PLEASE READ: Discussion of Catholics and Protestants

[Bocephus]

Originally posted by Spurly:

The moderators have noticed we are having a massive increase in the amount of bantering back and forth between Catholics and Protestants here at Grace Centered Forums.  As the discussions intensify, which I am sure they will, remember that we are free to discuss doctrine.  We are free to discuss why we think a certain belief is true or why we believe a certain belief is not true according to the scriptures.  However we are not free to call other posters heretics, cultists, or any other derogatory name.  Keep the posts focused on the topic of discussion at hand and off of personal attacks and we will be able to have civil, intelligent discussions with one another.

There have already been some posters on both sides who have overstepped their bounds in this area on a few recent threads.  Remember to speak the truth in love.  Remember to keep the royal law according to the scriptures.  Remember to love your neighbor as yourself.  After you have finished a post, read over it a second time to make sure all personal attacks have been edited out.  Then, and only then, hit the post button.

For those who are not thick skinned, please remember if someone is explaining why they think a belief you cherish deeply is false according to the scriptures, they are not necessarily attacking you.  Instead they may just be trying to let you know how their understanding of a certain scripture differs from yours.  But if you feel like someone is attacking you and calling you a heretic or a cultist, please report that to the moderators - we don't catch everything.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

[Bocephus]

In light of some reported posts, I want to reitirate the rules of Grace Centered's Forums, rules I believe that are frequently broken are bolded:

Rule No. 1 - No "Flaming"

1.1 You may discuss another individual's beliefs or religious organization but you will not harass, insult, belittle, threaten, defame or flame the individual (member or non-member) as this is considered personal attacks in posts, PMs and any other communication within this site. This includes, but is not limited to:
a. Directly calling another member “cultist”, “heretic” or “bigot” as these are personal attacks and are not conducive to civil discussion.
b. Calling famous individuals derogatory names (unless it is a well-known nickname) as this may be considered defamation.

1.2 You will not directly call another member or his or her religious organization a “cult”, “heretic”, “demonic” or “satanic” if it holds beliefs consistent with orthodox Christianity as set forth in Rule 6. You may discuss doctrines, teachings, practices or writings of other religious organizations as long as evidence (including Scripture) is provided.

1.3 You will only post negative statements about another individual’s belief or religious organization (including non-Christian religions) with objective evidence provided. Members are allowed to say “The doctrines X church is false because of Y scriptures and Z other relevant evidence”.

1.4 You will not misquote another member regardless of context. You will not quote another member in your profile including your signature without permission - such quotes will be removed.

1.5 You will not directly state or otherwise imply that another member is not a Christian if he or she genuinely believes in Jesus Christ as the savior of human beings from hell and claims to have demonstrable faith in Him.