Hi Eirik,
Disagreements with a moderator's decision is to be expected, however there is not one moderator, administrator, or does even Ray expect anyone to "blindly follow" anyone here. What is "blind" about staying within the rules agreed upon at the time of joining? The Forum's purpose is clearly stated, it is not ambiguous and the intent is not to subjugate but to keep the peace.
Why are there outlines, guidelines, laws and rules in place everywhere we look? Only to enslave? Or could it be that order is the goal?
We may disagree with some traffic laws, a stop sign in a spot where some feel there shouldn't be one whereas others believe a stop sign is insufficient there should be a traffic light. The speed limit is too slow for some and others feel safety is compromised at the "excessive" speed allowed. What if everyone just drove the way they felt was right, disregarding the laws, I mean we all know how to operate a motor vehicle, who needs all these restrictions?
What if the cops just stopped enforcing any traffic laws because they were weary of the constant complaints often from diametrically opposed viewpoints, the "too slow" crowd complaining just as loud as the "too fast" proponents. Even in an imperfect world having guidelines/laws/rules helps to slow the anarchy and chaos that results from everyone only answering to themselves.
When it is suggested that a person seeking debate seek it elsewhere that does not mean to relinquish their membership here, it means go to one of the religious debate sites that are readily available, there is no need to read anything more into it, some seem to revel in being offended seeing offense where none really exists.
I consulted Rotherham's in regard to the verses in Hebrews 13, I think it conveys a clearer message than the KJV in this instance;
Heb 13:17 Be yielding unto them who are guiding you, and submit yourselves; For they are watching over your souls as having an account to render. That with joy the same they may be doing, and not with sighing, for unprofitable unto you were this.
(Believe me there are times of "sighing" among the moderators, when things begin unraveling and edifying spiritual peace is replaced by unprofitable arguments and strife, bruised egos in place of spiritual growth.)
Heb 13:18 Be praying for us; (we certainly need it!) For we persuade ourselves that an honourable conscience have we.(None of us are on power trips or personal vendettas, we admonish and counsel each other as well) In all things honourably desiring to behave ourselves.
Heb 13:19 But much more abundantly do I exhort you the same to do. (It is a two way street, we all need to be moderate, temperate) That more speedily I may be restored unto you.
Heb 13:20 But the God of peace He that led up from among the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, with the blood of an age abiding covenant , our Lord Jesus Christ.
(We do pray for the guidance of His Spirit, we should hope all here do the same)
Heb 13:21 Fit you by every good work for the doing of His will, Doing within us that which is well pleasing before Him through Jesus Christ: To whom be the glory, unto the ages of ages , Amen.
There are going to be some who read this post and will say to themselves and/or PM others saying "who does this guy (and the other moderators by extension) think he is? I/we don't need to submit ourselves to his guidance, who does he think he is, Paul? No, I do not think I am Paul, but for some reason I do find myself in this position, a position with no worldly compensation (I do not desire any gain from it either), one that is time consuming even when I am not on line, this Forum is never far from my mind, I (all moderators) only want the best for our members here, we want nor expect anything from you other than your spiritual growth and edification.
There will be times decisions are made that will not, can not be readily explained to everybody's satisfaction, we do not seek to embarrass people, even people who do not have our best interests at heart. Sometimes there are situations that need to happen behind the scenes, please believe me all of us consult the other moderators when difficult decisions arise none of us want to be judged by our Lord as scattering His sheep or putting stumbling blocks in the paths of His people.
I hope this helps clear the air a bit more.
His Peace and Wisdom to you all,
Joe