Though this site is designed to engage in very controversial topics, and there will no doubt be folks that are vehemently opposed to what other people say, this is not, however, a free-for-all.
The purpose of the site is to learn from each other. That is impossible if we are not humble enough to be respectful of another’s point of view. We don’t have to agree with someone in order to behave cordially and honorably toward them.
Therefore, keep these thoughts in mind as you post your comments:
- Not one of us has a monopoly on the TRUTH.
- We usually aren’t as smart or as knowledgeable as we like to think we are.
- We are easily influenced by our own experiences and backgrounds – in fact, quite heavily so.
- The objective is to learn – not to defend our own bias (whether we see it or not).
- Bias, bias, bias. Check it.
- Give the poster the benefit of the doubt. Due to intonation and inflection limitations, comments in writing rarely come across exactly as the writer intends. Ask for clarity before “correcting” them.
- Use proper punctuation and spelling. So much misunderstanding happens due to poor grammar and lazy typing. Please keep the shortcuts and abbreviations to a minimum. This isn’t a food blog.
- Be as brief as you can and stay on a single point as much as possible. This is hard to do. But these types of discussions foster a whole forest of rabbit trails. Try to be succinct and concise. It’s better to start another thread than to stray too far from the current one.
- No foul language will be allowed. Users will be warned or banned, depending on the severity.
- No direct ad hominem attacks, whether personal or aimed at a group, are in good taste. Use the rational and reasonable mind God gave you to get your point across. Don’t let your emotions render your argument powerless.
- Sleep on it before responding, especially if you find your hands shaking uncontrollably or you have puffs of steam emitting from your ears.
- Have fun and enjoy the conversation.
These are typically very serious topics that have real consequences in how we live our lives. Many affect how we view our salvation and the people around us. Yet, if we are humble, I believe we can patiently converse with one another on any of them.
Remember: nobody wants to be wrong. Everyone thinks they have the proper world-view. Otherwise, they would change it. Wouldn’t they?
Note: The reason for the membership requirement to post a comment is simply to keep spam to a minimum. AI is making it harder all the time. We will never share or sell your email. Period.