Conservative Christians Forums Guidelines

[Auntie]

Please use this thread as a summary of our guidelines. After we have established our guidelines, please sticky this thread.

 

[Hentenza]

Thank you for starting this thread Auntie. The FSB rules that we had
are out so I will suggest using the rest of CC's SoF and rules.

Conservative Christians Forum


Conservative Christianity is defined by its allegiance to the Holy Scriptures and the traditional beliefs and teachings of the Christian Church on issues of theology and morality. Central to this worldview is the belief that Truth exists objectively and independently of our perception. Truth is unchanging and absolute.

God is Truth. He has revealed His Truth in the person of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Bible, His written word, and in the Holy Church, which includes all who call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus, submitting their lives to Him in faith.


"I will bow down toward the temple of thy holiness, and celebrate thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth; for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." ~Psalm 138:2, Darby


This Forum Affirms:

• The Holy Scriptures are inspired, the written Word of God. Scripture is revelation from God given for the instruction of his people in faith, morals, and doctrine. The revelation of scripture is completely reliable and authoritative.
  [*]The minimum standard of doctrinal belief in order for a person to be considered a Christian is accurately contained within the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. The doctrines contained within these creeds are the bare essentials upon which Christians must agree. It is understood, however, that even within the creeds there are some differences of interpretation. Specifically, it is allowed in this forum that the term “Catholic Church” can be understood to mean the universal, invisible body of which all Christians are members. The phrase “one baptism for the forgiveness of sins” can be understood in a symbolic sense.
  [*]Our Christian faith can not be separated from our views on politics and society, or any other area of life. The Conservative Christian worldview holds the following values and views to be necessary expressions of Christian morality based upon Holy Scripture and the established teachings of the Christian Church.
  [*]God is triune. God has revealed Himself in three co-equal and co-eternal persons. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are not parts of God, each of them is God.
  [*]The sanctity of human life. Human life begins at conception and ends when the body can no longer naturally sustain itself. Human life can not be ended prematurely without just cause and just authority to do so. This includes most cases of abortion and euthanasia.
  [*]Sexual morality is a fundamental requirement of Christian moral teaching. The Scriptures repeatedly address the topic of traditional sexual morality as a necessary part of our obedience to God and right living. Sexually moral behavior, in Scripture, and in the established teachings of the Church is held to be limited to sex between a husband and his wife. All other sexual activities fall under the heading of sexual immorality and depart from conservative christian teaching and morality.
  [*]Sin separates people from God. Thus it is destructive and harmful. Jesus Christ came not only to grant us a way of forgiveness from sin, but also to free us from bondage to sin. Our Lord Jesus Christ has imparted to us the ministry of reconciliation. It is our duty and privilege to teach people the gospel of forgiveness of sins, freedom from sin, and reconciliation to God. Freedom begins with knowing the truth.
  [*]Truth and Love are both God's character. All truth can be expressed in love. When addressing others in the forum we should hold ourselves accountable to the belief that all people are created in God's image, and as such deserve a basic level of respect, regardless of their deeds. This is not meant to muzzle honest discourse or comment, but to remind that all truth, must be expressed in love. Therefore, Conservative Christians may not flame visitors but rather seek to reason with them with an attitude of service and love.
  [*]Sola Scriptura – Not all conservatives hold to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. As per the forum rules we all acknowledge the inspiration, complete reliability, and authority of scripture. However, some conservative Christians may hold Holy Tradition and the Church to be authoritative, or necessary to proper interpretation of scripture, in addition to the scriptures. Others do affirm Sola Scriptura, and are also welcomed equally on this forum. Neither position is preferred. No rule will be made concerning the views of Sola Scriptura, or the Traditions of the Church. Which position is correct is to be determined by the individual, not the forum.
  [*]Biblical Literalism – Not all conservatives hold an absolute literal interpretation of scripture. This may especially be seen in the areas of eschatology and the Genesis creation account.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." ~Revelation 21:6-8, NASB

The preceding points are held to be true by this forum and its members. Debate which denies or calls into question the aforementioned points will not be tolerated. People who disagree with or question these may visit and ask earnest questions but may not debate these points.


"Conservative Christian", both on CF and in the real world, represents an umbrella term under which many individuals, denominations, churches and other organizations unify in order to forward a common cause. Because of this, and in order to maintain unity on the Conservative Christian forum, posts regarding specific denominational practices and beliefs (eg. baptismal formulae, whether one can lose their salvation, the specifics of what happens at communion, etc...) should be made in the proper denominational or theological forum or discussed in the debate subforum instead of in the main Conservative Christian forum.

General Rules:

1. Only confirmed members of the CC forum may apply to be moderators of the forum, and only confirmed members of the CC forum are permitted to vote on the applicants.
2. Only confirmed members may vote in CC polls.
   [*]Confirmed members are listed. Any new member wishing to become a member of the congregation must be added to the confirmed list before being able to vote or debate. We also add an exception to this rule that the staff/members have discretion (on a case-by-case basis) to allow limited debate with non-members when outreach is the goal.
   [*]Because of the stark contrast between the Liberal viewpoints vs. Conservative Christian viewpoints, members in this forum can only be a member of one, not both, of these fora.
   [*]Non-Christians and Non-Conservative Christians may post questions and make fellowship posts, but not give answers regarding, or debate, conservative beliefs. Non-members of the forum also may not give advice to posters who come to this forum looking for help and advice.

Definitions:

Fellowship:

It is not debate.
Someone who isn't a member of CC may not discuss reasons for or against a subject being discussed on this forum. This includes questions that essentially are rebuttal or argumentative in nature.

It is not apologetics.
Someone who isn't a member of CC may not engage in theological discussions that defend their particular point of view on scriptural, theological, doctrinal or political issues.

It is not answering questions.
Let's say a thread is started that asks the question about what do you think about <insert subject>? Only members of CC can offer an opinion about that. A non-member of CC may not answer that question in this forum. This is not to say they don't have an opinion on that topic, but they may not answer that question here. Neither may non-members offer rebuttal to opinions posted in response to a question or discussion.

It is not teaching
If a thread is started that asks a general question such as what do you think XYZ means? Only a member of CC may give instruction on the topic. While there may be many very good ideas on the subject from other members (those from any other forum) they may not give instruction in the Conservative Christians Forum.

Earnest questions are always welcome, from anyone.

It is:

Essentially Fellowship is defined as discussion of topics of association, of companionship - i.e. discussions of things like friends, family, work..... these are fellowship posts. And posts that offer friendship would certainly be described as fellowship.


No baiting:

Baiting is defined as someone posting with the intention of negatively derailing the thread. Should a post be reported for baiting, staff will review the relevant discussion subsequent to the reported post. If the thread has become antagonistic, the offending post will be deleted. If, however, the post has had no impact upon the discussion, no action will be taken.

Members of CC are encouraged to give someone the benefit of the doubt if they see a post they feel is possibly baiting.


Debating:

All are welcome to come post in CC for friendship, fellowship (as defined above), and conversation, but debate is limited to CC members only.

CC's Debate Sub-forum, however, is open to everyone.

Debate is:

• An informal or formal discussion of opposing viewpoints.
• Presenting or discussing views that contain both a premise and a conclusion.
• To discuss a question by considering opposing views.
• To discuss a view in order to reach a conclusion or to convince.
• "Teaching posts"

 

[Time2BCounted]

Henry i would move we adopt this but i would like to talk about adding 2 provisions

1) what to do about confronting and removing members who join to change us or reform us or to stand in the way of a conservative agenda. Maybe in the way of a probationary membership to begin

2) I would like to establish something that gives the home forum members an advantage in spite reporting or outside attack. Forum specific banning for instance. Since we are allowed as a congregation to establish guidelines to protect ourselves it should be easy to attatch these 2 things imo, and we do need them

 

[JimfromOhio]

Henry i would move we adopt this but i would like to talk about adding 2 provisions

1) what to do about confronting and removing members who join to change us or reform us or to stand in the way of a conservative agenda. Maybe in the way of a probationary membership to begin

2) I would like to establish something that gives the home forum members an advantage in spite reporting or outside attack. Forum specific banning for instance. Since we are allowed as a congregation to establish guidelines to protect ourselves it should be easy to attatch these 2 things imo, and we do need them

I disagree with your recommendations.

 

[Hentenza]

Henry i would move we adopt this but i would like to talk about adding 2 provisions

1) what to do about confronting and removing members who join to change us or reform us or to stand in the way of a conservative agenda. Maybe in the way of a probationary membership to begin

2) I would like to establish something that gives the home forum members an advantage in spite reporting or outside attack. Forum specific banning for instance. Since we are allowed as a congregation to establish guidelines to protect ourselves it should be easy to attatch these 2 things imo, and we do need them

Hey Eric,

I honestly don't know if either one of your options will fly. Option one might be doable but give me some wording to work with. Option 2 is not going to fly. All forums are under the same rules.

 

[rmw8855]

If we are still allowed to have a membership list under the new rules, I would like to suggest some type of stipulation to prevent the constant sign in / sign out everytime there is a disagreement. i.e. the 30 day cooling off period already talked about under our current system.

 

[JimfromOhio]

If we are still allowed to have a membership list under the new rules, I would like to suggest some type of stipulation to prevent the constant sign in / sign out everytime there is a disagreement. i.e. the 30 day cooling off period already talked about under our current system.

Now that is wise. I like that.

 

[Time2BCounted]

If we are still allowed to have a membership list under the new rules, I would like to suggest some type of stipulation to prevent the constant sign in / sign out everytime there is a disagreement. i.e. the 30 day cooling off period already talked about under our current system.

Im all for adding that

Also

How about something like

Those wishing to join CCC must agree with the sof, and membership is probationary for the first 30 days. During this time their votes will not count in matters effecting the forum. If at any time members display belief contrary to the sof, or if it be deemed their membership served only to effect anti-conservative change from within, their membership may be called into quesiton and if it deemed neccessary, removed by 65 percent vote of the membership.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Im all for adding that

Also

How about something like

Those wishing to join CCC must agree with the sof, and membership is probationary for the first 30 days. During this time their votes will not count in matters effecting the forum. If at any time members display belief contrary to the sof, or if it be deemed their membership served only to effect anti-conservative change from within, their membership may be called into quesiton and if it deemed neccessary, removed by 65 percent vote of the membership.

Too conditional. No, I disagree

 

[Criada]

Folks, you need to shelve this discussion if you wish to still have a forum..

 

[Time2BCounted]

If we cant safeguard it to remain conservative member friendly, we still have no forum sis. Its like telling the baptist forums they cant remain baptist only.

A forum where conservatives cannot express conservative opinion is not our forum

 

[Vambram]

We can and we should freely express & defend Conservative opinions and theology, but we really need to learn how to do that without negatively attacking the person who posts beliefs that disagree with ours.

 

[rmw8855]

If we cant safeguard it to remain conservative member friendly, we still have no forum sis. Its like telling the baptist forums they cant remain baptist only.

A forum where conservatives cannot express conservative opinion is not our forum

Most of us participated in the thread discussing homosexuality today and there were amazingly few reports. Most people very carefully kept to the topic which meant there was nothing to report.

We can still discuss conservative issues. Boldness does not mean personal attacks or rudeness. Boldness means to stand on the Word of God without backing down. There is a difference. Our SOF will protect this forum under the new rules. Any posts which debate against any of those issues is subject to deletion according to the "off topic" rule. The mods now have the tools to start warning violaters and if necessary building a case for a ban. However, the mods are bound by the rules. Any report will be judged based on those rules, regardless of who is at fault. We have to be unbiased.

 

[rmw8855]

We can and we should freely express & defend Conservative opinions and theology, but we really need to learn how to do that without negatively attacking the person who posts beliefs that disagree with ours.

Exactly

 

[Tangeloper]

If we are still allowed to have a membership list under the new rules, I would like to suggest some type of stipulation to prevent the constant sign in / sign out everytime there is a disagreement. i.e. the 30 day cooling off period already talked about under our current system.

Good idea, IMHO.

 

[Nadiine]

We can and we should freely express & defend Conservative opinions and theology, but we really need to learn how to do that without negatively attacking the person who posts beliefs that disagree with ours.

Vambram - I do know how to do that... the problem is alot of pressure, attacks and changes and internal differences after 2 months make us all on edge and lacking patience... as well as putting you in a defensive mode and this is how flames happen.

Not only that, but I was also involved in another forum's wiki 3 wks ago and that section was going thru internal problems with an SOF -- so combine struggles with 2 forums and you have a problem waiting to happen.

I think most of us know how to post just fine, it's just that we've been stressed & pushed past usual limits with this whole forum changing w/ power struggles to control wiki's.
Those wiki's produce problems if you ask me.

So, honestly, I normally do just fine w/ my posts - just not the past few weeks. I tried, but I didn't master it.


If we band together without outside influences trying to derail the effort, we'll be fine. But each day there's been a new bomb to challenge us w/ one new change or issue.
Again, I ask the Staff to be aware of possible troublemakers to ruin the forum.

 

[Angel4Truth]

Thank you for starting this thread Auntie. The FSB rules that we had
are out so I will suggest using the rest of CC's SoF and rules.

Conservative Christians Forum


Conservative Christianity is defined by its allegiance to the Holy Scriptures and the traditional beliefs and teachings of the Christian Church on issues of theology and morality. Central to this worldview is the belief that Truth exists objectively and independently of our perception. Truth is unchanging and absolute.

God is Truth. He has revealed His Truth in the person of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Bible, His written word, and in the Holy Church, which includes all who call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus, submitting their lives to Him in faith.


"I will bow down toward the temple of thy holiness, and celebrate thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth; for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." ~Psalm 138:2, Darby


This Forum Affirms:

• The Holy Scriptures are inspired, the written Word of God. Scripture is revelation from God given for the instruction of his people in faith, morals, and doctrine. The revelation of scripture is completely reliable and authoritative.
  [*]The minimum standard of doctrinal belief in order for a person to be considered a Christian is accurately contained within the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. The doctrines contained within these creeds are the bare essentials upon which Christians must agree. It is understood, however, that even within the creeds there are some differences of interpretation. Specifically, it is allowed in this forum that the term “Catholic Church” can be understood to mean the universal, invisible body of which all Christians are members. The phrase “one baptism for the forgiveness of sins” can be understood in a symbolic sense.
  [*]Our Christian faith can not be separated from our views on politics and society, or any other area of life. The Conservative Christian worldview holds the following values and views to be necessary expressions of Christian morality based upon Holy Scripture and the established teachings of the Christian Church.
  [*]God is triune. God has revealed Himself in three co-equal and co-eternal persons. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are not parts of God, each of them is God.
  [*]The sanctity of human life. Human life begins at conception and ends when the body can no longer naturally sustain itself. Human life can not be ended prematurely without just cause and just authority to do so. This includes most cases of abortion and euthanasia.
  [*]Sexual morality is a fundamental requirement of Christian moral teaching. The Scriptures repeatedly address the topic of traditional sexual morality as a necessary part of our obedience to God and right living. Sexually moral behavior, in Scripture, and in the established teachings of the Church is held to be limited to sex between a husband and his wife. All other sexual activities fall under the heading of sexual immorality and depart from conservative christian teaching and morality.
  [*]Sin separates people from God. Thus it is destructive and harmful. Jesus Christ came not only to grant us a way of forgiveness from sin, but also to free us from bondage to sin. Our Lord Jesus Christ has imparted to us the ministry of reconciliation. It is our duty and privilege to teach people the gospel of forgiveness of sins, freedom from sin, and reconciliation to God. Freedom begins with knowing the truth.
  [*]Truth and Love are both God's character. All truth can be expressed in love. When addressing others in the forum we should hold ourselves accountable to the belief that all people are created in God's image, and as such deserve a basic level of respect, regardless of their deeds. This is not meant to muzzle honest discourse or comment, but to remind that all truth, must be expressed in love. Therefore, Conservative Christians may not flame visitors but rather seek to reason with them with an attitude of service and love.
  [*]Sola Scriptura – Not all conservatives hold to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. As per the forum rules we all acknowledge the inspiration, complete reliability, and authority of scripture. However, some conservative Christians may hold Holy Tradition and the Church to be authoritative, or necessary to proper interpretation of scripture, in addition to the scriptures. Others do affirm Sola Scriptura, and are also welcomed equally on this forum. Neither position is preferred. No rule will be made concerning the views of Sola Scriptura, or the Traditions of the Church. Which position is correct is to be determined by the individual, not the forum.
  [*]Biblical Literalism – Not all conservatives hold an absolute literal interpretation of scripture. This may especially be seen in the areas of eschatology and the Genesis creation account.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." ~Revelation 21:6-8, NASB

The preceding points are held to be true by this forum and its members. Debate which denies or calls into question the aforementioned points will not be tolerated. People who disagree with or question these may visit and ask earnest questions but may not debate these points.


"Conservative Christian", both on CF and in the real world, represents an umbrella term under which many individuals, denominations, churches and other organizations unify in order to forward a common cause. Because of this, and in order to maintain unity on the Conservative Christian forum, posts regarding specific denominational practices and beliefs (eg. baptismal formulae, whether one can lose their salvation, the specifics of what happens at communion, etc...) should be made in the proper denominational or theological forum or discussed in the debate subforum instead of in the main Conservative Christian forum.

General Rules:

1. Only confirmed members of the CC forum may apply to be moderators of the forum, and only confirmed members of the CC forum are permitted to vote on the applicants.
2. Only confirmed members may vote in CC polls.
   [*]Confirmed members are listed. Any new member wishing to become a member of the congregation must be added to the confirmed list before being able to vote or debate. We also add an exception to this rule that the staff/members have discretion (on a case-by-case basis) to allow limited debate with non-members when outreach is the goal.
   [*]Because of the stark contrast between the Liberal viewpoints vs. Conservative Christian viewpoints, members in this forum can only be a member of one, not both, of these fora.
   [*]Non-Christians and Non-Conservative Christians may post questions and make fellowship posts, but not give answers regarding, or debate, conservative beliefs. Non-members of the forum also may not give advice to posters who come to this forum looking for help and advice.

Definitions:

Fellowship:

It is not debate.
Someone who isn't a member of CC may not discuss reasons for or against a subject being discussed on this forum. This includes questions that essentially are rebuttal or argumentative in nature.

It is not apologetics.
Someone who isn't a member of CC may not engage in theological discussions that defend their particular point of view on scriptural, theological, doctrinal or political issues.

It is not answering questions.
Let's say a thread is started that asks the question about what do you think about <insert subject>? Only members of CC can offer an opinion about that. A non-member of CC may not answer that question in this forum. This is not to say they don't have an opinion on that topic, but they may not answer that question here. Neither may non-members offer rebuttal to opinions posted in response to a question or discussion.

It is not teaching
If a thread is started that asks a general question such as what do you think XYZ means? Only a member of CC may give instruction on the topic. While there may be many very good ideas on the subject from other members (those from any other forum) they may not give instruction in the Conservative Christians Forum.

Earnest questions are always welcome, from anyone.

It is:

Essentially Fellowship is defined as discussion of topics of association, of companionship - i.e. discussions of things like friends, family, work..... these are fellowship posts. And posts that offer friendship would certainly be described as fellowship.


No baiting:

Baiting is defined as someone posting with the intention of negatively derailing the thread. Should a post be reported for baiting, staff will review the relevant discussion subsequent to the reported post. If the thread has become antagonistic, the offending post will be deleted. If, however, the post has had no impact upon the discussion, no action will be taken.

Members of CC are encouraged to give someone the benefit of the doubt if they see a post they feel is possibly baiting.


Debating:

All are welcome to come post in CC for friendship, fellowship (as defined above), and conversation, but debate is limited to CC members only.

CC's Debate Sub-forum, however, is open to everyone.

Debate is:

• An informal or formal discussion of opposing viewpoints.
• Presenting or discussing views that contain both a premise and a conclusion.
• To discuss a question by considering opposing views.
• To discuss a view in order to reach a conclusion or to convince.
• "Teaching posts"

This is excellent i would just add that if members start to debate in the fellowship area they understand the discussion will be moved to the debate area instead to keep the fellowship area for what its for.

I would also add that if one removes their membership there will be a 30 day waiting period before they can rejoin as a member. I dont think this is unreasonable at all . Because there is no more wiki i dont see that there would need to be a lot of voting on policy and think sharing ideas with the conservative staff members who would be in charge of that to ensure its fair across the board.

Reporting problematic posts also instead of responding to them will also curtail derails and other problems.

God bless all.

 

[Nadiine]

If we are still allowed to have a membership list under the new rules, I would like to suggest some type of stipulation to prevent the constant sign in / sign out everytime there is a disagreement. i.e. the 30 day cooling off period already talked about under our current system.

YES. I asked for a Sign OUT sticky up there, the sign out should be separate imho. People don't need to see people leaving sign out bombs when they're arriving.
BAD publicity (altho truthful -- it may give them a heads up to wear a hard hat when they walk in).

 

[ReformedChapin]

I think we should have more protection for members of this forum and more sever causes for those attacking CCs

 

[WolfBitnGodSmittn]

Henry brother, i would like to see something like this added so we can safeguard membership...

Those wishing to join CCC must agree with the sof, and membership is probationary for the first 30 days. During this time their votes will not count in matters effecting the forum. If at any time members display belief contrary to the sof, or if it be deemed their membership served only to effect anti-conservative change from within, their membership may be called into quesiton and if it deemed neccessary, removed by 65 percent vote of the membership