CCAM Forums: Rules & Guidelines, Part 2

[DialecticSkeptic]

UPDATED: February 21, 2025​

5. Doctrinal Disputes and Civility​

Theological discussions often involve differing interpretations of scripture and doctrine. While debate is welcome, it must be conducted in a respectful and biblically grounded manner. Let every discussion be conducted with wisdom, humility, and a sincere desire to seek God's truth rather than simply win arguments.

5.1. Distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary issues. While core Christian doctrines (e.g., the deity of Christ) are non-negotiable within these forums, secondary and tertiary issues (e.g., eschatology, spiritual gifts, church governance, etc.) may be debated with charitable disagreement. In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas (“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity”).

5.2. Avoid labeling fellow believers as heretics or apostates over non-essential matters. While doctrinal differences exist, members should refrain from making accusations of heresy or apostacy unless a position directly contradicts fundamental Christian beliefs. In such cases, please make use of the Report button.

5.3. Recognize the limits of debate. Theological issues tend to never reach consensus within any forum. If a discussion becomes repetitive, overly contentious, or unproductive, members should consider agreeing to disagree rather than escalating conflict.

5.4. Moderators may intervene to maintain order. If doctrinal debates become disruptive, moderators reserve the right to issue warnings, remove posts, or temporarily close threads to prevent unnecessary strife.
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6. Privacy and Moderation Policies​

A secure and well-moderated community allows for honest and meaningful discussions. These policies protect both members and the integrity of the forums.

6.1. Respect the role of moderators. Moderators have the final say in rule enforcement, working to ensure that discussions remain constructive and in line with the vision and purpose of the CCAM forums. Publicly debating or criticizing moderator actions within the thread is not allowed. If you have concerns, contact the moderation team privately.

6.2. Keep private messages private. Do not share or post the contents of private messages without the consent of all involved parties. This ensures trust and confidentiality within member interactions.

6.3. Protect member privacy. Do not disclose personal information about other members. Respect the security and anonymity of fellow participants.
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7. Eligibility and Legal Compliance​

In order to participate, members must meet the age requirement and adhere to all applicable legal and ethical standards.

7.1. Age requirement: To participate in these forums, members must be at least 16 years of age. This age requirement exists to ensure compliance with legal standards, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which regulates the collection of personal information from minors. By registering, you confirm that you meet this age requirement and understand that the forums are intended for mature theological discussions.

7.2. Legal and ethical standards: Do not (a) post copyrighted material without proper authorization, (b) engage in illegal activities, or (c) violate any applicable laws. This includes software piracy, fraudulent schemes, and unauthorized sharing of proprietary content.

7.3. Forum security: Any attempt to compromise the security of the site, exploit technical vulnerabilities, or disrupt the forum’s operation will result in immediate banning and potential legal action.
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8. Enforcement and Accountability​

A fair and structured system of accountability ensures that the forum remains a place of edifying discussion and Christian fellowship.

8.1. Rule violations: If a member violates any of these Rules, moderators will take appropriate action, including warnings, temporary suspensions, or permanent bans, depending on the severity of the offense.

8.2. Reporting issues: If you see content that violates the rules, report it to the moderators rather than engaging in conflict (using the Report option). Reports will be reviewed fairly and handled accordingly.
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