Statement of Purpose Christianity and World Religion Statement of Purpose

[Sojourner1]

Christianity and World Religion Statement of Purpose

The Christianity and World Religion forum gives Christian members and members of non-Christian faiths the opportunity to come together to better understand, learn, and discuss different religious beliefs. This is also a place where these members can socialize with one another and develop friendships based on mutual respect. In an effort to maintain peace in this forum, only discussion and fellowship threads are allowed. Debate is not allowed in the C&WR forum. Civil and respectful conversation which seeks to understand or explain another religion is further explained below:

• C&WR is considered an outreach ministry of CF because building relationships based on mutual respect is key to sharing the gospel of Christ.
• Mutual respect means that members will not mock, degrade or belittle each others' religious beliefs, or make posts that are disruptive to the peace and harmony of the forum.
• There will be no disrespect shown to Christianity, nor will there be any attempt to discredit or disprove Christianity.
• Remember that CF is first and foremost a Christian site. Do not make posts which violate our sitewide blasphemy and promotion and proselytizing rules.

Proselytizing: To induce or recruit someone to convert to or join a non-Christian religion.
Promotion: To encourage the progress, growth, or acceptance of a non-Christian religion.

• Promotion includes posts which are invitational in context or give guidance in practicing a non-Christian religion.
• All "Ask a [fill in the blank]" or "Why I am a [fill in the blank]" threads are considered promotion threads and will not be allowed. Out of respect, Christians will not make any "Ask a [fill in the blank]" or "Why I am a [fill in the blank]" threads either.

Specific Forum Guidelines:

• Members may start threads which request information about another religion, but they may not start threads to promote their own religion.
  
• Non-Christians may state their beliefs when asked as long as they are not encouraging others to convert to their faith.
  
• Threads that are started to specifically challenge or attack the Christian faith are not allowed.
• Christians should be aware that participation in this forum will expose them to non-Biblical beliefs and practices.
  
• CF staff members who participate in a thread will not work reported posts from that thread.
• CF staff have the right to report any blatant violations of CF sitewide rules.
• Christians may debate members of all non-Christian religions in the Non-Christian Religions Debate forum.
• The term "anti-____" has come to have the connotation of one who is against or hates a specific group of people. Therefore, if any member refers to another member as "anti-_____", "an anti", "hater", "_____ hater", or any related terms with the same meaning, such comments will be regarded as flaming.

Handling Disagreements

Members who participate in the C&WR forum are expected to treat one another with courtesy and respect at all times, ESPECIALLY when you disagree with each other.

• When you disagree, remember to address the content of the post and not the poster.
• When you disagree and you find yourself becoming frustrated and angry, step away from the computer and give yourself time to cool down.
• Always proofread your post before hitting the "Reply" button to make sure you have responded with courtesy and respect.

Definition of Discussion vs. Debate:

Definition of discussion
The act of talking about something with another person or a group of people; a conversation about something; giving information, ideas, opinions, etc., about something. An exchange of views on a some topic. Seeking to understand each other's point of view.

Definition of debate (no debate allowed)
A contention by words or arguments. To argue about the opposing sides of some subject. Debate is trying to convince another person that you are right and they are wrong.

Discussion and Debate in a Nut Shell
Discussion (non-debate) - The exposition of ideas
Debate - The argument of ideas


All posts must adhere to the Christian Forums sitewide rules.