This post is to serve as a reminder that we all have agreed to abide by certain rules.
There seems to be a tendency for theological disagreements to become personal in nature. Let us all remember that we are allowed to vigorously debate the theological topic at hand and vehemently appose doctrines with which you disagree, after all this is a debate forum. BUT, WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PUBLICLY ATTACK THE CHARACTER, PERSONHOOD OR MOTIVES OF ANOTHER MEMBER.
This includes, but is not limited to, statements such as:
- "You are just too stubborn to see things any other way"
- "Your hatred for me and my view is clouding your judgement"
- "Do you even know how to read?"
- "Clearly you are just obsessed with this topic."
- "Obviously you don't believe in the God of the bible."
- "You are a liar."
- "You are a heretic."
- "Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries."
Most of us have been guilty at one time or another of saying something inflammatory. However, we must learn to understand the difference between that which aggravates due to a difference of theological views and that which "inflames" due to personally insulting remarks or accusations.
Notice what all the statements above have in common: The word
"YOU." I have found that it is very difficult to become personal if I avoid using the word "you." While that is not always the case, it does seem to be a good rule of thumb.
Additionally, with regard to the moderation of this forum, the rules actually place that expectation first to all of you, as members, to police your own remarks and to use the edit feature as needed. However, moderators are there as a last resort to edit posts and give infractions as needed to curtail such behavior. If a post is not reported do not be surprised if it is not edited by a moderator, as it is most likely not even seen or considered for moderation unless it is first reported.
If you suspect that the moderation is biased based upon theological views held by the moderators you are welcome to take your case to an Administrator. Keep in mind, however, that you may not be aware of which posters have been warned, edited, or given infractions. And understand that the reported posts are sent to ALL the moderators regardless of their theological views.
Finally, remember the age old saying, "Two wrongs don't make a right." The poor behavior of one doesn't justify the poor behavior of another. You are responsible for you, just as I am responsible for me.
Here are the two rules that we need to remember as we try to show one another brotherly love, after all, "they will know us by our love."
3. Show grace to the other posters. When someone disagrees with you, discuss it; but be slow to offend, and eager to get into the Word and find the answers. Remember, when discussing passionate issues, it is easy to go too far and offend. Further, if we are "earnestly contending for the faith" it would be unrealistic not to expect at times to be misunderstood or even ridiculed. But please note that your words can sometimes be harsh if used in the wrong way. The anger of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
4. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. The board has an edit button enabled. We encourage you to use it and edit your own words. Moderators and Administrators will be visibly proactive in dealing with potentially offensive situations. Posts of a violent or threatening nature, either implicitly or explicitly, will be deleted, and the poster's membership revoked. We encourage personal problems with other members be resolved privately via email or personal messaging.
Thank you, now back to the debates and discussions...
:laugh:
