Howdy Folks. This is one of those announcements that I don't like to make, but I think it's a clarification in the rules that needs to be made without me having to further lengthen our community rules length.Firstly, when you sign up with us, you'll notice this little clause:
By posting at or utilizing any of the features of this forum community, you acknowledge your acceptance of the following rules.
Now I realize that this community and its staff hold some beliefs that our "outside of the mainstream" or that some frankly do not agree with. That is not a problem. If you'll notice, you do not have to agree with us to post here. In fact, I can think of some great members right now that I love to death, but simply don't agree with their beliefs. This forum's only real agreement clause is that you believe Christ to be the Son of God (and Word made flesh) and that you have made that important request for Him to be your Savior...basically meaning you are a Christian.Now the part I dislike of this topic is that I even half to address this issue. Check the three following (I think reasonable) rules here at Christianity Board:
No insults allowed. This rule will be strictly enforced. This community has a core set of beliefs that we clearly state at multiple locations on this website. However, we recognize that unity is Christ is the ultimate aim and this can be achieved even when there is disagreement on doctrinal issues. A good way to avoid this issue is to focus on the doctrine and not the person. This, of course, includes any kind of insults based on race or beliefs.
No flaming, harassing, or trolling. We recognize that these terms may be unfamiliar to some, but they are a virtual extension of the insults prohibition. Flaming is when a member or members follow another member around the forum by making rude and inflammatory posts verbally attacking another member. Harassment is similar to flaming, but may be carried out through other means such as private message (PM) or email. Last but not least, trolling is the practice of making posts only meant to annoy, offend, or simply disrupt.
Denominational Posts – Excessive posts either attempting to either push a single denomination (or group) or attacking another denomination are included in this rule.
Sadly enough, we've still had some problems with these lately. I understand that just about all of us are passionate about our beliefs and want to get things right not only to praise our Father, but to heed his warnings (II John) about false teachings. We're flesh, we are going to mess up and break a rule or two here and there. I consider myself and our staff pretty forgiving as God is truly forgiving of us all.Unfortunately, we seem to have a real issue with folks that must get the last word in and will often go beyond a debate/discussion/argument in a single thread and expand it to multiple threads or create new topics. Now, not only does this violate the unspoken rules of forum customs, but it clearly violates one or more of the above simple rules. I don't mind debating anyone and it's no skin off my nose if someone doesn't agree. I think we will all agree we can only lead a horse to water (but cannot make him/her drink).However, remember that you are a Christian, a 'Christ man.' As such, you are confident (as the Apostle Paul says and arguably exuded) in your faith. If you are on God's side, things will work out if you handle those things the right way - I promise and more importantly HE promised. In that light, it's best to get away from opening up these sorts of threads and discussions because you won't be around here too long after that, I promise. Stick to the thread discussions, make your case, and let God take over. Just don't feel like the best way for you to get your beliefs propagated is to start new threads on topics and take what I call pot-shots at members of this forum. Pot-shots is slang for backhanded assaults such as statements like "people that believe A and B are horrible and antichristian." This includes a discussion taking place in one topic that is taken to one or more other threads at the same time. Some advice I always try and live by is to attack the doctrine and not the person.Thanks for listening, and please don't hesitate to share your feedback.
By posting at or utilizing any of the features of this forum community, you acknowledge your acceptance of the following rules.
Now I realize that this community and its staff hold some beliefs that our "outside of the mainstream" or that some frankly do not agree with. That is not a problem. If you'll notice, you do not have to agree with us to post here. In fact, I can think of some great members right now that I love to death, but simply don't agree with their beliefs. This forum's only real agreement clause is that you believe Christ to be the Son of God (and Word made flesh) and that you have made that important request for Him to be your Savior...basically meaning you are a Christian.Now the part I dislike of this topic is that I even half to address this issue. Check the three following (I think reasonable) rules here at Christianity Board:
No insults allowed. This rule will be strictly enforced. This community has a core set of beliefs that we clearly state at multiple locations on this website. However, we recognize that unity is Christ is the ultimate aim and this can be achieved even when there is disagreement on doctrinal issues. A good way to avoid this issue is to focus on the doctrine and not the person. This, of course, includes any kind of insults based on race or beliefs.
No flaming, harassing, or trolling. We recognize that these terms may be unfamiliar to some, but they are a virtual extension of the insults prohibition. Flaming is when a member or members follow another member around the forum by making rude and inflammatory posts verbally attacking another member. Harassment is similar to flaming, but may be carried out through other means such as private message (PM) or email. Last but not least, trolling is the practice of making posts only meant to annoy, offend, or simply disrupt.
Denominational Posts – Excessive posts either attempting to either push a single denomination (or group) or attacking another denomination are included in this rule.
Sadly enough, we've still had some problems with these lately. I understand that just about all of us are passionate about our beliefs and want to get things right not only to praise our Father, but to heed his warnings (II John) about false teachings. We're flesh, we are going to mess up and break a rule or two here and there. I consider myself and our staff pretty forgiving as God is truly forgiving of us all.Unfortunately, we seem to have a real issue with folks that must get the last word in and will often go beyond a debate/discussion/argument in a single thread and expand it to multiple threads or create new topics. Now, not only does this violate the unspoken rules of forum customs, but it clearly violates one or more of the above simple rules. I don't mind debating anyone and it's no skin off my nose if someone doesn't agree. I think we will all agree we can only lead a horse to water (but cannot make him/her drink).However, remember that you are a Christian, a 'Christ man.' As such, you are confident (as the Apostle Paul says and arguably exuded) in your faith. If you are on God's side, things will work out if you handle those things the right way - I promise and more importantly HE promised. In that light, it's best to get away from opening up these sorts of threads and discussions because you won't be around here too long after that, I promise. Stick to the thread discussions, make your case, and let God take over. Just don't feel like the best way for you to get your beliefs propagated is to start new threads on topics and take what I call pot-shots at members of this forum. Pot-shots is slang for backhanded assaults such as statements like "people that believe A and B are horrible and antichristian." This includes a discussion taking place in one topic that is taken to one or more other threads at the same time. Some advice I always try and live by is to attack the doctrine and not the person.Thanks for listening, and please don't hesitate to share your feedback.
