1. Since this is a debate list, Hedges Rules for Controversy will be
strictly observed. Following is a summation of those rules.
"Rules 1st. The terms in which the question in debate is expressed and the
precise point at issue, should be so clearly defined that there can be
no misunderstanding respecting them.
Rules 2nd. The parties should consider each other as standing on
equal footing ofequality in respect to the subject in debate, each
should regard the other as possessing equal talents, knowledge and
desire for truth,with himself and that it is possible therefore that
he may be in the wrong and his adversary in the right.
Rules 3rd. All expressions which are unmeaning, or without effect,
in regard to the subject in debate, should be strictly avoided. All
expressions may be considered as unmeaning which contribute nothing
to the proof of the question, such as desultory remarks, and
declamatory expressions, alltechnical ambiguities and equivocal
expressions.
Rules 4th. Personal reflections on an adversary should in no instance
be indulged in. Whatever his private character, his follies are not to
be named, nor alluded to in controversy. Personal reflections are not
only destitute of effect in respect to the question in discussion, but
are product of real evil.
Rules 5th. No one has the right to accuse his adversary with
indirect motives.
Rules 6th. The consequences of any doctrine are not to be charged on
him who maintains it, unless he expressly avows them.
Rules 7th. As truth and not victory is the professed object of
controversy, whatever proofs may be on either side should be examined
with fairness and candor, and any attempt to ensnare an adversary by
arts or sophistry, or to lessen the force of his reasoning by wit,
cavilling, or ridicule, is a violation of honorable controversy"
(Christian Contend For Thy Cause, p.40).
2. There will be NO cursing, foul or degrading language on the list
at any time. If you can't respond to your adversary without using
this kind of language then don't respond until you can.
3. Unless it is for emphasis, all capital letters are forbidden as this is equivalent
to shouting. If you use all caps for emphasis you must put in
parenthesis behind the word (emphasis).
4. No one is to tell his/her opponent when they must answer a post.
5. Please do NOT post attachments to the list. Posts with
attachments will not be forwarded to the subscribers on the list.
6. Since I am going to be doing this manually, at first, please give me 24 to
48 hours to post your message. If after that time, your message has
not been posted send me a message and I will take care of it. I save
all messages, and it could be that I just didn't get it on the list.
7. In order to subscribe to the list send a message to
jerry@cwent.com and type the word "subscribe" in the body of the
message and type "Challenge" in as the subject. You may unsubscribe
at any time simply sending a message with the word "unsubscribe" in
the body of the message. You do not need to give a reason, just type
the word and you will be taken off of the list.
8. Since there may be atheists on the list, Christians need to
remember to treat them with as much regard as we treat each other.
Atheists and skeptics also need to treat us with the same type of
regard.
9. Since there are other lists, in the brotherhood, which are used to
discuss internal issues in the church, the subjects to be discussed
on this list need to fall into the realm of Christian Apologetics.
Any subject pertaining to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible,
the existence of God, creation vs. evolution, etc., may be discussed.
All other posts need to be taken to lists that deal with internal
issues in the church.
10. When a post is made by your adversary make sure that you respond
to what your adversary has written. Don't dodge the issue, but deal
with it or don't respond.
It is my hope and prayer that this list will do good for the cause of
Christ and bring souls to him. At any rate we need to remember the
words of John: "but try the spirits whether they be of God..." (1
Jno. 4:1). This is the responsibility of every Christian, let us
make sure we carry it out, but also make sure we do it with love:
"but speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15).
In Christ's Service,
Jerry D. McDonald
http://www.cwent.com/~jerry/index.html