Hi Joe,
You make some vaild points about discerning who is really seeking understanding and those simply out to cause trouble; I think the medical term is called 'triage.'
Is the concept of "Read first, ask later" a difficult concept? Well it is a one size fits all approach, which is not one that is employed at the ER. Sure, perhaps a large percentage may respond to a conclusive First Aid book, but the ones desperately seeking life saving help, will not read and likely cannot.
So how do the ER folk disern who is seriously ineed of help and who isn't? They simply ask questions, they probe, push and poke until they can determine the what is wrong and the severity.
Should we not do the same, in a loving respectful manner?
Bamabee made a wonderful observation
If I don't understand a point and want to ask someone for clarification, it can become maddening to hear "go read the papers" AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! I read them, okay! But, I hate to lay this on you, I think this is one of the cases where we are to bare one anothers burdens. Do I need to tell you my personal situation and background to get an answer to a question? And what about my husband, he is one of the smartest people I know, but he is not a reader. To ask him to read this material would be like asking me to climb Mt Everest. He is interested in the material, but this out of his reach. I read some to him and talk about principles. What if he came on the forum? That won't likely happen, because I won't encourage him to do so. Why would I? So someone can post a link to a paper in a reply. Thanks for nothing, pal. Now he's really felt the love. I don't want to sound unappreciative of the older members. They contribute so much. I'm just saying that is how I would feel. I apologize if I've been too blunt, but I've noticed that not to many people pull punches around here.Bamabee, I hear you loud and clear. Where are the fruits of the Spirit of: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. (Gal 5:22-23) in a cold blank page with a link and an instruction Read This.
Not even the triage people do this.
I would ask you Joe and every single person reading this, is the words in bold of Bamabee indicative of the fruits of the Spirit? I feel like such a fool for not seeing this sooner (as if I could)
Bamabee, if you have questions please do not be afraid to ask in a thread or a Private Message to me, for I will do the best I can to help you find the answers you are looking for.
I am sorry Joe, but God has us seeing differently on this one.
Love and peace found only in Christ to you my friend,
Darren