Guidelines

Personal Guidelines for Successful Dialogue

I will be Cordial in my interactions
I will be Consistent in my argumentation
I will be Coherent in my articulation
I will be Concise in my explanation
Or, I will be Quiet and simply listen

Group Guidelines for Successful Dialogue

A person making a claim should clearly and concisely state her or his claim.
A person making a claim should allow, and respond to, questions of clarification about her or his claim.
A person making a claim should be expected to provide evidence to support her/his claim. Questions of clarification about evidence should be entertained.
Rebuttals of claims are permitted and expected.
Responses to rebuttals are permitted.
Claims, evidence, rebuttals, questions and all other dialogue should be stated concisely.
Meaningful contributions include summaries of previously stated positions.
When one claim is being discussed, unrelated claims should be tabled in order to stay on topic until the claim under discussion has run its course in the dialogue.
Discourse should be civil, intellectual, and professional. There should be no personal attacks or insults.
All parties should agree to seek and embrace the Truth.

What is this group about?

We are a discussion group open to all persons interested in discussing all things related to Christian theology and apologetics. We encourage honest questions and friendly argumentation as we seek for understanding. Respectful discussion from any viewpoint is welcome.
We are about:
- Christian theology—the rational study and understanding of the nature of God and doctrines of the Christian faith based upon God's revelation of Himself, chiefly found in the Christian Scriptures.
- Christian apologetics—the rational defense and vindication of the Christian faith.

What can I expect?

Expect genuine discussion with persons of varying viewpoints. This is not always easy, as healthy social interaction and respectful discussion can often be difficult in our culture. As a group, we strive to go against this trend.
Group materials, presentations, and handouts help guide discussions.
- But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)
- Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
The Christian Scriptures are quoted and referenced, being held by Christians as infallibly authoritative, however this is not a Bible study group.
- All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
- For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
- The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (Psalm 19:7-8)
All participants are equal and may freely interact, question, and challenge thoughts and ideas presented while remaining honest, friendly, and respectful.
- So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12; cf. Luke 6:31)
- We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Consistent failure to exhibit honesty, friendliness, or respect will result in the offending participant(s) being asked to leave the current discussion and/or not return to future discussions.
- Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20 ESV)
- A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (John 13:34)

Rules for Formal Dialogues

There will be a designated moderator who will not have the right to give their opinions on the topic under discussion.
The moderator will be chosen by the RC student leaders.
To speak, a person will raise their hand (or other sign) and be called on by the moderator.
No person may speak more than the specific number of minutes agreed upon ahead of time and no more than the number of times agreed upon unless allowed by the moderator.
The moderator will call on people in the order they raise their hands unless a set order has been pre-determined.
If anyone is disrespectful, disorderly, or presents unreasonable behavior, the moderator has full rights to remove speaking privileges from said person; although, they will commonly receive a warning beforehand.

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