Addendum A

TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE REPORT

Concerns from technology committee presented to the Ministers' and Deacons' Council
at Red Deer, Alberta.

1) Personal conviction: In spite of clear teaching from the Word and our previous
conference decisions, a permissive attitude is far too prevalent regarding the improper use
of the technology that is in the world today. We are not referring to the practical
applications that do not compromise the faith. We are concerned about the unnecessary
use of recording, photography, and entertainment capabilities of the many electronic
gadgets we have in our possession. There seems to be a weakness to take certain liberties;
that are against our faith and teaching. The fact that we have access to some of this
technology does not give us liberty to use all its applications. There are compromising
uses of DVDs, cell phones, laptops, pocket devices (PDA), and recorded singing, to name
a few. Also, laptops and PDAs may be used to access the Internet through a wireless
connection and used in a carnal way. Are we as parents and brethren alert to the dangers
and the warnings against those practices that compromise our faith? Is there a general
malaise of conviction in some of these matters? Could it be that we sometimes feel more
comfortable not getting involved? We need not cower, but we believe that "when the
enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against
him" and "if God be for us, who can be against us?" We must strengthen that which
remains and continue to hold the gospel standard. Is there some direction for us if we
teach more clearly the doctrine rather than trying to emphasize phones, cameras, Internet
etc? Technological changes come faster than what we can keep up with, but the Word of
God is always the same. Without clear conviction in our hearts, how will we have
direction in this world of ever changing technology? This issue will not go away, and we
must face it. "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong" (1 Cor.
16:13). Our goal is that we will be saved and that the clear teaching of separation from
the world can be handed down to the next generation.

2) Difference of administration: We have noticed a difference of administration among us. On the issues of texting, camera phones, and other matters of technology, some are not doing a lot of teaching, while others are. Have some of us felt a certain alarm when realizing various writings, suggestions, and principles are being challenged? Rather than dealing with or helping the individuals involved, we focus on writing more guidelines and demanding adherence. Clear biblical teaching should be our focus. If you need some help in the various details, we as the technology committee will be glad to help in any way that we can. We should not be critical of those who are using technology for practical and justifiable reasons that are within the boundaries of our faith and teaching. They should not be censured or made to feel that we do not have confidence in them. When technology is being used for entertainment purposes or to support a worldly lifestyle, we should help the involved ones in a way that is redemptive.

3) We continue to emphasize that technology cannot control technology. There are no perfect filters, but when we use filters conscientiously, they do a good job of keeping out objectionable material. It is still our recommendation that we only use filters that do not have on/off capabilities. If a filter is not working properly or if it does not work with a certain application, let us be open to changing to a proper filter. We as a committee are still studying different filters and plan to send a letter with our current filter recommendations. As more filter options become available, we appreciate that some of them provide more safety. We are encouraged with the cooperation we are finding with some filter companies, and we may soon be able to offer a more restrictive filter.

4) Some young people and younger married couples are quite involved in the many different aspects of the technical equipment that is available today. They have grown up with it all around them and are not afraid to use it. As parents, we must stay alert. It does not work very well to cry wolf after the wolf has already been here and left. It seems imperative that we as parents become more knowledgeable and involved with our children on these matters in a way mat builds confidence and conviction. We would like to express our concern about social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace and similar sites. We have become aware that some of our youth are posting their profiles on these sites. We as older people cannot understand why younger people would want to be involved in this, but it seems to have appeal to youth who feel a drawing to the world. The purpose of social networking sites is to share your likes, dislikes, interests, favorite music, and such information with a wide array of current or prospective friends. It is a serious matter of spiritual and personal safety when our youth reach out to this avenue of communication, and we should be alert to signs of such activity. If you are wondering or unsure, maybe you should be asking the youth in your home if they are involved, hi such an event, ask them to remove their profile and any information they have given out, and we believe you need to see them through to a better vision on technology issues and carefulness with where they seek their fellowship.

5) We believe that God has a way for us to keep the faith in these fast changing times. There are many brethren who are facing these challenges of the future with carefulness and godly conviction. Their carefulness and caution is much appreciated. They are in control of technology, and it is not driving them. Conversely, there some who are quite innocently getting involved, and we find them usually open to help. We need to be watchmen on the walls of Zion. Technology will not go away and needs our careful attention. We believe that God has a way to guide us in these troubling times. We will continue to offer ourselves to give lectures in your congregations and will be available as you need us.

They are in control


eww!!! "Control", the favorite word to the holdepreachers



Fighting technology is like stopping a mudslide in the midst of it's movement! It's practice will produce more trolls (men who Paul called silly women in 2Ti 3:6. Men who "submit" to the preachers control and turn off their manly capability to prove the spirit and instead prove the preachers ability to punish them if they rebel against their unscriptural control, but it will not produce eternal life. Neither will it produce discernment in their youth.








May God richly Bless your day!

I wonder when it will get to the point where they will actually be able to legislate righteousness.

2 or 3 Questions.

What filters do they use? I use Norton, Sympatico and I still occasionally find some objectional material gets through to my computer. (You know - Someone in Florida or Zimbabwa trying to date me.) Using no purchased filter material I have no problem with anything objectionable getting through on my Radio or TV. Then again i never or almost never turn them on. My cell phone has picture taking technology but I have not had the time to really figure it out. Also it has intranet but I have not been able to access my e-mail from it. Do they have anyone who can teach this technology?

See Howie, here in the whole problem. In order to figure all this stuff out you have to give it to someone under the age of 25 preferably under 18. It will all be solved and used within a matter of minutes to a few hours compared to the total of days it takes the rest of us. That is why they are so worried., they aren't worried about us old foggies going off into left field, it is all those impressionable young people that think that anyone over 30 has no marbles or inteligence anymore that is looking like a problem. Lose your youth and you have lost your church. That goes for any denomination anywhere. A church that has no youth has no growth. Just ask anyone that is going to one of those churches where the average age of attendee is over 45. Satan isn't worried about us old folks, if he gets our children he has the world.

If the COGICM is the sole repository of the truth and it alone is THE united, undivided church, then surely none of its members would use 'technology' for ungodly purposes, would they? I mean, surely they would be united and all stand firm against the seductive temptations of 'technology', right?

Perhaps someone could rewrite this piece in clear English. What a bunch of double-speak, cliches etc.

What does personal conviction have to do with the following sentence?
"1) Personal conviction: In spite of clear teaching from the Word and our previous conference decisions, a permissive attitude is far too prevalent regarding the improper use of the technology that is in the world today."

Is "malaise" a word used in common english today? Yes, I do know the meaning of the word.

"We must strengthen that which remains and continue to hold the gospel standard" Cliche's, cliche's. What is it that remains? What or who's gospel standard?

"Our goal is that we will be saved and that the clear teaching of separation from the world can be handed down to the next generation." Is there no one who knows whether they are saved or not? Is salvation only a goal?

I'll leave the rest for someone else to question.

>>In spite of clear teaching from the Word and our previous conference decisions, a permissive attitude is far too prevalent regarding the improper use of the technology that is in the world today.<<

What I had to wonder about was where does 'the Word' actually teach anything about the use of technology?

And, as I have pointed out previously, making rules about which technology is acceptable and which is not, is very, very, similar to some of those 'legalistic groups' (e.g. the Amish). The Amish traditionallly do not allow the use of telephones, believing them to be 'worldly'. The Holdemans allow their use and do not consider them 'worldly' - but they view other technology as 'worldly' (e.g. television, the Internet (well, SOME of them do, at least), etc).

>>"We must strengthen that which remains and continue to hold the gospel standard"<<

Like Mark, I also wonder what that means and exactly how it is defined.

>>"Our goal is that we will be saved<<

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

The whole focus of the Holdeman church has the effect of 'setting the stone at naught' and instead, to focus primarily on things unrelated (or peripheral at best) to the Christian faith.

>>and that the clear teaching of separation from the world can be handed down to the next generation."<<

What 'clear teaching'? The sort of teaching where some members can have Blackberries, PDAs, the Internet and just about every electronic gadget imaginable (whether for 'business' use or not) and others, while they would benefit greatly from having some of this technology for their business ventures, are not allowed it? What is 'separation from the world'? Removing yourselves from most social interaction with people outside of the COGICM Inc. and living, for the most part, in relative (or in some cases extreme) material affluence, but abject spiritual poverty, in a psychological, religious ghetto?

To the Holdemans reading this: Do you not see how your church leaders have almost completely lost sight of Jesus Christ and His Gospel and are instead preaching another 'gospel' of rules, legalism and works?

Inanimate objects have never caused anyone to sin! Neither the use of them!

A simple definition of sin could be the refusal to live within the leading of the Holy Spirit for that individual.

If a stubborn, obstinate individual refuses this leading, no amount of guidelines or rules regarding inanimate objects can make this person righteous. For the cause of sin is internal, a matter of the heart, not inanimate things.

The cause for concern in the above article is seriously missing the mark. Don't be concerned that your youth or other members are misusing cell phones, PDAs and other gadgets. Because, if you take them away, they will only find other ways to feed the lust of the flesh; just as they have been doing all their lives. Technology only makes it easier.

Be concerned rather, that you have church members that have no leading of the Holy Spirit in their lives, living a pseudo christianity that pacifies the leaders by following man-made rules and regulations.

Be warned! You will never, ever be able to legislate righteousness nor will all your guidelines save a single lost soul.

When we get to heaven we may be surprised at who we meet there. I would never consider giving my Belly button a Piercing or Dyeing my hear purple or putting a ring in my nose. However I do know that God does not always see things the same way as we do. Lot's own daughters after being delivered out of Sodom and Gommorrah got him drunk and got pregnant by him. Jacob together with his Mother lied or at least used gross deciept to get the Blessing from his Father. Jesus ate with the Publicans and Sinners, not to say sitting and talking with the the lady at the well who had had 5 husbands and now living with a sixth?? So whether we use a computer to get our radio tunes or if we purchase a TV is not going to affect our afterlife nearly as much as being willing to search God, listen to his guidance and do our best to serve him and follow his will. So I suspect we may find ones there when we get there who have Polka dot tattoes or toe rings, After all I do expect to see the thief who was crucified beside Jesus when I get there.

That tech committe report is the funniest thing I have ever read. Very entertaining. How can anyone take these people seriously? They have so completely lost sight of reality that it astounds me. Why don't they just put up a big sign somewhere..."WE'VE LOST IT". It's over guys. When you are trying to tell people what to do in their personal life, especially when it is smart young people, and it involves technology, you show your ignorance. Why don't they love people, accept people, teach people the Bible, and drop the scam. This thing is going to fall one way or another, and real soon.

I totally agree with you there

2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. {which...: Heb. upon whom my name is called}
(KJV)

I totally agree with you there. And we need to do the praying, The last time I was called in front of their inquisition I do not know if there would have been any prayer had I not said, Let us have a prayer before I need to leave. And I led with the first prayer. And there are times we need to lead rather than follow. (For myself that is not first nature, I have usually been a follower.)

VS,
>>teach people the Bible,<<

That, in essence, is it in a nutshell.

To the Tech Committee:

>>1) Personal conviction: In spite of clear teaching from the Word and our previous
conference decisions, a permissive attitude is far too prevalent regarding the improper use of the technology that is in the world today.<<

How are we supposed to have personal conviction on anything when your conviction is handed down to us through your conference decisions? How about forgetting this(you are up there and we are down here)attitude? Since when did God give you more brain cells and more wisdom to comprehend and understand what the Bible says any more than us? We are not mind-numbed robots. Why at revival time do you see so many youth go through the motions of 'straighting up' only to go right back to their old ways(or sins?) again? Did it ever occur to you that they probably don't really have any personal conviction on anything because they have not learned to stand on their own two feet spiritually speaking because all they have ever done is to live by your conference dictates? Did it ever occur to you that they are probably reaching out into the technology world as a means to find meaning in their life? Because they cannot discuss spiritual things between themselves and get one another's help in searching for answers to their questions?

>>2) Difference of administration: We have noticed a difference of administration among us. On the issues of texting, camera phones, and other matters of technology, some are not doing a lot of teaching, while others are. <<

Why does it need administration? Just teach the Bible.

>> Have some of us felt a certain alarm when realizing various writings, suggestions, and principles are being challenged?<<

Go ahead and let them be challenged. Maybe they need to be challenged. If they are of God then they will stand.


Bottom line: Every one of us on that last great day will have to answer for ourselves. No amount of rules or conference decisions(or legalism) will save us. If it is our desire to serve the Lord and to be saved then we have to follow our own conscience through the Holy Spirit and is it up to each individual to find that rest and confidence in Him. Teach us the Bible and less church and 'our way' and let us have Bible study classes and encourage more communication about spiritual things and we will have a much more rewarding Christian life.

Hay GM, I see your still hiding behind a handle. Why don't you come clean and put your real name on your post if you really have so much light and conviction on these matters.

Hey,(not Hay)wtk,I see you are still hiding behind a forum name. So if you are doing the same thing you are accusing me of then what does that make you? I'd really like to hear what your convictions are, especially regarding the H church.

Btw, what does 'come clean' mean?

Hey, Hay, Heigh ol’ Wtk,
desperately wants GM man to use a real name.
I haven’t seen my buddy on the forum in a while.
Makes me wonder if obedient Holdemanism
is coming back in style.
He won’t allow a lady to buy her dress from a store.
Probably thinks her job is baking cookies and sweeping floors.
I wonder how revivals went
And did he take communion?
Probably drank a little fake wine
And kissed a couple men
So, old friend,
and frequent poster of the past,
I hope this year in Holdi-land
Is better than the last.