Ask the Theology Staff...

[synger]

This thread is for people to post GENERAL policy and guidelines questions specific to the Theology area of the site. It is our hope to use this thread to help populate our Theology FAQs (http://christianforums.com/t6692472-welcome-to-theology-frequently-asked-questions-faq.html). (They're currently under construction, but you can see the questions we already plan to answer.) If you have a question, please go there first. If it's not there, post it here and we'll try to answer it for you.

Note, however, that this is not the appropriate place for doctrinal discussion, for discussion of site-wide policies, or for bringing up specific moderator actions. There are other avenues for such questions, below. We may delete posts that are not on-topic for this thread.

If you have a doctrinal question, post it in General Theology (http://christianforums.com/f80-general-theology.html).
If you have a site-wide question you wish to start a public discussion about, post it in Discuss Rules (http://christianforums.com/f881-wiki-rules-discussion.html).
If you have a site-wide suggestion or complaint you want to go to the admins of the site, post it in Suggestions/Complaints (http://christianforums.com/f883-suggestion-complaint-box.html).

[simonthezealot]

Where are your guidelines for determining what would make a good moderator?

[synger]

Where are your guidelines for determining what would make a good moderator?
The general staff application requirements are on the Moderator Application page (http://christianforums.com/newthread.php?do=modapply), linked at the bottom of every page.

In addition, you can get a general idea of what Theology looks for in our FAQ, "Can I become a moderator? (http://christianforums.com/showthread.php?p=42340275#post42340275)"

[simonthezealot]

The general staff application requirements are on the Moderator Application page (http://christianforums.com/newthread.php?do=modapply), linked at the bottom of every page.

In addition, you can get a general idea of what Theology looks for in our FAQ, "Can I become a moderator? (http://christianforums.com/showthread.php?p=42340275#post42340275)"
I actually am looking for YOUR guidelines to determine what makes a new applicant a viable moderator.

[synger]

My personal opinion? Well, from what I've seen, the candidates who make the best moderators have a number of fairly consistent skills:

First, they come to staff with a heart for service, wanting to help members and to make things work smoother, not for "power" or to "make a point". Often, the hardest-working mods seem to be the ones you very rarely hear about.
They leave behind personal and doctrinal agendas, when they speak in an official capacity, and they realize that, as staff, they are held to a higher standard of impartiality (fair or not).
They demonstrate the ability to acknowledge the other person's viewpoint, even when they continue to disagree with it.
They recognize and embrace the idea of working as a member of a team, and are interested in finding consensus with others.
They have a fairly thick skin, especially if they are going to work in debate forums like Theology.
They are familiar with the subject matter of the forum -- whether that be Theology or Music or Men's Issues or Spirit-Filled/Pentecostal Charismatic Congregation
They strive for consistency in their rulings and interactions
They show an interest and capacity for posting in their area
They demonstrate an understanding of and willingness to abide by the rules of the site in their personal postings (before they are on staff), and apply those rules evenly to the reports that they review (when they are on staff).
While you seldom find a mod who has all these skills all the time, these are some of the things I would look for in a "good mod", or in a potential staff member.

[simonthezealot]

My personal opinion? Well, from what I've seen, the candidates who make the best moderators have a number of fairly consistent skills:

First, they come to staff with a heart for service, wanting to help members and to make things work smoother, not for "power" or to "make a point". Often, the hardest-working mods seem to be the ones you very rarely hear about.
They leave behind personal and doctrinal agendas, when they speak in an official capacity, and they realize that, as staff, they are held to a higher standard of impartiality (fair or not).
They demonstrate the ability to acknowledge the other person's viewpoint, even when they continue to disagree with it.
They recognize and embrace the idea of working as a member of a team, and are interested in finding consensus with others.
They have a fairly thick skin, especially if they are going to work in debate forums like Theology.
They are familiar with the subject matter of the forum -- whether that be Theology or Music or Men's Issues or Spirit-Filled/Pentecostal Charismatic Congregation
They strive for consistency in their rulings and interactions
They show an interest and capacity for posting in their area
They demonstrate an understanding of and willingness to abide by the rules of the site in their personal postings (before they are on staff), and apply those rules evenly to the reports that they review (when they are on staff).While you seldom find a mod who has all these skills all the time, these are some of the things I would look for in a "good mod", or in a potential staff member.
Thanks, just to clarify the site itself does not set out pre-requisites as to how to qualify a good moderator candidate...These are YOUR opinions only?
And all staff approvals on mods are by each voting members OWN opinion?

[Apex]

When we report a post are we supposed to still get a PM and does the little icon appear next to the report button?

[Melethiel]

When we report a post are we supposed to still get a PM and does the little icon appear next to the report button?
You're supposed to. From what I've seen, however, this isn't happening. It's rather annoying, but the techs are aware of the problem, and it should be fixed eventually (soon, I hope!)

[synger]

Thanks, just to clarify the site itself does not set out pre-requisites as to how to qualify a good moderator candidate...These are YOUR opinions only?
And all staff approvals on mods are by each voting members OWN opinion?

Those were my opinions, since that is what you requested.

The site does have certain prerequisites, set out in the moderator application, but they are not as explicit as the ones I listed. The current process for a moderator application is that the members of the team on which the applicant wishes to serve review the person's application and vote. Admins can veto the applicant, as can HR. This is the process currently outlined on the application page.

[savedandhappy1]

Hi,
I have never been good at figuring out what all the ologies mean. So I have problems knowing where to start threads, and was wondering if you could help me.

Where would I start a thread about Deist?

Thanks for any help you can give.:wave:

[Gwenyfur]

Christian apologetics :)

[synger]

Hi,
I have never been good at figuring out what all the ologies mean. So I have problems knowing where to start threads, and was wondering if you could help me.

Where would I start a thread about Deist?

Thanks for any help you can give.:wave:
Excellent question. I'll add it to the FAQ.

Some glossaries I've found useful in theology...

http://www.biblicist.org/bible/terms.shtml


http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/faq/glossary.html

http://www.eternalsecurity.us/biblical_theology_glossary.htm

[cleminson]

Is there any way that I can post my whole paper called The Genesis Enigma onto the Theistic Evolution page for constructive criticism; it is a 341,600 (with spaces) character document?

[Melethiel]

Is there any way that I can post my whole paper called The Genesis Enigma onto the Theistic Evolution page for constructive criticism; it is a 341,600 (with spaces) character document?
If it is your own work, that would be fine. You can post it in a series of successive posts in the same thread - there is no way to increase the character limit for posts. The alternative would be posting a link to it, if you have your own webspace.

[simonthezealot]

Where would one find a list of forbidden links?

[Melethiel]

Where would one find a list of forbidden links?
We've gone back and forth on whether to publish the list many times (the general thought is that it would defeat the point). Usually, using a forbidden link would only lead to deletion and a PM from a mod explaining why it was removed. It would only lead to warnings if there was a record that the poster had already been spoken to about the link.

Generally, the type of links on the list are the ones that are virulent "anti" sites which have stuff that would be considered flaming if posted here - examples would be "Jesus is Lord.com" or "God hates f a g s."

[simonthezealot]

We've gone back and forth on whether to publish the list many times (the general thought is that it would defeat the point). Usually, using a forbidden link would only lead to deletion and a PM from a mod explaining why it was removed. It would only lead to warnings if there was a record that the poster had already been spoken to about the link.

Generally, the type of links on the list are the ones that are virulent "anti" sites which have stuff that would be considered flaming if posted here - examples would be "Jesus is Lord.com" or "God hates f a g s."
Well shouldn't it be available? in all fairness I see people quoting catholicanswers.com and they consistently make synonymous fundamentalist with anti-catholics, yet I happen to know people link it! yet for example carm does the same in reverse and is on that list...Who makes the determination?

[Melethiel]

Well shouldn't it be available? in all fairness I see people quoting catholicanswers.com and they consistently make synonymous fundamentalist with anti-catholics, yet I happen to know people link it! yet for example carm does the same in reverse and is on that list...Who makes the determination?
CARM has been on the list just about forever...it was already there when I started modding. It's conditional to the page though, which it's kind of difficult to determine. Stuff is added to the list by the consensus of the mods of a forum if it crops up.

[simonthezealot]

CARM has been on the list just about forever...it was already there when I started modding. It's conditional to the page though, which it's kind of difficult to determine. Stuff is added to the list by the consensus of the mods of a forum if it crops up.
Thanks Mel it just seems I've yet to see any catholic pages blocked and yet I find many of them offensive toward me a FUNDAMENTALIST.

[Melethiel]

Thanks Mel it just seems I've yet to see any catholic pages blocked and yet I find many of them offensive toward me a FUNDAMENTALIST.
Oh, there are Catholic pages on the list as well. If you think a link should be blocked, report one instance of it with a note requesting review, and we'll take a look at it.

[ScottBot]

Oh, there are Catholic pages on the list as well. If you think a link should be blocked, report one instance of it with a note requesting review, and we'll take a look at it.
I think you will find, however, that the "catholic" pages that have any credibility whatsoever are perfectly legitimate references for theological debate support. Catholic Answers, Scripture Catholic, Catholic Educators Resource, etc... while strong in their defense of the Catholic viewpoint, can hardly be considered polemic.

[Melethiel]

I think you will find, however, that the "catholic" pages that have any credibility whatsoever are perfectly legitimate references for theological debate support. Catholic Answers, Scripture Catholic, Catholic Educators Resource, etc... while strong in their defense of the Catholic viewpoint, can hardly be considered polemic.
That depends...do they have shoddy HTML? :P

[ScottBot]

That depends...do they have shoddy HTML? :P
The ones that I've mentioned? Nope. There are other sites out there that I wouldn't bet money on though. There are some Catholics out there who don't believe that the Pope is Catholic enough. There ain't no pleasing everyone.

[simonthezealot]

Oh, there are Catholic pages on the list as well. If you think a link should be blocked, report one instance of it with a note requesting review, and we'll take a look at it.
okay thanks...

[simonthezealot]

CARM has been on the list just about forever...it was already there when I started modding. It's conditional to the page though, which it's kind of difficult to determine. Stuff is added to the list by the consensus of the mods of a forum if it crops up.
Catholic.com makes no bones about labeling us heretics how do I get you guys to consider putting them on the NO list?
http://www.catholic.com/library/Great_Heresies.asp

[Melethiel]

Catholic.com makes no bones about labeling us heretics how do I get you guys to consider putting them on the NO list?
http://www.catholic.com/library/Great_Heresies.asp
The entire site will not be banned. We'll look into conditional banning of certain pages - the same criteria used for CARM.

[ScottBot]

The entire site will not be banned. We'll look into conditional banning of certain pages - the same criteria used for CARM.
One of the first things that should be looked at is the tone of the various tracts that are being "considered" for this. Catholic Answers goes out of its way NOT to engage in the type of polemical rhetoric that CARM does, and never singles out a particular faith as being apostate, as CARM does to the Catholic faith. Here is an except from the very document he is referencing.

What Is Heresy?
Heresy is an emotionally loaded term that is often misused. It is not the same thing as incredulity, schism, apostasy, or other sins against faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "Incredulity is the neglect of revealed truth or the willful refusal to assent to it. Heresy is the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and Catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same; apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith; schism is the refusal of submission to the Roman Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him" (CCC 2089).

Now, if you "ban" the Catholic Answers stuff, you are going to have to ban the referenced information from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and then you will have to ban the referenced Patristics, because certain of the early church writers, such as Tertullian, Irenaeus of Lyon, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, etc...railed constantly against false Christology (the beginning of the use of the word heresy). So, then, if you ban the Catholic Catechism, the Catholics will insist the Augsburg Confession be banned, the Westminster Confession, the Articles of Lambeth, etc...

The only people that will be able to post here and support their arguements are non-denominational Christians.

[Gwenyfur]

One of the first things that should be looked at is the tone of the various tracts that are being "considered" for this. Catholic Answers goes out of its way NOT to engage in the type of polemical rhetoric that CARM does, and never singles out a particular faith as being apostate, as CARM does to the Catholic faith. Here is an except from the very document he is referencing.

What Is Heresy?
Heresy is an emotionally loaded term that is often misused. It is not the same thing as incredulity, schism, apostasy, or other sins against faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "Incredulity is the neglect of revealed truth or the willful refusal to assent to it. Heresy is the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and Catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same; apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith; schism is the refusal of submission to the Roman Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him" (CCC 2089).

Now, if you "ban" the Catholic Answers stuff, you are going to have to ban the referenced information from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and then you will have to ban the referenced Patristics, because certain of the early church writers, such as Tertullian, Irenaeus of Lyon, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, etc...railed constantly against false Christology (the beginning of the use of the word heresy). So, then, if you ban the Catholic Catechism, the Catholics will insist the Augsburg Confession be banned, the Westminster Confession, the Articles of Lambeth, etc...

The only people that will be able to post here and support their arguements are non-denominational Christians.
I have to agree with this one...

[simonthezealot]

What Is Heresy?
Heresy is an emotionally loaded term that is often misused. It is not the same thing as incredulity, schism, apostasy, or other sins against faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "Incredulity is the neglect of revealed truth or the willful refusal to assent to it. Heresy is the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and Catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same; apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith; schism is the refusal of submission to the Roman Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him" (CCC 2089).

.
Scott,
Am I or am I NOT a schismatic heretic according to your catholicanswer link and the catechism? along with anyone else who has left Rome to what they see as the true church? These things are not things I would wish for an unknowledgeable new believer to read, that they are a heretic, yet we are forced to read this everytime you quote these sources, if you can post that why can't I post what the Augsburg confessions say about the anti-christ or what my church thinks of infant baptism (i've been infracted for this)?

Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

[simonthezealot]

The entire site will not be banned. We'll look into conditional banning of certain pages - the same criteria used for CARM.
If thats the case we need to look at the "how does trent align with scripture" thread. Which linked an unharmful uninflammatory carm link.

[ScottBot]

Scott,
Am I or am I NOT a schismatic heretic according to your catholicanswer link and the catechism? along with anyone else who has left Rome to what they see as the true church? These things are not things I would wish for an unknowledgeable new believer to read, that they are a heretic, yet we are forced to read this everytime you quote these sources, if you can post that why can't I post what the Augsburg confessions say about the anti-christ or what my church thinks of infant baptism (i've been infracted for this)?

Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
I am not convinced that what is posted is the issue, but rather how it is used and to what ends. If I post a document that objectively discusses the issue of heresy, what it means, and what qualifies, then I don't necessarily consider that polemical.

Posting anything that denounces anyone's salvation doesn't do anything to further understanding of anything, and is just polarizing.

[simonthezealot]

I am not convinced that what is posted is the issue, but rather how it is used and to what ends. If I post a document that objectively discusses the issue of heresy, what it means, and what qualifies, then I don't necessarily consider that polemical.

Posting anything that denounces anyone's salvation doesn't do anything to further understanding of anything, and is just polarizing.
Your right it does nothing but polarize let me reclarify, a certain poster from your denomination continually links CA, while what he cuts and pastes may not directly say that the people whom oppose your beliefs are outside of salvation many times the links he attaches do say this in fact they outright ridicule the tenets of fundamentalist Christianity the last thing that is healthy for Christianity as a whole is the spirit of universalism and newcoming new believers should NOT have to be exposed to this if an argument can't be put forward using ones own understanding of their theology they obviously don't understand their theology.

[ScottBot]

As far as I understand it, discussions are underway to discuss the very issue of polemics in GT discussions.

[Gwenyfur]

While those discussions are underway, I'm going to put my 2 cents in here as well.

GT is just that General Theology.

Which means that it is OPEN to all members of all Christian Faiths. It is NOT a "protestants only" club...NOR is it an area to call another member's salvation into question.

there's not a protestant church out there that doesn't claim somehwere in their doctrines that Catholics aren't "saved" and the RCC does teach there is no salvation outside the church...that's a given...

So instead of building houses on this rather obvious adn contention difference...discuss the doctrines y'all do share adn I think you'll be pretty amazed at how MUCH the 2 have in common...both with each other, and with Scripture.

But following Catholic members to their own congregation forums to cause trouble is out of bounds as well...adn some protestant members have started doing that...and worse...

harassment is not allowed on this site...especially based on a person's faith.

Enough is enough...like it or not Catholics have every right to salvation as you do...and more often than not...Catholics are more apt to show the love of Christ than any other (pardon me for this) denomination of faith I've had contact with...

What's happening here is a travesty and I'm sure our Savior and Messiah is NOT happy with it.

[simonthezealot]

harassment is not allowed on this site...especially based on a person's faith. .
Yes this includes unfavorable links.:thumbsup:

[ScottBot]

Yes this includes unfavorable links.:thumbsup:
Fine, then ban everything. Just make it the general policy that no outside links whatsoever can be posted.

[Gwenyfur]

harassment is the continual bombardment and attack of another's faith...with or without the use of linked cited materials...

nice way to quote mine and twist the implication of my post to your own ends though...

[simonthezealot]

Where are the rules for cut and pasteing?
Just curious.

[ScottBot]

Not sure if there are any, there is a copyright rule though. If someone has copied and pasted from an online source, a simple Google search of a string of the text should bring you to the source document. If the copied and pasted text is from a copyrighted document and not properly cited, you are free to report that post as a copyright infringement. Additionally, we require that quotes from other sources be constricted to 20% of the source material and then a link to the source material so people can go to the source and read it.

[Gwenyfur]

we have a 20% rule cited source rule in the theo FSG's

[simonthezealot]

we have a 20% rule cited source rule in the theo FSG's
FSG?

[Gwenyfur]

Forum Specific Guidelines...

Ever read the stickies?

[simonthezealot]

Forum Specific Guidelines...

Ever read the stickies?
Not really where are they?

[ScottBot]

Not really where are they?
http://christianforums.com/t6694804-theology-guidelines.html

[Gwenyfur]

I guess that resolves the staff debate of Stickies being effective^_^

[simonthezealot]

I guess that resolves the staff debate of Stickies being effective^_^
Wow after reading that, the rules are broken quite frequently around here, aren't they?:cool:

[Gwenyfur]

now ya know why I'm grumpy :P

[ScottBot]

Wow after reading that, the rules are broken quite frequently around here, aren't they?:cool:
Dude, you have no idea. Why do you think there was a moratorium on all GT debated about a month ago.

[ScottBot]

now ya know why I'm grumpy :P
I would have thrown some suggestions as to why that is out there, but I value my life.

[Gwenyfur]

ROFL
well lives are being spared again...
I got a new boxing bag today :clap:

The world is safe for another 16 years...

hehehe

and I get to pick my girl up from hte airport tomorrow...she's stateside and in 1 piece...and I'm gonna be a gramma...and Bug's science project is going to regionals, and ummm well... other than not having a car (you wouldn't believe it if I told you!) life's pretty darn good

[simonthezealot]

Can I ask what has become of the CAF situation?

[Tonks]

Can I ask what has become of the CAF situation?

At present the vote is not in your favor. As I indicated in the staff discussion:

there isn't a compelling reason for this to be banned...particularly as it has been fine for years. if we're allowing confessional statements from various protestant groups which indicate the pope is the anti-christ then CA can stay. It doesn't call anyone non-Christian - as opposed to CARM. Likewise, you might as well ban Trent as it oulines the same points.

[simonthezealot]

At present the vote is not in your favor. As I indicated in the staff discussion:
I'd like to be involved in the discussion but I suppose there is no way for that to happen? I think I know the CA website as well if not better than any non catholic on staff.

[ScottBot]

I'd like to be involved in the discussion but I suppose there is no way for that to happen? I think I know the CA website as well if not better than any non catholic on staff.
And I think I know it better than anyone at ChristianForums.

[Tonks]

I'd like to be involved in the discussion but I suppose there is no way for that to happen? I think I know the CA website as well if not better than any non catholic on staff.

Your argument was layed out in detail in the report thread (which wasn't really a discussion about a violation but more of a discussion as to whether or not the page should be allowed)...which I believe ran 137 posts at last count. Out of 4,387 total theology report threads...that is the longest one that we currently have.

Theology staff opened a poll, voted and made a determination. That's generally how this stuff works - and always has.

[simonthezealot]

And I think I know it better than anyone at ChristianForums.
Good for you Scott, really it's a good learning tool for you.
My point however was that it comes from the opposite side of the Tibre...:thumbsup:

[Crazy Liz]

Is there a thread for tracking closed threads?

When a thread is closed for "clean-up" and/or "cool-down" how long should we expect it to remain closed?

Could the mod hat post possibly include that information?

[Tonks]

There currently isn't any way to "track" that thing...we can't even sort by locked threads (i don't even think that it is a vbulletin option).

regarding the timeline...i'd hope that they were reopened within 48 hours. how to resolve this...? PM me with a link to the closed thread(s) in question

[Gwenyfur]

"cool down" closures can be anywhere from 12 - 24 hours...

I know if I close one I set a reminder in outlook to remind me to reopen it...if another mod hasn't already done so...

[CaliforniaJosiah]

Would it be possible to have listing (kept current) of exactly who IS the Theology Staff? And that this be posted somewhere clearly indicated (so we don't need to search long and hard to find it)?

Admins, Supervisors, Mods - all of their various levels.
It would be helpful, too, is you could briefly tell us what their responsbilities are.
It might also be helpful to know if they have a faith community affiliation , and if so, which.

Perhaps the Admins could be responsible for keeping it up-to-date and public.


Thank you for your consideration!


Pax


- Josiah





.

[Gwenyfur]

CJ
That information is easily available in teh FAQ
http://christianforums.com/faq.php?faq=v66

;)