Rhiannon said: "What about Jesus' own words in Matt 5:17-20?
I take your point but explicitly Jesus does not do away with the OT; rather he embraces it, particularly the Law. I think that rather than seeing the OT as purely Judaic it is more accurate to see the NT as the result of a progression in thought from old ideas (such as the erroneous belief that God kills as punishment) to the new - the unconditional love of Christ.
If you discount the OT you then throw out the Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job - all speak to us down the centuries and are worth engaging with even as non-believers. Why ignore such richness of writing on the human condition and how we relate to God?"
Just wanted to say I agree with all that Rhiannon.
I've never met anyone from an online forum, couldn't be bothered with it now but I know a couple of people who have met and formed rewarding friendships. Years ago many of us posted on a couple of forums where there were many young people, students, and they got together quite successfully. They were a good laugh on the forums.
Floo I'm sorry you've met some nasties and been taken advantage of. It's so difficult sometimes, especially when you hear a sob story. We all learn from experience. Whoever said, above, that we should keep our wallets closed is quite right. A little bit of money is alright but we need to be sure the need is genuine and how can we know that from internet acquaintance?
Over my year of posting on Christian forums I have changed my mind, slowly and with much thought, on one or two issues. That is because of posting on forums where there are differences of opinion and some good discussions.