons: Mark Jenkins...he's awesome!!!

I found this...

The PuritanBoard - Why Reformed Theology?

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Norseman Moderator

R. Martin Snyder
1689er
http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/puritancovenanter/

"Our object should not be to have scripture on our side but to be on the side of scripture; and however dear any sentiment may have become by being long entertained, so soon as it is seen to be contrary to the Bible, we must be prepared to abandon it without hesitation."
William Symington

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This thread isn't for complaining about the decision either. It's a decision that the Mods & Admins made almost unanimously. So if you don't like or agree with the decision, sorry, we're not trying to inflame or provoke you. We're simply letting you know.

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Josh Hicks, Chloë's Dad
Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church, RPCGA
Facebook - The Calvinist Vent
Board Rules - Signature Rules - Suggestion Box

It is God that multiplies our sorrows.... God, as a righteous Judge, does it, which ought to silence us under all our sorrows; as many as they are, we have deserved them all, and more: nay, God, as a tender Father, does it for our necessary correction, that we may be humbled for sin, and weaned from the world by all our sorrows; and the good we get by them, with the comfort we have under them, will abundantly balance our sorrows, how greatly soever they are multiplied. - Matthew Henry

So if one wants to discuss Scriptural texts relating to the State/Civil Magistrate/etc, or issues relating to Chapter XXIII of the WCF, or why a Reformed worldview necessitates a believer being concerned about the civil magistrate and what its true function according to Scripture should be, what does one do?

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Randy Harris
Heritage PCA Church
Oklahoma City, OK

In Defense of a decision that I am not completely sure about, the recent thread on the old and new two kingdoms viewpoints was not in the p&g forum. It was instead in the Theology forum. So as far as I can tell, those types of discussions can continue. P&G has seemed to be more about current events vs. how one theologically views politics in general or even the theological foundations of particular views.

CT

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Hermonta Godwin
Christ The King PCA
Raleigh, NC

Mr. Harris, within limits what you've stated above will be fine for discussion, and they can fall under the forums for the Confession of Faith, the Law of God, etc.

Our primary reason for shutting down the P&G forum has to do with the constant alarmism that seems to be emphasized out of balance with, say, our current American Governmental situation. Yes, it would be nice to be able to civilly discuss current politics, "parties," tyranny, etc. but we've a track record of not being able to do that.

So, if one wants to speak generally of the Christian's duties and relationship to the Civil Government from a purely Confessional and Biblical standpoint. But the daily links to stories that get our hackles up (mine included) take away from the primary focus of the board: Puritan theology and piety. Yes, I know they were very informed and spoken concerning the Government, etc., but our context is so different that it's difficult to compare our interactions here with their interactions of old. We primarily seek for the Board to be a place for theological discussion, prayer, encouragement, and spurring one another to godly piety. We are very aware that it can be argued that P&G affects all of those things, but, again, given the track record of vitriol and alarmism that has come from our P&G forum, we'd rather just oust it altogether.

I, personally, stay very informed of politics, etc. and also like to discuss the matters therein. However, I'm happy to defer those discussions to other places available on the net, for the seek of peace here on the PB. I probably find myself out of step politically with most of the other Mods & Admins, and maybe many on the board, but I by no means want a discussion gone awry to diminish my love and fellowship with them. There are some things that I have to take in strides, and charity toward those with whom I disagree is one of the things I am constantly in need of working on. I believe that our decision to pull the P&G forum is great way to facilitate that, plus put an emphasis back on the PB that has been lost since the inception of the P&G forum. I do realize that this will not be a popular decision with lots of folks on the board, most all of whom I consider good friends, but it's a decision we've made to enforce, and we think it's a valid one.

Again, Friends, please know that this is not intended to inflame or provoke anyone to anger. There are many other places wherein one can discuss these particular subjects from a Reformed, Confessional, and Biblical perspective.

Sincerely, and with all due respect,

It's fine here re: the closure of P&G. An idea occurred to me some time ago; I mulled it over for weeks, weighed the pros and cons - and then came down on the side of confining myself (except for prayers, welcomes and, of course, the NHL Playoffs thread, which will soon be a moot point - ) strictly to the Tea Parlour.

I love the Tea Parlour. Whoever came up with it is a genius.

I will not miss P&G, or, well, other threads. "The long, objective perspective" that I subjected my own posts to clearly indicated that this was necessary for me. Guys, be well, be blessed and continue to know that you're being lifted up in prayer.

Margaret

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Margaret
Free Church of Scotland [Continuing]
Michigan

Several posts have been deleted. We've given the reasons why we've decided to close the forum. We're sorry that it's a loss to some. That's it.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Puritan Board is run by a committee of dedicated administrators and moderators. Our singular goal is to honor the Lord Jesus Christ by maintaining an atmosphere that is conducive to reformed theological discussion. This board is not governed by a heavy hand. In regards to the disposition of the P&G forum, the Puritan Board moderator team has discussed this topic on and off since I have been a moderator (roughly two years). Opinions varied, and apart from some common sense decisions, such as closing P&G on the Lord's Day, we were not rash in our actions. We understand that politics is part of life, and that good Christian people can participate in P&G discussions, all while honoring the Lord. Unfortunately, the P&G forum had developed an inherent negative tone that was dishonoring to God and contrary to Christian profession. When the decision was made to close the P&G forum, it was done after much discussion; understanding that there are members of the Puritan Board who have been circumspect and God-honoring in their posting. There was no rush to judgment. The previous few years of discussion on this topic is proof of the restraint shown by your moderators.

As far as whether other forums will be moderated or closed; understand that your moderator team is constantly evaluating what goes on in the forums. Other forums have had their moments, but they pale in comparison to the highly charged atmosphere in the P&G forum. Unless a forum begins to develop a tone that dishonors God, and/or contradicts the reformed faith, I doubt that you will see action similar to what has recently transpired.

Let me encourage each of you to consider the unique nature of the Puritan Board. We are provided an opportunity to discuss the reformed faith with a broad spectrum of believers that we normally would never interact with. Non-theological discussions, while not specifically prohibited, are not the foundation on which this board is built. Your moderator team is simply trying to maintain the focus of this board on those things that will honor Christ, and reinforce reformed theology. Those things that impede that focus are subject to moderation or removal.

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Bill Brown
Elder
Reformed Baptist
Maryland

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