Rules for Theological Debating

• Strive to employ a tone that is more gracious than you expect/receive in response, because:
  
  • You will usually overestimate your own graciousness and underestimate that of others.
  • Being a peacemaker requires cranking the heat down a notch or two on each exchange.
  • There are enough ambiguities in any discussion to create sufficient conflict.
  
  
• Interpret other people's statements in the most charitable manner that fits.
  
  • Other people use different words to say that same thing. Don't get into "violent agreement" with anybody.
  • Most Christians are growing in their spiritual understanding. Allow for the possibility that their "errors" reflect progressive sanctification rather than progressive declension.
  
  
• Do not publish anything you still have qualms of conscience about.
  
  • Prayerfully review anything that your intuition flags as unsafe.
  • Imagine how you will view what you've said 5 years from now or when the current controversy has cooled off.
  
  
• Allow everyone the sincerity of his beliefs.
  
  • Assume that each person is being honest about their motivations unless they give you specific reason to think otherwise.
  • If someone is not convinced of your point, review the strength of your argument.
  • Go into each discussion assuming that you will learn, rather than teach.
  
  
• Never make a bald accusation (heresy, dishonesty, hypocrisy, etc.) against someone you do not have formal authority over.
  
  • Humbly lay out the evidence that leads you to make the judgment.
  • Let the reader draw his own conclusions.
  
  
• Do not sin yourself in attempting to correct others.
  
  • Be humble, not triumphalist in your posture.
  • Give people the opportunity to concede points without losing face.
  
  
• Trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
  
  • Remember that you are not the instrument of God's salvation, only the messenger.
  • Don't continue a discussion beyond the point where it is bearing fruit. God will work in his time.
  • Do not begrudge a weaker brother his errors. Make his nurture your work.
  
  
• Never give an adversary a damaging out-of-context quote.
  
  • Review compositions for "loaded" words and phrases before publishing.
  • Don't make strident remarks for effect -- they will come back to haunt you.
  • Don't make excuses for a hasty response. Repent, reconcile, and move on.