If you, as the reader, will humor us for a bit, there are some ground rules that we all want to adhere by. We want to encourage your response and thoughts to the articles written. Growth in thinking, writing, and whatever discipline you have in life will typically come through differing viewpoints, opinions, and/or methodology. However, one of the problems plaguing the digital age is the ability to make words public quicker than we intend. Furthermore, we tend to be a little “braver” when we hide behind an anonymous post.
Rule #1: Be kind and gracious in your critique
We will gladly admit that we are a “theological work” in progress…but so are you. We don’t think we know everything nor do we claim to know everything. That is one of the reasons behind this blog: to continue refining our theological thinking. And we ask you to join our conversation and be refined with us.
As we attempt to do the same, we ask that you be a learner.
‘A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinions’ Proverbs 18:2
‘Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly’ Proverbs 14:29
Rule #2: Please go to great lengths to try to understand what we are attempting to communicate
The things we write may be something that we have thought through but there may be times where we have missed something of high importance. Clarity in thinking should result in clear writing. Therefore, go to great lengths to understand what we are attempting to say, even if it is not clear in our writing. We will try our hardest to avoid straw-man type arguments and ask for the same in return, even when we fail.
In your response, keep in mind, there are people behind the articles who love the gospel, who love our families, love you (even if you don’t think so), and who love the proclamation of the Word of God. Make the strength of your response, if you agree or disagree, be in your evidence and the explanation of your evidence.
Rule #3: Count to “10” prior to commenting
Please count to “10” prior to commencing in your commenting endeavor. It will save you from saying things you may not want to say. I wish I could take credit for this principle, but it is something my professor in Seminary taught me.
As you count to “10” pray through what you want to communicate. Ask the Lord for wisdom in your responses. Ask the Lord to give you a teachable heart. Ask the Lord to help you respond with charity.
Rule # 4: Please attempt to love your brother and write with grace
In your responses, please love us as your brother. If you disagree with us theologically, methodologically, etc., that is absolutely great. However, that does not make us your enemy. We love the Gospel of Jesus of Christ, we have complete affection for Jesus Christ, we have repented of our sins and embraced the salvific work of Christ, and we will enjoy a glass of wine with you in heaven!
With all of this said, please understand this fair warning, all three writers have the right to remove any comment that we deem divisive, distracting to the discussion, or anything contrary to biblical charity.
Ken, Jason, and Shawn
