4.1. Introduce yourself as soon as possible. This involves posting a thread in the
Introduce Yourself forum, sharing a little about the unique perspective that you bring to the discussions. While a detailed biography is not required, a brief summary of your theological background, denominational affiliation (if any), or key doctrinal positions helps others engage with you more effectively.
4.2. Post threads in the appropriate forum category. Each section of these forums is designated for specific topics, and posting in the correct category helps maintain order and facilitates meaningful discussions. Threads placed in the wrong section may be moved or removed by moderators. Before posting, take a moment to review the forum categories and select the one that best fits your topic (e.g., discussions on the Trinity belong in “The Trinity” forum; issues related to defending the faith belong in “Apologetics,” etc.).
4.2.1. Post videos only in the Youtube/Favorite Videos/Music forum. Since all video submissions must be manually approved by a Moderator, to protect the reputation and witness of the CCAM forums, it makes the task easier if all video submissions are located in one forum.
4.3. Stay on topic and avoid derailing or hijacking the thread. When engaging in a discussion, keep responses relevant to the original post. Do not divert the conversation to unrelated matters, introduce personal grievances, or use the thread as an opportunity to push an unrelated agenda. Engaging in discussions with the intent to stir up controversy, bait others into arguments, or introduce unrelated topics just disrupts meaningful dialogue. Stay on topic and contribute in a way that adds value to the conversation, not detracts from it. If you have a different subject to discuss, start a new thread in the appropriate forum rather than disrupting an existing one.
4.4. Identify and address only one logical fallacy at a time. To ensure fair and orderly debate, members may identify only one alleged logical fallacy at a time in an opponent's argument. Additional accusations may not be introduced until the initial claim has been acknowledged and refuted or otherwise resolved. This prevents discussions from being overwhelmed by a cascade of accusations which, if addressed, would derail meaningful engagement. Fallacy accusations should be made in good faith, with careful attention to context and a willingness to be corrected if mistaken.
Members who have been called out for a logical fallacy are expected to address that specific charge in good faith, either demonstrating that no fallacy occurred by clarifying their reasoning or conceding the point if valid. Until the charge is addressed, the member may not continue participating in that thread. Ignoring or dismissing the allegation without engagement undermines meaningful dialogue and may be treated as noncompliance with this rule.
4.5. Limit new threads to two per day. To ensure quality discussions and prevent excessive clutter, members may start a maximum of two new threads per day. This encourages thoughtful participation and prevents overwhelming the forum with excessive topics.
4.6. Use clear and descriptive thread titles. When starting a new thread, choose a title that accurately reflects the content of your post. This helps other members understand the topic at a glance and improves engagement.
4.7. Do not flood the forum with excessive, repetitive, or unintelligible posts. Posting the same message multiple times, either within a single thread or across multiple threads, disrupts conversations and clutters the forum. Thoughtful engagement is encouraged over sheer volume of posts. As already said (4.3), ensure that contributions add value to the discussion and remain relevant to the thread. Random or nonsensical posts that do not contribute meaningfully to a theological discussion may be removed.
4.8. Do not revive old threads without new contributions. If a thread has been inactive for a long period, do not bring it back (“necroposting”) unless you have significant new insights or relevant updates to contribute.
4.9. Do not impersonate a moderator. Members are not moderators and should not impersonate or act as though they are. This includes issuing warnings, referencing rule violations as if in an official capacity, or directing others to comply with the rules. If you believe a rule has been broken, use the Report feature and allow the moderators to handle it.
4.10. Inappropriate content will not be tolerated. This includes the following:
4.10.1. No unauthorized advertising, self-promotion, or solicitation. This includes promoting personal blogs, books, web sites, businesses, fundraising efforts, organizations, or ministries without prior approval from the moderation team. While members may share external resources in the context of a discussion, overt advertising or self-promotion is not allowed.
4.10.2. Do not use the forum for recruitment. Members may not attempt to recruit others for external organizations, groups, or movements. Theological discussions may touch on various ministries or perspectives, but the forums are not a platform for proselytizing members into specific churches, denominations, ministries, organizations, or personal initiatives.
4.10.3. Link responsibly and with discretion. When sharing external links, ensure they are relevant, credible, appropriate for the discussion, and comply with the Rules. Additionally, excessive linking to outside content without engaging in discussion within the forum may be considered spam.
4.10.4. Hate speech or discrimination will not be tolerated. There is to be no racism, antisemitism, ethnic slurs, or derogatory language targeting any group. All people are made in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect, insofar as we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves.
4.10.5. Profanity and vulgar language will not be tolerated. Foul or offensive language has no place in a Christian discussion forum. Posts containing profanity, crude humor, or suggestive language will be removed, including those disguised with textual masking or obfuscated language. Malicious compliance is not compliance.
4.10.6. Pornographic, violent, immoral, or sexually explicit material will not be tolerated. Any content, images, or discussions promoting immorality, violence, or sexual content are strictly forbidden. This includes inappropriate jokes, innuendos, or suggestive discussions.
