From: pruss@math.ubc.ca (Alexander Pruss)
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.catholic,talk.religion.misc
Subject: VISION mailing list
Date: 23 Nov 1992 16:52:25 GMT
Organization: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
NNTP-Posting-Host: raven.math.ubc.ca
Keywords: visions, prophecies, spirituality

The VISION mailing list has a new moderator, Alexander Pruss, and a new
mailing address: pruss@math.ubc.ca

Submissions for the list, requests for subscription and inquiries should
be directed to the above request.  Any current members of the VISION
mailing list who have not yet received mail from the new moderator are
kindly asked to contact him so as to find a working mail path.



NOTE

The description below is an attempt at codifying something that is really
much looser and simpler than it seems from what I write below.  Simply
put, a forum to share various visions and related things was needed, and
the VISION list is it.  The stuff below is there to read only if you like
things more precisely defined, but the list is really quite informal,
loving and Christian.


WHAT THE PURPOSE OF THE VISION LIST IS

The list is intended primarily for Christian discussion about visions,
prophecies, private revelations, but also about miracles, spiritual
experiences and related gifts of the Holy Spirit.  This discussion ranges
from the sharing of any such experiences, to the interpretation of the
meanings of the experiences shared, to general discussion about related
matters.  Occasionally the discussion will range beyond the literal
meaning of the charter as given above, trying, however, to maintain a
loosely defined spirit of looking at the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The discussion is generally kind and charitable, without much
arguing.  The dictum below should be kept in mind.

     If I have the gift of prophecy and, with full knowledge, comprehend
     all mysteries, if I have faith enough to move mountains, but have not
     love, I am nothing.  (1 Cor 13:2)

The list was formed by the previous moderator to counter the lack of a
forum for the sharing of visions and private revelations.  There seem to
be many more people receiving these than most people think.


THE SPIRIT OF THE LIST

The spirit of the list should come from the Holy Spirit, and thus should
be a spirit of love.


WHAT THE PURPOSE OF THE VISION LIST IS NOT

The list is not really intended for general discussion of general
religious questions, interreligious controversy, or for
interdenominational debates going far beyond the charter as outlined
above.  In practice there is little need to enforce this, as the
membership understands the vague charter of the list very well.


WHO IS INVITED

All who are interested, from whatever point of view, are invited to join.
Not all those on the list are gifted with visions or prophecy or miracles.
Some have discernment, some have understanding, and some have gifts not
listed anywhere that only God knows.  Not all are called to share, or to
write.  As St. Paul writes, there are many gifts and one body
(cf. 1 Cor 12).

Membership is not restricted;  Christians of all denominations as well as
nonchristians are invited;  the only requirement is the ability to receive
e-mail!

Nonetheless, the focus of the group is certainly Christian.  The
membership list is confidential and the moderator does not release it.
Postings are generally identified by the name of the author without any
e-mail address.  Completely anonymous postings are also accepted;  the
poster should simply write a note at the beginning of an article
requesting anonimity.


PAST DISCUSSION

Lately, the list has been rather quiet with sparse traffic.  Past
discussion has included sharing of visions together with occasional
discussion of their interpretation, sharing and interpretation of symbolic
dreams, discussion of various prophecies, messages in the Hebrew Bible,
and a myriad of other topics.


HOW TO JOIN

Just send a message to pruss@math.uwo.ca asking to be added to the list.
Your name will not be released to anyone, but you will be added.  You can,
of course, leave at any time by sending a message to the moderator.


SERVICES PROVIDED

A limited archiving service has just been started and the archives are
virtually empty as yet.  Requests for articles from archives will be
accepted by the moderator.  The moderator also routes e-mail to anonymous
posters, while preserving the anonymity.  The moderator is also always
available for private discussion of Christian matters, prayer support, or
whatever else the Holy Spirit may be needing done.


In Christ the King,
Alexander Pruss
Moderator: VISION mailing list.
Internet address: pruss@math.ubc.ca
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.catholic